What I think you should know:
Wagons West by Carol McAdoo is part of the New Beginnings Family Saga . The story is set in 1849 and follows members of a wagon train as they travel west. This story was originally published on Kindle Vella and does not end with this book. The book ends with a cliffhanger.

What you might need to know:
This book deals lightly with some tough stuff:
Rape, kidnapping, demon possession.

What I think about this book:
This is not a fluffy Western. McAdoo covers a vast variety of characters in the book, which allows for a very entertaining story. I appreciate the details about the wagon train. I am not sure who was my favorite character, they were all so different, with each having something you could learn from, good or bad. I don't know that I would read the story on Vella as my attention span isn't that long, but I would read if compiled in book form.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

Wagons West pulled me in quickly. The setting, era, and atmosphere of this story gave me a nostalgic feel of the show Little House on the Prairie. I don’t read a lot of western stories, so the setting and time really intrigued me.

I was immediately curious about Captain Lee, and adored Blair Beechy. I admired her spunk and determination. And young Tucker, the ‘man’ of the family, and mysterious Emmerson Pierce gave me warm vibes from first meeting them. The story has so many wonderful (and some not so wonderful) characters with diverse personalities and motivations. Beatrice (Bea) intrigued me, and I connected with her effortlessly. I suppose being a middle child myself made me sympathize with her most. The spoiled nature of Addie exasperated me, and the complexity and perplexity of Birdie worried and saddened me.

What I loved most about this story is that despite the hardships of the journey, the faithfulness and devotion traveled alongside those on the wagon train. I love the inspiration, prayers, and spiritual messages that shine through it all. I’m glad this is the first book in this family saga because I didn’t want it to end.

First Line: “What are we going to do, Mother?”
Series: New Beginnings Family Saga book 1
Genre: Western Historical Fiction
Author: Caryl McAdoo
Page Count: 458
Content: Abuse could be a trigger


#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine. ( )

I adore stories during this time period and when you add a wagon train to it well I’m sold. The author delivers an experience where readers will feel like they are riding along the trails in a slow moving wagon with dust, heat and rain facing their journey. It was easy to feel every movement because of the vivid picture painted with words. It is no secret that I love this author’s writing and am always amazed at how the stories capture my attention right away.

I’ve decided not to go into much detail in this review because I don’t want to spoil anything for readers. The characters are wonderful, the trials they go through are heartbreaking mixed with joy. I love the strong female lead in the story and her determination to make a better life for her children.

There is one character that stands out to me and her fight to survive the demons inside her. For some this may be hard to read, but I found it important because it followed a Biblical example where demons were cast off. It is not spoken about much, but I liked how the author handled it. It gives hope to those who struggle emotionally and sheds a light on how God can save those who seem hopeless. As always I have come away with a deeper relationship with Jesus after reading a book from this author. I appreciate that she tackles hard subjects and shows how Jesus sets us free from our sins.

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