Author Reveals The Hidden Power Of Women In Support Of The American Dream

CLAREMONT, Calif. - Nov. 5, 2013 - PRLog -- Kansas' tall grass prairie provides a vivid setting for Windborne, a new novel by Wanda DeHaven Pyle.  The author draws heavily on her childhood experiences growing up in the Flint Hills to chronicle a story of three generations of women who triumph over heartache, poverty and abuse to pursue the dream of a better life. Skillfully creating compassionate characters with a range of emotions, Windborne is a novel unique in style and scope.  Set against a historical backdrop of major economic and cultural changes of the past century it is an elegantly timeless tale about the nature of love, loss and awakening.

Pioneer women follwed their men into the rolling Flint Hills of Kansas in search of the dream, but when Virginia Findlay gives up her career as a one-room school teacher in rural Kansas to marry her sweetheart, she is unaware of the chain of events she sets in motion for the generations of women who follow in her footsteps.  The Flint Hills promised bountiful wildlife and fertile valleys, but for Virginia, Helen and Leah it was an empty promise.  Dreams often withered and died from starvation or the harshness and unpredictability of the climate.  Like the pioneer who came before them, they are independent and courageous women who set aside their own dreams to nurture and support others. Eventually, each woman must recognize her own hidden strength and power and find the courage to be true to herself.  Through their example, these women guide each succeeding generation through life and provide a blueprint for making the important decisions that help them find happiness in life.

"Once I began this work, it took on a life of its own and I found myself completely captivated by the relationships and motivations of the characters.  I believe there are lessons to be learned here that will be of great interest to other mothers and daughters!"

Wanda DeHaven Pyle grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas and her recollections of life on the tallgrass prairie have influenced her writing.  She retired from the field of education in 2012 with over thirty-seven years as both a teacher and administrator.  Throughout her career she mentored and inspired women in educational leadership and she continues to motivate and encourage women to reach their full potential.

She currently lives in Claremont, California with her husband and spends her retirement years enjoying her grandchildren and writing stories based on her memories and experiences growing up.  She authors a blog entitled "School Marms and Cowboys" at http://drwandapyle.blogspot.com where she records her inspirations, reflections and insights gleaned from her writing.