Building Fences, Mending Hearts: Silver Springs Settlers Series, Book 1

Newly widowed Emma Smith grieves for her lost husband. But, after President Lincoln signs the Homestead Act offering free land, she reluctantly agrees to her restless father’s plan to move west. Along with her sister and young son, the small family joins a wagon train setting out on the Oregon Trail. The journey is fraught with adversity and heartache, eventually changing the travelers’ destination as well as their lives. When the group begins to homestead, Emma finds herself alone with four children in the raw, untamed west. She learns to draw on an inner strength she didn’t know she possessed and renews her faith along the way. But will Emma be able to come to terms with the death of her husband and embrace a new love in this rough land?Gruff rancher Seth Summers doesn’t feel Montana in the 1860s is a safe place for women and children. He’s experienced enough personal tragedy to confirm the fact. But a pretty new neighbor, who works harder than most men, gradually gets under his skin. Without even knowing it, he begins to long for a feminine presence on his ranch and in his life. Can he win the heart of the attractive widow?You’re invited to come along on a pioneer adventure filled with danger and excitement, heartache and romance! Building Fences, Mending Hearts is sure to touch your emotions, leaving you alternately weeping and smiling.

Gina Coon resides in Southern California with her husband and children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys sewing and crafts, as well as volunteering at her church, scouts, and her kids’ schools. For more than a decade Gina was defined as a (crazy) homeschool mom. When she retired from homeschooling, she found herself at loose ends, unused to having time on her hands. As a little girl her head was filled with made up stories and that hasn’t changed. An avid reader, she’s always loved books and the idea of writing one. Deciding to capitalize on all those years of teaching and editing her kids’ essays, she quietly started a project. She had no idea if she’d produce a decent, let alone a whole novel. Her first book was a huge personal achievement that launched a love affair with writing. Her Christian faith is often reflected in her stories. The main characters are generally good people with strong values and, of course, there is always a happy ending!