Joe Beck Series by C.J. Petit

Fifteen-year-old Joe Beck wasn’t listening as the minister eulogized his uncle but was already planning on what he would have to do as soon as they returned to the Quimby farm. He wasn’t welcome there even before his uncle had died and knew that his cousin John would soon order him to leave.While he had had a basic idea of where he would go after he left the farm, he didn’t know what he would do with the rest of his life... moreFifteen-year-old Joe Beck wasn’t listening as the minister eulogized his uncle but was already planning on what he would have to do as soon as they returned to the Quimby farm. He wasn’t welcome there even before his uncle had died and knew that his cousin John would soon order him to leave.While he had had a basic idea of where he would go after he left the farm, he didn’t know what he would do with the rest of his life. But he knew for certain that he didn’t want to spend another day where he wasn’t wanted.It would take a nearby battle to start him down the path to his future. less

The days of unrelenting rain had kept the wagon train from moving for almost a week and the folks were getting frustrated and angry. So, rather than try to cross the swollen Platte River, the wagon master had them rolling southwest hoping to cross when its level dropped.As Joe and Faith led their tent-cart ahead of the lead wagon, they didn’t allow the foul weather to affect their good mood. But it wasn’t Mother Nature who would soon cause them grief... moreThe days of unrelenting rain had kept the wagon train from moving for almost a week and the folks were getting frustrated and angry. So, rather than try to cross the swollen Platte River, the wagon master had them rolling southwest hoping to cross when its level dropped.As Joe and Faith led their tent-cart ahead of the lead wagon, they didn’t allow the foul weather to affect their good mood. But it wasn’t Mother Nature who would soon cause them grief.A few days’ ride behind them, two men were following the deep ruts left behind by the wagons. Ed and Jeremy Quimby had abandoned their older brother’s farm to avoid being conscripted and had no idea that their tall, younger cousin was with the wagon train.When they finally reached the wagons, the unexpected family reunion wasn’t going to be a joyous affair. less