Kate Davis is intrigued when her father reveals his dream of starting a horse ranch in Oregon Territory. Settlers out west value a strong woman, and though she manages the financials of her father’s mercantile her competence earns her ridicule, not respect, from Virginia’s elite society.
Jake Fitzpatrick, an experienced trail guide, wants land out west to raise cattle and crops. But dreams require money and he’s eating dandelion greens for dinner. So when a wealthy businessman offers double wages to guide his family across the Oregon Trail, Jake accepts with one stipulation—he is in complete control.
Departure day finds Kate clinging to her possessions as Jake demands she abandon all he deems frivolous, including her deceased mother’s heirlooms. Jake stands firm, refusing to let the whims of a headstrong woman jeopardize the wages he so desperately needs—even a beautiful one with fiery green eyes and a temper to match.
Trail life is a battle of wills between them until tragedy strikes, leaving Jake with an honor-bound promise to protect her from harm and Kate with a monumental choice—go back to everything she’s ever known or toward everything she’s ever wanted?
Christi lives in a small town in Oregon with her twin children. The home’s location holds a special place in her writing life; it stands just six hundred feet from the original Applegate Trail and the view from her back door is a hill travelers looked upon years ago as they explored the Oregon Territory and beyond.
Checklist for this Historical Western: 1. Haughty attitudes. 2. Cheating beau. 3. Loving family. 4. Assumptions. 5. Broody, burned by a woman, trail guide. 6. Rough life on the trail. 7. Tragedies. 8. Dangers. 9. Friendships. 10. Love. 11. Learning new things about ones self and changing for the better. 12. Learning to trust.
Reason's Why: 1. Clean read. 2. Good pacing. 3. Sucked me in until the end. 4. I loved Kate's dad and brother. 5. I liked how Kate and Jake built their relationship. 6. Eventually the story end's up in my state, Oregon. :) 7. I enjoyed the friendships made with secondary characters. 8. I liked Jake a lot.
I look forward to more of Kate and Jake in Tainted Dreams, due out late 2014.
Title: Along The Way Author: Christi Corbett Genre: Historical Western Romance (squeaky clean romance) Story Setting: 1843; begins in Charlottesville, Virginia with a trek across county taking more than 6 months to Oregon City, Oregon Pages: 404 Published By: Astraea press (June 10, 2013) ASIN: B00DBN4ZKO
A breathtaking account of courage and adventure along the Oregon Trail. Travel this dangerous journey with characters you will treasure as they cope with heart-wrenching difficulties they never thought to encounter in a search to fulfill their hopes and dreams. Christi Corbett's debut novel, Along the Way Home, will both surprise and delight. Jillian Kent, author of The Ravensmoore Chronicles
In Along the Way Home, author Christi Corbett unfurls an unforgettable epic romance inside of an epic Western adventure. Beautifully crafted, this debut novel is a tender journey of the heart as well as a treacherous journey of many miles. Along the Way Home is a squeaky-clean historical romance with authentic period details and deep emotion. Much danger, risk, courage and compassion will make you long for more books from this talented author. As heartwarming as Christy. Eve Paludan, author of Taking Back Tara (Ranch Lovers Romance series)
About The Author: Christi lives in a small town in Oregon with her husband and their twin children. The home's location holds a special place in her writing life; it stands just six hundred feet from the original Applegate Trail and the view from her back door is a hill travelers looked upon years ago as they explored the Oregon Territory and beyond. (Pulled from author page on Amazon)
About The Story: Katharine Davis, better known as Kate, a young independent woman brought up with every convenience and luxury was soon to find herself on a journey out of Charlottesville, Virginia to The Oregon Territories. Her mother died 10 years earlier leaving her father to teach her survival skills, along with skills necessary to run a business. Kate’s father had a dream to start fresh in the west and Kate didn’t want to disappoint him.
Consequently, he hired a guide, Jake Fitzpatrick, who’d been over the trail many times and understood the perils of travel. It was late in the season and they were unable to attach themselves to a group of travelers. This would be Jake’s last trip. He wanted a life in the Oregon Territory and this last trip would provide him the means to obtain land and cattle. Knowing the dangers of the trip he demanded that they listen to all he told them and react immediately to his directions. It could be a matter of life and death. Kate did not like to be told what to do.
From its beginning, the journey was a battle of wills between Jake and Kate. Jake tried every way to have her turn back. She was not the kind of woman who could survive the trip or one who could thrive if she even arrived. But Kate’s tenacity and stubbornness did her in good stead.
Through the difficult and trying journey, Kate learned who she was and what she wanted after experiencing greater dangers and sorrow than she ever had. Jake learned Kate had intelligence and quick thinking, with an inner-strength necessary in women destined for the west. He also found his heart could trust again.
My Thoughts: I’m from Oregon and have heard about The Oregon Trail when I was young. I believe I’ve read a novel or two with the backdrop of covered wagons going west. This well-written story was very poignant and deeply moving. The historical implications were upmost in my mind as I read. The hardship and the length of the journey I felt as I read. I was able to feel Katie’s sorrow and strength through the telling. This is Christi Corbett’s first debut novel. She has done an outstanding job with the imagery.
The story of Katie and her family was one that happened over and over on The Oregon Trail. Can you imagine how brave these people were? Men, women and children were at the peril of the climatic conditions, falling ill, getting injured, exposure and danger to predators and either travelling alone with higher risks or be part of a community that one could place little trust.
Christi Corbett has written a wonderful testimony of the people who wanted more in their lives and were willing to sacrifice much to obtain it. A lovely book all around – sweet romance, adventure and honor are all a part of it.
I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this one. We didn't exactly hit it off at first and it took me awhile to become invested in the story. Once that happened, I couldn't put it down.
There were a few personal things I would have tweaked , but overall I enjoyed it. I was actually thinking this book would have been perfect for me about a year ago when I was really researching my own family's history of traveling across the plains. I recently drove from Rhode Island to Utah, and during that drive I couldn't help thinking about all the people that used to make that same trek, only by foot or horseback. What took us a few days, took them months and months. Lots of hardships and this book really places you in that environment and brought to life what it would have been like. I didn't realize going in that there is a second book, so I kept wondering when they were actually going to get to Oregon (not until the very end, btw) and wasn't expecting the entire book to be about their journey. Enough happens along the way to keep things interesting and keep you on your toes.
I liked Jake from the start and he only grew on me as the story progressed. I'd definitely want him as my trail guide, he really knows his stuff. It bugged me to no end, that they were constantly challenging his decisions! He's a professional and has proven himself over and over! Trust him already! Kate was a likable character, after she overcomes her snobbishness. She was raised to be very independent (well, in the sense of knowing what she wants, not in taking care of herself) and is used to getting her way. She has no idea what she is getting into. She has a lot of hardships to go through and overcome. The romance between Jake and Kate is slow to develop, but there was enough there to keep me happy. I actually found it believable and liked how it evolved.
Overall, I ended up really enjoying this one and plan on picking up the second book right away so I can jump back in and see what happens next. I'd recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction.
Content Romance: Squeaky clean, very mild innuendo, mild kissing Language: None Violence: Mild Religious: None-Mild, one instance of a scripture being read over a grave. Not preachy, I would consider it a secular romance.
If you like books that make you feel every feeling imaginable then you will LOVE this book. I laughed, I cried, and I got super angry! I was offended by some of the characters but they got put in their place and when that happened I couldn't be more happier.
When the book starts you are introduced to Katherine Davis better known as Kate. She is a strong woman but she will do what makes her father happy. She in unlike most of the other women of Charlottesville VA in the fact that she is in the upper class but she works for a living at her fathers store as the bookkepper. She seems to have the perfect life, annoying aunt aside. She has a job she loves, friends she loves, she is well liked, family that loves her, and a man that loves her......she thinks. As the story progresses you get to see how this woman grows from the pampered, spoiled person she started as into this strong woman you takes what life throws her way and persevres.
You also get to meet Jake Fitzpatrick. He is an expierenced trail guide for people who want to travel from the East to Oregan. His trip with the Davis' will be his 5th and hopefully his last. He doesn't have any family to speak of, people don't tend to respect him as he is considered beneath their notice. He just wants to do this last guide and settle down and start his ranch. He is adament that he won't take the family he only does the trail with one person who is on horseback. But, when Elijah Davis offers him twice his rate and to pay for all the materials he can't say no. When you first meet him he is a little standoffish and a bit of a jerk but you see where he is coming from. As the story continues you slowly fall in love with him, at least I did. He is the best kind of hero, the one who doesn't want to be but does it anyways to fulfill a promise he makes to a dying man.
I can honestly tell you I can't wait until the next book because I am now invested in their story!
Ahh. I am thrilled to write a review for this book!
I don't normally read historical romances, because I'm not much into "romances" when it comes to reading ... I prefer action, suspense, and a bit of horror.
Well, imagine my surprise when I found action and suspense in this story! There was no "horror" in this book, but I was thrilled to discover that there was so much more than just a story about a girl who meets a guy. If you like a sweet romance, you'll get that with ALONG THE WAY HOME.
I've been to many of the locations referenced in the book, and I felt like I was travelling right along with the main characters as they came west.
Clean language, no detailed sex scenes, appropriate for all ages.
A great adventure. A great book for everyone. I highly recommend it.
Along the Way Home is a heartfelt and richly detailed historical romance that captures both the physical danger and emotional transformation of life on the Oregon Trail. Christi Corbett crafts a compelling heroine in Kate Davis a capable, intelligent woman whose strengths are overlooked in polite society but become essential on the frontier.
The dynamic between Kate and Jake Fitzpatrick is driven by tension, principle, and gradual trust rather than instant sentiment. Jake’s harde dged pragmatism clashes powerfully with Kate’s emotional ties to her past, creating a believable and engaging battle of wills. Their relationship evolves naturally under pressure, shaped by loss, responsibility, and shared survival rather than convenience.
What makes this novel especially effective is its balance: vivid historical atmosphere, genuine stakes, and a romance grounded in character growth. The trail is not romanticized it is dangerous, unforgiving, and transformative and that realism gives greater weight to Kate’s ultimate choice between safety and self determination.
Along the Way Home is an absorbing read for fans of historical romance who appreciate strong heroines, slow-burn emotional development, and frontier settings that feel lived-in and earned.
Very, very nice! Unusual story. I laughed and cried. Made me really feel what people traveling west in our early country went through to get to their destinations. I am ready to start the sequel. I hope it keeps,me as interested as this book did.
A brilliant and different type of Oregon Train story! First it's too late in the season, then it's a one wagon "wagon train", then tragedy after blessing throws all their precious dreams through a tornado! But what happens throughout the journey is quite remarkable and of course life changing! Christi writes a story to remember in this Sweet Historical Romance! I'd love to hear this book in audio!
The first 50% was great. But then the progression and characterization went off the rails, and the last 25% really struggled to the finish. Landing an oregon trail book is difficult I guess?
I don't normally read Westerns; but "Along the Way Home" isn't so much a traditional Western as it is a character driven historical drama. Kate is an independently minded young woman who lives in a male dominated society that expects her to get married and spend her life as a "respectable member of society." I didn't feel Kate would mind this so much if the female society didn't consist of fashionable people she couldn't relate to. She tries her best to get along for the sake of her father; but when the chance to go out west comes, she's not as heartbroken about leaving as she could be.
Jake is a trail guide with a painful past. I'd say more, but I'm afraid I might spoil a few key plot twists for potential readers. I liked his character, because he was a good balance of rugged manliness and kindness. But that's not to say he doesn't have anything to learn from a friendship with Kate. Once again...I just don't trust myself to say much more.
Although they butt heads over every...little...thing in the beginning, they are more alike than either cares to admit.
Christi also did an excellent job of describing the Oregon Trail itself without getting bogged down in details. I'm no historian, but it sounds like she did her homework before writing this novel.
The only problem is now I want to read the sequel this minute.
The storyline is very compelling: young woman travels along the Oregon Trail to start a new life with her family. The author writes beautifully about the struggles of the Oregon Trail but her main female character doesn't seem well thought out. The woman is suppose to undergo a transformation from the beginning of the book to the end, but her character is not developed enough in the beginning. For example, she is business minded but acts like a child (the thing that drives her hunky guide away from her). It doesn't make sense that she is so egotistical about social mores when she is bucking tradition and working in her father's shop.
There are also no sex scenes, or even much sexual tensions. The main characters are sexy, and that is about as much as we get. In fact, I would have guessed it was a Christian romance if I didn't know better.
Great idea, poor execution in terms of characters and sexual tension. That being said, the hardships of the Oregon Trail are very nicely discussed.
This is a wonderful story filled with heartbreak, adventure and love. The author painted a beautiful picture of the trail. I felt like I was there with Jake and Kate.
Kate annoyed me at first but once they had their first close call in the river I saw her bravery. She wasn't going to give up and was determined to give this dream to her Dad. I loved Jake too. He was strong, sweet and kind. He was their supporting Kate through all the troubles they faced. Their love was a slow, quiet kind of love and it was beautiful.
I was really bummed when I got towards the end because I didn't want it to be over. I wanted to see them get settled in Oregon and see their life together... but then I turned the page and saw that there's going to be another book. Whoohoo! I can't wait!
Christi Corbett's debut novel Along the Way Home is a definite must read!
I love the story, it's been awhile since a book captivated me and drew me into the story like this one did, I cannot wait Tainted Dreams.
Kate & family leave Virginia for Oregon with their guide Jake. Kate is a strong willed female used to the finer things, Jake is the total opposite and demands things be done his way, Kate doesn't agree (alot) and it causes quite a few problems!
I don't do spoilers, can't stand to read them I want to read what happens not have it thrown in my face before I get to it, that being said, they experience trials, loss and a full range of emotion during this trip. The book really draws you in, at times I felt like I was traveling the Oregon Trail with them. It's a great story, compelling, well written and a truly enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this story (albeit fictitious story) of the cross-country trek from Virginia to the Oregon Territory. I didn't realize this book was in a series (which series hasn't been written yet) so I am looking forward to book 2 to see what happens in Kate and Jake's story. There was not a lot of typical "romance" in this story and, for me, it was a breath of fresh air. I also mistakenly thought this was Christian fiction, you know, scripture quoting and all, but it was not Christian fiction. However, it was a clean story. I have overdone the romance genre and the Christian fiction genres this past year so this was so nice to read about two adults (male and female) who basically had their heads on straight--for the most past.
All in all, I really enjoyed his book. It has action, adventure, and romance. The glimpses of what it might have been like for those who traveled the Oregon Trail are fascinating. The only thing that kept me from giving this story five stars is the lack of attention to the romance at the heart of the story. I'd have liked to have seen the development of the central characters' relationship receive as much attention as the rest of the elements of the story. At the end of the book, I felt like I still only knew them very superficially.
Hauty gilted city girl clashes with judgmental (against women) trail guide.
She looses everything but finds she has courage & nerves of steel from her many challenges. He is exasperated by her continual arguing & ignoring his advice but once they make peace he sees her true character.
I like that this is a departure from the usual trail stories as it's a family setting off on their own. The hardships, tedium & grief elements of the trail are there but the heroin is strong, intelligent, stubborn, naive & has a heart of gold.
Loved this book. I feel like I just crossed the country in the 1850s myself. What an adventure!!! The descriptions, details and emotions were so real that I really felt I was experiencing it all. My only complaint and the reason I didn't give it 5 stars was that I wished Jake and Katie would have expressed their love for each other earlier in the story. I am excited to read the sequel, "Tainted Dreams" when it comes out to find out how their story evolves.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a good story and kept me coming back to finish the story! The story was very true to real-life experiences and showed just how hard it was to travel the Oregon trail when it first started. I laughed and cried and overall really enjoyed reading it. I would have been okay with the ending - except they included a snippet of the next book, which now left tons of things unresolved. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a more historical fiction.
The book was good. Anyone who took a U.S. History class knows the hardships of the Oregon trail. This is fiction, must you make me cry? Bringing out emotion is a very good thing to a writer; it means they have done their job to make the characters real. Only other part I'm saddened to learn is that there is a second book I must now find to continue the story.
Ok I read this one a while ago but just getting around to the review. I normally don't read anything like this but it was highly recommended by some people I know. I liked this one. I was surprised at how much I did. I enjoyed the history and depth the author displayed in her book. Kate was more than I expected a woman to be back then. Definitely worth picking up
This is the 5th story about the Oregon Trail that I have read. There was more geography than romance. I found it very interesting and informative. I needed a break from previous romance. This was great! If you like history, start out with Lewis and Clark by Ambrose. Also HF by John Alexander Thom, The Sign Talker.
Excellent story. The plot was just complicated enough to be always interesting. Even the tragedies we richly rounded. The romance was clearly written but not bothersome. Lastly the adventures were cleanly arranged and clear from confusing details. Perhaps I should have given tis story another star. Maybe not perfect but close.
I really enjoyed this book! Christi made it so real, it felt like you were on the Oregon Trail with them experiencing everything they did. I can't wait for Tainted Dreams to come out to find out more about Jake and Kate. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
This was a delightful story that will definitely appeal to those kids who grew up playing Oregon Trail. It is a sweet romance, but Corbett does not hold back showing how difficult life on the trail really was.
Loved this story. The love story was sweet, the plot believable and I loved the historically accurate feeling of the book. Looking forward to the next book, but I'm afraid it might not live up to the first!
The hardships that were depicted were so well done that I felt her pain and discouragment as she and Jake continued on with only the deeds to keep her hopes up and then THE ENDING! I buy the next book right now
This is a book that kept propelling me forward. I felt like I was traveling across the country and going through the hardships with them. It is well written and I look forward to the second book which will take up where this one left off.