Before the Lark: A YA Western Novel

Embark on a captivating journey through 1888 Missouri with twelve-year-old Jocey Royal as she discovers the power of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance amidst her personal struggles. Haunted by the taunts and isolation she faced in school due to her harelip, Jocey finds solace in books, where dreams take flight. Convinced that she will never find a true friend and desperate to escape the constant ridicule, Jocey yearns for a life where she doesn't have to face another person. Living with her hardworking grandmother, Jocey's longing for a fresh start leads her to formulate a daring plan—to build a farm in Kansas, a place where she believes she can finally find solace and freedom from torment. Convincing Gram to accompany her, Jocey sets off on a journey into the unknown. However, life on the farm proves to be more challenging than Jocey imagined. Hard work is expected, but she soon realizes that avoiding neighbors and traveling salesmen is impossible. Complicating matters, Gram's