Six short stories that give us glimpses into the lives of Luke, Nora, and the other characters from Backwards to Oregon.


''The Blue Hour'': When her mother dies, twelve-year-old Lucinda Hamilton decides to start a new life—as a boy.


''Grasping at Straws'': No one knows that Tess Swenson, madam of a brothel, also owns a livery stable and a number of other businesses. On one of her secret inspections, she makes a surprising discovery.


''A Rooster's Job'': The Hamiltons hoped to build a home in the idyllic Willamette Valley with mild winters, but now they're snowed in and their rooster isn't doing such a great job either.


''The Art of Pretending'': Tess finds out that someone is stealing her money. She suspects Frankie, a woman who reminds her of Luke. But nothing is as it seems.


''The Christmas Oak'': Luke sets out to bring home a Christmas tree—but she finds something else.


''Swept Away'': The greatest flood in the history of Oregon sweeps away houses, barns, and animals in the Willamette Valley. At the same time, fourteen-year-old Amy is swept away by her feelings for her best friend.