Title: Delia and the Drifter (Westward to Home #1)
Author: Melody Carlson
Pages: 320
Year: 2021
Publisher: WhiteFire Publishing
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
This book was in my “to be read” pile for a while, so when I was searching for a weekend read, this book fit the bill perfectly. The main female character is Delia who went to college for two years, is independent, and a young lady with a heart of gold. However, unlike other women of that era, she didn’t just go along and do as society and her mother wanted. Delia is about to learn that there is something in her past her mother never made her aware of, and when Delia meets with an older gentleman, her life is set on a different trajectory. Delia is going to Colorado to meet Winston Williams and on the way, she meets Wyatt.
Wyatt is a man who calls himself a drifter. He has held many jobs and experienced a lot of adventures. When he meets Delia on a train heading west, he is on his way to Alaska to meet up with a friend to work a gold mine. When Delia must disembark to get on her last train before arriving in Colorado, neither one wants to say goodbye. So, they trade addresses and promise to correspond by letter, both hoping to see the other again.
Delia and the Drifter is a story that includes romance, but it also has so much mystery in the plot and surprising twists that kept me reading until I finished! While not knowing the truth of who her father was, it didn’t mean he wasn’t preparing her for a promising future. Wyatt is looking for his next thrill when he comes across Delia, and it just changes his purpose in life from one of solitary existence without roots to one he hopes will include Delia. The book is romance, thrills, suspense and more. I hope others will read and share with family and friends!
The second book in the series Miranda and the Miner, which is the next book I plan on reading. I will let you know what I think of that one soon!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

What I think you should know:
Delia and the Drifter is a Historical Western Romance. It is the first in the Westward to Home series by Melody Carlson. It is set in June of 1884 and follows Delia as she leaves the comforts of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for the wilds of Colorado.

What I think about this book:
What an amazing start to a series, Mystery, Murder and Suspense with a touch of Romance. I am a sucker for Westerns and books with strong female leads. I LOVED this book. Delia wanted more out of life than to be married off to a rich older man and she was willing to take risk to get there. I love how Delia was a strong and confident young woman and how Carlson allowed her to be a college graduate, but not a helpless shelter woman. She had the spunk that she needed to carry her through great tragedy and trials. Wyatt was also a great character, I enjoyed getting to know him. Carlson does a wonderful job of creating characters that are both realistic and captivating and setting the scene for a story that will keep you on your toes. The story ended way too soon for me, I hope that we will get to see some of the background characters in future books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Imagine you have always believed certain things about your family, then you discover what you believed is wrong. This happens to Delia when her mother’s plans on marrying her off to a much older man, and a stranger comes into Delia’s life. Truly, Melody Carlson creates amazing worlds in her books that draw the reader into the story. The characters jump to life through the words on the pages of the book.

Including adventure, friendship, danger, murder, and more, Delia and her drifter seek to find their place and way in the world. I love the pace of this novel along with the various characters in the book. I found myself unable to put the book down until I finished reading it. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

It would seem that Delia Blackstone has it all. She's attended college, her wardrobe is stylish, and she lives in a nice home in Philadelphia. She even has a suitor that her parents approve of! Should it matter that he is many years older than her? Apparently it does matter and Delia's efforts to avoid a loveless marriage, along with her discovery of a secret from her past, prompt her to take a train across the country to Colorado. Is it proper for a respectable, young single woman to travel alone in 1884?

Author Melody Carlson shares a story with memorable characters, a faith-filled message, and so many other elements that I've come to expect in her books. Delia finds friendship with a self-professed drifter and she's also introduced to a life filled with hard work, cowboys, danger, and intrigue. I recommend Delia and the Drifter to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. A favorable review wasn't required. These are my own thoughts. ( )

It is easy to feel like I have traveled back in time after reading this story. The author has done an excellent job of making the story cone to life with cowboys, cattle, ranches and a western theme. I loved reading and getting to know Delia. I was so upset how her mother treated her. After all her mother was the one who kept a secret for years. My heart went out to Delia when she was banished from the only home she knew. Greed was evident when her family tried to force her to marry someone because he was rich.

The journey begins for Delia when she sets off on her own to meet her real father. Can you imagine finding out that your life has been a lie? All I could do as I read the horrible words said to Delia by the people who raised her was to pray. Delia is a very determined young woman. I loved her courage and compassion for others.

Meeting Wyatt on the train opens Delia’s heart. She soon realizes that they have an attraction for each other. I loved how the author was able to draw them into a friendship that left them wanting to keep in touch. I wanted Wyatt to follow Delia but he had business to take care of. When Delia arrived at her destination tragedy awaits her. Oh how my heart broke for her. All her dreams of a reunion with someone special is cut short. I loved the mystery in the story and I wasn’t quite sure who the guilty person was.

I didn’t like Miranda at all when she puts on this show like she is queen of the ranch. She sure doesn’t welcome Delia and it is easy to tell that Miranda wanted her gone. Jealousy rears it’s ugly head as Miranda tries everything she can to make Delia feel unwelcome. The emotions in the story are strong and the author demonstrates what grieve can do to a person. The story is well written and moves at a good pace. I do have some lingering questions that I hope are answered in the next book . The book has mystery, secrets, forgiveness, romance and a new beginning to keep readers entertained throughout the story.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )