The Blacksmith's Apprentice

Clayton Owen plans to raise and train horses for his family's cattle enterprise, but his father never taught him the skills he needs as a farrier. With Pa's attentions focused elsewhere, Clay apprentices himself to a family friend, the blacksmith in a town two days' ride away.Meg Campbell's family travels two days by wagon to reach the fall harvest festival in town, and Meg gets assistance for a problem from a young man she recognizes from the cross-country journey their families made together a few years before.Their instant attraction to each other leads to a surprising decision, but life never follows a straight path, despite young lovers' hopes and dreams.Book 6 of The Owen Family Saga is a character-driven romance full of growth, heart, tears, and hope. Marsha Ward was born in the sleepy little town of Phoenix, Arizona, and grew up with chickens, citrus trees, and lots of room to roam. She began telling stories at a very early age, regaling neighborhood chums with her tales over homemade sugar cookies and milk. Her love of 19th Century Western history was reinforced by visits to her cousins on their ranch and listening to her father's stories of homesteading in Old Mexico and in the Tucson area.Over the years, Marsha became an award-winning poet, writer and editor, with over 900 pieces of published work. She is the founder of American Night Writers Association and a member of Western Writers of America, Indie Author Hub, and Arizona Professional Writers. She makes her home in a tiny forest hamlet in Arizona. When she is not writing, she loves to give talks, meet readers, and sign books. The Owen Family: headed by Rod Owen, with his wife Julia at his side to hand him a daily dose of love and humility. The sons and daughters are fun-loving and a bit rowdy, but intensely loyal to God, Virginia, and family. Not even the Civil War and its hardships can quell their spirits, but in quiet times, the losses seem overwhelming. Journey with them to Colorado Territory and beyond for action, adventure, and romance. Novels with heart and grit.**Book order revised 8/2016 to indicate the optimal chronology for reading**