The tag pinned to Anna's dress simply read,

"Annaleigh Thompson; Destination: Finley Valley."

Annaleigh Thompson wasn't the only orphan forced to leave Logan's Gap Children's Shelter. Between 1820 and 1900, the few orphanages that existed had become so overcrowded they had no choice but to release young men and woman as early as their fourteenth birthday, expecting them to support themselves with no help from the community.

Frightened and unsure of herself, Anna boards the westbound train headed for a region so mountainous and rugged she trembles at the thought. It was only the positive promptings of Mrs. McAfee that kept her from running away in the dark of night, not giving any thought how she would survive on her own.

Along her journey, she meets Professor Higgins who is on his own journey to right some wrongs from his past. Together, this unlikely pair experiences an abundance of happiness as well as deep sorrow and tragedy. Along the way, lifelong friendships are made and life lessons learned. Anna is forced to grow up quickly, but with Mrs. McAfee's faithful prayers and the professor's guidance, she finds the true meaning of life and much, much more.

Excitement ~ Romance ~ Adventure

--Laura Bratcher Goins

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