![\"Mariano's](\"https:\/\/www.davidmjessup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/choice_cover.png\")
Author David Jessup brings Colorado history to life in his latest novel about Mariano Medina, Loveland\u2019s first settler.\u00a0 His presentation at the Loveland Museum on November 17 features photos of the real characters who lived on the frontier during the lead up to America\u2019s 1846 war with Mexico.<\/p>\n
According to New York Times bestselling author Sandra Dallas, the book \u201cadds flesh and blood to the bones of one of the West\u2019s legendary mountain men.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMariano\u2019s Choice is one of those rare, wonderful books that sticks in the mind and heart long after you\u2019ve read the last page,\u201d according to Anne Hillerman, New York Times best-selling author. \u00a0\u201cMasterfully paced, it offers an intriguing snapshot of the West through the eyes of characters largely ignored by mainstream fiction.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mariano Medina is most well-known for having saved a U.S. Army brigade that attempted to cross the Colorado mountains during the Mormon War in 1857. While history does make some account of Medina\u2019s adult life, little is known about the childhood of a man known for his grit, tough nature and courage. That\u2019s where Jessup\u2019s story begins in Mariano\u2019s Choice.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI mused about his motivations and personality. I felt the urge to fill that information in,\u201d Jessup said. \u201cI thought, wouldn\u2019t it be interesting if he wasn\u2019t always this brave tough guy, but as a youth was cowardly and afraid,\u201d Jessup said. \u201cAnd how might that transformation have come about?\u201d<\/p>\n In Jessup\u2019s fictional version, young Mariano Medina witnesses a vicious attack on a girl he adores and flees in inexplicable terror.\u00a0 Fifteen years later, as a grown man training horses along the Oregon Trail, he has a chance to redeem himself if he can overcome his cowardly urge to flee. His choice will lead Medina back to the land of his childhood, where he must confront his darkest fears and uncover the hidden source of his panic in the ghostly stare that haunts his dreams.<\/p>\n Jessup\u2019s talk and book reading is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Thursday, November 17th, 2016, at the Loveland Museum, 503 North Lincoln Avenue.\u00a0 There is no charge, and no registration is necessary.\u00a0 Proceeds from book sales will support the Loveland Museum and the Loveland Historical Society, which will also accept donations at the event.<\/p>\n For more information about the book, visit www.davidmjessup.com<\/a>.\u00a0 The book can be purchased in advance at the Museum and at the event itself, or ordered from local and online book stores.<\/p>\n Images of the book cover and an author bio are attached.<\/p>\n For Further Information, contact:<\/strong><\/p>\n Author David M. Jessup, davidj@sylvandale.com<\/a>; 970-481-8342<\/p>\n Jenifer Cousino, Loveland Museum, 970.962.2413\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>Jennifer.Cousino@cityofloveland.org<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n