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The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride #15
A Journey for Jillian
Jillian Barker's father and brothers were harsh drunks, so when the older brother closest to her age decides to run away to the West, she talks him into taking her with him since he’s the most responsible brother. However, when they get to St. Louis he decides to stay there. The wagon master refuses to take an unmarried woman with him, and she doesn't want to remain with her brother who is working in a saloon. Her only option is to wed. The wagon master assures her he can find someone who will agree to an annulment in Oregon, but can she risk another man lording it over her?
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2024
About the author
Janice Cole Hopkins
103 books31 followersJanice Cole Hopkins grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. As an only child, she learned to love the stories of Appalachian culture, and when she started school, she discovered a even wider world of stories through reading. She was writing her own by third grade and had published poetry by eighth grade. After graduating from Appalachian State University, she first wrote for magazines because the shorter articles were more manageable while she taught school. She retired early and became her mother’s caregiver, which is when she wrote that first novel, and she hasn’t stopped since. Soon she will have over a hundred books listed on Amazon with more to come.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 8, 2024
PATIENCE. BE PATIENT.
Each story in The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride series will have a young, marriageable age female forced to marry to be able to journey to Oregon. The marriage is one of convenience and offers an annulment at the end. But, what happens along the trail may change the outcome. Each story will read as a stand-alone.
“The West is too wild for an unwed woman. If you want to ride on my wagon train and make it to Oregon, you’ll need to find yourself a husband.”
The story begins in Coon Hollow, Western Virginia, on March 5, 1852, where Jillian Barker lives her life in fear, never knowing how her Pa and brothers will react after a night of drinking. Since the death of her mother when she was twelve, she has cooked, cleaned, and even took care of most of the animals on their farm. Her Pa and brothers are mean, and take it out on her, except for Chester, her youngest brother, who isn’t as mean. By chance, Jillian discovers Chester in the barn, and he admits he wants to leave and go westward, away from Virginia. She will beg him to take her, so that she can do the cooking and chores, helping along the way—he will finally agree and they plan their escape. But things take a turn in St. Louis when Chester goes to a saloon, gambles, and loses the rest of their money. He decides to stay and work in the saloon, but Jillian wants to continue on to join the wagon train and Chester helps her do so, why he stays behind.
What a shock to arrive in Independence, Missouri, find the wagon train, but be told that if she isn’t married, she can’t go. The wagon master tells her he will see if a single man traveling with the group would agree to a marriage—and then they can get it annulled when they arrive in Oregon City.
Vance: Miss Barker?
Jillian: Yes.
Vance: I’m Vance Coffee. Mr. Sadler says that you find yourself in a predicament, and I might be able to help.
Jillian: Please have a seat. So, you’re willing to marry me and then get an annulment when we get to Oregon?
Vance: I’m certainly considering it. Are you a believer?
Jillian: I am. I’ve not been able to attend church since my mother died when I was twelve, so I still have a lot to learn, but I hope to do better now that I’m on my own.
Vance: I’m also a Christian. If both of us follow God, we should be all right.
I loved the story of Vance and Jillian. My heart broke for her, how her father and brothers treated her and abused her, and had she not escaped, no telling what would eventually happen. Chester was the better of the brothers, and while he messed up, he did right by her, making sure she had a weapon, the wagon, and supplies to make it to Oregon.
Meeting Vance and them taking a chance on each other leads to a sweet, emotional story. She intends to never marry, which also means she will never have a family. But what she has endured at the hands of her family, has destroyed her faith in men. Will Vance be able to show her that not all men are created equal? Their relationship slowly develops, and he falls in love first, but he must tread carefully with her, showing her that he is sincere. When a life-and-death event enters their marriage, Jillian and Vance will be tested, and her faith will be challenged, but God’s blessing will be showered upon them. In the end, we do get the coveted happily ever after ending.
Each story in The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride series will have a young, marriageable age female forced to marry to be able to journey to Oregon. The marriage is one of convenience and offers an annulment at the end. But, what happens along the trail may change the outcome. Each story will read as a stand-alone.
“The West is too wild for an unwed woman. If you want to ride on my wagon train and make it to Oregon, you’ll need to find yourself a husband.”
The story begins in Coon Hollow, Western Virginia, on March 5, 1852, where Jillian Barker lives her life in fear, never knowing how her Pa and brothers will react after a night of drinking. Since the death of her mother when she was twelve, she has cooked, cleaned, and even took care of most of the animals on their farm. Her Pa and brothers are mean, and take it out on her, except for Chester, her youngest brother, who isn’t as mean. By chance, Jillian discovers Chester in the barn, and he admits he wants to leave and go westward, away from Virginia. She will beg him to take her, so that she can do the cooking and chores, helping along the way—he will finally agree and they plan their escape. But things take a turn in St. Louis when Chester goes to a saloon, gambles, and loses the rest of their money. He decides to stay and work in the saloon, but Jillian wants to continue on to join the wagon train and Chester helps her do so, why he stays behind.
What a shock to arrive in Independence, Missouri, find the wagon train, but be told that if she isn’t married, she can’t go. The wagon master tells her he will see if a single man traveling with the group would agree to a marriage—and then they can get it annulled when they arrive in Oregon City.
Vance: Miss Barker?
Jillian: Yes.
Vance: I’m Vance Coffee. Mr. Sadler says that you find yourself in a predicament, and I might be able to help.
Jillian: Please have a seat. So, you’re willing to marry me and then get an annulment when we get to Oregon?
Vance: I’m certainly considering it. Are you a believer?
Jillian: I am. I’ve not been able to attend church since my mother died when I was twelve, so I still have a lot to learn, but I hope to do better now that I’m on my own.
Vance: I’m also a Christian. If both of us follow God, we should be all right.
I loved the story of Vance and Jillian. My heart broke for her, how her father and brothers treated her and abused her, and had she not escaped, no telling what would eventually happen. Chester was the better of the brothers, and while he messed up, he did right by her, making sure she had a weapon, the wagon, and supplies to make it to Oregon.
Meeting Vance and them taking a chance on each other leads to a sweet, emotional story. She intends to never marry, which also means she will never have a family. But what she has endured at the hands of her family, has destroyed her faith in men. Will Vance be able to show her that not all men are created equal? Their relationship slowly develops, and he falls in love first, but he must tread carefully with her, showing her that he is sincere. When a life-and-death event enters their marriage, Jillian and Vance will be tested, and her faith will be challenged, but God’s blessing will be showered upon them. In the end, we do get the coveted happily ever after ending.
March 17, 2026
A Journey for Jillian
The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride, Book 15
By: Janice Cole Hopkins
Narrated by: Jared Walters
I love this book! It hits all the feels, from fear and frustration to hesitation and love. Jillian finally gets away from her toxic home with her brother. Since the death of her mother, she has been abused mentally and physically, basically a slave to her father and brothers. Now is her chance to break away and start over. Then she is told by her brother to go west without him. FInding the wagon train, the leader will not take her unless she is married. Luckily, Vance is willing to marry her in name only. But what happens on a long journey? Things being as they are from good times to bad, these two are together. And Jillian does her best to hold on to the fact that she does not want a man. But Vance is slowly getting under her skin. Will he finally win her heart? This is fabulous as a slow burn, inspirational story. I loved how they spend time together, from laying out laundry to reading the bible. I also love the journey of the wagon train as Janice Cole Hopkins tells it. She has a way of giving all the different things that can happen on such a laborious journey.
Jared Walters narrates this gem and he brings Cole's story to life. He finds the best voice for each character and creates the personality just as she perceives it to be. The journey is full of all kinds of adventures and tragedies and Walters adds the right amount of emotion to make the story feel real. This is a fun listen and should not be missed!
The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride, Book 15
By: Janice Cole Hopkins
Narrated by: Jared Walters
I love this book! It hits all the feels, from fear and frustration to hesitation and love. Jillian finally gets away from her toxic home with her brother. Since the death of her mother, she has been abused mentally and physically, basically a slave to her father and brothers. Now is her chance to break away and start over. Then she is told by her brother to go west without him. FInding the wagon train, the leader will not take her unless she is married. Luckily, Vance is willing to marry her in name only. But what happens on a long journey? Things being as they are from good times to bad, these two are together. And Jillian does her best to hold on to the fact that she does not want a man. But Vance is slowly getting under her skin. Will he finally win her heart? This is fabulous as a slow burn, inspirational story. I loved how they spend time together, from laying out laundry to reading the bible. I also love the journey of the wagon train as Janice Cole Hopkins tells it. She has a way of giving all the different things that can happen on such a laborious journey.
Jared Walters narrates this gem and he brings Cole's story to life. He finds the best voice for each character and creates the personality just as she perceives it to be. The journey is full of all kinds of adventures and tragedies and Walters adds the right amount of emotion to make the story feel real. This is a fun listen and should not be missed!
July 4, 2024
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed this story. The narrator was great and the story interesting. I loved following Jillian and Vance’s journey. From trying to find a husband, to trying to live through the dangers along the Oregon Trail. Jillian tried to rely mostly on herself and not get close to Vance. Does she ever get a friend? Does she ever learn that all men might not be like her father and brothers? She never dreamed that a man could be kind, surely he would change when things went wrong.
I highly recommend this book to my friends. So far all the books I have read/listened to from this author has been great.
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I highly recommend this book to my friends. So far all the books I have read/listened to from this author has been great.
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
March 6, 2024
I enjoyed the book! Jillian escaped from an abusive home with her brother. When they got to St. Louis, her brother stayed to work in a saloon but Jillian refused to stay and work in the saloon so she headed to Independence on her own. The wagon master refused to let single women travel on the train so he found her a kind man to marry. Vance felt God leading him to marry Jillian and protect her. Jillian had to come to terms with her past and learn to open her heart to the future. This is a clean wholesome book where the characters rely on their faith in God. I highly recommend reading this book!
April 28, 2024
Vance and Jillian
This is the sweet tale of Vance and Jillian’s adventures on their wagon train trip to Oregon. Jillian lived in the mountains of Tennessee with her drunken and abusive widowed father and her brothers. She and one of her brothers run away and head to Independence. She makes it but her brother stays in Saint Louis. She learns she can not continue on the trail unless she marries. The wagon train leader finds her a marriage of connivence until the arrive in Oregon. This is their story of their good times, bad ones too, adventures and excitement. You will certainly enjoy this story.
This is the sweet tale of Vance and Jillian’s adventures on their wagon train trip to Oregon. Jillian lived in the mountains of Tennessee with her drunken and abusive widowed father and her brothers. She and one of her brothers run away and head to Independence. She makes it but her brother stays in Saint Louis. She learns she can not continue on the trail unless she marries. The wagon train leader finds her a marriage of connivence until the arrive in Oregon. This is their story of their good times, bad ones too, adventures and excitement. You will certainly enjoy this story.
July 8, 2024
Interesting story, A Journey for Jillian. Jillian was being abused by her Father and brothers. Ever since her Mom died it has gotten worse. When she discovers that her older brother is sneaking away to go West, she begs him to take her too. They leave in the night, but in St Louis, her brother stays behind. When she gets to the wagon train, they will not let her in, unless she is married. So, she agreed to marry Vance in name only, until the reach Oregon. Their journey is long and hard and their loves grows. Loved it!
I was given a audiobook copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
I was given a audiobook copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
March 8, 2024
Jillian and Vance
Jillian begs her brother to include her in his escape from their father's tyranny. However he decided not to continue on with her. Needing a husband in order to join the wagon train, Vance meets with her and Jillian reluctantly agreed.
The trip is one of self discovery, acceptance and growing faith for both.
Ms. Hopkins writing style pulled me into the story and held my attention and interest.
Jillian begs her brother to include her in his escape from their father's tyranny. However he decided not to continue on with her. Needing a husband in order to join the wagon train, Vance meets with her and Jillian reluctantly agreed.
The trip is one of self discovery, acceptance and growing faith for both.
Ms. Hopkins writing style pulled me into the story and held my attention and interest.
March 19, 2026
This clean pioneer historical romance had a variety of different circumstances and some very interesting characters ! The adventures were daunting and the romance was sweet, and I loved the way the MMC treated the FMC with so much regard and respect! This was a very well done audiobook recording, and the narrator did a superb job. I received an audible ARC copy and this is my review.
March 8, 2024
A very heartwarming story.
The author has written a story of how a young girl proposes after escaped from her home where she was required to clean, wash and cook for her father and three brothers. Very entertaining and enjoyable reading.
The author has written a story of how a young girl proposes after escaped from her home where she was required to clean, wash and cook for her father and three brothers. Very entertaining and enjoyable reading.
May 7, 2024
Great book
I really enjoyed this book I live stories of the hardships the settlers encountered on the Oregon Trail. I'm glad Jillian got a happily ever after. I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book I live stories of the hardships the settlers encountered on the Oregon Trail. I'm glad Jillian got a happily ever after. I recommend this book.
October 20, 2024
A Journey for Jillian
This was another adventure for two people traveling to Oregon. Single lady escaping from a brutal father and brothers and a single man wanting to get to Oregon. They teamed up and had a great adventure, enjoy their trip.
This was another adventure for two people traveling to Oregon. Single lady escaping from a brutal father and brothers and a single man wanting to get to Oregon. They teamed up and had a great adventure, enjoy their trip.
March 6, 2024
very nice
A very nice book to read. This was written by Janice Cole Hopkins and is very well written. This is a sweet read and is an enjoyable to read.
A very nice book to read. This was written by Janice Cole Hopkins and is very well written. This is a sweet read and is an enjoyable to read.
July 20, 2024
It was OK. A bit short. Wagon train fluff.
August 8, 2024
great book
This was a great book and what a fantastic author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
This was a great book and what a fantastic author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
March 8, 2024
PATIENCE. BE PATIENT.
Each story in The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride series will have a young, marriageable age female forced to marry to be able to journey to Oregon. The marriage is one of convenience and offers an annulment at the end. But, what happens along the trail may change the outcome. Each story will read as a stand-alone.
“The West is too wild for an unwed woman. If you want to ride on my wagon train and make it to Oregon, you’ll need to find yourself a husband.”
The story begins in Coon Hollow, Western Virginia, on March 5, 1852, where Jillian Barker lives her life in fear, never knowing how her Pa and brothers will react after a night of drinking. Since the death of her mother when she was twelve, she has cooked, cleaned, and even took care of most of the animals on their farm. Her Pa and brothers are mean, and take it out on her, except for Chester, her youngest brother, who isn’t as mean. By chance, Jillian discovers Chester in the barn, and he admits he wants to leave and go westward, away from Virginia. She will beg him to take her, so that she can do the cooking and chores, helping along the way—he will finally agree and they plan their escape. But things take a turn in St. Louis when Chester goes to a saloon, gambles, and loses the rest of their money. He decides to stay and work in the saloon, but Jillian wants to continue on to join the wagon train and Chester helps her do so, why he stays behind.
What a shock to arrive in Independence, Missouri, find the wagon train, but be told that if she isn’t married, she can’t go. The wagon master tells her he will see if a single man traveling with the group would agree to a marriage—and then they can get it annulled when they arrive in Oregon City.
Vance: Miss Barker?
Jillian: Yes.
Vance: I’m Vance Coffee. Mr. Sadler says that you find yourself in a predicament, and I might be able to help.
Jillian: Please have a seat. So, you’re willing to marry me and then get an annulment when we get to Oregon?
Vance: I’m certainly considering it. Are you a believer?
Jillian: I am. I’ve not been able to attend church since my mother died when I was twelve, so I still have a lot to learn, but I hope to do better now that I’m on my own.
Vance: I’m also a Christian. If both of us follow God, we should be all right.
I loved the story of Vance and Jillian. My heart broke for her, how her father and brothers treated her and abused her, and had she not escaped, no telling what would eventually happen. Chester was the better of the brothers, and while he messed up, he did right by her, making sure she had a weapon, the wagon, and supplies to make it to Oregon.
Meeting Vance and them taking a chance on each other leads to a sweet, emotional story. She intends to never marry, which also means she will never have a family. But what she has endured at the hands of her family, has destroyed her faith in men. Will Vance be able to show her that not all men are created equal? Their relationship slowly develops, and he falls in love first, but he must tread carefully with her, showing her that he is sincere. When a life-and-death event enters their marriage, Jillian and Vance will be tested, and her faith will be challenged, but God’s blessing will be showered upon them. In the end, we do get the coveted happily ever after ending.
Each story in The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride series will have a young, marriageable age female forced to marry to be able to journey to Oregon. The marriage is one of convenience and offers an annulment at the end. But, what happens along the trail may change the outcome. Each story will read as a stand-alone.
“The West is too wild for an unwed woman. If you want to ride on my wagon train and make it to Oregon, you’ll need to find yourself a husband.”
The story begins in Coon Hollow, Western Virginia, on March 5, 1852, where Jillian Barker lives her life in fear, never knowing how her Pa and brothers will react after a night of drinking. Since the death of her mother when she was twelve, she has cooked, cleaned, and even took care of most of the animals on their farm. Her Pa and brothers are mean, and take it out on her, except for Chester, her youngest brother, who isn’t as mean. By chance, Jillian discovers Chester in the barn, and he admits he wants to leave and go westward, away from Virginia. She will beg him to take her, so that she can do the cooking and chores, helping along the way—he will finally agree and they plan their escape. But things take a turn in St. Louis when Chester goes to a saloon, gambles, and loses the rest of their money. He decides to stay and work in the saloon, but Jillian wants to continue on to join the wagon train and Chester helps her do so, why he stays behind.
What a shock to arrive in Independence, Missouri, find the wagon train, but be told that if she isn’t married, she can’t go. The wagon master tells her he will see if a single man traveling with the group would agree to a marriage—and then they can get it annulled when they arrive in Oregon City.
Vance: Miss Barker?
Jillian: Yes.
Vance: I’m Vance Coffee. Mr. Sadler says that you find yourself in a predicament, and I might be able to help.
Jillian: Please have a seat. So, you’re willing to marry me and then get an annulment when we get to Oregon?
Vance: I’m certainly considering it. Are you a believer?
Jillian: I am. I’ve not been able to attend church since my mother died when I was twelve, so I still have a lot to learn, but I hope to do better now that I’m on my own.
Vance: I’m also a Christian. If both of us follow God, we should be all right.
I loved the story of Vance and Jillian. My heart broke for her, how her father and brothers treated her and abused her, and had she not escaped, no telling what would eventually happen. Chester was the better of the brothers, and while he messed up, he did right by her, making sure she had a weapon, the wagon, and supplies to make it to Oregon.
Meeting Vance and them taking a chance on each other leads to a sweet, emotional story. She intends to never marry, which also means she will never have a family. But what she has endured at the hands of her family, has destroyed her faith in men. Will Vance be able to show her that not all men are created equal? Their relationship slowly develops, and he falls in love first, but he must tread carefully with her, showing her that he is sincere. When a life-and-death event enters their marriage, Jillian and Vance will be tested, and her faith will be challenged, but God’s blessing will be showered upon them. In the end, we do get the coveted happily ever after ending.
September 5, 2025
Christian Historical Romance
I absolutely loved how they turned to God so freely! Depending on Him for life's trials and concerns, makes life more meaningful too! Watching Jillian fight her feelings for her husband was so realistic! She had every reason to doubt and mistrust, but God has wonderful plans for His children!
I would have liked an epilogue that gave an update on her brother though!
The narration for the different characters was great! I especially loved the mountain lady that acted as the wagon train's doctor, and the preacher. Their voices were absolutely perfect!
I think this duo of author and narrator make a perfect combination too, and I hope to enjoy many more of their combined works in the future!!
I absolutely loved how they turned to God so freely! Depending on Him for life's trials and concerns, makes life more meaningful too! Watching Jillian fight her feelings for her husband was so realistic! She had every reason to doubt and mistrust, but God has wonderful plans for His children!
I would have liked an epilogue that gave an update on her brother though!
The narration for the different characters was great! I especially loved the mountain lady that acted as the wagon train's doctor, and the preacher. Their voices were absolutely perfect!
I think this duo of author and narrator make a perfect combination too, and I hope to enjoy many more of their combined works in the future!!
September 5, 2025
Christian Historical Romance
I absolutely loved how they turned to God so freely! Depending on Him for life's trials and concerns, makes life more meaningful too! Watching Jillian fight her feelings for her husband was so realistic! She had every reason to doubt and mistrust, but God has wonderful plans for His children!
I would have liked an epilogue that gave an update on her brother though!
The narration for the different characters was great! I especially loved the mountain lady that acted as the wagon train's doctor, and the preacher. Their voices were absolutely perfect!
I think this duo of author and narrator make a perfect combination too, and I hope to enjoy many more of their combined works in the future!!
I absolutely loved how they turned to God so freely! Depending on Him for life's trials and concerns, makes life more meaningful too! Watching Jillian fight her feelings for her husband was so realistic! She had every reason to doubt and mistrust, but God has wonderful plans for His children!
I would have liked an epilogue that gave an update on her brother though!
The narration for the different characters was great! I especially loved the mountain lady that acted as the wagon train's doctor, and the preacher. Their voices were absolutely perfect!
I think this duo of author and narrator make a perfect combination too, and I hope to enjoy many more of their combined works in the future!!
September 5, 2025
Christian Historical Romance
I absolutely loved how they turned to God so freely! Depending on Him for life's trials and concerns, makes life more meaningful too! Watching Jillian fight her feelings for her husband was so realistic! She had every reason to doubt and mistrust, but God has wonderful plans for His children!
I would have liked an epilogue that gave an update on her brother though!
The narration for the different characters was great! I especially loved the mountain lady that acted as the wagon train's doctor, and the preacher. Their voices were absolutely perfect!
I think this duo of author and narrator make a perfect combination too, and I hope to enjoy many more of their combined works in the future!!
I absolutely loved how they turned to God so freely! Depending on Him for life's trials and concerns, makes life more meaningful too! Watching Jillian fight her feelings for her husband was so realistic! She had every reason to doubt and mistrust, but God has wonderful plans for His children!
I would have liked an epilogue that gave an update on her brother though!
The narration for the different characters was great! I especially loved the mountain lady that acted as the wagon train's doctor, and the preacher. Their voices were absolutely perfect!
I think this duo of author and narrator make a perfect combination too, and I hope to enjoy many more of their combined works in the future!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews