A Light in the Wilderness

Letitia is a freed black woman who is in constant fear that she will lose her "free papers." She makes the second decision in her life, when she decides not to join a wagon train bound for Oregon, with her former owners. She does love the babies, but thinks that there might be something better for her, if she stays behind. Sarah Bowman (Leticia is only allowed to call her by her first name, if they are at home, in private), demands that Leticia go with them and tries to steal Leticia's cow, Charity. Buying that cow was Leticia's first decision, wanting the milk that the cow makes. Mr. Bowman decides that they don't have time for the cow, so he makes Sarah give the cow back to Leticia. Leticia doesn't know where she's going to live, with Charity, sleeping outside at night isn't safe for a free black woman. She goes to Davey Carson (he's the one she trusted with her money, to go buy the cow), and asks if she can let Charity out in his pens, so she can eat; if Leticia cooks and keeps house for him. She also has a job in the laundry at a hotel in town. Davey agrees, so Leticia moves in, sleeping in the pantry on a narrow cot. Join up with Leticia and Davey and Charity, it's a wonderful story. A large part of it is based upon the true story of Leticia and Davey.

Jane Kirkpatrick 's characters are based on real people . Strong women who often suffer great hardships .