This book is loosely based on an extraordinary woman called Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst who lived most of her life as a stagecoach male driver. Raised in an orphanage, Charley soon finds out life is hard and that she has to learn to fend for herself. Even if that means changing her sex and crossing the country as the gold rush takes place.

The first half of the book definitely deserves 5 stars, there's so much happening and it is so well written that you surf the pages suffering and hoping the best for Charley. The rhythm of the second half slows down, and it is still very interesting but some action/emotion is missing. I was left with this slowed down tone at the end of the book and that's why I gave it 4 stars. A very good book!