
A spirited young woman named Jessica lives on the remote Sobrante Ranch, where the ordinary blends with the extraordinary—her most trusted companion is an ostrich named King Zulu. When a nervous newcomer, Mr. Hale, arrives seeking a cure on a daring horseback (or rather, ostrich‑ridden) tour, Jessica’s confident humor and deep bond with her feathered partner turn a perilous canyon trail into a lively, if chaotic, adventure.
Their unexpected encounter sets off a race across rugged canyons and sun‑scorched mesas, revealing the rugged beauty of the western landscape and the quirky charm of ranch life. As they navigate narrow passes and share witty banter, Jessica’s fearless independence shines, hinting at the challenges and friendships that await on the expansive valley below. Listeners will be drawn into a world where daring rides, unconventional pets, and the promise of a hidden ranch create a fresh, lively tale of frontier spirit.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (306K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.fadedpage.net
Release date
2010-10-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1843–1910
Best known for lively stories for girls, this American writer published dozens of books from the 1890s into the early 1900s. Her fiction often mixes adventure, family life, and young heroines finding their way in a changing world.
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