Lori Micken

Scattered by the Winds Lori Micken

Publisher Marketing: Being a widow on a remote Montana ranch in 1897, presents many hardships for Calla Lily Brandy. During her October trip to Buffalo Grass, the nearest town, Molly McAffee arrives on the stagecoach. She has come from Chicago to marry a local cowboy, but finds he has been killed. Having no money to return home, it seems to be a perfect solution both for her and Calla for her to come live on the ranch. Calla's conniving brother-in-law, Jake, from St. Louis adds to her difficulties by claiming her property is half his. Calla cannot find a paper showing that she and her husband had indeed repaid the loan they made from Jake to buy the ranch. Molly and Calla contend with weather, livestock, predators, isolation, and each other in the long months of winter. Visitswith neighbors and trips to town are rare. Reginald Stafford, a widower, arrives from England in the spring to look at the ranch. He has purchased an option to buy it from Jake. Although disappointed with the rustic buildings, he does not believe there are any corrupt dealing, and remains determined to claim that which he thinks is rightfully his Both Molly and Cal are attracted to the man. Two neighboring young men are competing for Molly's attentions. At 39 years old Calla can find no viable option for keeping the ranch, and few for what to do with the rest of her life.

Contributor Bio:  Micken, Lori Micken is a retired biology teacher.