Overview

Missouri farmer Lizzy Ward had her fill of the violence that bushwhackers and Confederate deserters brought to her doorstep during the Civil War. When the Homestead Act offered 160 acres of free land far from the battlefields, Lizzy accepted the offer and started a new life in Dakota Territory. But can she overcome nature's challenges and the corruption of the railroads? Iron Horse Claim is set in an exciting time in America's history. The railroads are connecting people across the country, from coast to coast. Manufacturing innovations like windmills allow farmers and ranchers to better utilize water. Newspapers in cities and small towns provide an information infrastructure that builds cohesiveness in the country. Set on the Dakota frontier of the 1870s, Iron Horse Claim is the story of Lizzy Ward, a single mother who is raising an orphaned boy on her farm outside Shady Bluffs in Dakota Territory. In this book, Lizzy and her sister Charlotte have proven their claims -- just like 42% of all women homesteaders did. Charlotte and her family live in Shady Bluffs, where she is the town doctor. Lizzy manages both farms. But she also cultivates relationships. Lizzy believes that people on the frontier need to watch out for each other. Women established schools and churches and nurtured friendships with neighbors. Lizzy Ward is one of those pioneers who builds community.

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9798992906813

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Reviews

The book held my interest throughout the story. Around chapter 16 I stopped to reflect on what was coming next. I cried at the end of chapter 24 and had to put it down, but I thought there would be a great ending and there was. Chapter 25 was great way to pull it all together! What a great adventure! I liked the adventures and challenges that Lizzie faced. Her compassion, dedication to her neighbors and strength to move forward with determination kept me reading. What a joyful experience!! Lizzie has so many dimensions. I liked the inner thoughts that are shared throughout the story and the way previous characters are woven into this book.

Author Information

CK Van Dam is a daughter of the Dakota prairies. She writes historical fiction/western romance about strong women who have built our nation and our world. Her series, On the Dakota Frontier, includes Proving Her Claim, Lone Tree Claim and Medicine Creek Claim. The fourth book, Iron Horse Claim, was just released in May. She recently published a middle grade book entitled When the Chokecherries Bloom for younger readers.

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