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Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail #2
Lighten the Load
After a devastating tragedy, Dorcas Moon faces brutal choices in the unforgiving wilderness.
An unsolved hometown murder casts a foreboding shadow over the journey. Mounting responsibilities weigh heavy on Dorcas' shoulders while navigating the trail along the Platte River. Family, friends, and neighbors can't seem to get along without her help.
The gruesome trail exacts a heavy toll. A sweeping grass fire blazes across the prairie. A doomed wagon careens down a treacherous hill. A fellow traveler is gored to death while hunting buffalo. Each disaster pushes the pioneers to the brink. Amidst the chaos, Dorcas grapples with the realization that she must dump her precious cook stove and her husband's massive safe. The oxen can no longer haul the heavy weight of unnecessary cargo.
When her daughter mysteriously disappears while the wagons are at Fort Laramie, Dorcas Despairs. She is desperate to help her daughter when the troubled youth is found in the arms of a Brulé man in Spotted Tail's village.
Secure your copy of Lighten the Load and delve into an unforgettable saga of empowerment, sacrifice, and the haunting echoes of the American frontier. Rejoin Dorcas Moon on the adventure of a lifetime as she confronts the challenges that shape her destiny.
An unsolved hometown murder casts a foreboding shadow over the journey. Mounting responsibilities weigh heavy on Dorcas' shoulders while navigating the trail along the Platte River. Family, friends, and neighbors can't seem to get along without her help.
The gruesome trail exacts a heavy toll. A sweeping grass fire blazes across the prairie. A doomed wagon careens down a treacherous hill. A fellow traveler is gored to death while hunting buffalo. Each disaster pushes the pioneers to the brink. Amidst the chaos, Dorcas grapples with the realization that she must dump her precious cook stove and her husband's massive safe. The oxen can no longer haul the heavy weight of unnecessary cargo.
When her daughter mysteriously disappears while the wagons are at Fort Laramie, Dorcas Despairs. She is desperate to help her daughter when the troubled youth is found in the arms of a Brulé man in Spotted Tail's village.
Secure your copy of Lighten the Load and delve into an unforgettable saga of empowerment, sacrifice, and the haunting echoes of the American frontier. Rejoin Dorcas Moon on the adventure of a lifetime as she confronts the challenges that shape her destiny.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2024
887 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
David Fitz-Gerald
19 books251 followersDavid Fitz-Gerald writes frontier and pioneer western fiction from the wilds of western Vermont—about as far west as you can get without slipping into New York.
Though he’s never wrangled beeves to market, Dave was a top hand on his grandfather’s dude ranch in the Adirondack Mountains… before he turned ten. He’s lived most of his life on dirt roads. Whenever he gets the chance, he travels west to recharge his spirit on the windswept prairies.
He’s an Adirondack 46’er which means that he’s hiked to the top of every mountain in the park. In 2018, Dave completed the 1960s fitness craze by hiking 50 miles in one day. That’s one heck of a long walk, but not nearly as grueling as the iconic trails that he chases in his fiction.
Even after all these years, Dave still has his head in the clouds like Ken from My Friend Flicka, and a quiet, self-reliant spirit like Sam from The Trumpet of the Swan. That blend of wonder, heart, and spirit runs through the characters he portrays. His editor states he is “exceptionally good at creating real moments between characters”—and readers seem to agree.
Dave’s breakthrough series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail won Chanticleer’s Grand Prize for Book Series. He’s now the author of nearly twenty novels and counting, and as long as there’s coffee in the kitchen, Dave will be plotting one adventurous story after another.
Though he’s never wrangled beeves to market, Dave was a top hand on his grandfather’s dude ranch in the Adirondack Mountains… before he turned ten. He’s lived most of his life on dirt roads. Whenever he gets the chance, he travels west to recharge his spirit on the windswept prairies.
He’s an Adirondack 46’er which means that he’s hiked to the top of every mountain in the park. In 2018, Dave completed the 1960s fitness craze by hiking 50 miles in one day. That’s one heck of a long walk, but not nearly as grueling as the iconic trails that he chases in his fiction.
Even after all these years, Dave still has his head in the clouds like Ken from My Friend Flicka, and a quiet, self-reliant spirit like Sam from The Trumpet of the Swan. That blend of wonder, heart, and spirit runs through the characters he portrays. His editor states he is “exceptionally good at creating real moments between characters”—and readers seem to agree.
Dave’s breakthrough series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail won Chanticleer’s Grand Prize for Book Series. He’s now the author of nearly twenty novels and counting, and as long as there’s coffee in the kitchen, Dave will be plotting one adventurous story after another.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 29, 2025
THE OREGON TRAIL AS BEAUTIFUL AS IT IS, THROWS EVERYTHING LIFE TREATING OBSTACLES AT THE TRAVELRS
☆☆☆☆☆
Lighten the Load: A Pioneer Western Adventure (Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 2) by David Fitz-Gerald is a well written tell told through a very strong woman who is determined to get her children, friends, love ones, a the rest of their wagon train safely to Oregon. Though Dorcas has lost her husband and father of her four children, she is steadfast to continue on their journey to the land of milk and honey.
David Fitz-Gerald has written the characters that will leave you believing that you are along the Oregon Trail yourself. He paints an image of the landscape, landmarks, and scenic views, allowing you to see them through the pages as if you were standing right there.
Even with all the troubles along their way to Oregon, the travelers find time to visit and grow closer to each other. One of Dorcas' sons, Andrew, interviews their fellow travelers and writers up a paper daily that he calls "THE ROLLING HOMES TIMES" and posts it at a central hub nightly for the travelers to read. One of their group is an artist who not only pants portraits of their travels but paints the bonnets of their wagons.
This piece of historical fiction is one in which is good for all ages. I really have enjoyed the first two books in this series and have already started the third. I hope you, too, will find yourself enjoying this book and series.
Quotes:
"Peaceful moments in a natural setting can impact people, especially those that carry a heavy burden."
☆☆☆☆☆
Lighten the Load: A Pioneer Western Adventure (Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 2) by David Fitz-Gerald is a well written tell told through a very strong woman who is determined to get her children, friends, love ones, a the rest of their wagon train safely to Oregon. Though Dorcas has lost her husband and father of her four children, she is steadfast to continue on their journey to the land of milk and honey.
David Fitz-Gerald has written the characters that will leave you believing that you are along the Oregon Trail yourself. He paints an image of the landscape, landmarks, and scenic views, allowing you to see them through the pages as if you were standing right there.
Even with all the troubles along their way to Oregon, the travelers find time to visit and grow closer to each other. One of Dorcas' sons, Andrew, interviews their fellow travelers and writers up a paper daily that he calls "THE ROLLING HOMES TIMES" and posts it at a central hub nightly for the travelers to read. One of their group is an artist who not only pants portraits of their travels but paints the bonnets of their wagons.
This piece of historical fiction is one in which is good for all ages. I really have enjoyed the first two books in this series and have already started the third. I hope you, too, will find yourself enjoying this book and series.
Quotes:
"Peaceful moments in a natural setting can impact people, especially those that carry a heavy burden."
January 31, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the author.
It feels strange to say that I am loving this series of books written about the hardships faced by the pioneers that travelled along the Oregon Trail. They were hoping to start a new life, better than the one they left behind. The going was so hard that some of them didn’t make it.
I don’t think that many people today would even contemplate making such a journey on foot, even with modern methods of communication, without a considerably higher standard of comfort than those pioneers.
Bring on book 3.
It feels strange to say that I am loving this series of books written about the hardships faced by the pioneers that travelled along the Oregon Trail. They were hoping to start a new life, better than the one they left behind. The going was so hard that some of them didn’t make it.
I don’t think that many people today would even contemplate making such a journey on foot, even with modern methods of communication, without a considerably higher standard of comfort than those pioneers.
Bring on book 3.
March 1, 2024
The second book in the series, like the first, holds nothing back from the oft-times perilous trek across the rivers and prairies. The high hopes of the pioneers for starting a new life in Oregon, are now just hopes that they will survive the journey. The physical and emotional toil takes its toll on all; especially Dorcas. Still mourning Larkin’s death, and the target of rude gossip about the way she comports herself. A strong woman who shares the grief of others, but who also feels weakened by her thoughts about Agapito, Dorcas struggles to hold her family together. There’s still a long way to go, and I’m sure the author has more struggles for her yet to come. 5 Stars
February 4, 2024
Interesting story with a one of a kind heroine. Can't wait for the rest of the series. Though if she doesn't wind up with Agapita (not sure if I spelled that right) I'm going to be pissed. Seriously. Give the woman a break.
April 11, 2024
Storyline is picking up in this series. I still need more depth in the writing style to give more stars. On to the third book…
May 24, 2024
Books 1 & 2 hard to put down.
This day and age - for our generation it is hard to realize all the hardships and sacrifices the trek west for people with a vision endured.
This day and age - for our generation it is hard to realize all the hardships and sacrifices the trek west for people with a vision endured.
August 9, 2024
“I close my eyes to steady my nerves as Stillman pounds the cross that will stand watch over Larkin’s final resting place.
When I open my eyes, I’m surprised to see the words Stillman has carved. Rose reads them out loud. "Larkin Moon. My bones rest here. My spirit follows my family."”
When setting out on the road, Dorcas knew the trip could be perilous. But the excitement overshadowed any doubts she and her family might have had. However, the further they travel, the more deadly situations the caravan of wagons find themselves facing. People around Dorcas’ wagon keep finding themselves struck by disaster, and she does what she can to help them get through when the times get tough.
She never could have imagined the bad fortune would strike her family. Or that it would cause quite so much devastation. The whole reason for going to Oregon was for Dorcas’ husband, Larkin, to become a banker, a dream come true. Dorcas wasn’t prepared to be making the journey by herself.
Lighten the Load by David Fitz-Gerald, is the second book in the “Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail” series, following Dorcas and her family on their journey to Oregon. Having lost their true purpose for making the journey, the questions play on Dorcas’ mind – should they turn back? If they keep going, what will their future look like once they reach Oregon?
Although Dorcas had never truly found the love she so desired in Larkin, she can’t deny the grief she feels from his loss. They had been married for years, had four children, and had chosen to make the trip to Oregon together. They had never considered the possibility that they might not both make it to the end of the road.
Thrown into the deep end, Dorcas knows she has few options. She simply does not have the time to properly grieve, to mourn the loss of her husband. The trail waits for no one, and in the instance of a loss, grieving must be done on the move. Winter waits for no man or woman, and to stop the whole journey to grieve the lives lost along the way is time wasted that can’t be risked. Dorcas is portrayed with a strong strength, which only seems to grow throughout this novel. Her character is as steadfast as the oxen pulling the wagons, determined to keep going no matter what.
As in the first novel of this series, Dorcas is most certainly a character to be admired for her pure tenacity. She is incredibly realistic in the telling and comes alive within the pages. To pen such a loveable, truly determined, woman with such a likeness to reality is certainly an accomplishment.
The road may be one of opportunities, but sacrifices must be made along the way. Unfortunately for some, those sacrifices come in the form of their family members, or fellow travellers. The further into the trail they travel, the more dangerous situations there are to encounter. It’s not only fast river crossings that require caution, but also steep slopes, fires, and disease. It cannot be helped that danger comes with losses, and in this leg of the journey, the travellers certainly face more than their fair share of casualties. It brings to mind the number of graves beside the track, and suggests that they are not all from different trips – a lot of them are likely to be from the same trip, with multiple casualties along the way. While primarily focused on Dorcas’ journey across the Oregon Trail, the author accurately depicts the high mortality rate on the trail. The amount of time spent on researching this journey and the potential obstacles that travellers may have confronted is evident. The trail descriptions in this book are flawless, and the level of research put into understanding what life was like on the trail is remarkable. This novel is wrought with devastation, both emotional and physical, and certainly has more than its fair share of tear-jerking scenes. However, the beauty of the trail cannot be overlooked, no matter how dangerous it is. The scenery is described with such detail that you can almost picture it.
Despite the loss of her father, Dorcas’ daughter, Rose, still retreats into her own world, disappearing when no one is watching and seeking out things that only she can comprehend. Dorcas has enough on her plate with trying to keep her family together after losing Larkin, as well as doing her best to help those around her, but Rose is an enigma that no one seems able to crack. No matter who Dorcas assigns to watch over Rose, she still manages to slip away unnoticed, and her incessant obsession with the graves along the trail is more than cause for concern. There is definitely a supernatural aspect to this series, and the more you read, the more noticeable certain things are.
Rose seems to spend most of her time in a trance, talking to people who have long since passed away, and Dorcas’ son, Andrew, has premonitions of things that have not yet happened. The rest of the travellers might look upon the family and see that they are unusual, but just how far that word stretches is not determined until you start watching out for the clues. The supernatural elements of this novel are a wonderful addition, for they bring a small amount of comfort amongst the tragedy. While lives may be lost, Rose has a remarkable talent for comforting grieving families and alleviating their concerns about their loved ones. By adding this extra layer to the novel, Mr Fitz-Gerald has rounded out the novel to be a seamless story of cohesion between what is and what might be, bringing everything together into an incredibly enthralling novel.
With a desperation to stay afloat while under the enormous weight of pressure and expectation, Dorcas’ return in Lighten the Load: A Pioneer Western Adventure (Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 2) by David Fitz-Gerald brings with it another thrilling read. With its deep and authentic depiction of life and death on the Oregon Trail, this novel and series is truly remarkable. You won’t be able to put it down. This is a series that, once started, is impossible not to finish.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
January 15, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the author.
It feels strange to say that I am loving this series of books written about the hardships faced by the pioneers that travelled along the Oregon Trail. They were hoping to start a new life, better than the one they left behind. The going was so hard that some of them didn’t make it.
I don’t think that many people today would even contemplate making such a journey on foot, even with modern methods of communication, without a considerably higher standard of comfort than those pioneers.
Bring on book 3.
It feels strange to say that I am loving this series of books written about the hardships faced by the pioneers that travelled along the Oregon Trail. They were hoping to start a new life, better than the one they left behind. The going was so hard that some of them didn’t make it.
I don’t think that many people today would even contemplate making such a journey on foot, even with modern methods of communication, without a considerably higher standard of comfort than those pioneers.
Bring on book 3.
August 13, 2024
This book reads quickly. Chapters are short, and are a daily series of events and experiences. Dorcas' character is morphing into something different than when she first left. I can only imagine how going through an experience such as the Oregon Trail, and all its pitfalls and difficulties would affect a person, and also her whole family! It will be nice to see how it all turns out for her and her children. I kind of wish the author had broken down the series into 3 books instead of 5. Just my 2 cents. Otherwise, its an entertaining read, with plenty of stuff going on to keep you interested.
November 28, 2024
Well, that's three hours I will never get back. I don't like to write negative reviews, but this screams for one. Day-by-day reporting is slow and extremely tedious. The main character is portrayed as brave and courageous, but she is totally ridiculous and very stupid. This book makes a poor attempt to be "Little House on the Prairie." I started the second book, hoping it would get better. Well, it only got worse. My biggest complaint about the fact is that it is not realistic but wants you to believe it is. Just a thought: if you have to carry all the food for your children, you don't make biscuits for the whole wagon train. Get a grip. Try a little realism. Remember the "Donner Party."
September 9, 2024
Leaving things,
This story had me crying. Cobb loses his Jennie but she leaves a new baby girl. Dorcas finally lessens the load and leaves her husband's safe behind . Acapito makes a move on Dorcas. The trail goes on.
Thank you David Fitzgerald for both book 1 and book 2. They are excellent. I recommend them both.
This story had me crying. Cobb loses his Jennie but she leaves a new baby girl. Dorcas finally lessens the load and leaves her husband's safe behind . Acapito makes a move on Dorcas. The trail goes on.
Thank you David Fitzgerald for both book 1 and book 2. They are excellent. I recommend them both.
June 5, 2024
Ghost Along the Oregon Trail book 2
This is the second in this series. The travelers on this wagon trail are growing tougher and more resilient every day. They handle each adventure with a bravery you would believe. Enjoy.
This is the second in this series. The travelers on this wagon trail are growing tougher and more resilient every day. They handle each adventure with a bravery you would believe. Enjoy.
June 30, 2024
so many land marks that remind me of home (Nebraska and Wyoming)
I really am loving the vivid descriptions of the landscape and the wonderful storyline of all the wagon train people along with their emotional reactions.
I really am loving the vivid descriptions of the landscape and the wonderful storyline of all the wagon train people along with their emotional reactions.
July 12, 2024
Breathtaking Sequel
The story continues in a breathtaking continuation of a hope for the future, a resignation with the present, and an acceptance of the past. The story grabs your imagination and weaves your heart strings with love, loss, and determination.
The story continues in a breathtaking continuation of a hope for the future, a resignation with the present, and an acceptance of the past. The story grabs your imagination and weaves your heart strings with love, loss, and determination.
September 23, 2024
Incredibly good storyline!
This is a amazing series! Such hardships that none of us can imagine living in our lives of intent and airplanes which can take the same journey in hours! Great writing!
This is a amazing series! Such hardships that none of us can imagine living in our lives of intent and airplanes which can take the same journey in hours! Great writing!
November 10, 2024
The trip continues
The time on the trail.has been a tough learning experience! Each mile has taken a toll!
Along with this new people and adventure is found! The way to Oregon is tough!
The time on the trail.has been a tough learning experience! Each mile has taken a toll!
Along with this new people and adventure is found! The way to Oregon is tough!
January 12, 2025
Lighten the Load
The second book in the series and I couldn’t out this book down either. I felt as if I was on the Oregon Trail wagon train facing all the hardships along the way too. Can’t wait for the next book!
The second book in the series and I couldn’t out this book down either. I felt as if I was on the Oregon Trail wagon train facing all the hardships along the way too. Can’t wait for the next book!
June 7, 2024
Eye-opening read
Burdens lifted, losses overcome, and the future still to play out. Dorcas still has much to look forward to on this journey of self resolve and introspection.
Burdens lifted, losses overcome, and the future still to play out. Dorcas still has much to look forward to on this journey of self resolve and introspection.
June 23, 2024
Number two in the series does not disappoint, we learn more about the hard life of a wagon train, and we enjoy the characters. Dorcas continues to be our hero.
July 30, 2024
I’m very much enjoying this series ! Would recommend.
August 16, 2024
engaging
I love this tale of being on the Oregon trail from the viewpoint of a woman, wife and mother. I am starting book three of the series right now
I love this tale of being on the Oregon trail from the viewpoint of a woman, wife and mother. I am starting book three of the series right now
September 10, 2024
Blessed are We
For it not for the courage and strength of our fore fathers and mothers, we Americans where would we be?
For it not for the courage and strength of our fore fathers and mothers, we Americans where would we be?
October 8, 2024
Great Book
Great book and great series so far. Reading “Stay With The Wagons” next! Can’t put these books down which is rare for me.
Great book and great series so far. Reading “Stay With The Wagons” next! Can’t put these books down which is rare for me.
November 1, 2024
Great series
This is a great read and enjoyed the history with it. will recommend to all friends and relatives .thank you
This is a great read and enjoyed the history with it. will recommend to all friends and relatives .thank you
November 4, 2024
Most Interesting
Very well written interesting read. Not my usual genre but I have been totally engrossed in this series. Highly recommend.
Very well written interesting read. Not my usual genre but I have been totally engrossed in this series. Highly recommend.
November 10, 2024
3.5 An enjoyable follow-up to Book #1 of Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail, A Grave Every Mile. Not quite as adventurous.
November 18, 2024
A true and raw account of people traveling this trail.
I like how strong the people of these trails make it through each day and miles along the way of this story.
I like how strong the people of these trails make it through each day and miles along the way of this story.
November 19, 2024
better than the first
This one has a much better ending than the first one. It moves a little slow but it’s a good story.
This one has a much better ending than the first one. It moves a little slow but it’s a good story.
March 6, 2025
So realistic! I feel like I'm riding/walking along with Dorcas and the whole wagon train. I used to dream of being on the Oregon trail as a kid, and this is far better than my imagination.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews