Tree Soldier is out!
“A masterfully wrought masterpiece that both instructs and inspire.”
“A compelling story set in Western Washington during the Depression.”
One mistake can ruin a life. One mistake can transform it.
A government forestry camp set deep in the mountainous forests of the Pacific Northwest might not seem the likely place to find redemption, but in 1935, Park Hardesty hopes for just that. Blaming himself for the fiery accident that caused his brother’s disfigurement and the death of the bootlegging woman he loved, planting trees, building bridges and mentoring tough, homesick New Jersey boys brings him both penitence and the renewal of his own self-worth.
When he wins the love of Kate Alford, a local naturalist who envisions joining the Forest Service, which allows only men, he also captures the ire of a camp officer who refuses to let her go. Just when he is ready to seek his brother’s forgiveness, he is falsely accused of rape. Every aspect of his life he has tried to rebuild is put in jeopardy. In the end, the only way he can defend himself is to tell the truth about his brother, but he risks being kicked out of the camp. Worse, he could lose Kate’s love forever.
Available in book form and at Kindle:
Book:
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Why write about the CCC’s?
I’ve heard stories about the Civilian Conservation Corps since I was a girl from my mother. She grew up in Idaho and a main camp of around 150
young men from back east showed up above her uncle’s ranch. But a research paper for a history class for my master’s, led me to write a journal article on the CCCs and the beginnings to a historical novel.
I searched the college archives and interviewed seven “boys” who had served in the CCCs. In their 70s, they were both delighted and confused by my interest in their stories. (Who would be interested in that?) It turns out a lot of people are. I hope with the publication of Tree Soldier people will ask about the history of parks and forests in their communities. There could be CCC boy behind it.
this is a wonderul thing your doing thanks and God blees the troops.
Thanks.