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Journey of Hope
Three young women leave Independence, Missouri in the spring of 1852 on a wagon train bound for the Oregon territory. Brenna and her family are Irish immigrants. Rebecca travels with her large family from Iowa. Emily is a young bride traveling with her husband Ernest. Six months and two thousand miles later they reach their destination much changed from who they were when they started. Daily life on the wagon train is challenging. Cholera is rampant, crime not unheard of, and death is an ever present visitor. Their hopes and fears are realized in unforgettable experiences of love and loss. Through it all they form a bond with each other that will last a lifetime and encompass the vast and untamed regions of the heart.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2012
267 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Murata
4 books16 followersWhat's my favorite all-time book? I used to say The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. Recently I re-read it and I wouldn't say that anymore. It's still beautifully written and it hasn't changed. It's me who's much changed from who I was in college a long time ago.
I used to never quit on a book. I would stick with it till the end, always thinking that it would redeem itself. Not any more. I'll usually read at least 25% and if it hasn't moved me in some way by then I put it down.
I grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota, a college town of (then) about 40,000 people. As a child and young adult, I spent summers engaged in active pursuits within a stone's throw of the Mississippi River. After graduating from high school, I attended St. Cloud State College where I received a B.S. degree in education. I spent two years teaching in a lovely small town in rural southeastern Minnesota before moving to Albuquerque, NM where I attended the University of New Mexico and obtained a Master's Degree in education.
I taught mostly middle school English and History for another 28 years and retired in 2003. I still live in Albuquerque and I have two children and four grandchildren and spend my time traveling, exploring acrylic paints and pastels, and writing. I currently have written and published four novels: two historical fiction and two fantasy, all young adult.
I used to never quit on a book. I would stick with it till the end, always thinking that it would redeem itself. Not any more. I'll usually read at least 25% and if it hasn't moved me in some way by then I put it down.
I grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota, a college town of (then) about 40,000 people. As a child and young adult, I spent summers engaged in active pursuits within a stone's throw of the Mississippi River. After graduating from high school, I attended St. Cloud State College where I received a B.S. degree in education. I spent two years teaching in a lovely small town in rural southeastern Minnesota before moving to Albuquerque, NM where I attended the University of New Mexico and obtained a Master's Degree in education.
I taught mostly middle school English and History for another 28 years and retired in 2003. I still live in Albuquerque and I have two children and four grandchildren and spend my time traveling, exploring acrylic paints and pastels, and writing. I currently have written and published four novels: two historical fiction and two fantasy, all young adult.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 10, 2019
This book could have been very good but unfortunately it had good bones but no meat. Events that could have developed into something interesting were told in a few paragraphs. It felt like the Cliff Notes of a good book.
January 24, 2022
Great book!
I found this book very interesting, and had a hard time putting it down until I was through reading it.
I found this book very interesting, and had a hard time putting it down until I was through reading it.
January 30, 2015
I enjoyed this novel so much. The American/Oregon trail historical fiction was a new era for me. As a whole I don't like learning about history in the dry memorization manner. This may or may not be accurate but the story certainly piques ones interest into this valuable part of history. The personal aspect of these characters really makes the story one to remember. I agree with the reviews describing the characters and how we become engrossed in their lives and the journey.
January 14, 2015
Would have been better if they used real letters or journals of the ride. The book made the journey way to "easy". I think the pioneers of the Oregon trail experienced much more hardship then this author described
July 22, 2014
I read the entire book but was disappointed in that some of the details were poorly researched and unrealistic.
May 28, 2017
I enjoyed getting to know the characters that made the journey, but I was disappointed in a rushed ending
April 10, 2021
Great history
I love stories about the Oregon Trail. I usually spend a lot of time fact checking the history, and searching the geography. This author seems to be pretty consistent and authentic with the history and landmarks on the trail.
I think she was a bit off on the social history. Most historical fiction writers are. I believe it makes the story more relatable. If the writing and depiction of characters was completely authentic, the stories would be dry and distant.
Examples: men were not as egalitarian. They would have been ridiculed in those times for certain behaviors we insist upon today. They also didn’t hug one another and show affection.
The text is clean and professional, no amateur writer’s poor spelling or vocabulary and grammar mistakes. The dialogue is “meh” but character development is great!
I would definitely read more historical fiction from this author.
I love stories about the Oregon Trail. I usually spend a lot of time fact checking the history, and searching the geography. This author seems to be pretty consistent and authentic with the history and landmarks on the trail.
I think she was a bit off on the social history. Most historical fiction writers are. I believe it makes the story more relatable. If the writing and depiction of characters was completely authentic, the stories would be dry and distant.
Examples: men were not as egalitarian. They would have been ridiculed in those times for certain behaviors we insist upon today. They also didn’t hug one another and show affection.
The text is clean and professional, no amateur writer’s poor spelling or vocabulary and grammar mistakes. The dialogue is “meh” but character development is great!
I would definitely read more historical fiction from this author.
March 8, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It was a story of several people on a wagon train on the Oregon Trail in 1852. The story of Germans, Irish and people from the Eastern states all moving to Oregon across the dangerous rivers and mountains. Emily, the heroine, lived thru many problems and 2 difficult husbands and then spent part of her inheritance for the good of the community.
September 10, 2021
Oregon Trail, trials and triumphs
This was the first book I have read by this author. A very good book about the Oregon trail. You learn to fall in love with the families that braved the trail and took this journey. There were a lot of trials and sadness, just as I imagine the people on the real Oregon trail had. Death was a given and the people had to bury their loved ones and keep going. Even though there were many trials there were also a lot of triumphs that left you cheering for the families.
This was the first book I have read by this author. A very good book about the Oregon trail. You learn to fall in love with the families that braved the trail and took this journey. There were a lot of trials and sadness, just as I imagine the people on the real Oregon trail had. Death was a given and the people had to bury their loved ones and keep going. Even though there were many trials there were also a lot of triumphs that left you cheering for the families.
September 12, 2020
Lovely novel
I love Oregon and we travelled by car last year in one week to spend a month in this amazing state. I can imagine being on this wagon train and travelling for 6 months and enduring the many hardships these families had to overcome. I loved the characters, well except for Mr. Brown! It was heartwarming to see the growth in so many of them, especially Emi!y. A thoroughly engaging book, enjoy!
I love Oregon and we travelled by car last year in one week to spend a month in this amazing state. I can imagine being on this wagon train and travelling for 6 months and enduring the many hardships these families had to overcome. I loved the characters, well except for Mr. Brown! It was heartwarming to see the growth in so many of them, especially Emi!y. A thoroughly engaging book, enjoy!
September 24, 2022
Great!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down. It took me awhile to figure out all the main characters. Overall read a great book. I had been out to Oregon in the Willamette area and have bought books about the Oregon trail. I find fictional fiction sometimes reflex of the actual. I was happy that Emily finally was happy. I won't give away to much of the story. Just to say it was a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down. It took me awhile to figure out all the main characters. Overall read a great book. I had been out to Oregon in the Willamette area and have bought books about the Oregon trail. I find fictional fiction sometimes reflex of the actual. I was happy that Emily finally was happy. I won't give away to much of the story. Just to say it was a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
December 17, 2023
Wonderful novel
Although I wasn’t too sure about one character in the prologue, the journey made a difference. I also liked the way the author introduced problems that helped the characters ( with the help of other characters) become better people. As the title tells you there are heartbreaking times and events, but I liked the ending.
Although I wasn’t too sure about one character in the prologue, the journey made a difference. I also liked the way the author introduced problems that helped the characters ( with the help of other characters) become better people. As the title tells you there are heartbreaking times and events, but I liked the ending.
January 6, 2024
Very low 3. They travelled the same path as BTO, but NOTHING happened! Floating down the river was a new 'experience' but there was no descriptive writing at all. How did they get the wagons out? How did the wagons travel from the river to the city? Were the oxen on the rafts? Did their good get wet? Mouldy? So many details missing.
January 10, 2020
I felt like I was reading a book aimed at junior high students. Very simple sentences and very little depth. Just when I thought a section was going to get good, it just petered out. I have always liked stories of the Oregon Trail. This was lacking.
January 29, 2022
Beautifully written
This was an engaging book with true life like characters who faced hardships,loss and happiness with faith and strength and spirit. I would recommend to everyone beautiful and an honestly written work
This was an engaging book with true life like characters who faced hardships,loss and happiness with faith and strength and spirit. I would recommend to everyone beautiful and an honestly written work
April 17, 2022
An intriguing pioneer story with many twists and turns.
An inspirational pioneer story filled with excitement, intrigue and Food for Thought. Able to put yourself in the of it. I couldn't put it down.
An inspirational pioneer story filled with excitement, intrigue and Food for Thought. Able to put yourself in the of it. I couldn't put it down.
November 6, 2022
Wonderful story
I enjoyed this book from page one. Would love to continue this story into the next book.💖 I highly recommend this great book to anyone who likes history coming alive!
I enjoyed this book from page one. Would love to continue this story into the next book.💖 I highly recommend this great book to anyone who likes history coming alive!
March 12, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
November 29, 2018
Enjoyed
Enjoyed the book? Very easy read! Kind of hard at times to keep families characters separate. Otherwise good book ,good ending!
Enjoyed the book? Very easy read! Kind of hard at times to keep families characters separate. Otherwise good book ,good ending!
April 9, 2021
End of the line
Enjoyed the trip. The wagon train traveling west to Oregon with different families looking forward to new beginnings and sad over their loses from the trip.
Enjoyed the trip. The wagon train traveling west to Oregon with different families looking forward to new beginnings and sad over their loses from the trip.
April 13, 2021
Must read
I loved everything about this book. It will make you laugh and also pull on your heart strings.I am now going to book two
I loved everything about this book. It will make you laugh and also pull on your heart strings.I am now going to book two
July 30, 2021
Great adventure
Our young country filled up with immigrants for everywhere. They were received with love, hardship and glorious hope and a future.
Our young country filled up with immigrants for everywhere. They were received with love, hardship and glorious hope and a future.
July 31, 2021
This book had a lot of opportunity for in-depth plot and action. I enjoyed the story, but kept waiting for and wanting more.
October 23, 2021
Journey Across Country 1852
I have always enjoyed historical history! This journey
Took me to the difficult crossing of this Country in the mid 1800’s! It was fascinating!
I have always enjoyed historical history! This journey
Took me to the difficult crossing of this Country in the mid 1800’s! It was fascinating!
February 2, 2022
Journey of Hope
I enjoyed this book. It had drama, excitement, love, surprises, tragedy and lots of feel good moments. I will read more from this author.
I enjoyed this book. It had drama, excitement, love, surprises, tragedy and lots of feel good moments. I will read more from this author.
June 4, 2022
Journey of Hope
This story was a well woven story Each and every page was very interesting and remained a good read until the last page. I plan to do this author.
This story was a well woven story Each and every page was very interesting and remained a good read until the last page. I plan to do this author.
July 20, 2022
Heartwarming!
An easy, informative and enjoyable read. This is a great period piece. A few twist and turns you don’t see coming .
An easy, informative and enjoyable read. This is a great period piece. A few twist and turns you don’t see coming .
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January 27, 2023Awesome
I loved this book from the very beginning. I recommend this book to everyone who reads. This is an awesome book.
I loved this book from the very beginning. I recommend this book to everyone who reads. This is an awesome book.
April 27, 2023
Good story of the Oregon Trail
The lives, loves, and loses of the unique groups of people with th courage to forge a long, dangerous path forward to a promising new life.
The lives, loves, and loses of the unique groups of people with th courage to forge a long, dangerous path forward to a promising new life.
June 30, 2024
A Good story
I thoroughly enjoyed Victoria Muratas story of the trials and happiness these folks endured as they crossed the Oregon Trail. The characters were well written.
I thoroughly enjoyed Victoria Muratas story of the trials and happiness these folks endured as they crossed the Oregon Trail. The characters were well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews