Along with their children, Tom Gannon, a handsome master carpenter and frontiersman at heart, and his wife, Helen, set out to explore the less populated middle America-Chambers, South Dakota, on the banks of the incredible Brule River. There in Chambers, two thirteen-year-old boys-Tom's son, John, and James Blue Eagle, the Mandan Chief's son-bond in a lasting friendship cemented by a one-room school, athletics, and unusual frontier adventures. In so doing, they help their small frontier town grow in stature during a time of mistrust and uncertainty, ultimately launching their own destiny. While the gifted Tom Gannon matures in frontier banking episodes, the Gannon women use their talents in the world of opera and art, leading them to Chicago and Europe-strong magnets that nearly rupture family unity just as young John and James prepare to enter high school in Kansas City, Missouri. The first in an exciting new series, Monmouth in the Morning follows the Gannon family and their friends on an epic journey of adventure, challenge, and triumph.