Aboard Cabrillo's Galleon

Aboard Cabrillo's Galleon

"In 1542 amid the aftermath of a deadly earthquake, conquistador Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo receives orders from the Mexican viceroy to lead a fleet northward into uncharted waters and explore the mysterious land called California. Bearing heavy scars from services previously performed for the Spanish Crown, his rewards will be extraordinary if only half of the splendors allegedly awaiting them prove to be true. Soon after the fleet departs it is met by storms that threaten the entire journey, and aboard the San Salvador Cabrillo must fight for every sea mile. As the fleet advances up the unknown coastline, the new country's astonishing beauty and equally astounding perils unfold before them. Cabrillo, repeatedly choosing diplomacy over war, fosters bonds of friendship with many of the native tribes near settlements known today as San Diego and Santa Barbara. After sailing beyond San Francisco he is forced to seek shelter for the winter off San Miguel Island, where he becomes involved with a young Chumash widow living as an outcast among her people. Trouble escalates between the sailors and islanders until rebellious crew members provoke the Chumash warriors to attack. After suffering devastating losses, the fleet struggles onward with its dangerous mission." "A riveting historical novel . . . . Highly recommended for personal reading lists and would make an enduringly popular addition to community library collections." Midwest Book Review ( Midwest Book Review ) --Midwest Book Review Christine Echeverria Bender hunts down the secrets of history and bares them with the skill of a master storyteller. Her first two novels, CHALLENGE THE WIND and SAILS OF FORTUNE, vividly tell the fascinating stories of the Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan voyages. Her third novel, THE WHALER'S FORGE, entices readers into the world of 14-century Basque whalers as they set foot on North American shores for the first time. In ABOARD CABRILLO S GALLEON she sets her readers on the decks of the San Salvador to explore the West Coast of 1542 with Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo. (Cabrillo s beautiful ship has been replicated with great care and now sails out of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.) Christine has received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Idaho Commission on the Arts. Boise State University, her alma mater, has honored her as a member of their Distinguished Alumni. She has been featured in Women's Adventure Magazine for her daring pursuits in the area of historical literary research. These research adventures have included steering at the helm of tall ships, crossing the Snake River on horseback, exploring uninhabited islands, and joining a team of archaeologists from the Smithsonian Institution on a dig in the remote reaches of Canada. Such first-hand experience brings distinctive vibrancy and authenticity to Christine's writing.