Cholama Moon (Central Coast Series) is a well-written story about a young girl, Ginny Nugent, growing up alongside an alcoholic father who has washed his hands off her, blaming poor Ginny for the death of his wife, her mother. There are some great characters who live with Ginny on the family ranch, an old cowhand (who should have retired years ago, but is very fond of Ginny and acts more like a father to her than her own father) and an overworked Indian cook, Maria Inés, who has her own story in another book called Maria Inés.

I found young Ginny a delight to read. On one hand she is just a naive child, unaware of the way of the world,. On the other hand she is forced to grow up far too quickly for her age, and learns a lot about life a lot earlier than she should. This, I felt, was the making of her developing character. As we follow her coming of age experiences, namely a romance with friend of her father's of whom lives a completely different Southern life - far removed from that of her own - we see Ginny's true strength of character shine through. And boy, was I rooting for her all the way!

Hats off to Anne Schroeder for this emotional read! Ginny's compelling story made me laugh out loud several times, and really connect with her through her struggle through life. So much so, that there were parts of her story where my heart went out to Ginny and I almost cried because of what she was having to deal with. Top that with the captivating historical detail of the late 1800s Central California's Cholame Valley setting, and the fact that I was glued to this book right through to the last page, makes this easy to recommend. Especially if you are already a fan of historical romance. Schroeder, born in Ventura County, California herself, clearly has adds her life and soul into her books particularly those based during the Mission California era. ( )

A coming-of-age story of a young California pioneer girl who searches for belonging while she fights loneliness and isolation, earthquakes, bandidos and her father's addiction. An old Indian cook, a crippled ranchhand and a young visitor, a friend of her late mother's, change the course of her life. Fast-paced, well-researched story with well developed characters and a close look at life in 1870s California. Available ebook and paperback ( )

After the death of her mother, and her grieving father’s spiral into addiction, a young girl is being raised by a gruff but soft hearted ranch-hand and a weary overworked Indian woman. Set in the 1870’s in the inland valleys of California’s Central Coast, Cholama Moon begins with an attention grabbing wild horse round up during a land shifting earthquake. From there, author Anne Schroeder takes you through the turbulent times facing families who want to tame this land.

Virginia Nugent (Ginny) is a scruffy child, inquisitive, brave and challenging for Maria Inez, the Indian woman her father hired to cook for him and his vaqueros. Ginny is also a handful for Sancho, her father’s ranch-hand and ranch manager who tries his best to look-out for her, but he is also haunted by her mother’s death. He knows that she needs more care than he can give her, if only her father would stop nursing his anger and see the disaster his daughter’s life has become. As years go by, the father spends less time at the ranch and more time using alcohol and opium. Ginny is neglected, unschooled, and there are very few woman close by to teach her how to become a lady. Her future is looking dismal, until a southern gentleman arrives from Virginia with a message that could change her life.

This is the first in a series, written by Anne Schroeder; the next one takes us into the life of Maria Inez and the Indians of the San Miguel Mission. Well researched, with compelling characters for any lover of Westerns, historical fiction, or California history. This book can be read by teens. I’m looking forward to reading the next one, and I’m giving Cholama Moon 5 stars. ( )

Truth in advertising, I wrote this book with the purpose of showing the western woman's life of hard work and limited choices with a fast-paced, fun read that incorporated romance and realism of California's Central Coast. This is #1 in the Central Coast Series. I hope I accomplished what I set out to do. You be the judge. ( )