Bowers and Shady
Bowers and Shady is a story about teenagers on a mission to find a stolen gold pocket watch and save a family farm.
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About this book
In the aftermath of the Civil War, two unlikely allies—a brave Iowa farm boy and a resourceful Irish orphan—forge an unbreakable bond in a Reconstruction era adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. As Bowers Jamison and Shady O'Toole outwit thieves, escape danger, and seek to recover a stolen gold watch, they discover the true meaning of found family and friendship. Packed with daring exploits, middle-grade adventure, and a touch of magic, their journey through the wild frontier is a testament to trust, courage, and the power of loyalty.
Bowers Jamison, a thirteen-year-old Iowa farm boy, is alone and far from home for the first time when he meets Shady O’Toole a ten-year-old orphaned, Irish girl in a box car in Missouri on his way to Colorado. The Civil War has ended, and times are tough for everyone. Bowers promises to help Shady escape from Old Scratch, a Fagan-like crook who had forced her into a life of pickpocketing. In return, Shady agrees to help Bowers get back a gold pocket watch that his n’er-do-well uncle stole from Bowers’ father. The two make a formidable pair. Together they learn the value of friendship and trust while they negotiate a wild frontier town, elude the pursuing "Fagan," and stymie two Wells Fargo bank robbers who are counting on the watch’s magic powers to help them get away.
Genre: mystery and suspense, historical fiction
Audience: middle-age readers (ages 10-12)
Themes: You are invited into the past with Margaret Dardess' historical fiction. Here, young readers will discover stories filled with friendship, adventures and a touch of magical realism with books that teach as much as they entertain.
book reviews
"An entertaining and thought-provoking historical adventure. Readers will learn from the story's example of true friendship."
Kathryn Dover
Presbyterian College Valedictorian, Class of 2024
"An entertaining and thought-provoking historical adventure. Readers will learn from the story's example of true friendship."
Kathryn Dover
Presbyterian College Valedictorian, Class of 2024
"An entertaining and thought-provoking historical adventure. Readers will learn from the story's example of true friendship."
Kathryn Dover
Presbyterian College Valedictorian, Class of 2024
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