Beyond the Trail Six Short Stories Author:Jae Six short stories that give us glimpses into the lives of Luke, Nora, and the other characters from Backwards to Oregon. The Blue Hour: When her mother dies, twelve-year-old Lucinda Hamilton decides to start a new life?as a boy. Grasping at Straws: No one knows that Tess Swenson, madam of a brothel, also owns a livery stable and a number of othe... more »r businesses. On one of her secret inspections, she makes a surprising discovery. A Rooster?s Job: The Hamiltons hoped to build a home in the idyllic Willamette Valley with mild winters, but now they?re snowed in and their rooster isn?t doing such a great job either. The Art of Pretending: Tess finds out that someone is stealing her money. She suspects Frankie, a woman who reminds her of Luke. But nothing is as it seems. The Christmas Oak: Luke sets out to bring home a Christmas tree?but she finds something else. Swept Away: The greatest flood in the history of Oregon sweeps away houses, barns, and animals in the Willamette Valley. At the same time, fourteen-year-old Amy is swept away by her feelings for her best friend« less