Antonio's Journey

First time author Ledesma sets
his adventure tale in early America. Antonios travels and adventures carry him
across two continents, Europe and America in his quest for a new life. He
leaves the safety and love of his family in Italy for uncertain life in a far
off land. His dreams, anxieties and fears are borne out as he encounters and
conquers the harsh strange and challenging world that surrounds him. Each
tantalizing adventure brings our hero closer to maturity, self-esteem and the
molding of his character. He experiences love; fear and death on his long
journey and witnesses the history that shaped early America. 1n 1846 he becomes
an early pioneer by joining a wagon train bound for California. During the trip
he experiences encounters with Indians, death, accidents and newly establishes
a long lasting friendship. He wanders around California finding romance and
land. He eventually starts a grape vineyard and establishes himself as a
rancher, husband and father. His life in early California is entwined with such
history making events as the Gold Rush, statehood, the Pony Express, building
of the Transcontinental Railroad and many more historical events. Reading this
heart warming young mans story will enrich the readers to understand the
personal triumphs, hardships and the wests rich history