A Reluctant Bride on the Trail: A Historical Western Romance Novel

by Carol Colyer

Margaret Baker has lost everything—her beloved grandmother, her home, and her sense of security. With no choice but to marry a stranger out west, Margaret is forced to venture into the unknown, with her little sister. Guarded and fiercely independent, Margaret isn’t used to relying on anyone, least of all Elijah White, the man her uncle hired to escort them. But as they traverse the rugged landscape, Margaret’s walls begin to crack, and she wonders if Elijah could be more than just their protector.

Can she risk her heart when so much is already at stake?

Elijah White, burdened with his reckless brother and a family on the brink of financial ruin, never expected to shepherd two women across the frontier. Yet as they face the harsh wilderness together, Margaret’s quiet strength and resolve stir unexpected feelings within him. Torn between duty and deepening desire, Elijah faces a perilous choice that could alter their lives forever.

Can he protect her from the dangers ahead and the chaos in his own life, or will his divided loyalties tear them apart?

When Elijah's brother puts his trust in the wrong person, it plunges them all into jeopardy, forcing Margaret and Elijah to rely on each other more than ever.Will love be enough to hold them together when the odds are stacked against them? Or will the journey they embarked on lead to heartbreak instead of hope?

"A Reluctant Bride on the Trail" is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Romance on the Oregon Trail, Forced Proximity, Traveling Companions

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2024

Reviews

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters and an exciting storyline. The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She pulled me into the story with the adventure, suspense and love, moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! The lead characters, Margaret Baker, her little sister Lizzie, and Elijah White, were so strong and well written. Actually, Lizzie may have stolen the show, and I think she needs a follow up book. Margaret is stoic and so strong, and Elijah is a strong good-hearted man. Margaret and Lizzie live with their grandmother; their parents died when Lizzie was very young. Now they are on the brink of being left with nothing, since their paternal uncle will now take the house they have been living in, and that side of the family has never cared for them. However, their maternal uncle arranges for Margaret to marry one of his friends out west, a man that is now widowed and three children, and he is middle aged. Not exactly Margaret's dream situation, but they are desperate, and she must ensure Lizzie is taken care of, so she agrees. Elijah's family owes the uncle, Ed, a favor, so they agree to have Elijah transport the girls out west. Now it gets really interesting, complicated, and twisty. This is a very good book, and I enjoyed every page of it!

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

***

[Suzanne Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

unresolved issues

Never resolved her obligation to the widower ! Too much glowing romance for the setting. What happened to the widower and his children?

[Debra Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Margaret and Elijah's story