An 1860's woman defies social norms to create her own destiny.

Young Olivia "Ollie" Seibel heads west with her family. A new life is thrust upon her when tragedy strikes. At twenty, instead of marrying, she sets off to follow her dreams. Disguising herself as a young man, she meets Declan "Deke" Maguire.

Seeing an advertisement for the Pony Express, Ollie determines to have the adventure of her life. She never dreams a war will break out between settlers and the Paiute Indians in the Nevada desert. When Deke goes to fight the Indians, she must hide her true feelings—and her true gender— to find a way to save his life.

Should Ollie tell Deke the truth? What will his reaction be?

With the Union at the brink of Civil War, the Pony Express is entrusted to carry President Lincoln's inaugural address. The trail is fraught with peril; however, Ollie is a woman of valor.

Based on real-life history, and drawing from the legends of America's Wild West, "Phantom of the Desert" explores the values of courage, loyalty, and justice.

Note for readers: There are no swear words in this book. There is a sensual, but non-explicit, wedding-night love scene between two consenting adults.

My idea for a female Pony Express rider came from reading about Charley (born Charlotte) Parkhurst, a stagecoach driver working in California during the mid-1800's. Charley worked hard to become one of the best drivers of his time. Charley's real gender was a secret to most until after his death, when his body was prepared for burial. The news of his true sex was reported on by many national newspapers.

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