Buckskin Joe

From the author of "The Pink Reich", "Just Talking", "The Chosen Ones" and several other titles. --- Joe McCafferty is a third-generation purveyor of pioneer goods in a small Colorado community during the mid-1800s. Descendant of a hearty stock of Irish immigrants, young Joe inherits the position of carrying on the family's legacy. It's a hard life that is far too lonely without the company of others. Living miles from a town that is anything but thriving, Joe befriends a young Native American man with whom he must keep hidden a secret that is considered taboo. ---

Working against them is an unscrupulous man who, years prior, outmaneuvered Joe's grandparents for half of their land claim. The result was Joe and his family's nemesis being at odds until a woman seeking revenge on this man acts upon her long-held hatred of him. Left to either attend this man's wound or let him die, Joe feels the need to save he who never showed a moment's kindness to his kin. ---

Along the way, Joe takes a wife believing it is what is expected of him, all while knowing that he loves someone else. Someone forbidden by race and gender. Requited feelings that must be quelled in order to appease societal norms of their era. It is during an attempt to end his suffering that Joe discovers that his loving wife is willing to suffer gladly to save him. Her love exceeds the pain of knowing his truth.