Trinity Franklin is at her wits end. After she was stuffed in a barrel, knocked into the river and floated through the rapids, grasshoppers swarmed through the countryside and devastated the property and house in Wilson's Falls where she was staying. Now she's on the road to Dwadlo, North Dakota, to find the only living relative she thinks she might have. She's acting on information received from a drifter that her great, great aunt, Pauline Wilson, might have moved to Dwadlo from her home in Wilson's Falls. Trinity's brother recently passed away and she needs to sell this property and get on with her life in Sioux Falls.

As Trinity arrives in Dwadlo, she learns that two train derailments destroyed the town and they are trying to rebuild. She makes friends with Mae and Tom Curtis who do know her 94-year-old aunt and help her connect with Pauline. At dinner with Mae and Tom, Trinity meets the man who stuffed her in the barrel. That encounter was so brief; he did not recognize her, at first. He was trying to save her from marauders. As it turns out, Jones is purchasing land for the railroad and may be interested in Trinity's property. There's just one catch, Aunt Pauline has the deed and her memory is fading. Trinity and Jones begin a wild goose chase to find the deed so she can sell the land. What they discover is very special.

Set in 1893, this historical inspirational is a charming story about the uncivilized West. Dwadlo is a strange town filled with eccentric people, so you are in for several laughs. The story investigates the question: why do bad things happen to good people? It's a story about turning tragedy into blessings; about people building walls around their hearts and no letting anyone get close to them. UNDER THE SUMMER SKY is the second book in Lori Copeland's Dakota Diaries series. I think you will enjoy this delightful story.

Book Summary

This romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland portrays God’s miraculous provision even when none seems possible. 1893

A man who goes only by the name of “Jones” isn’t looking for trouble when he happens across Miss Trinity Franklin at the riverside. He is simply on his way to North Dakota to seek the advice of Tom Curtis, a former CN&W Railroad land purchaser. But when Jones spots a lady who is about to become the victim of a marauding band of thugs, he quickly follows his instincts. A handy barrel and a nearby river seem the perfect getaway solution…how was he to know she couldn’t swim? Thus begins an adventure beyond what either could have anticipated. After Jones again rescues Trinity—this time from the river—they find their destination is the same: a small town in North Dakota. A seemingly coincidental beginning comes to a delightful and charming ending when orchestrated by the One who can put the pieces of any lost and broken life together.