It was supposed to be a new start for their family, full of hope and adventure in a new colony in a new land. When disaster strikes, Avalyn finds herself in the prison hold of the very ship which is bound to take them to their new lives. With a doomed father and her siblings counting on her and no money or connections to help them in the new world, her only hope lies with a mysterious officer who has shown an interest in her. Will he help them reach the freedom they so longed for? Or will he abandon her to face her fate alone?

Paytons Life was set, simple and she had so much to look forward to, until her childhood friend is abruptly betrayed and sent away. Life afterwards, proves never to be the same. See how Payton manages the love she has for her closest friends, deals with loss, and becomes her own women. Can she survive unscathed from the choices others make for her life, that ultimately takes her across the ocean, to settle in a harsh new land. Or will she make a stand that she can live with to finally make her feel at peace, and find the joy life was always supposed to hold for her.

Treasured Land On Patrick Griffin’s deathbed, he asks his daughter Brigid to do the unthinkable--leave the Township of Melbourne with a dangerous convict. If she grants his request and risks trekking into the desert with a stranger, she could lose everything she’s come to know. Ultimately, she could end up alone, with nothing but her father’s memory. After being thrown into jail, Nathaniel O'Connor comes out of the experience bitter and ready to leave the gold rush life well and truly behind him. He is determined to take for himself what he feels Patrick Griffin has stolen from him. The only thing standing between him and his goal is Patrick’s headstrong daughter, Brigid. Forced to work together, Brigid and Nathaniel embark on the journey of a lifetime. Traveling across the vast, unexplored countryside, they face not only the elements but also a ruthless man driven by shocking greed. Their challenges draw them together, and their experiences could not only change their outlook on life forever but turn their hearts to one another as well. Sometimes, though, what the heart needs and what the heart wants are two different things. Each has a choice to make, which may result in a loss neither wants, that of a Treasured Land.

This story was beautifully written. I love books written in this Era and Melanie captures the feel of that time by immersing us deep in the culture. She weaves a tender tale of how childhood friends face heartbreak, compassion, and love that transcends years to bring them together forever. - First Amazon review. A Friendship’s Love Filled with the dreams of youth, and surrounded by the love of her family and friends, Payton Martin’s world was simple. When someone closest to her is cruelly betrayed and unjustly sent away, life afterwards proves never to be the same for everyone involved, beginning a series of events beyond her control. Somehow, through the years that follow, Payton manages to deal with the heartache of loss and rejection, all while balancing her new situation, and becoming her own woman. Finally settled into a life that she could only once imagine, Payton is content; especially when the promise of love is presented by someone she admires and trusts. Nothing ever goes to plan, though. Once again she is faced with surviving circumstances, and choices others make on her behalf. This time, they ultimately take her across the ocean, to settle in a harsh new land.