Calico Palace

Description

Just prior to the California Gold Rush, Kendra -- a young gentlewoman from the East -- travels to join her parents at a rough military outpost in San Francisco, California. Startled by the city's crudeness compared to the East; she is still drawn its vitality and its diverse populace. Unexpectedly Kendra meets Ted, a store clerk. A whirlwind romance/marriage ensue and then they connect with a group of people traveling to the newly-discovered Gold Country. During the adventure, Ted and Kendra form a group with Hiram, a sailor, and Ning, a frontiersman. Kendra also finds herself making friends with their traveling companions -- a group of gamblers -- including an intriguing and beautiful 'bad-woman' named Marnie,her gambler companion/lover and associates. Together, they experience the thrill and hard work of finding gold. The gamblers set up and run a gambling tent. Marnie and Kendra and the rest become fast friends who trust, support and protect each other in the rough and tumble of a mining camp. When Ted unexpectedly leaves her, Kendra is on her own in the rough environment. With her friends' help and support, Kendra finally makes it back to San Francisco, where more shocks, disaster and surprises follow. The book chronicles her hardships, friendships, trials and triumphs over the next few years. Full of heartache and alone, she wonders if shell ever feel safe, whole and loved again. The story also encompasses the ups and downs of the rest of her gold-mining friends, disclosing their secrets, intrigues, love affairs, hardships and fortunes. It is well-written, including a lot of historical flavor of the times and of the growth of San Francisco and northern California. A page turner and very enjoyable book.

Subjects

Other Editions

• Calico PalacePaperbackPocket1977-02-02
• Calico PalacePaperbackPocket1979-09-03