This is the first book in a triology by Mary Jane Auch about a young girl moving with her family from Connecticut to the "Genese country" in Western New York. I think that this is the best of the three. It is a compelling, dramatic, touching, and at times humorous, action-packed story. I half expected it to be the boring "On-the-Oregon-trail" type story, and it wasn't at all. The writing was exceptional, the story line new and exciting, the characters real to the reader. I admire how she weaves in all the historical details into the characters, and you know from reading the afterward that she put a great deal of research into it. This book is a rare gem, highly recommended!
In the spring of 1815, Remembrance "Mem" Nye and her family set off in covered wagon from their farn in Conneticut to the wilderness of western New York. Mem and her mother see it as a journey to nowhere, since there won't be any houses or neighbors, just endless forest. Their travels bring the perils of wild animals, raging storms, and cruel strangers. When Mem is unexpectedly separated from her family, she must face every danger alone until she finds them again.
