Picture Rock, Skinners of Goldfield

Book 3, The Skinners of Goldfield historical fiction series, Picture Rock by Stephen Bly, a Christy Award finalist.

In this family life saga, third book of The Skinners of Goldfield historical fiction series, a life-shattering event will change the Skinner family’s dreams, hopes, and future. And the true treasure of Goldfield, Nevada will be revealed.

The hot desert winds and gold mines of Goldfield, Nevada make California’s cool valley breezes and peaceful farms seem like heaven on earth. And though O. T. Skinner dreams of moving further west, he and his family still dwell in the sin-filled boom town of Goldfield, Nevada. They don’t have much, but they do have each other. O.T. loves his strong-minded, independent wife who takes care of their family as well as the miners who depend on her warm meals. But days in her cafe stretch long. And Dola Mae finds out the hard way what it’s like to be on the receiving end of a helping hand. She prays it doesn’t become permanent.

Dola Mae’s blessed to be married to a man who’d do anything for his family and friends. However, she’s terrified she’ll lose him. Her fear may become reality when O. T.’s generosity puts his life in jeopardy one too many times. Through it all, the Skinner family remain a portrait of virtue and strength. These traits prove the rarest of treasures in a town built on greed, gambling all for a little gold.

This family life saga and historical fiction series book received a Christy Award finalist award** in the Westerns category.

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Excerpt from Picture Rock, The Skinners of Goldfield family saga and historical fiction series

Columbia Street looked Sunday-afternoon-quiet when O. T. Skinner drove around the corner and parked in front of the Newcomers’ Cafe. The only visible dust stirred by the plodding feet of the two mules that pulled his wagon. The sky desert clear and light blue, a hue of alkali dust hung so fine most folks forgot it was there.

But a man’s lungs never forgot, and O. T. loosened his black Sunday tie, unfastened the top button of his boiled white shirt, and then coughed. He peered inside the cafe at neat rows of tables with inverted wooden chairs stacked with Rita Ann’s precision.

O.T. surveyed the spindly peach tree, freshly watered and yet yellow-leafed. It seemed to quake in the half-barrel in which it was planted. That was the sickliest looking fruit tree he’d ever seen.

Course, it’s the healthiest one in Goldfield…and how Dola Mae loves that little peach tree. It’s her heart’s delight, and, Lord, I’m askin’ that You help it grow. May she have the glory of makin’ a big ol’ fresh peach pie from it. 

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Check This Out

About the ** Christy Awards given to western and historical fiction series author Stephen Bly: The Christy Awards

If you like this historical fiction series, you will also enjoy The Homestead family life series by Stephen Bly:  The Homestead Series

Stuart Brannon cameo appearance in the Skinners of Goldfield Series BRANNON CAMEO 

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