Samantha Waldron is entering the final stages of her trip across the country. Joining others looking for the fertile Willamette Valley, Samantha, her father, and her brother have been traveling the Oregon Trail. They have given up everything in hope for a new life, but it appears they may have to give up even more before they can get to Oregon. Meanwhile, Alex Clarke is an important person in the fur business. Being a proper British man, he's tired of helping all these Americans arriving with nothing but dreams and immense hunger. When Alex ends up helping Samantha though, they both begin to rethink what it takes to live out west.

I love historical novels, and this book had a lot of interesting details in it. The harsh conditions of traveling across the Oregon Trail were very apparent. It really made me appreciate what strength and spirit it took to be able to complete the journey. I don't think I would have blamed anyone for wanting to turn back. There was also an element of luck involved, as evidenced by some of the bad things that happened to Samantha and her company. I really knew next to nothing about the fur and trapping business, so the book allowed me to learn some about that as well. I appreciate how much the governor really went out of his way to help all the struggling Americans. They were under no obligation to help, and yet they did. I could appreciate Alex's reticence to help, but he had a good heart no matter what and did what must be done.

More than anything I really admired Samantha. Her tenacity was amazing. She knew what her end goal was, and she was going to accomplish this no matter what. I also loved her open-mindedness about all the peoples she came across. I really enjoyed this book. It made me feel very lucky to be sitting in my air conditioned house on the couch just reading about it though. I think that to survive the trip west people really had to have a sense of purpose, and Samantha definitely had that. The further I got in the book, the less I wanted to put it down. There was a lot of action and adventure, so that also helped to keep my interest. I loved this book, and I think fans of history will also appreciate the human touch brought in this book.

Book provided for review. ( )

Samantha, her father and young brother Micah have left all they know to travel West to the Willamette Valley in Oregon Territory. The trip is not as romantic as Samantha thought it would be but she holds on to the promise of a land where "seeds planted in the morning can be harvested by nightfall." All does not go as scheduled and suddenly Samantha is left with a stranger - and English stranger to take her to her final destination.

Her feelings for him are confused as he is engaged to a woman waiting for him to come home and take over the reigns of the family business but Alex finds he likes this new country he has lived in for so long now and he also finds he likes this American girl who has traveled so long and experienced so much hardship. Will true love triumph over duty?

This is my second book by Ms. Dobson and I was not disappointed. The trials of the settlers heading West are well known but she has made the tale seem fresh. The romance is sweet and it develops slowly and sweetly. The descriptions of the landscapes are very well drawn and I felt I was along in the covered wagon for the ride. The characters struggles and triumphs were well written and realistic. All in all a very satisfying read. ( )

Although it took me awhile to get into this book, once I did I couldn't put it down.
A realistic look at what life was like for the pioneers who settled the Western part of our county. Samantha Waldron, her Dad and young brother Micah are traveling to Oregon. I hated some of the things that happened to these people, and the Wagon Master. I wanted to shake him... ugh!
Be sure to have a box of tissues handy on this Journey. We see some beautiful sites, but having to be lowered by ropes?? Ride along in the wagon...or I should say put your walking shoes on and travel for a few thousand miles.
Long lasting relationships are established here, and many of them are going to last for the rest of their lives...however long the Lord has them stay.
Don't miss the incredible happenings that go on near the end of this book. I also found Micah so endearing!! A good read to really learn what hardships are.

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Book Tours and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

Samantha Waldron and her family are among the first to travel the Oregon Trail, but the trip proves to be anything but an adventure. When she reaches Fort Vancouver, she must rely on the help of the British to survive. She had assumed on the trip that she would marry Jack Doyle, but after meeting Lord Alexander Clarke, she isn't sure what the future holds. But for Lord Clarke, his future is already settled. But will Lady Judith be willing to wait until Alex is ready to return to London?

Historical fiction has always been a favorite of mine. Anything involving the pioneers heading West always grabs my attention, and this was no exception. Melanie Dobson has woven a fascinating tale of adventure, heartbreak, and romance on the Oregon Trail. With no strong language, violence, or sexual content, this novel is appropriate for teens to adults.

5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )