Anthelia Yosemite Bride

Due to the impact of commercial interests on the scenic land that became known as Yosemite, concerned citizens and Senator John Conness sought federal protection. The 38th United States Congress passed legislation creating the Yosemite Grant, which President Abraham Lincoln signed into law on June 30, 1864. It was the first time land was set aside by the U.S. government specifically for preservation and public use. Although initially Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove were ceded to California as a state park, this action set a precedent for the 1872 creation of Yellowstone National Park, the nation’s first national park. Over the years, as more lands were set aside as national parks, these special preserves captured the imaginations of those who found their way to enjoy their beauty. Join several of your favorite authors as we share romances and adventure set in several of North America’s early national parks.

With the death of her parents and the loss of the only home she had ever known, Anthelia Spencer thought sure her life was over.With no marriage prospects, only her aunt and uncle in California offered her a place to live and work. They ran a combination bakery and merchandise shop that catered to visitors of the newly-created Yosemite Grant in the wilderness of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Only after she arrived did she realize the wild and remote nature of her new home. The one bright spot was the regular arrival of the stagecoach that brought tourists to Yosemite—with Dallin Walton employed as the shotgun messenger.