This book is basically a story of how violent the period post the civil war was, especially for anyone trying to live outside the norms of society. Catherine Bennett was trying to do just that by being a doctor in a time where women were in very structured roles. Catherine's life is turned upside down by people who want her in her place and she is forced to flee her life. She ends up on a wagon train headed to Colorado. The book then gets extremely violent as it describes life on the plains and in a fort. I put this book down many times, but did end up finishing it. I liked all of the characters and the story. I just can't stomach violence, even though I understand the point the author was trying to make. I'll probably skip the rest of the series. thanks netgalley for providing a galley in exchange for a review.