Sammy is a bittersweet novel about the western frontier shortly after the Civil War. Sammy Blanchard, a crusty Texas Ranger, fell in love with a little whore, Molly Malone. Molly became pregnant; she was sick and impoverished, with no earthly idea what the next moment would bring. The baby wasn't Sammy's; he had never slept with Molly; he came to her rescue because of his love for her. When the baby boy was born, Sammy prevailed on Molly to let him adopt the infant and give him his own name. Sammy named the child Nicholas Blanchard. Molly told Sammy, "I ain't gonna whore no more, Sammy. I've got a right good singin' voice, and I'm gonna seek my fortune singin' and dancin' for a livin'. But promise me you'll never let little Nick know who his mama is, and what she did for a livin'."
The western adventure continues with plenty of outlaws, Indians, romance, humor and tears.
Rivers Walker is a native Texan, who attended both the University of Texas and Texas A&M University, majoring in Business. Before embarking upon his professional career, he served in the United States Air Force.
His Cadet Class, from which he graduated in 1943, included extensive ground school training in engineering, aeronautical engineering and navigation. His service record was quite notable and was highlighted by a number of decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Good Conduct Medal. Among his many foreign citations was the Royal Order of the Flying Cloud from the Republic of China. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain at the conclusion of World War II.
After the war Rivers had a very successful career developing real estate: building houses, developing raw land, general contracting, and all the other ingredients that go into those activities.
Then another career presented itself: He became a stockbroker. He started selling stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and was a total security analyst. He was permitted to sell securities on the New York Stock Exchange, The American Exchange, the NASD, and all the other related securities houses.
In early 1973 Rivers moved to Houston and formed a company with an architect, who was designing office buildings. Immediately, these two men realized that each possessed talents needed by the other, that a profitable partnership could result from this fortunate meeting. The firm successfully constructed and developed almost one-half billion dollars worth of real estate in Texas, Louisiana, and other sections of the country, for their own account as well as the accounts of others. In his lifetime Mr. Walker has initiated upwards to three-quarters of one billion dollars worth of construction and development.
Recently the Walkers returned to their hometown, Houston, Texas, where he is now writing novels full time. With such an eventful, exciting life behind him, Rivers can draw on actual experiences to make his characters come alive in his manuscripts. Throughout his life he was known as a great storyteller, and now his writing techniques allow him to put thrilling stories into print. His eventful life has given him the ammunition for drama.
