Patricia Hartmann

The Ojai: Pink Moment Promises Patricia Hartmann

The simplicity of Ojai farm girl Meggie Baxter's life is shatteredwhen she must choose between loyalty to her rough-hewnfriend, Rusty, and the dashing Charles. As the decades of her life unfold, she faces the elemental dangersof floods and fire as well as the colorful high-jinks radiating from PopSoper's Fight Camp, the steam baths at Matilija Hot Springs, aleaning post office tower, a corrupt councilman and Libbey's plansto modernize the town. Amid tragedy and loss, Meggie clings to the one constant in her life,the promise of God's love. It is the "pink moment", the eveningsunset casting a rosy hue like a prayer across the Topa TopaMountains, that points her again and again to faith and courage. Midst the idyllic beauty of the Ojai Valley and the crushing forces ofchange, will Meggie and her beloved Ojai stay true to their ruralroots of faith and family? Will the ultimate sacrifice that sparesRusty's life be enough? Or will the winds ofdestiny destroy both the people and theindomitable spirit of the Ojai?