A tow-headed toddler named Charlie is abandoned by her parents at a rural diner in 1940s Arizona.
Fate assures the child's safety by placing her in the hands of the diner's owner, Ned Connors, a man who has seen his share of loss. Ned and his wife Rebecca lost their daughter Libby five years earlier.
As Ned navigates his new family dynamic, Charlie is befriended by the native Navajo community. She is given a rare opportunity to understand their traditions and culture, and to learn about the land from those who know it best.
Set along the fabled Route 66, between Kingman and Flagstaff, Arizona, Charlie's story spans twenty years, throughout which she faces a myriad of obstacles, including an unplanned pregnancy, unrequited love, and a secret grief for the loss of her parents.
Despite her many challenges, Charlie lives a remarkable, self-sacrificing life; a life of empathy and dedication to the community, and in her own small way, she changes the world.
(About the Author)
Susan M. Obijiski is a technology and web content writer, and a holistic practitioner living in Sedona, Arizona. Her latest book takes place in a real location, peppered with real communities, towns, and businesses: the old Harvey House in Seligman, the Red Schoolhouse in Valentine, and many other historic locations. She explains, "I wanted to tell a story of the simple people who live and have lived in these places and how their dedication to community and family changed the lives of everyone around them. Charlie is a young, strong woman living in challenging times, faced with adversity and tragedy, yet able to overcome these obstacles to live a rich, full life."