Historical fiction set in 1888 San Luis Valley, Colorado
The colorful history and traditions of the beautiful southern Colorado region and its people—Spanish, Spanish Jew, Mexican, and Anglo—is told in this fast-moving, believable, and engaging novel. The twists and turns of the story, and the gradual development of the characters, adds suspense that will keep readers turning pages right up to the moving and satisfying conclusion.
Caroline, the main character, is a caring and determined young woman, and the best horse trainer around. But being of mixed heritage—her Cheyenne father found his wife among the white settlers of the plains—she meets rejection at every turn. She decides to leave her home east of Denver to seek a new life and identity in the region of Colorado settled decades earlier by Mexicans—the San Luis Valley. She learns enough of the Spanish language and Hispano ranching customs, to pass for a señorita.
When she meets Mauricio, whose family of humble means has prospered as ranchers in the San Luis Valley, Mauricio is intrigued by Caroline, and suspects she is running from something.
In the San Luis region, some of the Anglos are using the Mexican’s own cultural practices to cheat them out of what is rightfully theirs. Incensed by the injustice, Mauricio uses his business acumen and understanding of Anglo practices to try to right these wrongs.
But Caroline is the only one who can make right the half-truths she is living. Will she be able to extricate herself from the awkward, even dangerous situations in which she finds herself, and trust that she can be accepted and loved?
This book is the sequel to Prairie Grace (Koehlerbooks, 2013).
Marilyn Bay grew up on a crop and sheep farm in northern Colorado, near the land homesteaded by her great-great grandparents. As a child, she learned that she was a small part Native American, which led her to read and research Native Americans as well as the origins and historical treks West by the settlers with whom they interacted, and, in some cases, intermarried.
Marilyn operates Prairie Natural Lamb, raising lambs and marketing them directly to her many customers. She serves as executive director of the Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association. Prairie Truth is Marilyn’s third book. Read a longer bio HERE.
Historical fiction lovers, and Colorado history buffs will enjoy Prairie Truth by Marilyn Bay. Challenging us to examine ideas and standards, Bay transports the reader to another time and place but causes us to examine the effects of that history on the here and now. Reading Prairie Truth immerses the reader in good story, well-crafted characters, and accurate history. So much so, that it is difficult to put the book down and return to an era of cell phones and technology. From the comfort of our armchairs, Prairie Truth transports us to Colorado’s past with vivid descriptions and settings. Galloping through a compelling story, Marilyn Bay demonstrates that reading about yesteryear is exciting and has import for modern society.–Alice Longaker, author of Wren
Marilyn Bay’s writing is majestic, swooping yet gentle—like the landscapes she uses as the backdrop for her stories. She is to be commended for working hard to present a vibrant story in a historically accurate ambiance. She bravely took on the theme of a Hispano story line, knowing it would not be easy, but she embraced it and the result is stunning. –Richard de Olivas y Cordova, Historian and Genealogist, Los Fuertes, Colorado
Captivating characters combine with historical accuracy to create non-stop entertainment. Bay’s writing style pulls readers in and takes them on a wild ride!–Jaydine Rendall, author of the High Plain Heroes series
Bay shows her creativity and understanding of how Colorado history intertwines culture. …Bay was able to create a character, [Caroline] who understood the limitations of her day. Like many of us today she tried to simplify her life in a not so simple world.–Dave Bergmeier, High Plains Journal
A Novel
