ALONG THE TRAIL
by Kaci Curtis
GENRE: Young Adult Historical Fiction
Blurb:
In 1847, Winnie and her family are traveling west to start a new life in the Oregon territory. While many in their wagon train fret over river crossings, disease, and encounters with Native tribes, she relishes the unexpected freedom of life on the trail.
Threatened by storms, wild animals, and outlaws, Winnie must rely on the bonds she's made and all she's learned in order for them to make it to Oregon alive. She also must decide if she is ready to risk forming an attachment to Hal, the cowhand who has a knack for showing up just when help is needed, or whether she will emulate Mae, the free-spirited daughter of their trail guide.
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Read an Excerpt
Mae recounted many stories from her native friends – outlandish tales of trickster coyotes, nature spirits, and ancestral guides who took the forms of animals.
As they hunted for the stream that Big John had spoken of, the wilderness around them seemed to come alive.
Winnie knew it was because of Mae’s stories, but she couldn’t help herself. The afternoon sun gilded the tree tops, and she found herself searching their branches and trunks for a glimpse of curious eyes or a wily smile.
When they ventured from the swath that had been cut by hundreds of wagons before them, the prairie grass grew tall enough to brush the bellies of the horses. It wasn’t hard to imagine something crouching there, peering at them between stalks of grass.
The wildflowers seemed brighter, the colors more vibrant. The biting flies that lingered around the livestock were long gone, and for the first time, Winnie thought she could see why people had begun to venture west.
Maybe it was the break from the monotony. Maybe it was the novelty of riding Lazy Louie instead of walking. Or just maybe, Winnie was finally beginning to actually see the wilderness, instead of only resenting it for its hardships and the simple fact that it wasn’t the farm she’d grown up on.
With that thought, she felt that she had found the root of the matter. The heart of the cause for the blinders she’d worn the past month and a half, which had kept her from finding anything about the trail worthy of its renown. She bore resentment. A bit of anger. Reluctance.
My Review:
Winnifred "Winnie" Hayes is a seventeen-year-old girl who embarks on a challenging journey with her mother, father, younger brother Elijah, sister Nora, and her husband Jeb from Missouri to the Oregon Territory in 1847, traveling in a covered wagon.
Winnie is a kind-hearted individual who cherishes her family and life. Along the trail, she encounters Hal, a cowhand who is interested in her, as well as Mae, the daughter of the trail guide, Big John. Winnie finds herself torn between the desire to settle down with Hal and start her own family, or to embrace the free-spirited lifestyle of Mae, who lives life on her own terms.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading ALONG THE TRAIL and following Winnie and her family through their arduous journey, facing numerous challenges and leaving behind loved ones in graves they may never revisit. Winnie’s interactions with Indigenous people allow her to learn more about them and develop trust.
ALONG THE TRAIL is an enthralling tale that will linger in my thoughts for a long time, with memories of it surfacing frequently. I would be eager to explore more about Winnie, Mae, and their families in future installments. I am particularly curious about Mae’s adventures and her life, as well as Winnie’s experiences on the prairie.
I have a fondness for stories like ALONG THE TRAIL, including those such as Little House on the Prairie, 1883, and many others. Upon reading the summary for ALONG THE TRAIL, I felt compelled to join in on its journey. I would love to see ALONG THE TRAIL adapted into a television series, which I would watch repeatedly.
I wholeheartedly recommend ALONG THE TRAIL to anyone who enjoys tales of long journeys, challenging adventures, and memorable characters. So, be sure to pick up a copy today and immerse yourself in the many adventures that ALONG THE TRAIL has to offer.
About the Author:
Kaci Curtis is a military spouse, and mom of two. She was raised in Kansas City, MO, only minutes away from the town of Independence, where the Westward Trails began. She loves hiking, camping, reading while sipping coffee, all things National Parks, thunderstorms, gardening, and book club.
Connect with Kaci Curtis
Giveaway:
$20 Amazon/BN GC
1 comments:
Thank you for featuring and reviewing ALONG THE TRAIL.
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