LIFE AS A WHIP
What a fascinating, page-turning tale that has strong characters, plenty of angst, action, and adventure. It will bring two people together, and for the life of one, he can’t believe that others aren’t seeing the truth—but he will help keep the secret.
Winnifred “Win” Morgan is a young woman who was raised by her father and rode beside him on his stagecoach runs for so many years; she is a natural herself. But her father was murdered, the company he and his friend founded is defunct, and no one will hire a female as a whip. It will take determination and grit, but Win Morgan will drive again as whip.
Benjamin Sharpe ended up going west with his younger brother, Jacob, to try and protect him. Jacob was a dreamer and one who was impatient to get what he wanted. He will eventually sneak off with another man, Simon, and rather than earning a living, Jacob and Simon will become outlaw road agents. Benjamin will go to work for Wells Fargo as a shotgun guard to help protect the silver that has been mined and hopefully to find Jacob.
The plot will have Win Morgan compete against several others for the position of whip for Woodruff and Ennors. Winning the race will also leave some sore losers—but Win Morgan has emerged the winner and newest employee. Win will team up and must run a route into the White Pine Mountains tri-weekly. She was taught by the best and planned on making her pa proud.
“The best stage drivers are either braver or more foolish than most. I ain’t afraid to drive that route, Mr. Thim.”
“The stage never stops, Winnie, her pa would remind her. Each whip plays his role, never arriving tardy, for should he be late, it affects all the rest like ripples in a still pond.”
“Coaching was more than her livelihood; it was her home; her life. As far as her future went, the only thing Winnie felt certain of was that she’d be driving for a very long time.”
The story details the harrowing rides, dealing with the outlaws, the people she encounters, and the secrets that Benjamin will keep about her. He doesn’t even let on that he is aware that he knows, but when threats are being made against her by someone, Benjamin will share what he learns and address the truth about her identity. Benjamin has his own secrets, and when they are uncovered, it will cause a rift between them.
The story is a clean, adventurous western tale that has plenty of historical elements, along with the journey and perilous rides that Win will encounter as whip with Benjamin as shotgun. Her bravery, skills, and tenacious attitude is a testament to strong women of the west. But what will come of Benjamin and Winnie? Will they be able to put the past behind them and look towards the future—and will they follow her pa’s secret?
“Winnie, my dear, you’re the only woman I know who could find love in the seat of a stagecoach.”