Ribbons west

As the U.S. descends into the Civil War, photographer Brenton Baldwin travels west with his sister Jordana, taking pictures of the developing lands and in search of their sister. Along for the trip is young Caitlan O'Connor, who has just arrived from Ireland. Will they make it to California to find their family despite the danger that looms ahead? And can early romance grow into love in the face of trials and tragedy?

The Civil War has ended, and the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads are locked in a high-stakes competition to link the eastern states with their western counterparts. Jordana Baldwin's writing catches the attention of an eastern newspaper, and she takes on the guise of a man to report on the progress of the rail line...and to spy for the Central Pacific. She continues to correspond with Captain Rich O'Brian, who now works for the Union Pacific....