Nessa cannot really remember ever having the love and security of a home and family. She has lived most of her life in the Missouri Orphans' Home, where she is now treated like a servant, often cruelly punished and frequently going to bed hungry. Still, Nessa has the other children to care for --- and a few friends --- so she isn't too unhappy. Then Nessa turns 14 and faces a forced marriage to a much older man whom she doesn't love. Nessa has to make a difficult decision: should she stay and be married off, or run away?

Nessa's adventures in the unknown world of frontier life are enthralling and moving. Her fears, hopes, and faith in God endear her to us and we hope that she will succeed. Her losses are painful and the sheer cruelty shown to orphans by society at that time in American history is shocking in its injustice.

Kristiana Gregory has won awards for two of her books, JENNY OF THE TETONS and EARTHQUAKE AT DAWN, and is the author of many titles in the Royal Diaries and Dear America series. With the same sensitivity and careful research that she has used to write these books, Gregory takes us into the mind and heart of this kind and brave young woman who is seeking her place in the world.

   --- Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber