Does time heal all wounds? Or do some last forever?
Pennsylvania, 1971: Graham Davidson is a young man with survivor’s guilt after the death of three siblings.
Estranged from his father and seeking a direction in his life, Graham learns about vision quests from a Crow Indian. He secures seasonal employment in Yellowstone National Park and embarks on a spiritual journey.
Wyoming Territory, 1871: Under a full moon at a sacred thermal area, Graham finds himself in Yellowstone a century earlier – one year before it was established as a national park. He joins the Hayden Expedition which was commissioned to explore the region.
Although a military escort provides protection for the explorers, the cavalry’s notorious lieutenant threatens Graham. His perilous journey through the future park is marred by a horrific tragedy in a geyser basin, a grizzly bear attack, and an encounter with hostile Blackfeet Indians.
Graham falls in love with Makawee, a beautiful Crow woman who serves as a guide. As the expedition nears its conclusion, Graham is faced with an agonizing decision.
Does he stay in the previous century with the woman he loves or travel back to the future?
Featured Excerpts
“There was only one option to save the drowning man. He quickly unlaced his boots and yanked them off, then ripped off his jacket.”
“There are many sacred places where the spirits are active. One of these is Yellowstone, a place we call Land of Burning Ground.”
“He pulled Makawee close, kissing her long and hard while wishing the storm outside would last forever.”
“I’m from a world that is yet to be.”
“He needed a purpose, and he wasn’t waiting for someone to tell him the road he must choose. His road headed west.”
“Large blisters were forming on his shins and toes. Foley continued to shriek and moan, violently turning his head from side to side in abject pain.”
“We need to be discreet. He must not know about any of our conversations.”
“They peeled Graham’s frozen, clenched hands from the oars and dragged him over the edge of the boat.”
“A loud snorting sound wakened Graham from his stupor. He jumped to his feet when he spied a shaggy bison pawing the ground near the belching spring.”
“The rain could not dampen the flame flickering in his heart.”
“He trudged to the creek and knelt to wash his hands. His reflection revealed a face flecked with grime and blood.”
“There was only one option to save the drowning man. He quickly unlaced his boots and yanked them off, then ripped off his jacket.”
2021
Winner for Multicultural Fiction & Finalist for Historical Fiction (Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest)
Wyoming State Historical Society, First Place.
Category Finalist for the Eric Hoffer Book Award.
IPPY Award Bronze Medal Winner for Best Regional Fiction.
Book Trailer
Testimonials
"One of the best novels set in Yellowstone I have read!" Tamsen Emerson Hert (University of Wyoming Librarian)
University of Wyoming Libraries & Yellowstone Historian
"Yellowstone sparkles and gets star treatment in this book. I can’t imagine a more glorious setting!" David Fitz-Gerald (author of The Adirondack Spirit Series)
