Love's Healing Path

Wagon Train Matches #6

by Lacy Williams

Maddie Fairfax may be young, but on this Oregon-bound wagon train, the pioneers welcome help from the self-trained nurse. Until Dr. Jason Goodwin joins up with their company. The doctor portrays a frosty exterior, but Maddie may be the only one who sees the profound loneliness that haunts him.

After losing his wife and children in a terrible accident, Jason has vowed not to open his heart again. But when Maddie takes on the care of three young orphans, Jason finds himself entangled in the lives of the makeshift family. And as their journey west continues, Maddie's radiant compassion begins to light up the darkest corners of his heart.

Until the unthinkable happens. Will Jason's guarded heart and Maddie's untamed spirit pull them apart?
Tropes/
*May/December
*ready-made family / adopted orphans
*grumpy/sunshine
*love on the journey
*emotional scars

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2025

About the author

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Healing Path, the sixth book in the Wagon Train Matches series, was such a captivating story! The books in this series definitely build upon one another and also leave some openings for future stories to be told at the end of each book. You could probably jump in and enjoy this one with it’s focus on Maggie and Jason, however, know that there will be other characters and situations that have been building for awhile in previous books.

I really enjoyed the tension between the characters. Maggie believes that the doctor, Jason, looks down on her. And it’s true that Jason does not want to spend time around Maggie, however, it is because he feels drawn to her and is trying to resist it. He’s much older than Maggie and is also a widower who carries a lot of guilt. But these two sure do feel drawn to each other. I love how things play out once Jason shares with Maggie the the real reasons he has been trying to keep distance between them.

There are a few very shocking turns of events in this story that kept it very exciting and added a lot of authenticity for the amount of danger these travelers were constantly dealing with. This has been a very good series and I am looking forward to reading the next book.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Jamie Wagnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful book. Maddie and Jason matched incredibly well and the journey they took was so heartfelt and endearing. I enjoyed the way they fought against each other in the beginning and how they slowly came to the realization that they loved each other. It wasn’t fast and both had some major hang ups to overcome, but it was so worth the wait.

I loved the addition of Belle. Her showing up gives me hope that Coop will finally be given his happily ever after. This book did make me angry at a few of the characters that have been borderline for me for a while. Leo, Collin and Alice are really showing themselves to be horrible siblings. It’s been brewing for a while but I understand Coop’s difficultly with them. Each act as if they are better than him. And yes, I get he is supposed to be the “black sheep” but honestly he seems to be the most aware of the undercurrent than the rest of them. I really wanted to smack Leo more than once in the book and actually hoped Coop would leave his family since they don’t really seem to care…

Which leads me to Maddie’s family. Heavens! Stella has to be the most selfish sister. Her disregard for Maddie’s feelings was next level. She really has ruined more than a few chapters for me. I haven’t been on the Collin and Stella train since their book. She’s toxic as a character and Collin is made to be an idiot with her. Lily was also annoying through most of the book but I did come around to her as the story moved and we saw her fear and pain. I’m anxiously awaiting her book which is next and hoping like the dickens that Coop will not be far behind.

This story definitely had me feeling a lot. It was so good. Another great installment to this series.

[Margaret Nelson]

This is the sixth book in Williams’ Wagon Train Matches series. I highly recommend you read the series in order so that you have the back stories on the various characters who show up in this book, as well as understand mentions of things that happened previously.

Life on a wagon train trip across the US was not easy. This book seems to have more than its fair share of heart-wrenching plot twists! There are moments of laughter, hope, joy, and celebration, but the hardships encountered left me with a somber feeling at the end.

Williams does a good job in describing characters who feel unworthy, who suffer from survivor’s guilt, and who are searching for their identity. Several of the main characters grow in faith and their understanding of what it means to be a child of God, and their trust in God affects those around them in positive ways.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! One of my favorite time periods to read about are the pioneer days. Surprise and danger lurked around almost every corner.

Maddie is my favorite! She's a giver. She gives of her time, her gift of healing and her love. Jason is gruff at the beginning. He suffered a huge loss, and his heart was shattered. They soon become a wonderful team.

There are a few love stories. Some of them don't quite work out. Maddie's love for her sudden family is endearing.

I was provided a complimentary arc copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story! I love wagon train stories and this one shows many of the perils of the trail. Well written with believable characters. I’ll definitely recommend this book to others. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a wonderful, emotional, unapologetically Christ-centered novel!

Be prepared for these emotions: one can’t help feeling for Doc and Maddie, both hurt and broken, one willing to open her heart and the other so afraid to love again.
Poor Jason, grieving the loss of his wife and children, blaming himself for their deaths, and unable to reconcile God’s grace in the face of the tragedy - he just tugs on your heart strings. And Maddie, kind, compassionate, devoted, stubborn Maggie is sure to draw you in.

Add to it a number of scares, deaths, fire, an explosion, and trail hardships, and this installment in the series shines anew.

Loved seeing multiple POVs and getting glimpses into the hearts of the new characters who just scream of a need for their own HEA. Plus, all those old and new secrets must be unraveled.

The entire novel is written in an engaging style where the plot just pulls you in, and the sweet romance unfolding between Jason and Maddie are a joy to observe.
As well as seeing God’s love anew after the loss and understanding His mercy in pain while healing; seeing your worth in who God has made you and treasuring His gift of salvation - which are portrayed here perfectly.

Please be aware of possible triggers: tragic death of the loved ones, hard childhood, survivors’ guilt, abuse (alluded), prostitution (alluded), murder (alluded), pregnancy before marriage (alluded).

I had a privilege to read an advanced copy, but the opinions expressed in this review are my own. Love this series.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Christian Historical Romance, Loves Healing Path. This is book six in the series Wagon Train Matches. Lacy is one of my favorite authors. I love her stories about marriages of conveniences and often with enemies. You just have to love it. This story is really incredible. I love these two. I know you will too.

Maddie Fairfax is a young woman on the wagon train. She has taught herself how to care for people. She has been busy on this train. Between injuries and plagues. She remains helpful and hopeful. A handsome doctor shows up and tries to stop her work. He wants no help from her or anything to do with her. After the death of a young mother and father, Maddie takes on the care of three little orphans. A job no one thinks she can handle.

Dr. Jason Goodwin was on his way to Oregon last year but his wife and children were killed by a rock slide. He has been lost and angry ever since, He takes it out on the young woman who calls herself a nurse even though he is attracted to her. He will not love again. When Maddie takes on the care of the children he can't help but become involved.

A moving journey of love and loss. God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love's Healing Path, by Lacy Williams, is the sixth book in the Wagon Train Matches series. This story does follow after the previous books, so it is best to read them in order. However, the author does a great job of giving background information so it is also a nice stand alone story. While this story fills in with past couples, it focuses on Maddie and Jason. Jason is a doctor who lost his family in a terrible accident. He joins up with the wagon train to help the people with medical need for just a short time. Maddie is well liked among the people and is often called to help with medical needs. While Jason is still grieving his loss and doesn't want to get involved with anyone, especially a younger person, he finds himself having feeling for Maddie and she for him.

This is an enjoyable story to read. It is well written, easy to read and imagine. I enjoyed catching up with the people in the wagon train. I enjoyed how caring both Maddie and Jason are. I especially enjoyed how welcoming Maddie was toward the orphaned children and how the looked up to her. This story is filled with adventure with bits and pieces of romance, suspense and mystery.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wagon Train Matches Series is a favorite series by Lacy Williams for me. When finishing each book in the series I think this is my all-time favorite on, with Loves Healing Path, book six leaving me feel the same. Maddie Fairfax, a herb healing self-trained nurse seen by so many in the traveling company as too young and often too sensitive to others, was to me a caring mature individual. I admired how she helped others but could also see how in her family of sisters she had become a people-pleaser that was used but not always appreciated and certainly not understood. Jason was a man with his own demons of unwarranted guilty, but he did learn to appreciate Maddie before he fell in love with her. Their path had struggles of self-doubt along with self-worth.

The story is told so that I feel the tiredness of the travel, the fear of danger and the sorrows of losses along the way. It is so genuine that I feel as if I am traveling alongside the group of families heading West. What an authentic and realistic story not shying away from the swaying nature of humans but also instilling the hope of God’s mercy and grace. I love the series but especially Love’s Healing Path. I am so hoping Coop gets his story of God’s redemption, then his HEA soon.

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in this series following a wagon train headed to Oregon, and features Maddie Fairfax who has been the healer for the group. They have been joined by a "real" doctor who is not interested in cooperating with Maddie. Jason lost his entire family in rock slide while on the trail west, and is filled with guilt and closed off from others. The title is appropriate, since both Maddie and Jason need to heal. As they learn to work together they begin to open up to each other, until news comes that shakes Jason to the core and sends him in search of his wife, who may still be alive.
Like the other books in the series, there are moments of high anxiety along with times of humor. The storyline is believable, the characters are well developed and realistic, and the details about daily like made me feel as if I was right there.
This story is a standalone but by starting here you will be jumping into the middle of family relationships and learn about past events. However, it's worth reading and will give you a feel for the rest of the series.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of the stories in this series has been excellent but this one, by far, has been raw and emotional. The title fits it to a tee. Both characters have suffered previously, but mostly the doctor, Jason, who lost his whole family on a previous wagon train crossing. He's totally closed off and in full grief mode. Maddie, who has been somewhat of a nurse on this wagon train before Jason became a part of it, only wants to help Jason treat passengers but he forbids her helps and she can't understand why. She knows she doesn't have any formal training but still, she feels she can help some.
The changes that both of them go through as the ups and downs of the experiences that happen on the wagon trail will test their limits. Maddie will gain a new "family" as she becomes the guardian for some children whose parents die, and this is a huge challenge for her.
The character development was fabulous, and the author did an amazing job of showing the trials pioneers faced while on the trail. It's a wonder any of them survived! I could tell a lot of research went into this!

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My head isn’t the reason for the vertigo I feel right now.” His gaze feel to her lips.

Adventure, danger, and faith. We get to experience another leg of the journey with these beloved wagon train families. Note: This is book six. I have not read all six (some are still on my TBR) the author gives just enough details that you aren’t lost but not so much to make you want to skip the other books.
Hardships and heartache abound as you would expect on a wagon train. But you also experience joy, laughter, hope, and love! I loved the growth in faith that Maddie and Jason experienced. They both learned valuable lessons and their trust in God grew too!

Favorite lines:
She’d lost herself somewhere. Forgotten that God always found her worthy… she was a child of God. A beloved daughter.

“When I left my heart broke because it belongs to you.” … “Once, I thought I would never be able to love again. You’ve taught me otherwise. I love you.”

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories on life in the west as it is being inhabited by people moving west. The H is a doctor who lost his family when they were in a wagon train going west. Through a chance meeting with people from the wagon train he decides to join it to the mountains. The h is a young woman who is going west with her sisters. She happens to be skilled in healing with herbs. When he meets her he immediately dislikes her, viewing her as dangerous. He goes so far as demand that she stay away from him and she does as he demands. When the wagon train is overwhelmed by typhoid the h helps saving people and the H changes his view of her, and begins to work with her. As they work together they develop feelings for each other. After the H saves the h they end up getting married and adopting children left orphans. This book will keep you reading as one thing after another happens to the wagon train and it’s members. Even the events at the end are unexpected. Hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did. Enjoy!

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie and her sisters are on the wagon train headed for OR. They grew up in Dublin. Maddie learned about herbs and natural healings from the neighbor. She has been the closest thing to a doctor that the wagon train has had. "Doc" Jason lost his family - wife and 2 kids - in a rock slide going over the Rockies a year ago. He was headed back East with another train when he came across Owen and Rachel trying to get back with their wagon train. He goes with them. Now that he's a doctor for the train, he resents Maddie and her attempts at healing. He is educated. She is not. Jason is also about 15 years older than Maddie. He is drawn to her, but still feels married to his wife. He feels like he is betraying her memory. His guilt causes him to lash out at Maddie because he doesn't want to be drawn to her. He can't open his heart to love again.

Such a sweet book on healing and allowing your heart to open up again. Not just to love, but to friendships.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing can come.

The moving story of Jason’s and Maddie’s healing during the wagon journey west. Jason is filled with overwhelming grief and has buried himself in work and surviving. Maddie opened his eyes, and later his heart, to life and happiness again. Maddie is trying to prove her worth and wants be “enough” for someone to love. Together they learn that true worth and healing come from God.

There is much ongoing tension and drama from previous stories. This “piece of the puzzle” lets us get to know Jason and Maddie, but also continues other characters’ struggles. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. These are clean and faith-filled that I enjoyed very much.

I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Karen Baney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lacy Williams takes the reader on a journey full of physical and emotional healing in this epic wagon train tale.

I love the way the author handled the age gap between Maddie and Jason. It always felt pure and respectful.

Though both main characters struggle with past grief, I loved the way Williams handled their grief honestly without making the book feel too heavy with it. A very accurate portrayal of the complexities of dealing with grief.

The children Maddie ends up taking care were a delightful addition to the story creating plenty of tension and moments of respite in the romantic tension between Maddie and Jason.

Fans of Christian historical romance, clean romance, or just a good story will enjoy this book (and the whole series).

I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of the author. All opinions are my own and I’m not required to give a favorable review.

[Catherine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wagon trips take a long time, which gives time for all the unattached males and females to really get to know each other! Maddie and Jason butt heads early in their acquaintance and it takes a long time, and working together during a typhoid outbreak, for them to start to appreciate each other. Add in three children that Maddie becomes caregiver for unexpectedly along with busy and strained family relationships and there are a few bumps along the way.This story kept me reading and turning the pages eagerly. Just when I thought things were settled and going in the right direction there was another bump in the story. I could have easily devoured this book in one setting, unfortunately life didn't allow it!Another wonderful book in the Wagon Train Matches series that I can totally recommend. 

[Elaine Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next chapter in the journey on the Oregon Trail. Maddy, who has been used to help those who become sick or injured during their trip to Oregon, is confronted with a "real doctor" who joins their wagon train. Jason is instantly attracted to Maddy but is fighting guilt and heartache from his past, so he pushes her away. When they are forced to work together they develop feelings for each other. Through many trials and danger, both of them learn to trust God and overcome their past. As I read this series, I am convinced I would not have survived the Oregon Trail, but these books are so inspiring and encouraging. I can't wait for the next book.


I received a copy of this book from the author but this is an honest, voluntary review.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Healing Path takes us on our sixth exciting adventure on the Oregon-bound wagon train as part of the Wagon Train Matches series. The wonderful cast of characters, many of whom we have met in previous books in the series, drives the story forward. There is a lot going on in this book with multiple storylines, which add interest and depth to the narrative, but it is mainly Maddie and Jason’s story. The fast-paced plot is populated with several unexpected twists and revelations as Maddie and Jason face danger and find love, renewed faith, and emotional healing. Their May to December romance with its ups and downs is heartwarming. The satisfying ending paves the way for continuing adventures hopefully featuring Lily, Belle, Sally, and Coop. I highly recommend this book and the series. NOTE: Although this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie Fairfax joins a wagon train heading to Oregon with her 2 sisters. Their parents had died long ago. Maddie has become a natural healer of sorts, and some of the wagon train families rely on her expertise to help them heal. The wagon train also has a doctor (Jason) within their group and he does not think much of Maddie’s medical training. Maddie and Jason begin working close together when typhoid hits the wagon train. Jason is amazed at Maddie’s patience and sincere caring of the wagon train members. Soon, a married couple with 3 young children succumb to the typhoid fever. Maddie immediately takes responsibility for their 3 children as she had promised the children’s mother that she would. This causes many problems within the wagon train community.

Jason and Maddie continue to take care of the community and find themselves spending a great deal of time together. Jason is a widower who lost his wife and children during a prior wagon train while they were traversing the mountains. He has nightmares about the accident that claimed his family’s lives and doesn’t want to fall in love with Maddie.

This is a sweet story with an HEA. I enjoyed reading it very much.

I was given a free copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Healing Path

This book is a wonderful continuation of the Wagon Train Matches series. Maddie has been like a nurse for the wagon train since joining with her sisters. The only training she has been is self taught. Her need to care for others is what prompted her to accept responsibility for three orphaned children. Dr. Jason Goodwin had lost his entire family in a landslide while traveling to Oregon the previous year. He vowed to help others as they travel the trail. The doctor had come to the wagon train with Owen and his wife. The sparks fly between Jason and Maddie immediately, but the age gap plus the loss of his family made a relationship impossible. Or does it? Be sure to read their story.

[Debra Rylander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regrets

Maddie lost her fiance because she was too much of a child, at least that's what he told her when he broke their engagement. Her mother was gone, her father might as well have been. Her saving grace was what she had learned about herbal healing. She had been needed by the pioneers as they travelled to Oregon.

Jason's whole family had perished in a rock slide. He knew he was to blame. He should have died with them! He'd never be able to love another. He didn't deserve happiness.

Could these two people, with such deep emotional wounds, even be able to get along much less care for each other?

I absolutely love the way this author makes her characters so real that you get invested in their lives.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists & turns

Maddie is a trained "healer" who was in great demand on the trail, until Jason, a bona fide doctor, joined the wagon train. Of course they clashed and "fought" over methods of treatment, but he began to trust her more when he couldn't stitch a severe wound due to shaking hands. It is revealed that his survivor's guilt from when his family was killed a rockslide manifest itself at the most inopportune times. The journey for each of them only led toward each other. Very good story but oh my, we must find out about Lilly, whose true love saved her life but died in the process, leaving her with a terrible secret that would soon be known to all. What to do, what to do.......

[Jodie Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love's Healing Path follows the tale of Maddie Fairfax, a young woman who has knowledge of healing plants and Dr. Jason Goodwin who doesn't appreciate Maddie interfering with his patients. The Oregon trail is a perfect place for these two to learn valuable lessons of forgiveness and trust.

This was a sweet book in Lacy Williams Wagon Train Matches Series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, the reader would benefit from checking out the first five books in the series first. It's a series you're sure to enjoy.

~While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. (2025)

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #6 in the Wagon Train Matches but can be read as a standalone book.

This tells Maddie and Jason’s story.

Maddie and her sisters who are originally from Ireland and while growing up Maddie’s neighbour taught her about herbs and natural healings and she helped people on the wagon train until Jason (Doc) joined the train after losing his wife and 2 children in a rock slide.

They both have to deal with their past so they can move on with their relationship.

Can’t wait for the next book in the series. Keep up the good work Lacy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing Grief

Maddie is a healer and Jason is a doctor. Can these two find a way to work together without always arguing? Jason lost his wife and their three children in a landslide a year ago. Maddie had been engaged to a man who told her that she was too immature for him and called off the wedding. Jason is grieving the loss of his family and Maddie feels like she's never good enough. However, when Typhoid takes the parents of three children, Maddie promises the dying mother that she'll take care of the children. Jason is helping her more and more. Does that mean that his heart is healing? Jason and Maddie's story is very heartwarming even amid all the twists and turns.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all! I just adored Maddie and her natural healing skills and how she and Jason, ahem, DR. Jason butted heads at the beginning. So funny at first…then he realizes that he has misjudged her, eventually. Lol It was a joy to read Maddie and Jason’s story; their witty and funny conversations and their struggles and worries about their relationship. God makes “a healing path” even when they could see no certain way for the two of them. I LOVED this book so much, and I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone!

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding book by Lacy Williams. Lacy made me feel as if I was part of the wagon train itself and you will definitely want to have this one in your to be read pile. Since this is the 6th book in the series, I was glad I read the others books so I was familiar with the other characters. If you enjoy reading books centered around wagon trains and the trials they endure, this one is right up your alley. I give it 5 stars.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and author. All words are my own.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

Like the other books in the series, this is an exciting story, full of old west action and adventure. Our adventurers reach the halfway point in their travels, but not without further incident.

The main characters are believably broken and closed off romantically. But even with them fighting their feelings, others notice and encourage the relationship.

There is other drama, part of which is helped by them joining forces.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best if read in order. Each book focuses on one couple mainly however the characters overlap throughout the series and there's an ongoing storyline throughout the series.
She's been using what knowledge she has to help the sick and injured. He's a doctor that hops from one wagon train to another since tragedy struck his original train. Sparks fly with differing opinions. Will they be able to work together or is there not enough room for both of them?