On the Camino Real

Aaron Turner was a third generation American. His grandfather, Thomas Turner, first appearing in "Out of the Wilderness," had come from Ireland to settle in South Carolina. In this second installment in the Western Quest Series, Aaron hears the call of the West, like many Americans of the period. Each time Aaron travels to Vera Cruz, New Orleans or Natchitoches on trading ventures, he hears more and more about Texas. Finally, seduced by the lure of the unknown, he leads an expedition down the Camino Real through the heart of Texas. He encounters a land of abundant resources and tremendous potential, but also great danger. Although his party had to battle Karankawa and Comanche Indians, he falls under the spell of Texas. Aaron finds his "promised land" where the Camino Real crosses the Navasota River, on the edge of what would become Austin's Colony. Can he turn his dreams into reality? There will be many miles to travel, many tears and much blood to shed before he will know the answer. This second in the Series takes Aaron from a participant at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 through the turmoil of Mexico's revolt from Spain and the growing pains of the new Republic of Mexico. He will become acquainted with Lieutenant Colonel Santa Anna and a land speculator, Stephen F. Austin. Both will play significant roles in his future. Stephen L. Turner was born a fifth generation Texan, sixth generation Arkansan, and an eighth generation American. His youth was steeped in the history and culture of his heritage. He graduated from Texas Tech School of Medicine, and has worked as a pediatrician in rural Plainview, Texas since 1984. He is married with two married children. He spends his free time running their panhandle ranch, raising horses and hunting. He enjoys reading and writing historical fiction.