Uncertain Pilgrims: A Novel

Carla Bracato, a history buff, tries to get away from the grief left by the deaths of her father and her infant daughter. The Santa Fe Trail provides her path of escape and she begins the journey at Fort Leavenworth. There she meets affable Dale Jackson, another history buff, and his son, Tom, who is Carla's age. They agree to rendezvous at other stops. At Fort Riley, Carla recounts the tale of George and Libby Custer during their passion-filled summer of 1867. At other stops she recounts more adventures of nineteenth century travelers who made stops at Forts Dodge, Bent, and Union. Traveling, talking history with Dale, and longing for the handsome Tom distract Carla from her grief. The trio scarcely reaches Santa Fe when Dale becomes ill and is rushed to the hospital. Tom reveals a bit of his life story to Carla during a romantic interlude when it seems Dale is recovering. They then learn of Dale's death and Tom lashes out at her in his grief. Carla continues west, to Arizona, alone. In Prescott she recalls another traveler--one from the nineteenth century--whose memory gives her a new perspective on life. She prepares to return to Kansas City and begin her life again.