At a glance
Christian Historical Romance
A Worthy Pursuit
Book 1 of the A Worthy Pursuit series
352 pages · First published 2015
When Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths unexpectedly closes, headmistress Charlotte Atherton refuses to abandon three vulnerable students to uncertain futures. Determined to honor a dying mother's wishes, she takes the children to a secluded Texas home, where she hopes to protect them from those who would exploit their extraordinary gifts. But Stone Hammond, a legendary tracker with a reputation for never returning empty-handed, has been hired by a wealthy railroad investor to retrieve his supposedly kidnapped granddaughter. When Stone discovers that Charlotte possesses legitimate guardianship papers and that the children are fiercely devoted to their teacher, his straightforward assignment becomes a question of conscience. As a dangerous enemy closes in, Stone and Charlotte must overcome their distrust and join forces to defend the makeshift family they have come to cherish. Set in 1891 Texas, this Christian historical romance blends witty banter, Western adventure, heartfelt faith, and an unexpected love story, making it an inviting choice for a lazy summer afternoon when you're craving a protective hero, a courageous heroine, and a family worth fighting for.
River Fog Sarsaparilla + Ranch Water
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Death of a parent and orphanhood; threats against children, attempted kidnapping, custody disputes, and exploitation of a child's abilities; physical violence involving guns, knives, fighting, blood, and injuries; a detailed confrontation with a wild animal; a brief threat to drown a kitten; references to rape, prostitution, and marital infidelity; occasional references to drinking and alcohol; mild insults and period-appropriate exclamations; romantic kissing, affectionate embraces, and physical attraction.
Alcohol-Free Pour
River Fog Sarsaparilla
Old-fashioned sarsaparilla with a hint of vanilla brings a playful sweetness to this Texas adventure, where three extraordinary children, one determined teacher, and an unlikely protector discover the meaning of family.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Add syrup and citrus, top with root beer or sarsaparilla, and stir gently.
- Garnish: Citrus wedge.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Highball glass ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Ranch Water
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Crisp lime and sparkling mineral water make a straightforward Texas pour, much like Stone Hammond's approach to tracking—until a courageous schoolteacher and three remarkable children turn his simplest assignment into the pursuit of a lifetime.
What you'll need
- 2 oz tequila
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice ↗
- 4 oz sparkling mineral water ↗
- Ice
Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Add tequila and lime juice, top with mineral water, and stir gently.
- Garnish: Lime wedge.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Highball glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.