A Pioneer Christmas Beyond the Oregon Trail - Book Tour and Giveaway

Can the love that binds this family deliver Christmas miracles?
Or will the unforgiving wilderness crush their holiday spirit?

A Pioneer Christmas Beyond the Oregon Trail
A Ghosts Among the Oregon Trail Holiday Novella
by David Fitz-Gerald
Genre: Historical Holiday Western Adventure

​Dorcas and her family endured a harrowing trip along the Oregon Trail in 1850. Now, they face their first brutal winter in the rugged wilderness. Can they survive the harsh realities of frontier life?

Devastating setbacks threaten their lives, crush their hopes, and test their faith in timeless traditions. Their cabin is unfinished. Wild animals shred their tents, ruin their food supply, and wreck their camp. As winter closes in, a powerful storm strikes their remote homestead. How much more can they endure?

Dorcas suggests skipping Christmas to focus on survival, but her children balk. They don't want to give up on the cherished holiday. Is Christmas a luxury they can't afford?

When her husband, Agapito, fails to return from a critical supply run, Dorcas ventures into the wilderness with a rifle in search of food for her children. She must brave the elements as a mountain lion stalks her through a violent winter storm.

Can the love that binds this family deliver Christmas miracles? Or will the unforgiving wilderness crush their holiday spirit?

Start reading A Pioneer Christmas Beyond the Oregon Trail today. Get wrapped up in this gripping western adventure of love, survival, and the enduring power of hope. Perfect for fans of frontier fiction and heartwarming holiday tales, this novella will keep you on the edge of your seat.
 

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​Dahlia Jane claps her hands and jumps up and down. "Look at the tree. Look at the tree! It's beautiful, Rose."
Last night before bed, I had the chance to look at the children's handiwork. The bushy boughs laden with Dahlia Jane's bird nests, hazelnut eggs, colorful feathers, bright ribbons, and tiny hemlock pinecones were a splendor to behold. Rose must have added the vibrant red rose hips in the middle of the night.
Dahlia Jane tips her head back, points her right elbow skyward, and stretches. Things are happening so quickly, but we just woke up. I could use a good yawn and stretch myself.
There's a strong smell of sugar in the air, and the buttery, nutty scent of toasted hazelnuts.
When we turn away from the tree, we see a tall, iced cake on the table, festively adorned with chopped nuts. I'm astonished. "Where did this cake come from?"
I look from one child to the next. Rose smiles and shrugs. She doesn't smile often. Rose knows something, but I know better than to pelt questions at her. The boys clearly have no idea. Dahlia Jane can't contain her delight. "It's cake, Mama. A Christmas cake."
Agapito shrugs when I look at him, but where else could the cake have come from? We have no flour, no sugar cones, and no eggs.
Suddenly, I remember our guest. Spinning around, I say her name. "Illahee. Where did you go?" My family looks as confused as I feel.
Were we so caught up in the magic of Christmas, with the nativity, rose hips, and a mysterious cake, that we failed to notice her departure? When I open the front door, early morning sunshine brightens a world that had been shrouded in storm clouds and heavy precipitation for days. Clean, white snow glistens and it appears almost heavenly, rather than dangerous.
The roughly constructed sleigh is right in front of our cabin. The deep trail that it carved in the landscape stretches as far as the eye can see. Where human footprints are visible, there is one set of footprints. Not two.
I look at Rose. She whispers so that only I can hear her. "She is a spirit, Mama."
Nobody says anything, but Andrew begins to sing. It's the song that he wrote while helping Agapito build the cabin. In between verses, the family joins him on the chorus, shoulder to shoulder like townsfolk caroling at the front door. We've heard the song enough to know those lines quite well:
In this land of promise, where dreams come alive
We build a home, where hope can thrive
Through the darkest night, we find our way
Bringing light, keeping shadows at bay.
 

**Don’t miss the rest of the series!**
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David Fitz-Gerald writes westerns and historical fiction. He is the author of twelve books, including the brand-new series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail set in 1850. Dave is a multiple Laramie Award, first place, best in category winner; a Blue Ribbon Chanticleerian; a member of Western Writers of America; and a member of the Historical Novel Society.

Alpine landscapes and flashy horses always catch Dave’s eye and turn his head. He is also an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked to the summit of the range’s highest peaks. As a mountaineer, he’s happiest at an elevation of over four thousand feet above sea level.
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Dave is a lifelong fan of western fiction, landscapes, movies, and music. It should be no surprise that Dave delights in placing memorable characters on treacherous trails, mountain tops, and on the backs of wild horses.
 

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​Interview with Dorcas Moon, in 1850
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Today, we step into the dream world of Dorcas Moon, the devoted mother and resilient protagonist of A Pioneer Christmas Beyond the Oregon Trail. Life on the frontier is full of hard work, trials, and unexpected moments of joy. Dorcas has faced them all while caring for her four extraordinary children. As winter closes in, she discovers that sometimes, even the most steadfast hearts need a touch of magic. Let’s hear from Dorcas as she reflects on the season, her family, and what she’s learned along the way.

Maia: Hi Dorcas. Thank you for letting me join you in this dream. Life on the frontier is full of challenges, and this winter has been particularly difficult. What has been the biggest challenge for you lately?

Dorcas: [Sighs, smoothing her apron thoughtfully] Good heavens, where to start? Getting a roof over our heads before winter was no small feat. And then, when the wild animals ruined our provisions, dearie me, that made things harder still. I’d worry myself into the night about feeding the children and keeping them safe. But through it all, I kept moving, because that’s what a mother does.

Maia: I can only imagine how difficult that must have been. I understand you even considered skipping Christmas this year. What changed your mind?

Dorcas: [A soft smile appears, eyes reflecting both warmth and weariness] Yes, at first I thought we’d have to skip it. I told myself it was just another day, and that we couldn’t spare what little we had. But then the children reminded me that Christmas isn’t just for children. As the days went on, I realized I needed the comfort of familiar traditions too. I think we all do. Good heavens, listen to me running on and on.

Maia: No, that’s beautiful, Dorcas. Did any moments feel particularly miraculous to you?

Dorcas: [Her face lights up with a knowing smile] Oh me oh my, yes. When Christopher found that beautiful nativity at Crabapple Nick’s cabin and brought it back, it felt like a gift meant just for us. I know where it came from, but I’ll never let on to Christopher. Boys his age need mysteries they can keep to themselves. And there was that cake—still don’t know where it came from, but it tasted like it was made in heaven.

Maia: I heard Agapito has been a great source of strength for you, too. Can you tell me more about him?

Dorcas: [Blushes and smiles warmly, holding her hands together beside her cheek] Oh, Agapito... he’s my anchor. I nursed him back to health on the trail when he was shot and almost killed. The fates seemed determined to keep us apart, but by the time we reached Oregon, I knew I would stop at nothing to make him mine. I told him so. Well, we’re as different as night and day—him with his musical voice and those dimples that show up whenever he laughs. And, dearie me, the warmth of having a man like him beside me under the quilts... well, it’s something I never take for granted. He helps me see that even the hardest days can have moments of comfort, love, and joy.

Maia: Your love story sounds like a light in the dark. With all that you’ve faced, what do you hope readers will take away from your journey?

Dorcas: [Her voice softens with sincerity] There’s nothing wrong with being a hardworking, determined woman. But even tough lady lumberjacks like me need a spark of wonder now and then. I don’t think I ever needed Christmas more than the one I thought I could do without.

Maia: That’s so inspiring. One last question—if you could share one piece of advice for others who are going through tough times, what would it be?

Dorcas: [A small, tender smile appears, eyes glistening with quiet hope] Hold close to the people you love, and don’t be afraid to look for the little miracles. And sometimes, it is alright to let others share your burdens.

Maia: Thank you, Dorcas. I’m sure many will find comfort in that advice. Merry Christmas.

Dorcas: Merry Christmas to you, too. [She leans back, eyes full of warmth as the dream fades]

 Dorcas Moon’s journey through hardship, love, and adventuring reminds us that even in the hardest of times, the spirit of Christmas can bring light and warmth. Her story teaches us that everyone needs a touch of magic and the small miracles that renew our hope. And perhaps, just as Dorcas discovers, life has more surprises in store than we dare to dream.

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