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California Chronicles book cover 1
California Chronicles book cover 2
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California Chronicles
Series · 3 books · 1999-2001

Books in series

When the Far Hills Bloom book cover
#1

When the Far Hills Bloom

1999

A SWEEPING SAGA… AN EPIC ADVENTURE… AN ENDURING LOVE STORY. From the romance of early California’s ranchos and valleys of wild horses, to the stark beauty of New Mexico’s highlands, When the Far Hills Bloom weaves an unforgettable tale of heroism and loyalty, honor and betrayal. Aislin Byrne harbors a powerful love for the wild, untamed lands of Rancho La Paloma. The threat of its financial ruin only strengthens her feelings and seals her resolve to save her home. But the fight to rescue the rancho will draw her into a drama rife with conflict and secret sorrow, and launch her on a desperate journey that will test her mettle…and change her life forever. Throughout her quest, Aislin is haunted by the love of two Jamie, a natural authority figure driven to leadership and perfection; and Spence, a gifted horseman and healer who is more at home with wild horses than with people. But only one man can claim her. And it will take a daring scheme to save her beloved land before Aislin’s heart can choose…
The Blossom and the Nettle book cover
#2

The Blossom and the Nettle

2000

In her sweeping new trilogy, the California Chronicles, award-winning author Diane Noble combines love and laughter, poignancy and passion in a setting that brings to life the young and gloriously wild California of yesterday. California Chronicles, 1888 - 1891 Meet three members of the Byrne and Dearbourne families you'll never forget... EMMELINE AMITY CALLAHAN...a feisty charmer with a needy heart. Emmeline's an ugly duckling. At least that what she thinks-until she receives a gift that leads her to California's Big Valley where she makes a surprising discovery. QUAID DEARBOURNE...a tough and tender cowboy. He's passionate about keeping his land in its original wild glory. Sparks fly when his irresistible new neighbor covers her acreage with perfectly even rows of fragrant, flowery trees. MERCI BYRNE...a troubled young woman as wild as the wind. When she discovers the ugly secret of her birth, Merci disappears-forever, she hopes-to a place that is empty and dead. Her journey is dark, but Merci finds the One who will never let her go.
At Play in the Promised Land book cover
#3

At Play in the Promised Land

2001

From California’s rugged Big Valley to the fleeting glory of the Silver Screen, one family struggles to save its heritage. AT PLAY IN THE PROMISED LAND California Chronicles, 1915–1923 In the final installment of her sweeping trilogy, The California Chronicles, award-winning author Diane Noble follows the descendents of the original rancho families into the Twentieth Century. Once again, the California of yesteryear comes to life through three unforgettable characters… JULIET ROSE DEARBOURNE ... From childhood she has planned to leave the dull land of her ancestors. When tragedy strikes the family, care of Juliet’s younger sisters doesn’t thwart her desire to run away to New York. Her journey to stardom on stage and in silent film is swift, but the price of fame is dear. CLAY MACGREGOR ... A private detective and part-time stunt flyer for the flickers, Clay is hired by Aislin Dearbourne to track down her missing grandchildren. An easy job. Or so he thinks…until he meets the single-minded Juliet and her five lively siblings. SULLIVAN "SULLY" DEARBOURNE ... Captured by a primitive tribe, Juliet’s brother Sully finds himself in the Brazilian jungles fighting for his life and for that of their father, Quaid Dearbourne.

Author

Diane Noble
Diane Noble
Author · 20 books

Diane Noble is the award-winning novelist of more published books than she can count: historical fiction, contemporary mysteries and suspense, and romance (written under the pen name Amanda MacLean). Diane writes from a heart of deep faith that's woven into her stories and nonfiction writings. She often posts on Facebook and Twitter about her journey with Parkinson's Disease and the unexpected gift of learning to live moment by moment with humor, grace, and optimism. With more than a quarter million books in print, Diane continues to spin tales that touch readers' hearts. Book one of her new three-book mystery series, The Professor and Mrs. Littlefield, will be in bookstores September 1, 2014. It's title? THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE MISSING FIGUREHEAD. Diane is a professed Third Order Franciscan in the Anglican (Episcopal) Church, following the footsteps of Jesus with simpicity, love, and joy as lived out by St. Francis of Assisi. Mother to two beautiful daughters and Gramsy to two cutest-ever granddaughters, Diane lives in Southern California with her wonderful husband and two spoiled cats. Oh yes, and Diane loves

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