Where Courage Began

Velma's Story, Book 1

By: G. L. Gooding

Narrated by: Kate Wisniewski

A blizzard rages outside a ramshackle Iowa farmhouse in February of 1921. Five-year-old Velma and her older sister stand near a glowing Isinglass stove charged with minding their two younger brothers.

Velma senses that her father is dying in the nearby living room, and she wonders if her mother can possibly survive the raging snowstorm in her brave effort to get help.

Based on the early life of author G. L. Gooding's mother, Where Courage Began tells the story of Velma, her three siblings, and her widowed mother Alice Steele.

Life for the young family in Woodward, Iowa, requires courage, tenacity, and ingenuity. Through setbacks, tragedies, and triumphs the Steeles forge a meaningful life in their adopted community during the difficult days leading up to The Great Depression. And it is young Velma, wise beyond her years, who plays a pivotal role in the family's survival.

Verified for local historical accuracy, Where Courage Began shines light on Depression-era communities and their values for God, the land, hard work, family, and friendship.

©2021 G.L. Gooding (P)2025 Tantor Media

A Satisfying Saga!

This is an insightful story about what it is like making difficult choices while living in Iowa in the 1920s. It comes to life easily in the distinct voices of Velma, her family members and neighbors as they work out how to survive earning a living, raising children and creating community in tough times. I appreciate the depth of understanding and sympathy the narrator has for expressing the voice of each character. You feel as if you are there witnessing their history as it unfolds. The conclusion to this first of several books is highly successful and makes me want to know what will happen next..