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About this Book:

What would it be like to live in Mid-West America in 1845 –before the Civil War? And how would a family migrate from New York state to the Northwest Territory wilderness of Michigan –by covered wagon? Following a distant relative’s journal, Mr. Cumings placed his grandchildren fictionally into that family, and followed them on this journey. When her folks decide to leave her comfortable world and head west, ten year old Ellie faces adventures beyond her wildest imaginations. Her insatiable curiosity mixes with fears and excitement of the unknown. Incidents of muggers, thieves, crashing storms, being lost, endless struggles all combine with exciting places, the wild wonder of the wilderness, awe inspiring Native Americans, wonderful people, her own pony, and… a new home! Historically accurate to the era, this story takes us back to a simpler, yet physically harder

About the Author:

Born and raised on a farm in western Michigan, Dean Cumings began his formal education in a one room country school. From High School in the nearby town of Sparta, he was graduated from Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago, finished his Bachelor’s degree at Wheaton College, and then his Master’s from the University of Michigan. His professional life included teaching and counseling in High Schools, Sales and Sales Management in the publishing industry, Management in Financial Services, and, for the last twenty-five years, therapist in his agency, Agape Family Counseling Services. This, his first published novel, follows his wide range of interests and experiences and his years of thoroughly enjoying the study of people. He lives with his family in western Michigan.

Book Review:

“Using his family history as a foundation, Dean has created a fictionalized version of the settling of western Michigan, with its challenges from bad weather, wilderness, hostile attacks, loneliness, and isolation. Still, his story is full of family values and the American theme of persistence.” Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, Multiple Author, Director Writing Dept, Taylor Univ. “…Very interesting story, based on actual events in the life of one family who decides to pack it all up and move (west). I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.” Den Slattery, Author/Pastor “Through Ellie, people can step through a door to a fascinating, and rarely visited period in pioneer history. Whets your appetite for more….” Cindy Brick, Author, Editor, Lecturer on Quilting and Quilt History. “Very interesting reading –a page turner. …Historically accurate to the era.” Pub. School Teacher “Full of history and teaching about a good variety of experiences.” Pub. Library Dir.

Order/Contact Info:

• Web: www.deancumings.com • Email: agapeplus1@gmail.com • Ordering available directly from publisher: Agape Plus 1 Press, 16540 Tyrone Ave., Kent City, MI 49330 • Bookstores and other stores.