Middlesettlements

by Basil Pearl

Zee Elkins has lived alone since her husband's death four years ago. She ached for the happiness she'd enjoyed starting out on the wagon train so long ago, with husband by her side and toddler in her arms. They were out for a new adventure, a new life. Now she's the only one left. Basil Pearl wraps the story of Zee Elkins around your heart with losses of husband and child, yet she is determined to survive life in the new west.

Audible Audio

First published December 27, 2014

About the author

Basil Pearl was born and raised on a Tennessee farm. Given her grandfather’s name, she grew up sitting in his lap and hearing stories of yesteryear. She learned of times that were not kind to those who dug out a living from a small piece of dirt. Basil has developed a great appreciation for the preservation of family farms all across the nation. This passion bleeds through each page of her soon to be released fictional novel “No-Till”.
Basil lives on a small farmstead near Knoxville, TN. She enjoys several pets that include cats, backyard chickens and a few goats. She loves weaving the personalities of her pets into the stories she writes.
Basil is so excited about her debut short novel "Middlesettlements". Right out of the gate it received six 5 Star reviews!

Reviews

[Brenda Perlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middlesettlements by Basil Pearl is a poignant endearing short story that had great depth and tugged on my heart strings. I was moved by the authors tale and interested in where this would lead.

This is an emotional story that grabbed my attention right from the first page. So touching! This is a page turner with great heart. Wonderful!

Quote ~

"Time seemed to stand still as she noticed three droplets of blood splattered on the indian's (Indian's) cheek. Crimson red, she thought. Three crimson red droplets. The color of the rubescent calla lilies in her mother's garden. Her mother had explained the wine colored flower meant strength, and passionate courage. How fitting, Zee thought as shock of the reality around her began to set in."

[S.A. Molteni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middlesettlements by Basil Pearl is a short story that will touch your heart and make you believe that miracles do happen - even in the harshness of the wild west of the frontier days.

Zee is alone on the frontier after her husband dies. She also grieves for her child, who was lost in the wilderness on their trek to the west. With a resolve of steel, Zee endures the loneliness of prairie life and keeps her farmstead running without a husband. She is, in fact part of a larger settlement and not truly alone - thus the name of the book, Middlesettlements.

Zee and her faithful dog keep one another company until one day when a couple of men break into Zee's cabin. The story gets really good at this point as an Indian protector comes on the scene and the turn of events changes Zee's life forever. Since this is a short story, I cannot give much more of the plot away, but suffice it to say that the ending has a unique twist that will give you goosebumps.

For a debut offering, Middlesettlements is a very good read - one that is filled with heart-tugging emotion, love and hope in a harsh environment. Looking forward to more from this talented author.

[J. Kahele · Rating 5 out of 5]

'She attempted to shake the cobweb nightmare residue from her mind.' Wow is all I have to say, impressive is not a large enough word to describe the authentic and descriptive writing skill of Basil Pearl. This tale was heartwarming and gave hope to all that don’t believe in miracles.

[Victoria Benchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIDDLESETTLEMENTS had me hooked from the first paragraph. I loved this well written story. Basil Pearl expertly crafted an interesting and heartwarming tale that holds a few surprises. This cringe-free, sweet romance was a delight. I cannot wait to read more by this talented author!