The California Gold Rush as you never imagined (1844-1853) based on a true story. All characters are real, named unchanged. This epic novel brings to life Donner Party survivors, Sutter and his Sacramento fort, the first actual gold strikes, paradise lost and the unsettling of the West. For countless generations Grizzly Hair's people have lived peacefully on the land by the Cosumnes River. Former British sailor Perry McCoon stakes his claim and brings Elitha, his 14-year-old Donner bride. Vaquero Pedro Valdez loves Grizzly Hair's daughter Maria (Indian Mary), and desires the land for his own rancho. But initially McCoon possesses her and the land. Then Mexico loses the war, Condor's robe is stolen and the stampede for gold tramples all before it. Elitha and Indian Mary become soul-mates as miners turn the earth upside down and the river runs red with blood. Fighting bigotry with gun and lasso, Pedro rides with the bandit Joaquin Murieta. Told through Pedro, Indian Mary and Elitha Donner, the story and its surprise end will haunt readers. Passionate love and enduring friendships in a time of violence and vengeance. Familial love thwarted but never diminished. Pedro, Maria and Elitha -- people of three cultures guided and misguided by those who walked before. Whispers to the modern soul of rootlessness, sacrifices to gold, the curse of the Condor. Yet through it all sing the eternal voices of the land and river, promising hope and tranquility to those who will listen. 624 pages.