Westward Hearts

Homeward on the Oregon Trail #1

by Melody Carlson

Bestselling author Melody Carlson begins an inspiring new series of adventure and romance on the Oregon Trail.

Kentucky, 1854—Elizabeth Martin has mourned her husband’s death for three years, but now she feels ready to fulfill the dream they had shared—to take their two children west. The dream becomes reality when her middle-aged parents and bachelor brother surprise her with the news that they want to go as well.

After converting three of their best wagons to prairie schooners and thoroughly outfitting them, the little party travels from Kentucky to Kansas City, where they join a substantial wagon train. Elizabeth soon finds herself being drawn to the group’s handsome guide, Eli Kincade.

The long journey and deepening relationships challenge the travelers to their core, and Eli’s mysterious past leaves Elizabeth with more questions than answers. She knows there’s no turning back, but she wonders, What have I gotten myself into?

About This Series: The Homeward on the Oregon Trail series brings to life the challenges a young widow faces as she journeys west, settles her family in the Pacific Northwest, and helps create a new community among strong-willed and diverse pioneers.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Westerns, Historical

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2012

About the author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Reviews

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of books written by Melody Carlson and have yet to this date been disappointed. Westward Hearts certainly didn't disappoint this reader. From the beginning I was torn into the pages and about to join the characters on an adventurous trip to Oregon.
The story begins in 1856. Elizabeth Martin, a widow of three years and mother of two children , feels a stirring within her heart to follow through with her late husband's dreams of moving his family west. Matthew Dawson , her brother has had his heart broken when his fiancee leaves town with his best friend. He decides he wants to escape the town gossip and head out west for a new life.
Elizabeth's parents Clara and Asa Dawson lost a son to Cholera the same time as James Dawson , Elizabeth's husband had died from it. With Matthew talking about going west to Oregon and the possibility of their daughter and grandchildren going with him they would be left without family , alone in Kentucky. Secretly they both had thought about it but hadn't put it into action. Not wanting to be separated from their family they also decide to make the move with their family.
It will be a long and gruelling trip where dangers lurk along the Oregon Trail. Will the family survive the trip and safely reach their destination? Westward Hearts is the first book of the Homeward on the Oregon Trail series. I loved that the author made it feel so real. I could see the covered wagons and the trail as they went along their journey. A very well researched story.
All readers of historical fiction, Christian Fiction and fans of Melody Carlson will love this book. I highly recommend it.
I won a signed copy of this book from the author in 2012. All these years it's been sitting in my book case. I just now got to read it. A review wasn't required . All thoughts stated here are my own.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have said before that I really enjoy books about the Oregon Trail. One reason for this is probably because there is a nice progression to the story from one event and stop on the trail to another. (I tend to be someone who likes order to things!) I also like them because of the substantial growth that always takes place in the lives of those who are traveling on the Oregon Trail. The harsh conditions and the uncertainty of things push the characters to their limits, and it usually makes them stronger and even more dependent on God.

These things were all true about Westward Hearts, and it helped to contribute to my ongoing love of Oregon Trail tales.

In this novel, the reader is given plenty of time to get to know Elizabeth, her children, her parents, and her brother. This was a very good thing, since when they join up with the wagon train, there are many, many more characters introduced. Normally when there are that many characters to keep straight, my head starts spinning, but, for the most part, I was able to keep these characters straight throughout the book.

Overall I would say that this novel is pretty lightweight, but that is actually how I like my historical fiction. I thought Westward Hearts told a story of the very difficult trip to the West in the 1850s in a way that was realistic but not too gritty or without hope. It was fairly predictable, but I guess that is somewhat expected since this storyline has been done many times before.

Read my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...

[Melissa MacDonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kentucky, 1854—Elizabeth Martin has mourned her husband’s death for three years, but now she feels ready to fulfill the dream they had shared—to take their two children west. The dream becomes reality when her middle-aged parents and bachelor brother surprise her with the news that they want to go as well.

After converting three of their best wagons to prairie schooners and thoroughly outfitting them, the little party travels from Kentucky to Kansas City, where they join a substantial wagon train. Elizabeth soon finds herself being drawn to the group’s handsome guide, Eli Kincade.

The long journey and deepening relationships challenge the travelers to their core, and Eli’s mysterious past leaves Elizabeth with more questions than answers. She knows there’s no turning back, but she wonders, What have I gotten myself into?

As I was reading this book I kept double checking to make sure it was teen fiction. It isn't but it's written like it is. Carlson is a decent author and I have enjoyed many of her books. For some reason this one was a struggle for me. It read very amateur. Unnecessary details, poor dialogue, juvenile story lines, and overall just not very engaging. I struggled through it the whole time. There is just enough mystery to keep you hooked but not enough to keep you awake or to make you remember a single character once you're done reading. Here's hoping the next books in the series improve and become more engaging.

www.melmacsreviews.blogspot.com

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for anything Oregon Trail themed because I loved playing that game as a kid, so I was excited to find this book. However, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I was expecting to.

There were a lot of characters with similar personalities, which made the story somewhat hard to follow. They were also pretty one dimensional. I don’t like the way the love triangle is going, as I’m pretty sure Lizzie is going to choose the guy I don’t like at all.

The descriptions of life on the trail were good, and made me nostalgic to play Oregon Trail II again!

[Christine Rebbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up from the new-fiction section of the library because I had very much enjoyed Melody Carlson's "Four Lindas" series -- not because they were well-written, but because the continuing story over the course of four books was engrossing and fun. I gave "Westward Hearts" a shot, but it was a bit too pat and "perky" for such a challenging, dangerous enterprise; kind of on a "Lifetime TV" movie level about the Oregon Trail. Even the cover illustration of the heroine shows her as way too clean and happy. There will be sequels; I will not invest my time in any more of this series. If you want to read a GOOD book about this same time period and the trip west, try Sandra Dallas's "Prayers for Sale". "Westward Hearts" really pales by comparison.

[Ane Mulligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody Carlson is a master story weaver who always leaves her readers deeply moved. No matter the genre, her characters will take you by the hand and draw you into their world. Westward Hearts did that and more. Novel Rocket and I highly recommend this book. It's a must read.

[Courtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book doesn't even deserve one star it sucked so bad

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: WESTWARD HEARTS
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
September 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4871-5
Genre: Historical

Elizabeth Martin has lost her husband, leaving her a young widow with two young children. When her brother, Matthew, is dumped by his fiancé, the two talk about long dead plans to travel west to the Oregon Territory. Plans that first fell into place when Elizabeth’s husband was alive.

The South is in unrest, with talk of secession, and the possibility of war, it seems like it’d be a good time to go. Especially when Elizabeth’s mother starts having warning dreams about an upcoming war and what it might mean to the family. She’s had dreams like this before which, when left alone had come true, so she is especially worried.

But with Elizabeth a widow, will she and her family even be allowed to travel west with a train? And if she does go, how will she handle the unexpected challenges?

WESTWARD HEARTS is book one in Ms. Carlson’s new series, Homeward on the Oregon Trail. The book is relatively slow moving, easily put down, but Elizabeth is engaging, and having a son the same age as Matthew in the story, I really felt for him. Written in Elizabeth’s point of view, readers will experience pioneer life in the face of war from a different perspective.

I enjoyed reading WESTWARD HEARTS and would recommend this to anyone who loves historical books as well as stories on the Oregon Trail. I’m looking forward to the other books in this series. $13.99. 304 pages.

[Brittany Burslem · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to read a book set on the Oregon Trail, but this was a very poor choice. The book was a third over before they even left home and even after the journey was underway the book was so, so boring.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth and James always dreamed of going out on the Oregon Trail with their family and settling out west. The promise of free land is enticing, and James' family is already there and is writing them all the time to tell them how great it is. Then James gets Cholera and that dream dies along with him. Elizabeth couldn't go on her own with their 2 young children, and yet almost 4 years later she still finds that dream lingering. When her brother announces a broken engagement and his plans to head west, she jumps at the chance to join him. When her parents decide to join as well, it becomes a family affair that they only have a couple of months to prepare for. When they finally arrive they find themselves surrounded by people of all walks of life in their wagon train, with differing levels of preparedness. The knowledge that working together will be the best way to make it across 2000 miles safely is key, but easier said than done with a group of strangers. Surely God wouldn't have given them this dream just to take it away from them?
I really enjoyed this book. As a kid in elementary school we played a game on the computer called oregon trail which I was reminded of reading this book, although the game didn't prepare you for quite how gruelling a trip it really was. Obviously unless you experienced it yourself in the 1800s you will never know the true experience, but Melody Carlson must have done thorough research because it almost felt like you were there with them. The book does deal some with abolitionism, which was something all the main characters supported but you'll find some characters who didn't agree which is awful, but not really too different from how some people are still treated today. I fully recommend this series

[Melanie Tillman]

Never judge a book by it's cover! This first book in this series has me hooked. I'm really rooting for Eli Kinkaid, the mysterious trail guide, to end up with Elizabeth, not William Branford, who is so boring. I was impressed that this Christian book didn't gloss over the less savory parts of westward expansion. A girl pretending to be a boy so she can go west isn't unheard of in books like this, but a girl pretending to be a boy so men don't assume she's a sex worker like her aunt? (Or, as it's implied, to protect her from rape). That's pretty shocking for a Christian book, not to mention the entire wagon of prostitutes "Jess" is traveling with. They call them "dance hall girls," but we all know what they are nevertheless. (Speaking of Jess, she and Matthew were so adorable I almost couldn't stand it ❤️) Then there's Brady the freed slave, and the main characters are not only abolitionists, but believe black Americans deserve equal rights. If all that didn't surprise me enough, the book's handling of the Native Americans was so well done. First of all, every group is referred to by tribe (though characters obviously say "indians"). Then we find out Eli lived with the Crow for years and had a Crow wife and son who died of smallpox. Eli is also very vehement in his defense of the native people and the loss of their land. Elizabeth actually struggles with her prejudice when she learns these things about Eli. I was holding my breath for tragedy to strike the train, but so far so good. I bet that's in the next book, however, since this one ends with a sense of foreboding. The ending was also abrupt, obviously telling the reader "to be continued . . . "

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth has been mourning her husband for the last three years but is feeling restless and decides to join her family on the trail to Oregon, where she meets some romance. Because this is book one of a trilogy, it took well over 100 pages to make it to the trail and even longer to meet both potential suitors--that storyline is nowhere near complete. I enjoyed all of the details about planning for the trip. There was an element of "well, this is what *I* would have done," built in, I think--the family brought their own handmade wagon and their livestock on a riverboat to the starting place, had fresh food for the days leading up to the journey, planned for cakes, had an extra wagon, etc etc etc. Her kids were a little too good to be true, and I swear I thought the all women wagon were lesbians (they were dance hall girls). I appreciated Elizabeth's actively working, in mostly era appropriate ways, through her racism against the Native Americans. I definitely prefer Will to Eli, so we'll see how this series goes.

[Christine Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Martin and her husband had a dream once...a dream to travel westward along the Oregon Trail. However, that was years ago and when her husband died, that dream died along with him. At least, that is what Elizabeth thought, until she found herself thinking more and more of the West and learned that her brother and parents were thinking of that dream also. When they decide to sell their land, belongings, and livestock and travel west, Elizabeth and her two children are thrilled! Along the way, they meet some very interesting people, develop some unlikely friendships, and encounter many dangers. This saga is the story of their travels west and how it changes all of their lives forever.

This was a very good series and I honestly could not put these books down...read them straight through! I thoroughly enjoyed them and truly wish that Ms. Carlson had created more books of this series...would love to know what happens next and how many of the characters "turned out."

[Kirsten · Rating 1 out of 5]

A widow decides to travel the Oregon Trail with her young children after her brother's engagement falls apart. They don't even make this decision until somewhere along chapter 7. Let's just say this was a slow moving book.

This whole story felt very camp and one-dimensional. I did not feel much character development in the 31 chapters. There were about 2 exciting moments that helped define Elizabeth's character as courageous and strong, but other than that, each moment that could have been suspenseful or eliciting of emotions were over and accounted for in about 1 paragraph.

I also did not realize this was a book in a series, and when it ended, it didn't end all tied up in a bow, nor did it end on a cliffhanger. It just...ended. In the middle of a boring part. When I got to the discussion questions, I literally just thought Carlson forgot to finish the book.

I will not be reading the next installment because this book just didn't draw me in.

[Phyllis (Avid Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is a slow-paced, gentle read, I really enjoyed it. There isn't much drama or danger until well into the book (probably 60% in), but I found the details of preparation for everyday life on the Oregon Trail to be absorbing. There is almost no romance, but there promises to be more as the series progresses. I would have no problem with my preteen granddaughter reading this story - it is squeaky clean.

The author's writing style in this book is fairly simplistic, but that didn't bother me at all. I will say, however, that the author's writing has vastly improved in recent years. Home Sweet Tiny Home, (published in 2021) had more depth than I expected, yet was still a fun read.

If you're looking for lots of exciting events and romantic encounters, this may not be the book for you. But if, like me, you've always been fascinated by life on the Oregon Trail, I recommend it.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams can come True

Elizabeth was a widow with two children, Ruth and JD. He husband and baby had died two years ago. Matthew is her brother and he is nursing a broken heart, Asa and Clara her Mother and Father. Matthew decided it was time for him to leave and head west, this had always been a dream for Elizabeth. After careful discussion the whole family sell all their processions and head west. Join their journey as they travel across the land, meeting Indians, crossing rivers and hunting for food. Enjoy their birthday parties and even the wedding of Jessica and Matthew.

[Dana McReynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few reasons this book caught my eye:
-Written by the always inspirational author, Melody Carlson
-The story began in Kentucky
-And last but not least, the Oregon Trail

Being a proud member of the Oregon Trail generation, I found it all so very interesting: the packing, the logistics, the relationships formed on the trail, and so much more. However, I do believe there weren’t as many hardships as would be expected. But it’s not over yet, there more books in the series and I’m excited to keep reading.

[Donia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Books about the Oregon Trail or westward exploration always call to me however no so this book. The writing was very amateur with mind numbing repetition, unnecessary details and poor dialogue. I have read books about the pioneers that were written for grade school children that were more entertaining and well written than this supposed adult fiction. I don't know who in the world would have found this entertaining. Forty one pages to get through Christmas dinner? Really?

[molly mihalek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not realistic

I know it wasn't supposed to be a true story, but it felt as if modern day went on the Oregon Trail with some historic facts thrown in. Talk about light reading this was ultra light, and the main character does all this stuff that would have never happened. Like the way they, as farmers, had copious amounts of money to spend. It was ridiculous.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ The beginning was a little slow and the end was a bit abrupt, but I enjoyed the story overall. I have the next one so I'm not so upset about the ending. If I had to wait for the sequel I'd be perturbed.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Enjoyed reading this book. Elizabeth & her family decide to travel on the Oregon Trail to live by her deceased husbands family. This book is about their travels. Could not put the book down. Read it in 2 days. Can't wait to read the other 2 books in the series.

[Jack Vasen]

DNF.

25% and just couldn't stay interested. So far it's all about deciding to go to Oregan and planning for trip. There is absolutely nothing here to hook me.

It appears it takes all three of the trilogy to get there.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Story about a family and extended family that decide to sell everything and go on a wagon train to Oregon. This book will be continued so there isn’t really an ending. I was hoping for more about the trail time wise and less on personal relationships.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite type of story, a clean western romance. Melody Carlson is a great writer. I enjoyed this the first book in her Homeward on the Oregon Trail.

[bert-bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice simple, heartwarming pioneer story.

[Sparksie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, but kinda dragged

The story was pleasant though it dragged quite a bit. The hardships of the Oregon trail were glossed over a lot.

[Lanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting while boiling maple sap. Liked the characters and fortunately I found all 3 books at the thrift store so I was able to start in on the next one immediately.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful sweet Christian romance adventure as a window and her family start their journey on the Oregon trail

[Virginia H. Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

I enjoyed reading about a family decision, preparations, trials and joys on the Oregon Trail. I can’t wait to start Book 2.

[Jjean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about traveling to Oregon from IL. - Hardships - romance - Indians - a cozy read.