F rom 1830 through the Gold Rush of 1849, California was a state in turmoil. Mexico secularized the missions, the Californios wanted freedom, European countries were waiting to seize the country and the United States was the biggest threat of all. Into this caldron, young Tom Green is thrust. He is quickly drawn into the intrigues and conflicts that abound. This Jewish boy in a Catholic nation somehow gains the trust and confidence of the people who fill the pages of early California history. As a young single man, he is sought after by parents and their daughters, but he selects his own woman for a lifetime commitment. Tom acquires land in the central coast of California and becomes both wealthy and a leader of the community. His closeness with an Indian tribe helps him find peace after he has a disastrous affair with the daughter of a friend. The story includes glimpses of life in California and the lure of gold. Romance—licit and illicit— conflict, and politics all enter into an interesting tale that grabs and holds the reader

MEL LEES One of the most exciting parts of researching this book was experiencing how quickly the hold of gold can capture one. It took a real personal pull to leave the river and forget the dreamed-of riches that used to be there. The characters in the book who came from real life have become a part of the author, who still meets some of their descendants.

 

 

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