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Ribbons West #2
Separate Roads
Book Two in repackaged RIBBONS WEST Series
While the Civil War is raging, Brenton Baldwin has promised to provide a safe escort to California for Caitlan O'Connor. But now that his heart is totally hers, how can he leave her once they finally arrive? Meanwhile, Kiernan and Victoria O'Connor struggle as his work on the Central Pacific Railroad keeps them separated for long periods of time. Then a devastating accident with explosives suddenly changes everything. What will this mean for all of them?
While the Civil War is raging, Brenton Baldwin has promised to provide a safe escort to California for Caitlan O'Connor. But now that his heart is totally hers, how can he leave her once they finally arrive? Meanwhile, Kiernan and Victoria O'Connor struggle as his work on the Central Pacific Railroad keeps them separated for long periods of time. Then a devastating accident with explosives suddenly changes everything. What will this mean for all of them?
497 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1999
About the author
Judith Pella
101 books242 followersJudith Pella is a bestselling, award-winning author whose writing career spans two decades. Her in-depth historical and geographical research combines with her skillful storytelling to provide readers with dramatic, thought-provoking novels. She and her husband make their home in Scapoose, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 27, 2019
Loved it. There was a passage in the book that really touched my heart so I had to jot it down and I want to thank the author(s) for writing it.
"People get sick and die, Whether or not anyone loves them or needs them. They die whether they've accomplished everything they wanted to do or nothing at all. The reality is that they pass from this world when God says it's time. Not one minute before, nor one second after."
Sometimes you just need to have something spelled out to you in life and this was so eloquent.
"People get sick and die, Whether or not anyone loves them or needs them. They die whether they've accomplished everything they wanted to do or nothing at all. The reality is that they pass from this world when God says it's time. Not one minute before, nor one second after."
Sometimes you just need to have something spelled out to you in life and this was so eloquent.
June 8, 2021
Separate Roads is the second book in the Ribbons West series and like the other series and book proceeding it, is full of drama. There’s a lot that’s packed into these pages. The story is divided between Victoria and Kiernan who are living in Sacramento and Jordana, Brenton, and Caitlan who are currently living in Omaha. Jordana, Brenton, and Caitlan are gradually making their way west to Sacramento to take Caitlan to her brother.
Just when things seem to be going well, a corrupt banker’s son tries to get Jordana to marry him and then tragedy strikes which forces Jordana, Brenton and Caitlan to leave Omaha for Sacramento. I liked the growth in both Kiernan and Jordana in this book. Jordana is often headstrong and stubborn and she still is, but she’s more likable in this book and I’m excited to see what happens to her in the third book.
Just when things seem to be going well, a corrupt banker’s son tries to get Jordana to marry him and then tragedy strikes which forces Jordana, Brenton and Caitlan to leave Omaha for Sacramento. I liked the growth in both Kiernan and Jordana in this book. Jordana is often headstrong and stubborn and she still is, but she’s more likable in this book and I’m excited to see what happens to her in the third book.
July 14, 2022
Book two in the Ribbons West series, Separate Roads, was better than book one. I am so glad I kept reading to finish book one and gave the rest of the series a chance. Jordana still tests her "weary guardian angel" and continues to weigh independence against family; Caitlin tries to see her future outside the lens of her past and both women soon learn that "If the good Lord has two people in mind for a union, He will have His way." All matters of faith within the story and the series are handled impressively well and never feel preachy or moralistic. Faith seems a natural extension of the characters and the situations. A good read!
March 28, 2018
Book 2
In the “Ribbons West” trilogy is just as entertaining as the first volume. Jordana, Caitlyn and Brenton make their way to California, with a lengthy, harrowing stop in Omaha. Victoria and Kiernan move about in California and face life threatening/changing hardships. Once again, this is a stand alone novel that wraps up at the end. There is a 3rd book which I’m more than happy to read as I’ve really come to enjoy these characters and their exploits. I think you will too!
In the “Ribbons West” trilogy is just as entertaining as the first volume. Jordana, Caitlyn and Brenton make their way to California, with a lengthy, harrowing stop in Omaha. Victoria and Kiernan move about in California and face life threatening/changing hardships. Once again, this is a stand alone novel that wraps up at the end. There is a 3rd book which I’m more than happy to read as I’ve really come to enjoy these characters and their exploits. I think you will too!
February 21, 2025
Book two has Brenton still photographing the railroad west. In Omaha Caitlin decides she can't accept charity so she works as a domestic at the Cavendaugh family house. Brenton still loves her but caitlin doesn't love God . Finally sll the stars align and they marry.
March 7, 2019
Another hit!
Very much enjoyed this book. I am on to book 3 and more adventures of the Baldwin family. Tracy Peterson has done it again!
Very much enjoyed this book. I am on to book 3 and more adventures of the Baldwin family. Tracy Peterson has done it again!
January 27, 2022
Engaging tale. Sometimes you think the (one of) the main characters is pretty dumb. But engaging none the less.
August 18, 2022
Good inspirational book.
November 28, 2022
This was a fantastic Historical Christian fiction series!
May 25, 2016
Enjoyed
I liked this book even more than book #1. I suppose that is due in part to the first book being largely background, along with the first parts of the grand adventure.
I won't summarize the story, as it is described well already. All the characters are well thought out, but in book #2 I was pleased to witness them grow and mature.; particularly in Jordana's case, as her sense of adventure and self-proclaimed maturity (based on her age, 18) had been setting her up for hard learned lessons and unnecessary risks. In book 2, I became less annoyed with her haughty attitude, and she earned some respect.
Kiernan, who previously irked me to no end, is forced to face reality...we can't kid ourselves anymore once we reach rock bottom, can we?
Overall, if you like book one, you will like book #2 more. Where some characters seemed wishy-washy before, this installment includes forced learning from the school-of-hard-knocks. Since God can best see His reflection in us after the repeated heat of the designer's fire, so it is with these beloved characters. Enjoy.
I liked this book even more than book #1. I suppose that is due in part to the first book being largely background, along with the first parts of the grand adventure.
I won't summarize the story, as it is described well already. All the characters are well thought out, but in book #2 I was pleased to witness them grow and mature.; particularly in Jordana's case, as her sense of adventure and self-proclaimed maturity (based on her age, 18) had been setting her up for hard learned lessons and unnecessary risks. In book 2, I became less annoyed with her haughty attitude, and she earned some respect.
Kiernan, who previously irked me to no end, is forced to face reality...we can't kid ourselves anymore once we reach rock bottom, can we?
Overall, if you like book one, you will like book #2 more. Where some characters seemed wishy-washy before, this installment includes forced learning from the school-of-hard-knocks. Since God can best see His reflection in us after the repeated heat of the designer's fire, so it is with these beloved characters. Enjoy.
July 16, 2013
Even though at times the story dragged along, it still was an interesting subject matter (pioneers crossing the country & difficulties they faced). But even more would have preferred that the author did not keep repeating certain aspects of the main character's (female) personality traits... made her sound very whiny while at the same time the author was trying to convey what a strong-willed woman she was.
June 10, 2016
Wonderful story
I love Jordanna's independence, but at times I was very frustrated with her and sympathized with Brenton. I'm glad Caitlyn found God and in turn, she and Brenton were finally able to fully express and accept each others love. I'm hoping that Jordanna has a love story as well.
I love Jordanna's independence, but at times I was very frustrated with her and sympathized with Brenton. I'm glad Caitlyn found God and in turn, she and Brenton were finally able to fully express and accept each others love. I'm hoping that Jordanna has a love story as well.
July 30, 2013
Liked this one a lot better than the first, I think I'm discovering that this author takes a while to get rolling, but by the end of the first book and definitely starting with the 2nd, develops a great story and her historical details are amazing!
September 26, 2013
I liked this book better than the first in the series. Very interesting to hear about what it took to build a transcontinental railroad. Victoria was interesting to me in this book-I could identify with her in a lot of ways.
March 15, 2016
Historic Romance (Christian) - E-Reader
You won't want to put this book down. The Civil War. A Brother, Sister & newly arrived Irish gal. They leave the east coast for California. A lot of action & complications, & love, but through their faith they kept going.
You won't want to put this book down. The Civil War. A Brother, Sister & newly arrived Irish gal. They leave the east coast for California. A lot of action & complications, & love, but through their faith they kept going.
November 7, 2010
Book 2 of 3
July 30, 2012
I love rereading old classics. This is one I read a long time ago. I love the whole Baldwin family and learning about the railroad. It's a great series.
April 11, 2013
Liked this one...good story and fun characters...
Read
April 11, 2013اريد ان اعرف كيف يمكن قراءة الكتب
July 17, 2016
A fine, light read for out by the pool
September 18, 2016
I was really happy that they finally got together, but they took their sweet time about it.
September 22, 2020
Separate Roads by Judith Pella -- If you like Civil War era fiction, this is a perfect series for you! Loved these! Happy Reading!
July 22, 2018
I have a problem...I finished this book last night and don’t have the next one in the series. Ha!
I usually find the middle book in a series to be the weakest—but not so in this case. I actually liked it better than the first!
Jordana is defo my favorite character, and I’m eager to see how her storyline resolves in book 3. She’s unconventional and pushes back against society’s ideals and expectations, especially around getting married (or not) and doing things as a single woman. I absolutely applaud this and like her all the more for it. One of my favorite lines: “God, she was certain, did not wish to stifle that sense of adventure that very likely had come from Him in the first place.”
I usually find the middle book in a series to be the weakest—but not so in this case. I actually liked it better than the first!
Jordana is defo my favorite character, and I’m eager to see how her storyline resolves in book 3. She’s unconventional and pushes back against society’s ideals and expectations, especially around getting married (or not) and doing things as a single woman. I absolutely applaud this and like her all the more for it. One of my favorite lines: “God, she was certain, did not wish to stifle that sense of adventure that very likely had come from Him in the first place.”
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews