K. P. Vorenberg: Tierra Red Historical Point: 1895 U. S. Atlas

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Tierra Red Historical Point: 1895 U. S. Atlas

Pam Rietsch at http://www.memoriallibrary.com/ has spent years creating jpgs of every page of this antique atlas. I discovered her website nearly ten years ago while doing research for Tierra Red.

The composite map shown above is from the Part One divider page in Tierra Red. Since Pam has created jpgs of each individual county of the Territory of New Mexico, I used segments of three jpgs to create an image which shows the incredible distance Lily traveled during and following the catastrophic event that occurs in Part One.

Anyone who has traveled through New Mexico in modern times understands the enormous size of this state which covers 121,666 square miles, making it the fifth-largest state in the Union.

But this segment of Lily's journey is only the beginning . . . .

1 comment:

Melissa said...: I am extremely excited to buy the novel Mom! I can't wait to read the second, third, fourth, fifth, etc....; 7:03 PM

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Reader's comments . . . .

I haven't read many books set in New Mexico, but I was looking for something different to help pass the time on a long-haul flight from Sydney to Europe, so I chose `Tierra Red'. I wasn't disappointed, the story flowed and I felt I learned something new about the region where the story was set. The characters were believable, and fleshed out just enough to help create mental pictures - I was shown, without being told the various foibles of each character. The story is not a `gunslinger' cowboy story, but a study of people and how they react under certain circumstances. It is obvious that the author has detailed knowledge of the New Mexico area, and her knowledge adds authenticity to the story. Other reviewers have added bits and pieces of the story in their reviews, so I will not reiterate their comments. I enjoyed the novel, and the author's style made the book a very welcome read on such a long flight. (G. Woodland - Sydney, Australia)

What an absolutely wonderful story this is. From start to finish I was totally immersed in the adventure, history and romance of this fabulous western. This story is beautifully written and incredibly compelling. The characters are complex, the plot is gripping and the geographic descriptions are so detailed that I finished this book feeling as though I had just come back from an action packed holiday. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy this story. I quite simply loved it from start to finish. Thank you Ms. Vorenberg, for one of the most exciting books I can remember reading. (Elizabeth Marshall - York, England)

Historical fiction fans are ready for a more sophisticated western, and Tierra Red fills the bill.

It offers the high suspense we want, from start to end, but with rare sensitivity and finesse. The author's love for the southwest gives the book universal appeal, and the characters she presents are unusually complex and appealing. (I admit to a particular fondness for the intuitive, generous-hearted Serena.)

Set at the turn of the last century, Tierra Red lands Lily Preston smack in the middle of a dangerous, high-stakes conspiracy that has been building for decades. The plotters are ruthless and powerful, and Lily is in the way. Where will it end? (W. Bertsch - Toronto, Canada)

Great book! Up to 3am because I couldn't put the book down. The characters, plot, twists and turns, detailed description of the area were outstanding. It was especially exciting as my husband I had recently returned from New Mexico and heard about the land grant scandals. I could picture myself in the areas written about because we had just been in the area. I can't wait for the next book to become available so I can catch up with the action! (S. Miller)

The heroine, Lily Preston, is described as having "the heart of a philanthropist, the wits of a banker." And this she does. She is a protagonist the reader will care about. It has been said that John Grisham is a master at infusing tension onto every page. Ms. Vorenberg excells in this regard. Tierra Red is an exciting read throughout. The "breathers" that she judiciously offers fascinate, be it description of the gorgeous landscapes of New Mexico or the tender and palpable interactions of living characters. I'm confident that you will also enjoy Tierra Red. (Nigel Fields)

Tierra Red is a great read! This book defies genre classification. There is enough "love story" to enrapture, enough intrigue to captivate, and enough history to whet a history buff's thirst for knowledge. With all those ingredients, it's hard to call it a Romance, a Mystery, or a history lesson, but you get it all in large enough doses to appease whatever your reading interests might be. I can't wait for the sequel and where life takes Lily and her family. (K. Cook)

I read Tierra Red this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. I hated for it to end! I loved New Mexico and it's rich history as the setting. The characters were very interesting and the plot kept me turning pages right up to the last one. My compliments to the author for a very delightful reading experience. (Patsy A. Combs)

This book has a little of everything for the reader. The historical background of an area of the US too long ignored was fascinating. It was great fun to try to guess all the players in the scheme to defraud so many. An element of romance is always a plus. The day by day aspect of the chapters made me feel I was almost living each day with the characters. Can't wait until the sequel comes out! (Arline Lewis)

What a great book. It was very hard to put down. I was on the edge of my seat practically from the first page, and I really enjoyed the local color. (Ted K. - Albuquerque, NM)

A thrilling novel about territorial New Mexico land dealings. This novel contains mystery, adventure, and unforgettable characters with strong passions of greed, love, courage, and loyalty. Short chapters add momentum to the fast pace of the novel. It is a fun read. I couldn't put it down. I wanted to solve the puzzle but I didn't want the story to end. (Las Cruces reader)

Tierra Red is exciting -- a book that is hard to put down from page one. The characters come to life and keep the reader guessing throughout. With the last page, one is already hoping for a sequel! If you like mystery and suspense, you will definitely love this book. (W. Ilse - Loda, IL)

Before I read the first hundred pages I concluded that I've read entire books that didn't have as much going on with character clarity and a meaningful direction with hints of the plot to associate with them. (F. Hosa-Dougherty - Las Cruces, NM)

Although I generally enjoy historical fiction and suspense novels, I don't often read until 5am to finish a book. This time I did. Tierra Red is so compelling and offers such a fascinating web of intrigue that I couldn't put it down. (R. Atkins - Friday Harbor, WA)

In today's world of economic upheavals, worries, and annoyances, this book is a breath of fresh air. It transports you to a different time and place with heroes, villains, mysticism, love, and thrill-packed adventures galore. (Patricia J. V. - Lexington, MA)

Congratulations on a good, good book! I liked that both the main story and the sub-stories maintained continuity all the way through to the end of the book -- and they are very believable. The descriptions are real enough that you can imagine yourself there . . . other descriptions just crackle! This was a book that I read quickly, but had to slow down near the end just to savor the story. (Jim Irvine - Prescott, AZ)

Wow! It's terrific. I can't wait for the next instalment. (M. Lawlor - Silver Springs, MD)

Tierra Red will grip you from the very first paragraph and you will find yourself drawn into the intrigue and danger of the New Mexico land wars. The book begins with terror and betrayal and runs the gamut of human emotions as you follow the lovely heroine through a tangle of lies and deceit into what promises to be a life filled with mystery, love, and triumph -- or does it? You will be reading late into the night to find out. (A. J. Richardson - Las Cruces, NM)

Captivating read! I could not put this book down and ended up reading it in just a few days! Exciting, romantic, gripping -- I was on the edge of my seat many times. I read the last few pages when I was 3/4 of the way through the book because I couldn't stand the suspense! I loved the complexity of the story and characters. Generally, I am not a fiction reader so I thoroughly appreciated the historic aspect of the book as well. My only question is: when does the sequel come out? (L. Jurist - Baltimore, MD)

From the first page, the author pulled me into the story. I had a hard time putting the book down. The historical detail combined with the mystery and intrigue made it a very enjoyable read. (Jamie)

I grew up in historic Lexington, MA with the background of the American Revolution permeating everyday life. Reading Tierra Red opened up an entire new page of history for me and one I think has been long neglected. If you want to learn how part of our country was built, about power and corruption, about a beautiful woman and romance in the Southwest, then do not hesitate to get this wonderful book and indulge yourself. (S. Kolovson - Kalamazoo, MI)

I just finished reading Tierra Red. I got so into the book that my poor family didn't get any attention from me for two days until I was finished! I was captured by the locations/places and the history that was included. I can't wait to take some trips right here in NM to put it all together. I can't wait for her next book!!! (T. Wright - Las Cruces, NM)

Great story. Good characters, plot, and great historical information on New Mexico. Highly recommend for all to enjoy. Especially good for book clubs to read and discuss -- this book has a great storyline that is a great discussion topic. (E. Seaberg - Albuquerque, NM)

As a new resident of New Mexico, I loved reading this book which is set in places very near our home. The characters were vividly drawn, the mystery compelling, and the romance steamy. What more could be asked of a good book? I plan to recommend it to my book club. (N. Miller - Franklin, IN)

A really fantastic read for everyone! This book has everything and will keep you up at night because you can't put it down. The mystery is exciting, the characters are wonderful, you can almost smell the roses and taste the coffee as you experience everything through this fantastic story. (M. Davis - Albuquerque, NM)

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Tierra Red Historical Point: 1895 U. S. Atlas

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