Fragile Hopes, Transient Dreams: And Other Stories

By Edna Bell-Pearson

Book Overview

Alert for danger, Laura Roth stands at the door of her sod house, anxiously watching a lone rider cantering toward her across the prairie. Dismounting, he removes his hat and bows slightly. His eyes-in striking contrast to his dark skin, black hair and beard-are an intense blue. He returns her gaze honestly. She sees nothing to fear.

As she dips a cup of water from the barrel by the door and offers it to the weary traveler, Laura never dreams that she and this man would share a mutual secret to the grave.

Thus begins the saga of John and Laura Roth and their descendents; their hopes and dreams, trials and tribulations through 110 years on the sweeping Kansas plains.

We meet:

Eva, spoiled and willful, who "does what she has to do" to survive the depression.

Silas, who chooses an unorthodox way to deal with his wife's infidelity.

Gerald who, haunted by a phantom from a boyhood indiscretion, also harbors a lifelong secret.

And more.

The land, located on the western fringe of "The Heartland", one of the richest wheat and gas producing regions in the world, is a significant protagonist in this Southwest Kansas saga.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595402186
• ISBN13: 9780595402182
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"