Reviewed by: Beverly J. Rowe, MyShelf.Com
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This is the story of Sarah Kensington, a twelve-year-old, who travels to the 1820's Texas frontier to live with her cousin after the devastating loss of her mother. Sarah had promised Mother to care for the swans and to carry on her Mother's tradition as Royal Swan Keeper. Celina, her pet swan, seems to be her only true friend. Her struggles during the trip to the New World by sea include coping with seasickness.

Sarah's journey from New Orleans to San Antonio with 21 swans to care for helps her to discover her own strengths and weaknesses in her struggle to keep the swans alive and travel the dangerous trails in this story of adventure in a hard land.

There are historical characters in the story, including Stephen F. Austin, Santa Ana, and Jane Wilkinson Long, and the history of the times prior to the push for Texas Independence is accurately told. Roberts has crafted an exciting story that will leave you wishing for more. The characters are well-rounded and believable; the plot keeps you turning pages to see what can possibly happen to Sarah next. Can we hope for a sequel? Roberts has included a bibliography of suggested reading at the end of the story.