Deserter, Rebel, Renegade, a Fugitive's Search for Freedom

by P. Austin Heaton

Available as paperback and ebook.
Historical Novel, Previously Titled "Hidden Journals." – In 1861, Confederate soldier, Temple Hamilton, walked away after the Battle of Manassas, filled with disbelief, rage and guilt. Will a 3,000-mile journey across the American continent bring him redemption and peace? The people he aids along the way are certain of it, but can Temple find forgiveness within himself? Read Hamilton’s private journals full of adventure and frontier/pioneer life. They document why he deserted and his amazing journey across North America in the early 1860s from the battlefield of Manassas, Virginia to San Francisco, California. Temple Hamilton is on a quest to escape his past. But even 3,000 miles away in San Francisco and the small gold mining community of Angels Camp, it’s going to be a difficult task, perhaps impossible. You, the reader, can cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and roll along with a wagon train carrying pioneering settlers and gold seekers, meet some scoundrels, receive a chilling fortune teller's prediction, befriend a Zen Monk, assist a pompous Italian tenor, help a group of circus performers, engage in mind-games with a Chinatown madam, lurk in a dirty alley as a secret murder unfolds, etc., etc. Enjoy a lively adventure set in a time that no longer exists.

193 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2019

About the author

Hi - I'm a novelist, amateur genealogist, and lover of history. I live in Southern California, and my passion is writing historical fiction. When I'm not writing or doing research, I'm gardening and dealing with Mother Nature who seems to have a thing for adding weeds to my garden. Lots and lots of weeds.

I would love to hear from you with comments about my books or writing in general: paustinheaton@gmail.com

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/P-Austin-Hea...

Happy Reading!!!

Reviews

[Annette Summerfield]

It is the 1860s and Temp walks away from the war after his brother is killed. I really enjoyed his adventures and everyone he meets. Plus, everyone he leaves behind. Some he misses and some that he needed to be far away from.
I thought it would be cool if he headed into Canada, but, considering the way the story went, he made the right decision not to.
1860s

[Hunter Eubanks]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I think that the picture of the time period (1860's) was vividly displayed and seemed to be very accurate. It was easy to see how the Civil War, so all consuming in the east, was not nearly as big in the west, where there was more concern about making a living, or seeking a fortune.

[Robyn Echols]

Interesting Book

I was drawn to the book because some scenes take place near where I live. However the story covers so much more, which left me aching for losses and cheering for successes a long time coming. Good characters, a sweet romance with an uncertain future, and an interesting storyline. A good read.

[John Flick]

Deserter

A good read about a Confederate soldier who deserted early in the War. His trials and tribulations on fleeing to San Francisco and starting a new life were fascinating.

[J.D. Schechter]

Truly enjoyable

His first taste of War was his last, but also the beginning of his life. A comfortable story of a lucky man

[Rick Farlee]

Kindle Customer

ENTERTAINING STORYLINE

The main characters seem to ramble along from one adventure to another, much like the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn… and good fortune typically bumps into them. I was expecting to read more about their Civil War exploits, and the war’s progress, but it was mostly downplayed throughout the book… Overall, this is a good one and a change of pace from my typical reading. RECOMMENDED

[Jackie Wolfe]

Interesting Read

I enjoyed reading this historical novel and always learn something about our country's history. The characters are well developed, and you get a feel for not only the civil war itself, but also the burden on those left behind and the early years of the developing west coast. The novel is not a long one, however I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction.

[Paula Singleton]

Historical Fiction

This was one of my first books by this author. I felt like it kinda rambled and skipped around,yet was good enough that I wanted to go ahead and finish it.

[Tammie Tyndall]

Good story

This book was interesting and different than other books I've read about people going to California. I'm glad there was a happy ending.