Clare Samson,s historical romance

A Heartwarming Odyssey: Novel Highlights Woman's Scenes of Satisfaction and Sorrow in the Nation's Heartland

MARYVILLE, Mo., Nov. 9, 2007 -- In her new historical romance, Clare Samson unleashes more than a poignant story of the heartland in "A Hundred Miles to the City" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com). Set predominantly in America's Midwest, the saga follows the life of Dona Schmidt, a woman coming of age during the Great Depression.

Economic hardships intensify the troubles already faced by the six-child Schmidt family as they resort to itinerant farm work to survive in the rural, small-town community of Summerville. Longing to escape her monotonous fixed life on the farm, Dona marries her young lover, June Bowen, in hopes of discovering excitement and adventure beyond the fences of the farm. A brief period of domestic contentment is soon overshadowed by the necessity of providing for three daughters on her own during World War II, when June leaves the family and is deployed to Europe.

The heroine faces challenges unique for women of her time, encompassing the years from 1919 to 1991. Those interested in the era of the Great Depression or in the culture-altering times of WWII will find historical information included in the setting. Aspects of family, friendship and community combine to overcome the adversities that inevitably challenge Dona.

As she falls in love with the life she leads in the city, as well as with a young man in her new community, Dona remains torn by the security and familiarity of small town life and her former husband sending her letters from the battlefront. Upon his return from the war, the man Dona once loved completely only brings forth disappointment and she finally severs her ties with him to continue her life onward as a single mother in the 1950s.

A series of misfortunes, including drought, cattle rustling, fire and volatility in the farm economy, tests Dona and her new relationship. Will Dona's personal and indirect sacrifices to the war effort lead her to discover the fulfillment and purpose she seeks? Or will this member of "The Greatest Generation" be overcome by the tribulations of post-WWII life? Read "A Hundred Miles to the City" to discover if the values she has taken from the simple life she abandoned will be enough to sustain her through a large world of harsh realities.

Clare Samson is a retired teacher living in Maryville, Mo. She is intensely interested in both history and journalism and has received a bachelor's degree in science and a master's degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University. This is her first book. For more information please visit http://www.claresamson.com.