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Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail #5
Rolling Home
Climb aboard! Don't miss the heart-pounding climax of the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series. Rolling Home is the final installment.
In the heart of the rolling village, dissent brews as the stubbornest naysayer refuses to continue the journey. With an ominous early snowfall and memories of the ill-fated Donner Party haunting the pioneers, Dorcas Moon faces a new wave of challenges. Just when she believes things can't get worse, a disastrous river crossing claims their wagon and submerges their belongings.
As the rolling village approaches the final leg of the journey, the looming threat of outlaws intensifies. The notorious bandit known as The Viper and his ruthless brothers are determined to rob the greenhorns, sell their stock, and kill every last one of them. The pioneers had heard tales of their brutality, but now, with Dorcas' daughter kidnapped and Dorcas captured, everyone is in danger.
What will become of Dorcas Moon, her family, and their friends? Will anyone survive the perilous journey?
Rejoin the expedition and witness the thrilling end to a gripping saga.
In the heart of the rolling village, dissent brews as the stubbornest naysayer refuses to continue the journey. With an ominous early snowfall and memories of the ill-fated Donner Party haunting the pioneers, Dorcas Moon faces a new wave of challenges. Just when she believes things can't get worse, a disastrous river crossing claims their wagon and submerges their belongings.
As the rolling village approaches the final leg of the journey, the looming threat of outlaws intensifies. The notorious bandit known as The Viper and his ruthless brothers are determined to rob the greenhorns, sell their stock, and kill every last one of them. The pioneers had heard tales of their brutality, but now, with Dorcas' daughter kidnapped and Dorcas captured, everyone is in danger.
What will become of Dorcas Moon, her family, and their friends? Will anyone survive the perilous journey?
Rejoin the expedition and witness the thrilling end to a gripping saga.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
278 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2024
750 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
David Fitz-Gerald
19 books252 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 53 reviews
April 3, 2025
LOSSES, HARDSHIPS, NEAR STARVATION, & WARN OUT BEYOND BELIEVE, THE WAGON TRAIN MAKES IT TO OREGON
☆☆☆☆☆
Dreams really do come true to those with determination to bring them to life. "Six months on the trail is like a whole lifetime. There is much death, many tragedies, but excitement and adventure, too." Loss of family, friends, and loved ones, not to mention the hardships of walking days on end at times with little to no food and water. These migrants suffered, and yet, with their determination to reach the land of milk and honey, they persevered.
Rolling Home: A Pioneer Western Adventure (Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 5) by David Fitz-Gerald is a well written tell of hardships that we today can't hardly even fathom. David has brought the characters together in a way that will leave you feeling as if you're struggling right beside them during their trip from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon.
If you are into historical fiction, this book and series is for you. It will hold your interest, intrigue you, and leave sad at times and joyful at others. Their are twists and turns that, mysterious and both spiritual and romantic situations that will blow your mind.
☆☆☆☆☆
Dreams really do come true to those with determination to bring them to life. "Six months on the trail is like a whole lifetime. There is much death, many tragedies, but excitement and adventure, too." Loss of family, friends, and loved ones, not to mention the hardships of walking days on end at times with little to no food and water. These migrants suffered, and yet, with their determination to reach the land of milk and honey, they persevered.
Rolling Home: A Pioneer Western Adventure (Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 5) by David Fitz-Gerald is a well written tell of hardships that we today can't hardly even fathom. David has brought the characters together in a way that will leave you feeling as if you're struggling right beside them during their trip from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon.
If you are into historical fiction, this book and series is for you. It will hold your interest, intrigue you, and leave sad at times and joyful at others. Their are twists and turns that, mysterious and both spiritual and romantic situations that will blow your mind.
January 15, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the author.
This book may be called Rolling Home but what I have loved, amongst other things, is that each book rolls on from the previous one. The series is a single story split up into five books to make it more manageable to read.
The travellers that are left after this arduous journey now have decisions to make about what is next for them. This will be easier for some than for others.
The promise of free land comes with conditions that not all of them can meet. I can’t help myself from wondering what they will do.
By the end of this book I found myself in tears. Now that the series has ended it feels like I’m loosing friends so what it must have been like for those early pioneers I cannot imagine. Five stars just doesn’t seem enough for this well written series.
This book may be called Rolling Home but what I have loved, amongst other things, is that each book rolls on from the previous one. The series is a single story split up into five books to make it more manageable to read.
The travellers that are left after this arduous journey now have decisions to make about what is next for them. This will be easier for some than for others.
The promise of free land comes with conditions that not all of them can meet. I can’t help myself from wondering what they will do.
By the end of this book I found myself in tears. Now that the series has ended it feels like I’m loosing friends so what it must have been like for those early pioneers I cannot imagine. Five stars just doesn’t seem enough for this well written series.
November 28, 2024
"What is your dream? I remember being confused when Agapito asked me that question. I never knew that traveling through a desolate wilderness would suit me so completely. Though a couple of days’ sojourn would be welcome, I’ll miss the trail when our journey ends. Is it my ideal to journey endlessly, helping people pursue their dreams?"
After months on the road, it almost seems impossible that the end is so near. The road has been rough for Dorcas Moon and her family, but all those who travel have experienced the pain of loss and hardship. As they near their destination, the travellers face dwindling food supplies and heavy hearts, burdened by the loss of loved ones left behind.
David Fitz-Gerald concludes his epic five-novel “Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail” series with the thrilling finale, Rolling Home: A Pioneer Western Adventure.
The travellers in this series have been aware of the dangers they face, but their determination to reach their destination and realise their dreams keeps them moving forward. Until now, talk of outlaws had been the least of their worries; but they now have to face this new threat. A group of outlaws, led by a man who calls himself The Viper, have been trailing the wagons for weeks, and they are no longer satisfied by sitting, watching, and stealing a horse here and there. Their sights are set on a fortune, and they need the entire caravan to achieve their goals. The previous books foreshadowed the outlaws’ actions, setting the stage for their open attack on the wagons. It was satisfying to see the drama and action delivered after four books of anticipation.
Just like the journey preceding this novel, not everyone makes it through the trials and tribulations, and this novel unfortunately maintains this trend. Embarking on the Oregon Trail meant acknowledging the possibility of never reaching your destination. The characters understood this, but accepting it was a different story. No one can influence the outcome of the journey, nor could you stop terrible things from happening to those you love, all you could do while on the Trail was hope and pray.
From start to finish, Dorcas has been a character unlike any other. She is a force unto herself, whose opinions will not be swayed and who is unafraid to speak her mind or act on her own intuition. She has proven time and time again that she does not need protecting, that she is just as capable, if not more so, than some of the men in the caravan. However, as much as she may be able to live on her own, that does not necessarily mean that is what she craves. Even before the death of her husband, Dorcas’ eye had caught that of Agapito, the assistant wagon master, but she knew such a pairing was impossible. Agapito was a man of the plains, not the kind of person who would settle down and be satisfied with remaining in one place forever. Plus, his heart still yearned for people lost in his past, and promises to the dead are difficult to break. But as their journey started to draw to a close, Dorcas’ chance of letting Agapito know how she felt was starting to fade away. Dorcas’ character is what makes this series such a success. Her defiance of societal norms, refusing to fit into their prescribed moulds, made her a truly memorable person. Throughout everything the caravan has gone through, she has stood by her friends, and given what she can whenever an opportunity arose to do so. She is not a character to use others’ misfortune to give herself a boost, but rather one to offer a hand and pull them back to their feet. Her depiction is incredibly human, and she truly feels alive within the pages of this series.
The supernatural elements woven into Dorcas’ family, while not central to the series, contribute to the plot’s intricate complexities. Rose’s abilities to converse with the dead, and her tendency to allow her mind to fade from the present world, and wander off by herself has certainly caused issues throughout the series, but as Dorcas slowly learns why Rose acts as she does, her powers begin to prove helpful. To lose a loved one on such a perilous journey is almost impossible to deal with, for there is no choice but to leave them behind and move on. Rose offers comfort to mourners, using her skills whenever possible. She converses with the ghosts along the journey and does what she can to lift the spirits of those still able to put one foot in front of the other and continue the trek. Additionally, her brother, Andrew, helps the caravan where he can, although he is not always sure of what his premonitions show. He can sense danger before it arrives and offers each novel a sense of terrible foreboding, but it is not always clear what it is that Andrew is predicting, and not always possible to put the foresight to use before disaster strikes. The inclusion of supernatural elements in this series certainly elevates it and allows the reader an additional understanding of just how dangerous the Oregon Trail was to traverse, and just how many dreams came to an end on the side of the road.
Rolling Home: A Pioneer Western Adventure (Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 5) by David Fitz-Gerald brings a close to a truly thrilling and compelling series. Once again, Fitz-Gerald has brought both history and the supernatural to life, and the resulting five-part saga of Dorcas Moon’s journey along the Oregon Trail is an absolute success.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
June 18, 2024
This was a 5 star series. Rich in historical detail, quirky characters and interesting dialog not to mention a touch of romance and a bit of weird. It was hard to put down. Thankful for the happy ending. Dorcas deserved it. I hate it when authors pull the rug out from you at the end of the book and I was a little worried when Agapito was badly wounded but it all worked out. I think to really appreciate this series you need to start with book one and work you way through.
The author posed an interesting question. "If you were alive in1850 would you have chosen to follow the Oregan Trail?" Well my mother's people (Irish) landed in Manhattan in the late 1700's and stayed there until my mother moved to the Bronx in 1932. Her mother was appalled. My father's people (English) came in the1850's to Brooklyn. They moved to the Bronx in the 1920's. So I think it's safe to say no. I'd pass on that trip. I admire greatly the people that opened up America and made it the great country it is. However I'll grow where I'm planted. It amazes me that my ancestors even left the old country. I assume they were fleeing debtors prison or conscription.
On another note if it was 1850 and Rose was my daughter I would have most probably dragged her down to the nearest Catholic church and begged the priest for an exorcism. Might still do it today. Just say'n.
The author posed an interesting question. "If you were alive in1850 would you have chosen to follow the Oregan Trail?" Well my mother's people (Irish) landed in Manhattan in the late 1700's and stayed there until my mother moved to the Bronx in 1932. Her mother was appalled. My father's people (English) came in the1850's to Brooklyn. They moved to the Bronx in the 1920's. So I think it's safe to say no. I'd pass on that trip. I admire greatly the people that opened up America and made it the great country it is. However I'll grow where I'm planted. It amazes me that my ancestors even left the old country. I assume they were fleeing debtors prison or conscription.
On another note if it was 1850 and Rose was my daughter I would have most probably dragged her down to the nearest Catholic church and begged the priest for an exorcism. Might still do it today. Just say'n.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
Oregon Trail Saga
I read the entire series of five books, not because I particularly enjoyed them, but because I was interested to find out how the tale would unfold. The author is a man, experienced in writing western tales, who attempted to write one through the eyes of a woman. It just didn't work well. This particular female was depicted in so many conflicting ways it was difficult to follow: A loving mother; a faithful wife; a lusting dreamer; a widow with four children; a woman who could out-shoot, out-rope any man around. Honestly, it was exhausting to try to take it all in. As it turned out, what I thought was a five book series that would come to an end somehow didn't happen. There is another book. I quit.
I read the entire series of five books, not because I particularly enjoyed them, but because I was interested to find out how the tale would unfold. The author is a man, experienced in writing western tales, who attempted to write one through the eyes of a woman. It just didn't work well. This particular female was depicted in so many conflicting ways it was difficult to follow: A loving mother; a faithful wife; a lusting dreamer; a widow with four children; a woman who could out-shoot, out-rope any man around. Honestly, it was exhausting to try to take it all in. As it turned out, what I thought was a five book series that would come to an end somehow didn't happen. There is another book. I quit.
March 21, 2025
Gripping tale of taming the west
So much adventure along with believable characters and dialogue. Couldn’t stop after one book so I read all the way through to the fifth and last! It got a little too “mystical “ for me into book 4 which is why I gave a 4 instead of a 5 rating. I was probably generous at that but it was an enjoyable read. The conclusion was left too much up on the air as if the author just ran out of steam. Too many questions left unanswered so when the last page came along I was stunned… how can this be!? It’s not over. I guess we have to make up our own endings.
So much adventure along with believable characters and dialogue. Couldn’t stop after one book so I read all the way through to the fifth and last! It got a little too “mystical “ for me into book 4 which is why I gave a 4 instead of a 5 rating. I was probably generous at that but it was an enjoyable read. The conclusion was left too much up on the air as if the author just ran out of steam. Too many questions left unanswered so when the last page came along I was stunned… how can this be!? It’s not over. I guess we have to make up our own endings.
February 9, 2025
Very good series. The perils of a family headed to organ a lady that is tougher than most men. A strange woman with even stranger children. The son can see future disasters. The daughter talks to the dead. They face disastrous events. Death and she takes in some different types of people. Just the opposite of the other pilgrim woman. A story worth reading. Unforgettable family. Four children from early teen to very young. Read all 5 books non stop. Usually switch between books. Very well written and unforgettable
September 13, 2024
Realistic view
I could hardly wait to go from one book to the next. I was very pleased with the ending although there was so much loss along the way. I believe these stories gave a realistic view into how hard and sometimes horrifying the trip could be. I think anyone interested in the history of our country or pioneer stories should read this.
Thank you David Fitz-Gerald for a series of outstanding books.
I could hardly wait to go from one book to the next. I was very pleased with the ending although there was so much loss along the way. I believe these stories gave a realistic view into how hard and sometimes horrifying the trip could be. I think anyone interested in the history of our country or pioneer stories should read this.
Thank you David Fitz-Gerald for a series of outstanding books.
June 16, 2024
last in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail
This is the last in this series. I must admit I was aggravated when I had to wait for today when this book came on KU, but it was well worth the wait. You will not want to put it down and when you get to the last page, you want another book. You will absolutely love this series if you enjoy reading Wagon train stories.
This is the last in this series. I must admit I was aggravated when I had to wait for today when this book came on KU, but it was well worth the wait. You will not want to put it down and when you get to the last page, you want another book. You will absolutely love this series if you enjoy reading Wagon train stories.
June 22, 2024
Excellent series
I felt like I was there with all the characters, seeing through their eyes, experiencing the hardships and beauty of this new country. I especially liked that this story is told in first person by a woman who must quickly adjust to new norms in order to protect herself and her ever growing family.
I felt like I was there with all the characters, seeing through their eyes, experiencing the hardships and beauty of this new country. I especially liked that this story is told in first person by a woman who must quickly adjust to new norms in order to protect herself and her ever growing family.
July 10, 2024
4.5 book
It was good but I feel like it is incomplete. It needed a epilogue like give it 2 years later to see what happened to Rose did she go back to the village did she have a baby and what about Dorc did she stay or moved did she get she horse ranch going did she have baby with her new husband? How is her other children doing? How about her friends?
It was good but I feel like it is incomplete. It needed a epilogue like give it 2 years later to see what happened to Rose did she go back to the village did she have a baby and what about Dorc did she stay or moved did she get she horse ranch going did she have baby with her new husband? How is her other children doing? How about her friends?
July 18, 2024
Great Ending To A Fantastic Series
This book ended a fantastic series that is so realistic that my emotions dipped and soared reading it. The struggles and triumphs of the early settlers make you want to be among them when they viewed the virgin landscapes before man transformed the country into the concrete jungles of today. An excellent series!
This book ended a fantastic series that is so realistic that my emotions dipped and soared reading it. The struggles and triumphs of the early settlers make you want to be among them when they viewed the virgin landscapes before man transformed the country into the concrete jungles of today. An excellent series!
August 29, 2024
Five Star Series
Over the past few weeks I have reading a series on the Oregon Trail which quickly became a daily ritual. Truly a series of its own which made each day my time of reading so enjoyable. Can’t believe that anyone would be missing favor if could read this series as well. Truly wonderful.
Over the past few weeks I have reading a series on the Oregon Trail which quickly became a daily ritual. Truly a series of its own which made each day my time of reading so enjoyable. Can’t believe that anyone would be missing favor if could read this series as well. Truly wonderful.
November 14, 2024
Loved this series! it never grew tired or flat. charged in a different manner every minute!
I lived with these people and their individual lives for the duration. Willing their suffering and pain to end while at the same time hoping the books will not end.
I feel like I’ve lost my pals…..
I lived with these people and their individual lives for the duration. Willing their suffering and pain to end while at the same time hoping the books will not end.
I feel like I’ve lost my pals…..
February 6, 2025
Adventure Time
A well written series with much insight for the driving forces behind each character. Satisfying to read and be able to become aware of the events that could happen on such a journey. Much more credit should be given to those who helped to settle this country of ours, and we should recognize that each person has their own journey to make in this life.
A well written series with much insight for the driving forces behind each character. Satisfying to read and be able to become aware of the events that could happen on such a journey. Much more credit should be given to those who helped to settle this country of ours, and we should recognize that each person has their own journey to make in this life.
June 18, 2024
Magnificent
I have just finished reading this series in six days. Could not put it down. Each book was such a great read. Amazing characters! Wonderful story. You have made me a fan.
I have just finished reading this series in six days. Could not put it down. Each book was such a great read. Amazing characters! Wonderful story. You have made me a fan.
June 23, 2024
Good Series.
Have enjoyed the series from book one to book five. Strongly recommend the series to everyone whom like stories about the western movement involving the daily hardship of the families involved.
Have enjoyed the series from book one to book five. Strongly recommend the series to everyone whom like stories about the western movement involving the daily hardship of the families involved.
June 25, 2024
Simply wonderful!
I read all four books in 3 days. They are amazing! I feel like I came to know the travelers, cheered at their accomplishments and mourned their tragedies. I feel like I was on the journey with them. What more can you ask of books?
I read all four books in 3 days. They are amazing! I feel like I came to know the travelers, cheered at their accomplishments and mourned their tragedies. I feel like I was on the journey with them. What more can you ask of books?
July 1, 2024
ghosts along the oregon trail
ive read all 5 of these books and could not put them down! best replay of a tale of what it could have been like for my great grandparents! i totally enjoyed every step they took! i only wish there was more to their story!
ive read all 5 of these books and could not put them down! best replay of a tale of what it could have been like for my great grandparents! i totally enjoyed every step they took! i only wish there was more to their story!
July 11, 2024
Helen Vigna
Excellently written. Felt like I was along on the wagons. Interesting people and believable. The scenery and hardships encountered were also very believable. Great read!
Excellently written. Felt like I was along on the wagons. Interesting people and believable. The scenery and hardships encountered were also very believable. Great read!
July 27, 2024
Awesome read!
I thoroughly enjoyed all five of these books! I read them one right after another. I loved Dorcas, she had amazing strength, and a great capacity for loving and accepting people. Well
I thoroughly enjoyed all five of these books! I read them one right after another. I loved Dorcas, she had amazing strength, and a great capacity for loving and accepting people. Well
August 7, 2024
Wonderful wonderful book series! I love Dorcus! Such a strong amazing women! Ahead of her time! So happy she got her good ending with the man of her heart! I hope David will write a follow up series on Dorcus & her family making in Oregon! It would be a big hit! Please consider it! Please!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
Really loved this series of books!
Once I started reading the first chapter of the first book I was hooked! It's like you are really there. The reading is easy and the story flows from book to book. I would love to see another series of books with a continuing story with the same families starting where this series left off. I just didn't want it to end.
Once I started reading the first chapter of the first book I was hooked! It's like you are really there. The reading is easy and the story flows from book to book. I would love to see another series of books with a continuing story with the same families starting where this series left off. I just didn't want it to end.
August 17, 2024
This well written series was fast moving and action packed. It really gives the reader an idea of what day to day life must have been like on the Oregon Trail. The good, bad, and ugly. I enjoyed reading these books, and want to say the ending was quite nice.
August 31, 2024
I so enjoyed each book in this series. I think this is the closest I have ever felt to actually being in a wagon train on a long journey. The characters are fabulous. Going to definitely check out other books by this author.
September 3, 2024
Good but not a fan of the mysticism
Well written book , but not a fan of the parts of the series that involve talking to the dead and seeing the future. Would have enjoyed it much more without it.
Well written book , but not a fan of the parts of the series that involve talking to the dead and seeing the future. Would have enjoyed it much more without it.
September 13, 2024
I loved this series!
How do I begin? There’s love, hope, tragedies, humor, and sadness, all within these books. I remember playing the Oregon Trail game in elementary school but I’ve never read about it. What an amazing adventure these travelers had!
How do I begin? There’s love, hope, tragedies, humor, and sadness, all within these books. I remember playing the Oregon Trail game in elementary school but I’ve never read about it. What an amazing adventure these travelers had!
September 21, 2024
Adventure on the Oregon Trail
Well thought out, well written, and thoroughly enjoyable tale of adventure and hardships of the Oregon Trail, even if the characters are not stereotypical.
Well thought out, well written, and thoroughly enjoyable tale of adventure and hardships of the Oregon Trail, even if the characters are not stereotypical.
November 23, 2024
overall not too bad
The story itself is not bad. The whole series should have been one book and not 5 separate installments. I would have liked to see more character development with several of the characters.
The story itself is not bad. The whole series should have been one book and not 5 separate installments. I would have liked to see more character development with several of the characters.
December 24, 2024
Rugged journey
Everything about this series is filled with adventure, love, and beautiful scenery. I enjoyed every minute of my time with this wagon train. Dorcas and her family will live on in my heart forever!
Everything about this series is filled with adventure, love, and beautiful scenery. I enjoyed every minute of my time with this wagon train. Dorcas and her family will live on in my heart forever!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews