Choices

Though Fort Randall is an isolated outpost in 1876, Miriam Longstreet finds life there far more complicated than she expected when she reluctantly returns from boarding school. Harriet, her haughty mother, is an explosive laudanum addict, her free-spirited sister runs wild, and her father seems too occupied with his duties as commanding officer to notice. Miriam's independent streak rebels at Harriet's insistence that she abide by the narrow rules of army social structure. Seeking self-reliance, Miriam is confronted with difficult choices that could change her destiny. Determined to prove her maturity then join her friend Sarah in Denver, Miriam soon realizes Harriet's volatile behavior endangers her sister, and she sets her plans aside. She meets Private Jake Deakins. Drawn to Jake's raw masculinity, Miriam is unable to resist verbally sparring with him. Their attraction deepens into friendship despite the possibility their familiarity could be construed as misconduct. When eligible Lt. Robert Wood shows interest in Miriam, it seems the perfect alternative. Unaware that Robert's sole motivation is advancing his career, Miriam welcomes his courting. But Jake has introduced Miriam to a world unencumbered by artificial social rules. Rebelling, she befriends a laundress, explores class differences, convinces her father to allow a mixed-class party, campaigns for an all-post school, and confronts her parents. Her growing passion with Jake leads them to take risks that could ruin Jake's career. Meanwhile, Robert and Harriet plot to manipulate Miriam into marriage and Robert volunteers Jake for special duty in a life-threatening Indian fight. As Robert and Harriet become increasingly more maniacal, Miriam and Jake realize they are in love. Together, they face a raging blizzard, the possibility of Jake's court-martial, Harriet's growing abusiveness, and Robert's escalating deception and violence. The life-and-death choices they face could change everything.

Author: Pamela Nowak
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Pamela Nowak
Published: 09/15/2013
Pages: 284
Weight: 0.84lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780989757829

About the Author
Pamela Nowak's debut novel, Chances, was awarded the HOLT Medallion for Best First Book, was a WILLA Finalist, and was named one of the ""Top Ten Romance Novels of 2008"" by Booklist. Her second novel, Choices, received a HOLT Finalist Award. Pam has been in love with history and rich characters for most of her life. She has a B.A. in history, has taught history to prison inmates, served as project manager for the Fort Yuma National Historic Site, and ran a homeless shelter. She was named the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers' Writer of the Year in 2010. Pam and her partner, Ken, live in Denver. Their blended family includes six daughters, multiple grandchildren, two dogs, and a cat. Please visit/contact her at www.pamelanowak.com.