End of the Paddle

About the Book

In 1799, Charles Bruneau decides to adventure with fur trader, Pierre Dubois. Both are shocked when Charle's wife, Jazelle, declares she is going with them. She dresses as a coureur de bois, picks up her paddle, regrets the misery, but never the going. They follow the fur traders through raging rivers, and over treacherous portages. Pierre seeks his Indian wife and son. Jazelle's goal is to be the first white woman to cross America to the Far Sea. She trusts the amulet that saved her from the guillotine will protect her.

At Sault Sainte Marie, drunken, lustful traders discover Jazelle is a woman and she's put up for bids. A storm on Lake Superior destroys their canoe. To reach Minnesota, they must cross the Savannah Portage-six days mired in swamp to their waists. At Rice Lake Pierre deserts them. There they meet Charles's cousin, Paul Bruneau, and are taken in by the friendly Chippewa at Mud River. Paul teaches Charles to trap, but they are lied about and driven from the village.

Captured by Hadatsa Sioux, they realized they will be tortured and killed. Anishanaabe rips Jazelle's tunic from neck to waist. Will the amulet save them?

About the Author

Pfeiffer is the author of seven historical novels. A member of Western Writers of America, she is a writing consultant, teaches workshops at a local college, and leads a novelists critique group. Pfeiffer and her husband live in Eastern Washington. Her interests include geology, history, and art.