Aboard Cabrillo's Galleon

by Christine Echeverria Bender

In the early 1540s, amid the aftermath of a deadly earthquake, conquistador Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo receives orders from the Mexican viceroy to lead a fleet northward into uncharted waters and to explore the mysterious land called California. Already bearing heavy scars from services performed for the Spanish Crown, he knows the rewards will be great indeed if but half of the splendors allegedly awaiting them prove to be true.
Cabrillo s fleet departs in January 1542. Storms quickly threaten the entire journey, and aboard the San Salvador , Cabrillo must fight for every sea mile. As the fleet advances up the unknown coastline, the new country s astonishing beauty and equally astonishing perils unfold before them. Cabrillo, repeatedly choosing diplomacy over war, fosters bonds of friendship with many of the Native tribes near settlements known today as San Diego and Santa Barbara. After sailing beyond San Francisco he is forced to seek shelter for the winter off San Miguel Island, where he becomes involved with a young Chumash widow who is an outcast among her people. Trouble escalates between the sailors and Native people until rebellious crew members provoke the Chumash warriors to attack. After suffering devastating losses, the fleet struggles onward with its dangerous mission.

400 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

As the author of five character-driven novels, each exploring gripping episodes of our past, my in-depth research often leads me into unconventional locations and situations. These include joining an archeological dig team from the Smithsonian Institution in remote eastern Canada, sailing as a crew member on a historical tall ship in the Pacific, and crossing the Snake River at flood-stage on horseback. Because of such venturesome research, I was dubbed "the female Indiana Jones” by Women’s Adventure Magazine.

A script based on my recent novel "The Far Reach of Yesterday" has won national and international awards, including the Diamond Glove Award at the International New York Film Festival, The Golden Pen Script Award, and The Los Angeles Film and Script Award. I have also been honored to received research grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Idaho Commission on the Arts, as well as the Outstanding Graduate designation from Boise State University.

My personal life has been blessed with two sets of twins, and I am now a proud grandmother. Although I've lived in Chicago, L. A., and San Diego, and traveled to many foreign lands, my family now lives in Boise, Idaho.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of Ms. Bender's historical novels.
Well paced and well researched.

For fans of historically based nautical adventures Bender's books never fail to entertain and educate.

[Kim Heimbuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

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