Patsy Stanley

The Red Cactus Desert Patsy Stanley

Twelve year old Geena escapes the clutches of her Shadow-tainted father and the town that supports him. Fleeing south with Mama in their 57' Mercury, they stop at a desert store in New Mexico. Having inherited the Sight from Mama, she immediately knows the store is her new home, and Cowboy Johnson, the owner, is the good father she needs. Now she has protection and a family -- and love at first sight -- when she meets Ray Makepeace. More misfits settle into the store. But families carry both strengths and weaknesses, and the misfits have plenty of both. Geena and Ray's love is in for a bumpy ride. Normaine won't marry beautiful, dapper Eddy. Mama is terrified of returning Cowboy Johnson's steadfast, calm love. William the Dude Makepeace makes troubling decisions based on his arthritis. Still, love will have its way, traveling the many paths it takes to stay true to the soul each misfit carries. Interspersed here and there are children's stories the author is currently making into children's books. Geena's coming of age story is an inspiring tale of innocence and courage.