Source: Cheryl McCann
Date: Jan. 2009

It would be the nightmare that would be inescapable for quite a while until a decisive turn of events.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together in the presence of God, to join this man and woman in holy matrimony." The marriage took place in her father's home called Graystone, in England in the 1800s. Present were only four somber people: John McGuire, Martha McGuire, Jebediah Whitaker, and Emma, the cook.
Just three days after saying, "I do," Jebediah, his three sons, and Martha set sail for America, from Liverpool to Boston. The ship, the Salvation, was loaded to capacity but they were the "lucky ones" on board with a cabin, instead of the public hammocks. Martha's thoughts were filled with ideas of escape from the very beginning. She realizes the absolute only reason for this marriage is Jebediah's children. Martha finds other surprises awaiting her from Jebediah's true dark side.
Martha's aristocratic, pampered ways melt away with her newfound duties of cooking, attending to Jebediah's children, and helping the doctor with the sick. Martha's spirits kept sinking lower with such small requests as hot water for her bath being denied by Jebediah. Also, every single attempt for escape is always foiled by Jebediah.
Upon landing in Boston, Jebediah, Martha, and three boys pick up a wagon train headed for the Wyoming territory with 140 other homesteaders. She experiences her first pleasantry since England, conversations with other women. Readers get an interesting view into life during those times. Jebediah Whitaker appoints himself pastor and explains the Homesteaders Act to his flock. The Act promised that after five years the homesteader would own 160 acres provided they build a house, dig a well, reside on the property, build a fence, and plow ten acres. All the while Jebediah was planning for each homesteader to default so he could take the land from them.
Meanwhile back in England, John McGuire finds out the land he bought from Jebediah Whitaker, and for Martha's hand in marriage, is not Jebediah's to sell, but is in fact his brother's land, Jeremy Whitaker. John McGuire and Phoebe Hunter, Martha's aunt, meet with Jeremy Whitaker and Austin Wells, Martha's life long friend. Since John McGuire is ill and unable to travel to the Americas, he requests their help in recommending someone to help find Martha. John has offered to pay all expenses. Austin and Jeremy decide to go to the Americas to find Martha to free her from this horrible creature, Jebediah. This romantic tale begins to unravel and you will live it through your own eyes and heart.
Enjoy this intriguing story of love and affection, trials of living in the 1800s, the enduring human spirit, and wonderful family life. In-between readings, you will anticipate tuning in to the lives of these "real" life characters of the story. You will find the characters most interesting and a well defined plot that is easy to follow, and very well written. It leaves the reader wanting the story to continue. I highly recommend Of Dreams and Nightmares and will be looking for more of Shirley Roe's works.
Now available in ebook: www.theebooksale.com