DESERT PHOENIX: Inspired by a True Story

Lou is a young girl strictly brought up but sold into prostitution when she is orphaned. Changing her name to Tempa she exists the only way she can by working as a prostitute. Her meeting with a young German youth then follows her life in the county of Nevada during the late 18th and early 19th century. Harshness and the cruel struggle for gold is the backdrop to this story. Life for the local people in the area is disrupted by the gold rush. This is a well written tale woven round real events in the authors ancestry, which takes you through a gamut of emotions, including love, sorrow, hatred and happiness. There are illuminating descriptions of life in Nevada during the gold rush, interposed with historical photographs which help bring to life a realistic portrayal of living in the late 19th century.

This is one of those beautiful stories, if not THE most beautiful, of all books I've read in my 75 years. Beautiful and ugly, heart-breaking and full of hope. From the squalor of prostitution dens to the magnificence of how a true, deep love can survive will have you riveted until the very last page. Kudos to the author.

Wasn't sure I would get into this book so much in the beginning, but being based on a true story kept me reading until I couldn't put it down. An innocent young girl who fell victim to the early days of our country's expansion, has to survive, being tossed into the oldest profession of sex for sale in the newly establishing wild west. Her integrity and intelligence make her a true role model of a woman's strength and perseverance while being true to her open heart of love and devotion. A true romance develops and takes years of trial, tribulations and heartache to evolve. I unexpectedly shed tears over the bittersweet ending. Very well written with pictures and descriptions of the reality of the struggles of the times.

This book took me a few pages to get into. But it soon becomes a great read. I really enjoyed the unusual love story. I also appreciated learning about parts of Nevada's history I was unfamiliar with.

Lou and Henri. OMG. My heart was always in my throat for this couple! This story was written in such a way that I could see, feel and smell everything! Even the nasty stuff. I cried. I laughed. I loved. The fact that it was based on a true story made it become important and endearing. There was so much feelings. I could hear the birds and Henri's mimicking them so clearly. Life was so rough back then that only the strong could survive. Lou's story of life as Tempa gave me a better understanding of survival without staying a victim despite the abuse of many. Excellent portrayal. Talented author.

I enjoyed this inspired story. It was a snapshot in a live turned upside down by the hardships and cruel realities of living at the time. Never the less, I kept hoping for good things to come, ever hopeful. Well worth reading!