I Paint the Sky

by Laura Kemp

She came west to start a new life... But what is she running from?

Married to a man she barely knows, nineteen- year- old Emily Ives has hopes of starting a new life in her small, Michigan town. Soon she is pregnant, and shocked to discover her husband's charm masks a violent nature. When a fire claims the lives of her loved ones, she has one choice, escape on the Oregon Trail to the Black Hills, where her uncle and his wife are waiting.

But there's one hitch...

Caleb Merritt has lived his life in shadow since the death of his wife. When he finds Emily about to give birth in the back of a wagon, he offers to help, only to find himself drawn to her when he should be running the other way. She has secrets, that's for certain, and the last thing Caleb needs is more heartbreak.

When tragedy splits the wagon party in two, Emily discovers the husband she thought was dead is not only alive, but hunting her. With her life and a long-lost treasure hanging in the balance, Emily must confront the past if she ever hopes to see the future.

"A stunning tour de force set against the backdrop of the American West." -Rob Samborn, award winning author of The Painted Souls series

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Suspense, Westerns, Historical, Fiction

342 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2024

About the author

Laura is a teacher who loves to write about her home state of Michigan. She has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Western Michigan University where she studied under Stuart Dybek, and has had her short fiction and poetry published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Word Riot, Tonopalah Review, SaLit and SLAB: Sound and Literary Art Book. “The Pursuit of Happiness,” – a short story she wrote while at WMU, was chosen as a finalist in the Trial Balloon Fiction Contest.
When not writing, Laura enjoys musical theatre, hiking, swimming, reading and performing with her Celtic band- Si Bhaeg Si Mohr. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and children as well as her dog, two hamsters, two gerbils, ten chickens, two horses and eight (and counting) cats.
Laura loves to connect with readers on her blog: laurakemp.author@blogspot.com (Sea Legs on Land), as well as on Facebook, Twitter (@LKempWrites) and Instagram. (lkempwrites)

'Evening in the Yellow Wood' recently received a Bronze Medal in the Readers' Favorite annual book contest, and will be featured in the 2019 Miami Book Fair.

Reviews

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow ! In this outstanding and well written story, “I Paint the Sky”, Laura Kemp vividly describes the scenery of the Oregon Trail, and the “Old West”, and her colorful, dramatic, dysfunctional, and quirky characters. The genres for the novel, are American Historical Romance, Frontier and Pioneer Fiction, Historical Fiction, and Western Fiction. There are twists and turns, adventure, danger, betrayals, the search for gold, the American Soldier Outposts, Native American Indian threats, outlaws, kidnapping, and murder. Women are viewed as commodities, yet some of the women are brave and courageous. Babies are born with a slim chance of survival.

Emily is nineteen years old, very pregnant, and running away from her abusive and threatening husband. She is in a carriage, when she goes into labor, and Caleb Merritt helps deliver the baby. His sister Ruth is able to nurse the baby and help Emily regain her strength. There are many obstacles during this timeline, and the worst is that her ex-husband, now a killer, is coming to get her, and those that love and help her. I highly recommend this memorable and intense novel.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow....this one was amazing.,...

[Susan Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Laura Kemp has given us a mesmerizing book about a young woman who escapes tragedy and violence on the Oregon Trail, only to have that trouble follow her. Emily is desperate to start a new life, hoping to connect with an uncle who will take her and her unborn child in—giving her a safe place to raise her child. This is in many ways a heartbreaking tale, but Emily has strength and courage, and so I never gave up hope that she’d survive and thrive. It’s refreshing to read a book set in this era, reading about the Wild West and all of its adventure and danger. There are many jaw-dropping twists along the way, too!

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Laura Kemp has astounded me with her new novel titled I Paint the Sky. I loved and enjoyed her Lantern Creek series and have been impatiently waiting for a new book penned by Laura. I was finally blessed with the opportunity to review her new book and boy what a blessing that was. I’ll tell you why.

Her style of writing in this book is so different. She pulled me in and held me spellbound until I read the last page. Then, she left me wanting more. The reason I wanted more is because she made me like her characters and I know she told me how they eventually made it to California but now I want to know more about their future. I can live with the way she ended the book. She tied it up well and didn’t leave me hanging. I just want to hang out with them again.

This book is an American Historical Romance. I’d like to call it a Historical Western Romance. This book has it all. There are Indians, horses, wagon trains, friends, outlaws and best of all one of the best love stories I’ve read in a while between Emily Ives and Caleb Merritt. You’ll see Emily grow up and fight for what she wants and Caleb will learn to put his past in the past and grow to be the man Emily needs. Y’all are going to love their story. 

You learn a little bit about what it was like to move across the country in a wagon train. The dangers they faced and the work it entailed every single day. It wasn’t easy and I don’t think I would have been a woman that could have faced the rigors of moving West. They were strong and determined people. A lot of folks lost their lives and did not see their dreams come true.

I have found I enjoy books that take place in the early days of our country and in the time before we traveled on highways in a motor car. People settled in homes as primitive as sod houses. It was a very different way of life. I have enjoyed learning about that time period and the hardships folks faced everyday even when they weren’t moving across the country. 

If you are like me and enjoy reading about these things then this is a book I highly recommend you pick up and read. Laura Kemp wrote I Paint the Sky and it definitely deserves to be on your nightstand. Laura, I’m proud of you Michigan girl and the book you wrote that starts out in our home state. Way to go!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Debbi Daniels Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Kemp has done it again! I Paint the Sky is a skillfully written Western Historic Romance that is both suspenseful and tense, but still a beautiful romantic journey. Ms. Kemp has proven she is not a one genre Author. I was captivated by the protagonist, Emily and her journey to California. There are many strong female characters and the good men outweigh the bad. The descriptive writing moved me through this story as if I was a part of the wagon train myself. And due to Ms Kemp doing her research and including some historical facts, I learned some interesting history which is always a plus. Perfectly paced and artfully woven together, I Paint the Sky is a story I will carry in my heart for quite some time.

[Cathy Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to be able to receive an advanced reader copy of Laura Kemp's new novel. I love the strong, independent heroines in her books. Main character Emily Ives does not disappoint in the areas of determination and fierceness. There's no better setting for a strong woman than the early American west. I could taste the dust and feel the hot sun on the back of my neck as Emily travels west, fleeing a dangerous past and running toward an unknown future. I felt like a fellow traveler in her wagon train, experiencing the hardships and fears on the long journey west. The other characters with which she shares her journey are memorable and authentic. I felt the joys and sorrows along with them while Kemp spun a tale of love, betrayal and vengeance. This book grabs the reader's attention from the first page and doesn't let go until the thrilling end.

[Heidi McCrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the Old West, we meet 19-year-old Emily, all alone and preparing to give birth in a covered wagon. Dual timelines allow us to learn Emily’s tragic story as she grows closer to the friendly strangers who have taken her under their care.

I Paint the Sky is a stark gritty love story that carries readers along with rich narrative and colorful characters. Strong female protagonists help make this novel by Michigan author Laura Kemp a page-turning ride ‘til the very end.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, read this book in one day. Could not put down. It's a multi genre story. I don't know if it's a romance,historical a mystery, and so much more. I recommend it!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the great privilege to be able to read an advanced copy of I Paint the Sky, by Michigan author Laura Kemp. It is a riveting story of grit, determination, strength, friendship and romance set against the backdrop of the Black Hills of South Dakota and the California Trail.

I found myself totally absorbed in the characters and Laura has the unique ability to make you feel the emotions of each of them. The protagonist, Emily is running for her life and for the baby that she is carrying. She heads west with strangers to live with her uncle, but what kind of danger is she putting them in?

As you continue to read, the intensity of Emily’s situation and the dangers they encounter during their travels will keep you turning the pages. This book is a well-written story of people who want a better life. It has good times along with the bad, there is love and loss, this book really does have it all

[Melinda May · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pulled me in from the very first chapter and had me thinking about it in between readings. Coming along for Emily's journey had me feeling a mix of emotions as we experience her transition from a young, naive girl to a woman who stands firm for what she believes in. I was so proud of her! Very highly recommend, if you like your historical fiction with a bit of romance and secrets thrown in.

[Kayla Walkling · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very excited to read a book with some promising sprinkles of historical and regional locations, hardships, and cultures but it did not match any of that excitement. The prose was very confusing and I had to reread several times in multiple chapters to understand what was happening in conversations, revelations, and the plot as a whole.

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had been awhile since I read a western historical romance, and I thought the Black Hills setting felt unique. I remember playing The Oregon Trail in elementary school back in the 80s… so fun but there was never enough time to see the game through to the end. With I Paint the Sky, we can pretend we’re in the game again… will we die of dysentery, cholera, or something even more sinister… our fellow man? 💯 % chance of falling in love.

Thank you to the lovely author for an early reader copy!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of historical fiction but very little of it has been about settlers moving to the Western United States. This time period was very interesting and I want to read more books set in the mid 1800s as wagon trains moved west and ran into problems with the weather and the American Indians who had owned the land for centuries.

Emily was young and naïve. She was 19 years old and worked at her parents shop in a small town in Michigan but she longed for adventure. She married a man that she barely knew and because of the way he treated her. she grew up real fast and regretted her decision to marry him. She finds out quickly that he is an angry controlling man. He keeps her away from her family and really gets possessive when Emily gets pregnant. She takes a big chance and escapes to head West to the Black Hills on the Oregon Trail to live with her aunt and uncle. Daily life on the wagon train is tough - especially for a pregnant woman. When she gives birth, she is helped by Caleb who had helped deliver other babies when he lived at home. As she and Caleb spend more time together, they find out that they are beginning to develop feelings for each other. When Emily finds out that her husband is tracking her, she knows that he will kill her and take the baby. She has support from other people on the wagon train - especially Caleb and his sister - but will it be enough to keep her and her baby safe?

Laura Kemp has written an outstanding book. Her descriptions about life for the people heading west are very well done and make you wonder how they ever survived. Her characters are well written -- Emily especially as she grows from a young naïve girl to a woman willing to do what she can to keep her baby and her new love safe from harm. The plot is outstanding and there are parts that were so tense that I had to keep turning pages quickly to find out what was going to happen. As Emily's husband gets closer to the wagon train with his wife and baby, the story line gains more tension as I hoped for Emily's safety from the evilness of her husband.

This book is a well written story of good and evil, of love and forgiveness and of friendship as people head west to new lives and leave their old lives and problems behind. This book had it all -- good guys, bad guys, gunfights and a mystery plus female friendships and a great love story. I highly recommend it

[Ashley Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I signed up for the ARC of I Paint The Sky, I did not know what to expect, because I had never read a historical romance. To be honest, I wasn’t 100% sure I would enjoy this book, but I wanted to branch out of my comfort zone, and I am 𝙂𝙇𝘼𝘿 that I did. I Paint The Sky had me so engulfed that I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning seeking the conclusion of characters journey. The story follows Emily as she pictures a new beginning seeking refuge in the mountains with her Uncle Rand and the Sioux Indians. On her journey, Emily comes across a group of people traveling out west, they show her kindness and offer her their assistance getting to Kearny. As, the days go by those strangers quickly become friends that turn into a family.
Caleb is traveling with his sister Ruthie when their paths cross Emily. Caleb and Ruthie both are looking to leave their sadness/failures behind them, seeking the calmness of the ocean out west. Ruthie, helps care and provide James with what Emily cannot. Helping, Ruthie heal from the trauma of her past.
Caleb and Emily did not expect to find love in one another on their journey. They both struggle/fight the growing feelings/attraction for another due to the ghosts of their past. Will their growing relationship last or will the past catch up with them? Will the trouble following Emily endanger the friendships she has built with Clem, Jake, Ruthie and Caleb? Will they survive the journey?
I Paint The Sky took me to a different time period, where I have found a new love for historical romances. This story is full of twist and turns, heartache and sadness, betrayal, and forgiveness, strength and resilience, bravery and determination that will have you captivated until the very end. It has topics within its pages that may be triggering for some, so it may be wise to look over the shopping list.
I highly recommend I Paint The Sky, it is one I will think about for a while. I fell, in love not only with Caleb and Emily but the side characters, as well. They in my opinion were just as important as Caleb and Emily. The character development and growth shown throughout the story is perfection.

[Denise Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review:

I PAINT THE SKY by author Laura Kemp
Expected Release: June 4, 2024
Historical fiction
Western Romantic Thriller

Author Laura Kemp's, I PAINT THE SKY is a driving force that is nothing short of extraordinary, bringing a whole new meaning to the word, 'spellbinding'!

Where beauty and danger walk hand-in-hand, we are introduced to protagonist Emily Ives, and gifted with a front row seat into her unsettled world that leads her to the escape of small-town MI for the Oregon Trail and Black Hills. To protect herself and those she loves most, Emily, up against the odds and pregnant, must hold on to hope with every step along the perilous path she now finds herself on... outrunning evil itself and ultimately into the arms of an unexpected stranger.

Beneath the rugged and alluring, lies a treacherous dance—a haunted past, dusty shadows, and secrets buried within its landscape. From the captivating to the riveting, the old west springs to life with an enticing journey that leaves no stone unturned!

With each turn of the page, I quickly found myself immersed within a whirlwind of emotion that far exceeded what I believed a western romantic thriller to be. From the heart-pounding twists to surprising turns, this western gem revealed itself in a way I won't soon forget.
Gripping and harrowing at its core, I PAINT THE SKY is a narrative that should. not. be. missed!

I thank author Laura Kemp for allowing me the privilege of being an early reader/reviewer of I PAINT THE SKY, which is sure to be a hit among booklovers everywhere!

5 Stars

#IPainttheSky
#LauraKemp
#LostMeridianPress

Wild Sage Book Blog

[Karen Eisenbrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compelling historical romantic thriller set in a wagon train heading west. Emily, pregnant and on the run from Marvin, her charming sociopath of a husband, joins the wagon of a kindly couple and meets Caleb, a handsome young widower with whom she begins a steamy romance. Marvin is obsessed with Emily, her baby, and some lost gold he believes he can claim … if he can find it. He’s sure Emily can lead him to it. No one is safe with him around.

I enjoyed the historical setting of the wagon train, each wagon its own world but finding safety and social outlet with the other wagons. There was a strong theme of found family as people who had left everything behind joined together for the journey. An engaging cast of side characters kept things lively. The rolling prairie and rugged Black Hills were well described, using all the senses. I was not expecting such steamy romance, which was handled with refreshing frankness and nuance, with a focus on Emily’s sexual awakening and experience. Much of the story was told in flashbacks, as Emily’s, Caleb’s, and Marvin’s secrets were gradually revealed. This worked best for me when the flashback had its own chapter, avoiding confusion about what is “now” and what is “then”.

Recommended for readers looking for a historical romance with a side of suspense and danger.

[Chanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite books is Amy Harmon’s ‘Where the Lost Wander’, and this book, I PAINT THE SKY, comes about as close as possible to helping fill the void that story left with me.

I PAINT THE SKY is a beautifully crafted historical fiction with a little mystery and romance to keep you entertained. The large cast of characters worked well together and the stories pacing, moving between past and present for the FMC, Emily, was well done.

There were a couple things I struggled with that could have been easily fixed. The relationship was a little too insta-love for my liking. And the author, I think, struggled at times with finding Emily’s voice in her dialogue and interactions with other characters. This got better as the book moved past the halfway point. I also got hung up with a few plot holes in the story like what really happened with Ruthie (Caleb’s sister) and her past relationship. That seemed to be something that maybe accidentally got left on the editing floor?

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and would be happy to pick up another from Laura Kemp.

[Rebecca Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great American Historical Romantic fiction Laura Kemp has written about traveling the Oregon Trail in I Paint The Sky! Nineteen year old, newly married Emily Ives is physically and verbally abused by her husband. As she finds out that she's pregnant, she escapes by joining an Oregon Trail wagon train heading to the Black Hills. She meets widower Calab Merritt and begins having romantic feelings. But, of course, there are many twists and turns and dangerous pitfalls as they travel to their destination.
Laura Kemp has surely given us what life is like on this western trip with beautiful descriptions of the landscape and the wonderful characters she meets on this journey. Does she get away from her husband, what happens with her pregnancy, and does she find true love? This question is answered as the storyline builds to an amazing conclusion. Well worth reading I Paint The Sky!

[T. Rash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I like to read a variety of genres, it was nice to find this book a mix all on it's own, with a combination of historical romance, western, thriller, mystery all thrown in. It also has very good descriptions of the scenery along the journey west.

The main character makes several poor decisions which put her and her loved ones in danger. It is refreshing she doesn't sit around waiting to be rescued, like often happens in romance or westerns, but takes matters into her own hands. The members of the group each have unique personalities and meet with many dangers and sadness along the way. I found it interesting to see the various ways they dealt with them. Because the story goes back and forth between the past and present, there were many surprises along the way.

Although I really liked the story, I typically prefer closed door romances. Because of my preference, I found the sexual scenes detracted from my enjoyment.

[Nancy Timmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An undeniable WOW! Laura Kemp delivers another remarkable tale! You will be taken on an unsettling journey; paving the way through the pages of her spellbinding romance thriller, “I Paint the Sky!” Be prepared to have your heart skip a beat not only for love but for intense danger. The scenes are set perfectly in the mid 1800s upper Midwest. From the prairies and creeks to the rough terrain; you could imagine traveling the Black Hills of South Dakota. The courage and strength of the characters when danger follows them is so intense, you will be gripping the book tightly blazing you into the next chapter without looking back.

I was honored to read an advanced copy of this riveting story! So glad Laura Kemp wrote the story that was an idea of hers for a long time. She has an incredible talent to write in any genre. You have a lifelong fan, Laura Kemp!

~This book was given to me through a giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.~

[Cody L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very start I was whisked into the world of Emily Ives and her journey. A young woman who falls in love with the seemingly perfect man, only to find out otherwise. Emily has found herself very pregnant and is now heading west in a covered wagon to seek refuge with her Uncle Rand. A small group of travelers have taken her under their care. Once having her baby, Emily is forced to share some of her secrets with the people she has fallen in love with.

There is romance, adventure, secrets and so many twists!

Laura is one of the best storytellers that I've read. She takes such care in all of the details of the story from the characters to the settings.

I absolutely could not put this book down!

[Deborah M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am proud to say that I have been a loyal fan of Laura Kemp since her original Lantern Creek series. Her character development has always captured me and has drawn me into her stories regardless of time and place. I Paint the Sky takes us on a journey west to California in the 1850's with a determined, tenacious heroine escaping an abusive husband with her baby and a group of individuals who become her family during a journey fraught with danger, self-reflection and soul-searching, loyalty, love and sacrifice. Each individual must draw on their strengths, face their fears and weaknesses and rely on each other to survive and to fulfill their dreams. Another captivating story from the extremely talented Laura Kemp!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new author to me and was amazed by how much I enjoyed the book. It has historical fiction, romance, mystery and suspense all rolled into one book.
Emily was betrayed by her first love. He became very abusive and when she tried to leave him, her parents were killed. Alone in the world and pregnant, Emily decides to head west to find her aunt and uncle to live with them. Along the way, she finds romance, friendship, Indians and a husband trying to track her down and kill her. She over comes all the hardship and loss and falls in love with a wonderful man.
I definitely recommend this book

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has excitement or suspense on almost every page. It pulls you right in and keeps you fascinated. The descriptions of the setting makes you want to visit and the characters make you want to go along on the travel - well, most of the characters! There are some I would prefer to never meet up with! Highly recommend! I am looking forward to more from Laura Kemp!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Nancy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, Laura Kemp's latest novel I Paint The Sky draws you in right from the start.

A western of the finest kind, I Paint The Sky hits all the right notes. It's a story of love, loyalty, betrayal, rawhide, strong & interesting characters, and takes several unexpected turns along the way.

My best advice would be to be prepared to treat yourself to a good cup or glass of your favorite beverage and a couple of hours reading, because I Paint The Sky is a book you'll find hard to put down!

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Good Reads and Lost Meridian Press for the opportunity to read this book.

This was great story, with a truly evil villain. Emily finds herself pregnant and fleeing from an abusive husband. The story takes place in the time of covered wagons, and wars is still waged between US soldiers and Native Americans. This is the tale of what unfolds, and there is some romance along the way. I have never wanted romance more for anyone like I have wanted romance for Emily in this story. I take of loss, heartbreak, love and finding new friends. This was a great historical read.

[Marcyjo Chachakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this tale set along the Oregon Trail. Starting in the flat lands of Michigan and reaching out to the shores of California; it follows the life of Emily Ives. A young woman who thought she was starting the perfect life and watched it all go up in smoke. The heartache and friendships she finds while fleeing an abusive husband fill this book with rich descriptions and colorful scenery. Laura Kemp takes you back to the time of the wild frontier where people depended on each other. This is a compelling historical romance and so much more. You will be hard pressed to put it down

[Lawrence Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a Great Read

Was it really necessary to use the f**k word that often, and did people even use it that frequently in the 1800's? Emily, (the "heroine") was self centered and given to some pretty frequent mood swings. And her sister collaborated in burning her parents' ( who seemed like pretty decent people) store down with them in it, after watching them be beat to death? Because she was jealous of her sister? Along with the " sexual awakening" theme and somewhat comical depiction of the Sioux, I'd have a difficult time rating this a historical read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What should have been a wonderful marriage turned out to be anything but. Can Emily get far enough away from home and the life she left behind to start new and build a good life for herself and her young son?

A story of strength, perseverance, tragedy, secrets, lies, jealousy, revenge, new beginnings, new friendships, and maybe even new love.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Paint the Sky by Laura Kemp is about starting over and second chances. Emily Ives thought she had met and married the perfect man but things quickly took a turn for the worst. To save herself and her unborn child she joins a group traveling west. They all support each other and protect one another from known and unknown things along the way. Just loved these characters - reminded me of the Yellowstone 1883 series! A remarkable book that I would recommend to anyone!