Trails to Dos Encinos

by Charles Clark

Does everything happen for a reason? Sixteen-year-old SARAH LEVIN finds that particular idea hard to believe when she and her family are forced to flee their home in mid-19th century Germany for America.Tragedy strikes when a hurricane capsizes the ship, sending Sarah into a raging sea. Washed ashore, starving and alone, she staggers into a settlement in Mexico and collapses in the village's church.The priest and his custodian nurse her to health. Sarah's encounter with murderous bandits brings Charro Cisneros, a young rancher, to her rescue. Charro then volunteers to escort Sarah to America.In the course of the trip, Charro becomes enchanted by Sarah's beauty, resourcefulness, and courage. Meanwhile, she grows enamored by his rugged good looks and quiet competence, as well as his mischievous nature that matches her own. Charro and Sarah are drawn to each other by their unprofessed love but held apart by insurmountable barriers.On the verge of a breakdown and severe depression, Sarah undertakes a perilous journey back to Mexico and seeks closure on the loss of her parents. When Charro learns that Sarah has set off across the wild rangelands alone, he races after her. But, is he too late?

310 pages, Paperback

First published July 16, 2003