First Dawn
In 1877, two Kentucky girls and their families set off for the Kansas wilderness. Jarena Harban moved west with her father and twin sisters to settle in the first African American settlement, Nicodemus, Kansas. Macia Boyle and her Caucasian family headed for neighboring Hill City. Although both families believed they were going to well-established towns, they were differently equipped to face the stark reality they encountered. While the residents of Hill City had little, the Nicodemus residents had nothing. Nevertheless, through hard work and cooperation, both cities struggled towards survival and growth as both girls learned the value of true friendship and cooperation. Judith Miller’s warm-hearted, inspirational novel is the first in the Freedom’s Path series. There isn’t a strong plotline in this story, nor are there any moving or unexpected scenarios. It’s a gentle read, showing how people and communities grow through cooperation and faith.
