CherLTomPg2

Aggie, the redheaded sister of Rietta, is in love with Dick

Conners...and gold. But, when Leesome Jones rides into

the valley, Aggie is torn between her feelings for Dick and

the chance to journey to the Willamette Valley looking

for gold.

When Aggie mistakenly thinks her sister wants her

to move away, she rides out with Leesome and into more

trouble than she's ever imagined.

Gold mining tunnels inspire Palisade author

by Ann Winterholter

The Daily Sentinel

When Cher L. Tom was doing some research as a student at the University of Oregon she ran across some information about the underground tunnels in Jacksonville in southern Oregon.

In the late 1800's, Chinese settlers in the area used the tunnels to work in the old mines and transport gold, Tom said.

"There was a lot of anti-Chinese sentiment and they were being cautious," she said.

"That got me thinking."

The result was the Christian romance novel "Oregon Wedding" published in 2002 followed by a sequel, "Aggie's Journey," in 2003.

"Aggie's Journey" is similar in genre and appeal to the romance novels written by popular Christian author Janette Oke.

Tom's writing isn't pushed. Each character thinks or speaks their thought of faith in a natural way.

Tom is working on a third book in the series that she expects will come out next year.

"Aggie's Journey" can be found at Borders, Hastings, Intermountain Christian Bookstore, Grand Valley Video, Slice 'O Life Bakery and online at www.trebleheartbooks.com.