Fragile Hopes, Transient Dreams: And Other Stories

by Edna Bell-Pearson

"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.

384 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 2006

Reviews

[Lisa Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! Loved every minute of it! I was there with the characters every step of the way.