She began having more adventures, misadventures and tragedies. Some are brought on by her impulsiveness, others by nature, but most are from the cruelties of war.
A bit about Belle
The year is 1862 and the United States of America is at war with itself, the Civil War. The war affected many people, and Belle and her family were no exception. Her eighteen-year-old brother, Bud, a member of a group of tough Confederate Guerrillas, was shot in the back and killed – he was more than a brother to Belle, he was her friend, and her hero.
In her quest to find the one who killed her brother, Belle joins forces with a spiritual mentor, a horse with magical powers, and her “best-friend-cousin,” sixteen-year-old Winnie Brayden. When Winnie was seven years old she lost her eyesight, but she has an amazing ability to “see with her heart.” Her compassion and humor is a positive influence in Belle’s life
The exciting adventures and engaging personalities of Belle and Winnie make this work of fiction soar above its serious time and keep the reader entertained. The spiritual messages found throughout the story gives this book a special touch.
Belle Brayden’s slouch hat was not just any old hat: it was a special hat. She loved the hat for the way it made her feel, more courageous and full of self-confidence. She loved the way the wide floppy brim flapped in the wind as she rode on the back of a galloping horse. But there was another, much more personal reason she loved this hat, it was her brother’s hat and it was decorated with eagle feathers.
The brown slouch hat framed her face and complemented her dark brown eyes; eyes that could melt anyone’s heart. And like the eyes of most young girls, and boys her age, they were filled with bright promise and an innocent yet mischievous spark.
Feeling courageous, Belle looked up and directly into his face. His black beard could not hide his heavy jowls, long pointed nose, or his ugly thick wet lips. His eyes glared at her with such a piercing force, he made her skin feel on fire and caused her to breathe fast!
Remembering Maude’s words, when you are around a bunch of snakes you need to know which ones are poison, Belle quickly lowered her head to break his glare.
His eyes were alluring, one blue and one brown. His coloring was unique with a white body and perfectly shaped oval splashing of dark brown paint spots, and a two-toned head and tail, which complemented the brown spots. One of his most distinguished marks was a white star directly in the center of his forehead. Bud had frequently bragged to Belle about Cherokee Sun’s coloring, saying “Cherokee Sun had the markings of a horse that possesses magical powers.” Belle would laugh at him and say, “Ya made that up!”
“YEA!! BRAVO! That was beautiful!” came accolades from a small group of people standing in the street in front of the hotel. Belle opened her eyes and was shocked at having an audience. Winnie had sensed someone was there, but didn’t say anything to Belle because she wanted to sing for whoever it was.
“How many are there?” Winnie whispered.
“There are three men, standing on the other side of the fence. Two of them on yer right have on Yankee uniforms.” Belle whispered back.
“That was absolutely delightful!” one of the men exclaimed.
“I’ll say it was,” said another man with an unusual husky voice, “Tell me. Do you lovely ladies live here?”
Elbowing Belle in the side, Winnie whispered, “Let me do most of the talking. You cry when I tap your leg with my knee.”
“My name is Daisy and the lovely lady sitting next to me is my darling sista, Mable. We’re just a couple of young widows spending the night here before we go on to Springfield to catch the stage to St. Louis.
“Our dear husbands were Yankee soldiers. Both of them bravely gave their lives in the Battle of Pea Ridge on March the 7th. It is a day that will live and torture our hearts and minds the rest of our lives.” Winnie tapped Belle’s leg, and Belle immediately started sniffling and crying. Winnie compassionately patted Belle on the leg consoling her. Next, Winnie sat up, straightened her back, held her head high and announced …
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