From prize-winning Colorado author Carolyn Evans Campbell, the explosive opening of the American West comes alive through the trials and triumphs of one invincible woman, Jenna Daggett. In this epic novel, young Jenna is orphaned on a covered wagon journey to California, then hardened under the cruel guardianship of zealot missionaries. Wagon master Blue changes Jenna's fate, leads her to Sutters Fort, then to Hacienda San Gabriel and the tutelage of a bitter spinster humiliated by Mexico's defeat by the United States. Within the conflict of two cultures, she becomes a desirable woman, passionate for a murderous Mexican, then enchanted by a bewitching Irishman entrenched in statehood politics. Jenna inherits Hacienda San Gabriel and emerges a rich entrepreneur in bawdy San Francisco, speculating in cattle, railroads, gold and real estate before her dramatic return journey to Colorado. Fireweed, A Woman's Saga in Gold Rush America, spans fifteen years, 1848 to 1863. Through sweeping prose and colorful characters, Fireweed creates a vivid and authentic portrait of early California and the promise of the American West. "A coherent and entertaining read of endearing characters. Definitely the best regional novel in years." Colorado Central Magazine Carolyn Evans Campbell One of the West's most versatile writers, Carolyn Evans Campbell has drawn deeply from her life in Latin America, California and Colorado. With five books of poetry and a full-length play, The Ballad of Hallelujah House, she received the Colorado Book Award and first prize for five consecutive years from the Colorado Authors League. THE SURVIVORS "These here are fireweeds ain't they grand? There must have been a grass fire here. These are the first flowers to poke up through the charred ground. God must take care of them." She picked a stalk and handed it to Jenna. "We all got to be like the fireweed." THE SAN GABRIEL FIRE Already, the fire wind was spiraling across the meadow, a scorching dragon's breath sparking other fires. Devil Flames danced like madmen, open-mouthed, frenzied. "Satan's Hell," the padre shouted. "Can't you see? It's Lucifer leading a revolt of the angels." THE SEA OFF MONTEREY "Without warning, a large wave crashed and sent its watery tongue deep into the beach, lapping up shells and tangles of slimy kelp, lifting and sucking Jenna into the hungry sea. . . . Jenna felt the grip of two strong hands grab her under the arms and lift her out of the greedy water." SAN FRANCISCO Some streets and walkways were planked with wood; others were cluttered with stepping stones of wooden crates, barrels, old stoves, broken wagons and garbage. Although many surrounding hills were sweet with wild, ripe strawberries, the town smelled of fish and manure, stagnant marshes, oil and smoke from the ships. COLORADO When at last the stage turned directly south toward Denver, the sun felt warm, the trees blew gracefully In feather-green leaves just opening, new and timid like a young girl in her first party dress. The range of white-peaked mountains bordered Jenna's journey, their lofty beauty thrilling her moment by moment and when a meadowlark sang, her heart sang with it. ACCOLADES "A sprawling saga of America's westward expansion." Denver Post/Rocky Mountain News "Fireweed's episodic structure and geographic scope burn bright, offering narrative energy and unexpected beauty in a rugged new world." Evergreen Living Magazine Willa Cather Literary Award Finalist for the best in literature for women's stories set in the West. Heekin Group Foundation Special Award in Fiction Hackney Literary Awa