Book excerpt: First time author Ledesma sets his adventure tale in early America. Antonios' travels and adventures carry him across two continents, Europe and America in his quest for a new life. He leaves the safety and love of his family in Italy for uncertain life in a far off land. His dreams, anxieties and fears are borne out as he encounters and conquers the harsh strange and challenging world that surrounds him. Each tantalizing adventure brings our hero closer to maturity, self-esteem and the molding of his character. He experiences love; fear and death on his long journey and witnesses the history that shaped early America. 1n 1846 he becomes an early pioneer by joining a wagon train bound for California. During the trip he experiences encounters with Indians, death, accidents and newly establishes a long lasting friendship. He wanders around California finding romance and land. He eventually starts a grape vineyard and establishes himself as a rancher, husband and father. His life in early California is entwined with such history making events as the Gold Rush, statehood, the Pony Express, building of the Transcontinental Railroad and many more historical events. Reading this heart warming young mans story will enrich the readers to understand the personal triumphs, hardships and the west's rich history