Summary: As 1861 draws to a close, the Cartwrights enjoy their first Christmas with Josie on the Ponderosa.  But 1862 brings a number of challenges, from Adam disappearing in the desert to an influenza epidemic that threatens the entire town.  Meanwhile, Simon Croft continues to express romantic interest in Josie, much to Adam’s consternation.  Parts inspired by “The Crucible.”

Rating: T   Word Count: 50,379

A House United Series, links to stories within the series are included.

Summary: The Civil War has broken out, and Adam travels east to attend his cousin Josie’s graduation from medical school.  To get away from the danger of the war, Josie returns to the Ponderosa with Adam, where she must learn to fit in to a new way of life as she struggles to establish herself as a doctor.

Rating: K+   Word Count: 40,979

A House United Series, links to stories within the series are included.

Summary:  Eleven-year-old Adam never wanted another stepmother, but now that Marie is on the Ponderosa – and six months’ pregnant – there’s little he can do but be polite and try not to think of the beloved stepmother he lost. But when Ben goes away on a business trip and Marie is injured, Adam must ride alone for help. Along the way, he realizes that things have a way of becoming precious, even when we don’t intend them to.

Rating: K  Word Count: 12,446

Summary:  Fourteen-year-old Adam and his best friend Ross find a bottle of whiskey in the Marquettes’ hayloft and decide to recreate Leonardo da Vinci’s flying machine.  What could possibly go wrong?

Rating: T  Word Count: 10,554

Summary: As the Civil War approaches, Adam reflects on his college years and the relationship he cultivated with his younger cousin, Josephine. After graduation, Josephine and her parents visit the Ponderosa for a month of fun, after which Adam must say the hardest goodbye of his life.

Rating:  K  (33,830 words)

A House United Series, links to stories within the series are included.