Vanguards of the Plains By: Margaret Hill McCarter (1860-1938)
Vanguards of the Plains by Margaret Hill McCarter is a captivating historical novel that takes readers on a journey through the tumultuous years of the American Civil War. Set against the backdrop of the Kansas-Missouri border dispute, McCarter masterfully weaves a tale of love, loyalty, and resilience that will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end. The novel follows the story of Laura, a young woman living with her family in the heart of the turmoil-stricken region. As tensions between the North and South escalate, Laura finds herself caught in the middle of a conflict that threatens to tear her beloved country apart. Determined to protect her family and the values she holds dear, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will test her strength and courage. McCarter's skillful storytelling transports readers to an era fraught with uncertainty and violence, painting a vivid picture of the hardships faced by those who lived through such turbulent times. Through her richly developed characters, she brings to life the complex dynamics between friends, neighbors, and even family members, whose loyalties are divided by their differing beliefs. What sets Vanguards of the Plains apart is McCarter's ability to seamlessly blend fact with fiction. Deeply rooted in historical accuracy, the novel offers readers a glimpse into the lives of the brave men and women who forged the path for a united nation. The author's extensive research is evident throughout, effortlessly immersing readers in the intricacies of the era and the challenges faced by those battling for their principles. Moreover, McCarter's prose is both powerful and elegant, painting breathtaking landscapes and crafting dialogue that feels authentic to the time period. Her descriptions allow readers to visualize the beauty of the plains as well as the devastation wrought by war, heightening the emotional impact of the narrative. However, while the novel excels in its historical authenticity and evocative storytelling, some readers might find the pacing to be a bit slow at times. McCarter takes her time to build the plot and develop her characters, which can occasionally hinder the overall momentum of the story. Despite this minor drawback, the depth and complexity of the characters make up for any moments of deceleration. In conclusion, Vanguards of the Plains is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction. McCarter's seamless blend of tumultuous history, compelling characters, and vibrant prose creates a reading experience that is as educational as it is entertaining. Through Laura's journey and the trials she faces, readers are reminded of the indomitable spirit of the pioneers who shaped America's landscape, making this novel a true gem in the genre. First Page: [Transcriber's note: The spelling irregularities of the original have been preserved in this etext.] VANGUARDS OF THE PLAINS [Illustration: I COULD NOT SPEAK THEN, FOR ONE SENTENCE WAS RINGING IN MY EARS "I WAS ALWAYS THINKING OF YOU"] VANGUARDS OF THE PLAINS A ROMANCE OF THE OLD SANTA FÉ TRAIL BY MARGARET HILL McCARTER AUTHOR OF The Price of the Prairie HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS NEW YORK AND LONDON [Illustration] VANGUARDS OF THE PLAINS 1917, Harper & Brothers Printed in the United States of America DEDICATION This story of the old Santa Fé Trail would do honor to the memory of those stalwart men who defied the desert, who walked the prairies boldly, and who died bravely vanguards in the building of a firm highway for the commerce of a westward moving Empire. CONTENTS FOREWORD PART I CLEARING THE TRAIL I. THE BEGINNINGS OF A PLAINSMAN II. A DAUGHTER OF CANAAN III. THE WIDENING HORIZON IV. THE MAN IN THE DARK V. WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST VI. SPYING OUT THE LAND VII. "SANCTUARY" VIII. THE WILDERNESS CROSSROADS PART II BUILDING THE TRAIL IX. IN THE MOON OF THE PEACH BLOSSOM X. THE HANDS THAT CLING XI. "OUR FRIENDS THE ENEMY" XII. THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE PLAINS XIII. IN THE SHELTER OF SAN MIGUEL XIV... Continue reading book >>

Vanguards of the Plains By: Margaret Hill McCarter (1860-1938)

Vanguards of the Plains by Margaret Hill McCarter is a captivating historical novel that takes readers on a journey through the tumultuous years of the American Civil War. Set against the backdrop of the Kansas-Missouri border dispute, McCarter masterfully weaves a tale of love, loyalty, and resilience that will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end.

The novel follows the story of Laura, a young woman living with her family in the heart of the turmoil-stricken region. As tensions between the North and South escalate, Laura finds herself caught in the middle of a conflict that threatens to tear her beloved country apart. Determined to protect her family and the values she holds dear, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will test her strength and courage.

McCarter's skillful storytelling transports readers to an era fraught with uncertainty and violence, painting a vivid picture of the hardships faced by those who lived through such turbulent times. Through her richly developed characters, she brings to life the complex dynamics between friends, neighbors, and even family members, whose loyalties are divided by their differing beliefs.

What sets Vanguards of the Plains apart is McCarter's ability to seamlessly blend fact with fiction. Deeply rooted in historical accuracy, the novel offers readers a glimpse into the lives of the brave men and women who forged the path for a united nation. The author's extensive research is evident throughout, effortlessly immersing readers in the intricacies of the era and the challenges faced by those battling for their principles.

Moreover, McCarter's prose is both powerful and elegant, painting breathtaking landscapes and crafting dialogue that feels authentic to the time period. Her descriptions allow readers to visualize the beauty of the plains as well as the devastation wrought by war, heightening the emotional impact of the narrative.

However, while the novel excels in its historical authenticity and evocative storytelling, some readers might find the pacing to be a bit slow at times. McCarter takes her time to build the plot and develop her characters, which can occasionally hinder the overall momentum of the story. Despite this minor drawback, the depth and complexity of the characters make up for any moments of deceleration.

In conclusion, Vanguards of the Plains is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction. McCarter's seamless blend of tumultuous history, compelling characters, and vibrant prose creates a reading experience that is as educational as it is entertaining. Through Laura's journey and the trials she faces, readers are reminded of the indomitable spirit of the pioneers who shaped America's landscape, making this novel a true gem in the genre.

First Page:

[Transcriber's note: The spelling irregularities of the original have been preserved in this etext.]

VANGUARDS OF THE PLAINS

[Illustration: I COULD NOT SPEAK THEN, FOR ONE SENTENCE WAS RINGING IN MY EARS "I WAS ALWAYS THINKING OF YOU"]

VANGUARDS OF THE PLAINS

A ROMANCE OF THE OLD SANTA FÉ TRAIL

BY MARGARET HILL McCARTER

AUTHOR OF The Price of the Prairie

HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS NEW YORK AND LONDON

[Illustration]

VANGUARDS OF THE PLAINS

1917, Harper & Brothers Printed in the United States of America

DEDICATION

This story of the old Santa Fé Trail would do honor to the memory of those stalwart men who defied the desert, who walked the prairies boldly, and who died bravely vanguards in the building of a firm highway for the commerce of a westward moving Empire.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

PART I

CLEARING THE TRAIL

I. THE BEGINNINGS OF A PLAINSMAN II. A DAUGHTER OF CANAAN III. THE WIDENING HORIZON IV. THE MAN IN THE DARK V. WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST VI. SPYING OUT THE LAND VII. "SANCTUARY" VIII. THE WILDERNESS CROSSROADS

PART II

BUILDING THE TRAIL

IX. IN THE MOON OF THE PEACH BLOSSOM X. THE HANDS THAT CLING XI. "OUR FRIENDS THE ENEMY" XII. THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE PLAINS XIII. IN THE SHELTER OF SAN MIGUEL XIV... Continue reading book >>

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