The Ones We Love

Mae Kepler is fifteen when her Pa is murdered, and Ma left for dead on their small prairie farm in 1873. Mae seeks justice, employing the charming U.S. Marshal Harry Sturges and local deputy Lucas Barrientos to track the perpetrators on horseback north to Ogalala. Not a day into the task, Mae discovers Marshal Sturges has his own secrets and confronts the lawman with disastrous results. Both Mae and young Luke lie dying from their wounds in the heart of the vast Colorado Territory until a two-spirit, Tonkawa exile discovers and takes in the pair. The Tonkawa is far from convinced by the merits of Mae's quest; doubtful it will result in any measure of success. Follow their journey across cold, untamed ground as new companions encounter deep friendship, love, and terrible loss. Witness young Mae Kepler as she begins to forge her anger into patience and acknowledges unexpected lessons learned - never wanting them lost amongst the bittersweet memories of all the ones we love. "A fun, easy read!" John Pierson, film producer and author of "Spike, Mike, Slackers & Dykes." "This is a well written, thought-provoking book. The complex, non-judgmental assemblage of various ages, settlers, law officers and 'Indians and Outlaws' works well!" William Kinney, PhD, Prof. Emeritus, UT/Austin, & member of the Chickasaw Nation. "A gem of a story! 'The Ones We Love' reads much like a long, short story. A deeply compelling read - Jonathan Sayer clearly has more stories to tell!" Verified Amazon customer review. "A great first novel! Loved this read, and I can't even remember the last time I read a western. An authentically researched historical novel that respects the intelligence of its readers." Verified Amazon customer review "What a simple and nicely paced tale of a bold trek across difficult territory." Verified Amazon customer review