Debra L. Hall Livres

It is the summer of 1868 andnothing is more important to Iris Stratton than her love of the prairie, nothing except Andrew Burgess. The previous summer, Andrewtraveled from Boston to thespanning plains of Nebraska, packing dreams of becoming a rancher. His stay was brief however, leaving Iris towonder if she would ever see him again. Then news came from back east. John and Andrew are pushing a massive herd of horses toward the swellinggrasslands. Unbridled excitement fillsthe windy summer days. Iris secretly remains devoted toAndrew, despite the marriage arrangement her father unwittingly sealed at thetime of her birth. One day, while preparing for her'coming of age' party, Iris discovers a letter in the attic; a letter writtenby her long deceased mother. Perplexingquestions begin to unfold. When her primaunt is unwilling to provide the answers, Iris turns to her convalescing fatherwhose only utterance is, . . . Ivy on the wall. The winds that have blown acrossthe prairie have carried away more than the scent of wildflowers. They have whisked away a startling secretthat Iris is determined to reveal.

Violet Tippon embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her estranged father after learning of his illness in Texas. Raised in St. Louis with only her mother's stories, she travels to the rough town of Wood River, where she encounters a mix of rugged cowboys and unexpected challenges. With the help of Lance Tridel, the nephew of her father's friends, she unravels the mysteries surrounding her father's departure. Along the way, both Violet and Lance discover deeper connections and love, transforming their lives forever.

Set against the backdrop of Nebraska, the story follows Anthony Vinardi, who inherits his father's farm and clings to his dreams of land, family, and tradition. His life takes a dramatic turn when an outsider from the East disrupts his aspirations, forcing Anthony to confront the fragility of his hopes and the impact of change on his identity and values. The narrative explores themes of heritage, ambition, and the clash between rural and urban ideals.

Exploring the concept of happiness, the book delves into the idea that true contentment shouldn't merely stem from the absence of sadness or helplessness. It challenges conventional views on emotional well-being and encourages readers to seek deeper fulfillment beyond just avoiding negative feelings. Through thought-provoking insights, the narrative prompts a reevaluation of how we perceive happiness and the emotional landscapes we navigate in our lives.

The story follows Katrina as she navigates the aftermath of a devastating fire that claims her family. Forced into a life of instability, she moves between various homes before finding herself in an orphanage. The narrative explores themes of loss, resilience, and the search for belonging in the face of tragedy.