Two Ways West

by Marilyn Meredith

TWO WAYS WEST is a fictional, historical family saga based on family genealogy about two families who travel west for different reasons and in different ways.The Crabtrees journeyed by burro and horse through Mexico where the family battles marauding bandidos and is befriended by the ferocious Yaquis. Catching a steamer in Mazatlan, they travel up the coast of California, jumping ship in Monterey, and finally settling in the Sierra along the Tule River.Fascinated by the Mormons, Ashbel Post Osborn brought his family by wagon train along the Mormon trail, surviving Indian attacks and other adventures they make their home in Grass Valley until a terrible accident happens.Narrated in vivid detail, TWO WAYS WEST, is the story of these two families, of their hopes and dreams, triumphs and tragedies. It is the chronicle of men and women who rise to the challenges of life and conquer their fears and short-comings to achieve their hearts' desire.

356 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1994

About the author

aka F.M. Meredith.

Marilyn Meredith is the author of over thirty published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series and the under the name F. M. Meredith, the Rocky Bluff P.D. series. She borrows a lot from where she lives in the Southern Sierra for the town of Bear Creek and the surrounding area, including the nearby Tule River Indian Reservation.

For the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, she uses a lot she remembers from her time living on the coast, in a place much like Rocky Bluff.

She does like to remind everyone that she is writing fiction. Marilyn is a member of EPIC, three chapters of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America
Series:
* Deputy Tempe Crabtree

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important work and a better way to learn history than textbooks. This story tells how our ancestors endured hardships as they traveled by wagon train from Illinois to California (before it was a state) over many months to conquer and develop unknown territories. The young brave male pioneers had wanderlust, but they truly believed they were trying to build a better life for their families! From bear attacks, to Indian raids, to narrow rocky trails, diseases and more it held my attention all the way through. I just wish children hadn't had to die so often back in those days. Thank you Marilyn for writing this book!

[Lorna Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the engaging story of two families who cross the country to California. Each family takes a different route and encounters different hardships. What emerges is a picture of strong women and brave men who are willing to face hardship in order to give their families better lives. Based on the author's genealogy and family stories, a picture emerges of what the pioneers endured in order to settle this country. Highly recommended.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I read by Marilyn, and I think it was her first published book as well. Lovely western romance. :)