For California's gold

the long version

"For California's Gold tells the story of reluctant forty-niner Sarah Daniels, a timid mother of four who, fearful of losing her westering husband, experiences all the desperation and danger, exhilaration and triumph of the nation's heroic adventure." "On the journey west-a perilous 2,000 mile gauntlet of cholera, insanity, and deadly accidents - Sarah discovers the courage and fortitude necessary to save her family on the feared 40-Mile Desert, where gold is forgotten in the struggle to stay alive.". "In California, penniless and confronting the hard reality of survival on the frontier, Sarah is determined to get herself and her children safely back to Illinois. She opens her Sacramento restaurant with the help of songwriter and auctioneer Stephen Massett, one of several historical figures populating the story. When the devastating flood of 1850 destroys her business, Sarah moves to Nevada City, only to see it ravaged by fire in the following year. In devoting herself to its renewal, Sarah gradually realizes that this rough little town, and not distant Illinois, is home." "For California's Gold provides a fresh perspective on this time period, examining the harsh realities of the gold rush era through the eyes of a woman."--BOOK JACKET.