A Hundred and Sixty Acres

Goodbye, Belvidere #1

by Joyce Wheeler

Goodbye, Belvidere, A Hundred and Sixty Acres, is the first book of the Goodbye, Belvidere trilogy. It introduces us to CJ Crezner, a young man from Missouri who is on the run; not from the law, but from what his family expects of him. His journey to the prairie of South Dakota in 1898 makes him an involved participant as free range cattlemen find they must give way to homesteaders. Change is in the air, and nothing demonstrates the differences more than the feisty washerwoman on Brave Bull Creek, and the beautiful preacher’s daughter from the capitol city of Pierre. As CJ dances with both of them under the starry Dakota sky, one irritates him with her honesty, and the other intrigues him with her charm. History, mystery, romance and murder ride together as CJ tries to untangle his past and decide his future. Should he answer his family’s calling or should he stake his happiness on a hundred and sixty acres?

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2013

About the author

I've learned patience with this hobby called writing. I waited to begin writing fiction books until our four kids were young adults, and then I
done everything completely backwards from how-it-should-be-done. However, God is gracious, and He sent helpful people into my life, and now, with my 8th novel soon to be published, I almost feel like an author.

Besides writing, I'm a rancher's wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a happy homemaker. I write about the things I know-----which is why most of my books are set in the beautiful western prairie and are laced with homey things; as well as murder, mystery, romance, and colorful characters.

I hope you enjoy my books, and consider them a good read!

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a series of 3 books about the life of CJ at the turn of the century. He is supposed to take over his grandfather’s church but he isn’t sure and goes on a cattle drive. The story continues with his homesteading land and getting married. Also the changes that are coming with the railroad coming through. The life was harsh on the plains.