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Journeys of the Heart #3
The Trail Boss's Bride
When trail boss Steve Ketchum finds a stranded wagon at the river crossing, he expects trouble. What he doesn't expect is a newly widowed mother cradling a hours-old baby—or the way his hardened heart softens at the sight.
Kitty Fareholm never planned on giving birth alone in her wagon, let alone becoming a widow on the same day. With no money, no options, and a newborn to protect, she's forced to trust the gruff cowboy who discovers her in her darkest hour. Even if his trail crew wants nothing to do with a woman and baby slowing them down.
Steve promises his men they'll drop Kitty at the next town, but it seems this determined young mother may have different plans. As they brave the dangers of the cattle drive together, Steve finds himself yearning for the instant family he never knew he wanted. But with hostile trail hands, treacherous river crossings, and Kitty's uncertain future ahead, their growing love may not survive the journey west.
A heart-stirring tale of faith, second chances, and finding family in the most unexpected places along the trail.
Kitty Fareholm never planned on giving birth alone in her wagon, let alone becoming a widow on the same day. With no money, no options, and a newborn to protect, she's forced to trust the gruff cowboy who discovers her in her darkest hour. Even if his trail crew wants nothing to do with a woman and baby slowing them down.
Steve promises his men they'll drop Kitty at the next town, but it seems this determined young mother may have different plans. As they brave the dangers of the cattle drive together, Steve finds himself yearning for the instant family he never knew he wanted. But with hostile trail hands, treacherous river crossings, and Kitty's uncertain future ahead, their growing love may not survive the journey west.
A heart-stirring tale of faith, second chances, and finding family in the most unexpected places along the trail.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2015
About the author
Erica Vetsch
70 books1,409 followersBest-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspi... where she spends way too much time!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 8, 2018
The Trail Boss’s Bride is a story that packs a lot of heart into its pages. The main characters are thrown together in such a way that their initial connection to each other is cemented fairly quickly. Yet, the romantic attraction blooms in a believable way throughout the story, as the main characters must navigate some dangerous situations and occasional cantakerous cowboys.
The pace of the book is well written. The historical details, along with the interesting characters who are part of the journey, add to the authenticity of this western story. I definitely recommend it.
(4.5 stars)
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The pace of the book is well written. The historical details, along with the interesting characters who are part of the journey, add to the authenticity of this western story. I definitely recommend it.
(4.5 stars)
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
January 3, 2021
A quick (if somewhat predictable) sweet western romance. 3 stars
April 1, 2022
Cowboys and babies, you just can't go wrong with that! This is a delightful story that brings the cattle drive to life. I can feel the trail grit in my teeth, lol!
February 21, 2026
Great story! Reminds me a little bit of Love Comes Softly. Great Christian Content!
August 23, 2018
A fun western romance with a message of hope! An unexpected obstacle in the middle of a trail brings a shock to the boss on a cattle drive. A complication that might stop him from reaching the goal to finish on time and save his ranch.
I love a good western romance and this author writes one well, with humor, some action, and interjected with faith. The descriptions of life on the trail, and all the awkward cowboys with their quirks, pulled me into the story right away, and had me laughing out loud at times. Kitty is a strong survivor, not giving into self pity, but bravely facing her difficult situation with faith and hope. Even praying and reaching out to ones who make it even more difficult for her. Love the conversation with Henry as she shared the reason for her hope, using verses from Isaiah 40, pointing to God's sovereignty, and a reminder that He is always working even if we can't see it. The romance is a tense one at times, but one with a satisfying and sigh-worthy ending.
Recommend for readers who like a western romance with some humor and faith.
(An e-book was provided by the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.)
I love a good western romance and this author writes one well, with humor, some action, and interjected with faith. The descriptions of life on the trail, and all the awkward cowboys with their quirks, pulled me into the story right away, and had me laughing out loud at times. Kitty is a strong survivor, not giving into self pity, but bravely facing her difficult situation with faith and hope. Even praying and reaching out to ones who make it even more difficult for her. Love the conversation with Henry as she shared the reason for her hope, using verses from Isaiah 40, pointing to God's sovereignty, and a reminder that He is always working even if we can't see it. The romance is a tense one at times, but one with a satisfying and sigh-worthy ending.
Recommend for readers who like a western romance with some humor and faith.
(An e-book was provided by the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.)
September 17, 2018
I had some time on hands so I decided to thumb through my Kindle and it lit on The Trail Boss's Bride. What a delightful story! It was like reading an episode of the old western TV show Rawhide, except it has a much happier ending. I love Erica Vetsch's wonderful western stories! I enjoyed every minute spent with Kitty and Steve and the rest on the cattle drive. I could almost smell the dust and hear the cattle as they traveled on. If you have a couple of hours and want to escape the Old West complete with handsome cowboys and damsels in distress you really need to check out The Trail Boss's Bride, it's fun and even has some chuckle-out-loud moments...
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
January 29, 2019
What made this story so interesting was how the author took day to day issues and put a twist on them. One woman alone trying so hard to start a new life that she didn’t look at the outcome she just wanted to get away from her issues at home. One step out the door she found she wasn’t much better off married to a man who didn’t care what she thought and really only around for cooking and his night pleasure which she finds very lacking. When it was all said and done she is left alone when he dies and finds herself very heavy with child. To make matters worse her wagon is stuck and her horses gone. Just when she is about to give up she finds a stranger looking over her bed, scared and alone she doesn’t know what to do. The stranger thinks lord this is all I need, how do I get myself in these messes.
What follows is a heartwarming story with soul, about finding your place in life and all you have to go through to find the right person. Steve is trying to save his ranch almost single handed fighting his little brother who he hasn’t told every thing to. Kitty now with child must find a place to call home, with no where to turn she tries to become Steve’s cook. The men aren’t have it, a trail ride is no place for a woman.
The plot is great with things they all must overcome, there are twists along the way along with danger. It was a great read that I couldn’t put down. I really like how the author brings the story together, giving you a believable story with likable characters. It is a book I will reread.
What follows is a heartwarming story with soul, about finding your place in life and all you have to go through to find the right person. Steve is trying to save his ranch almost single handed fighting his little brother who he hasn’t told every thing to. Kitty now with child must find a place to call home, with no where to turn she tries to become Steve’s cook. The men aren’t have it, a trail ride is no place for a woman.
The plot is great with things they all must overcome, there are twists along the way along with danger. It was a great read that I couldn’t put down. I really like how the author brings the story together, giving you a believable story with likable characters. It is a book I will reread.
August 10, 2018
Steve has a debt to pay and a farm to save! His brother Wayne and the crew are driving cattle across country to sell so they can pay the mortgage their dad put on the farm without their knowledge. And they only have so much time to do it in! Along the way they encounter what seems to be an abandoned wagon on the other side of a river. Steve goes to investigate only to find it occupied by a woman in the midst of giving birth!
Kitty is scared, alone and about to have her baby! Her husband dead, her animals have been long gone and with no hope of survival, she prays for someone, anyone to come along. God must have heard her prayers because Steve is the one who finds her. Together they are able to deliver the “little critter” into the world. Steve simply won't leave her behind, not with the next town 3 days away! But will his crew like it, and what will happen to them both after he delivers them to town?
Laced with humor and many obstacles to overcome during the cattle drive, it's an engaging story where you root for both Kitty and “little critter” (who, by the end of the book, does get a name!). And of course a sweet romance brewing in unexpected places!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review*
Kitty is scared, alone and about to have her baby! Her husband dead, her animals have been long gone and with no hope of survival, she prays for someone, anyone to come along. God must have heard her prayers because Steve is the one who finds her. Together they are able to deliver the “little critter” into the world. Steve simply won't leave her behind, not with the next town 3 days away! But will his crew like it, and what will happen to them both after he delivers them to town?
Laced with humor and many obstacles to overcome during the cattle drive, it's an engaging story where you root for both Kitty and “little critter” (who, by the end of the book, does get a name!). And of course a sweet romance brewing in unexpected places!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review*
July 28, 2019
The Trail Boss's Bride by Erica Vetch intrigued me from the beginning. Ms. Vetch strategically hooked the reader in the opening chapter. Steve Ketchum, a trail boss, comes across a stranded wagon in the middle of a river. Needing to get it out of the way for his herd to cross the river, Steve decides to investigate this unusual site. Drama intensifies upon his discovery of a lone female in the throes of delivering a baby. Wow, that's a great hook. The finding of this stranded woman, the birth the charming little girl, and the task of completing the cattle drive all contribute to the twists and turn of this character-driven plot.
I applaud Ms. Vetsch for creating such genuine and multi-dimensional characters. Her use of dialog and descriptive language brought smiles and a few laughs at the most unexpected moments. I appreciated how within this story, we got a glimpse of what life was like on cattle drives. The interactions among the characters and the potential hazards along the trail definitely add to the credibility of this story.
I applaud Ms. Vetsch for creating such genuine and multi-dimensional characters. Her use of dialog and descriptive language brought smiles and a few laughs at the most unexpected moments. I appreciated how within this story, we got a glimpse of what life was like on cattle drives. The interactions among the characters and the potential hazards along the trail definitely add to the credibility of this story.
March 3, 2025
Steve, Henry, Kitty and Little Critter
This is a tale that is sad and blessed. The brother’s Steve and Henry have a cattle drive and are getting ready to cross with their cattle, only there’s a lone wagon stopped across the water and until it’s moved they can’t take the cattle across. Steve crosses to check things out and discovers a woman almost ready to deliver her child alone. Henry checks the nearby area and discovers a fresh grave. Kitty with Steve’s help delivers a her daughter, Little Critter. He then discovers her husband died and she had dug his grave and buried him. Steve takes Kitty on as the drives cook an the have several experiences as they proved down the trail. You will enjoy the excitement and adventure as they drive the cattle to Dodge City for the sale. You will also enjoy discovering how Steve, Kitty and Little Critter find their happily ever after.
This is a tale that is sad and blessed. The brother’s Steve and Henry have a cattle drive and are getting ready to cross with their cattle, only there’s a lone wagon stopped across the water and until it’s moved they can’t take the cattle across. Steve crosses to check things out and discovers a woman almost ready to deliver her child alone. Henry checks the nearby area and discovers a fresh grave. Kitty with Steve’s help delivers a her daughter, Little Critter. He then discovers her husband died and she had dug his grave and buried him. Steve takes Kitty on as the drives cook an the have several experiences as they proved down the trail. You will enjoy the excitement and adventure as they drive the cattle to Dodge City for the sale. You will also enjoy discovering how Steve, Kitty and Little Critter find their happily ever after.
August 11, 2018
The Trail Boss's Bride by Erica Vetsch is a western romance at its best! What could be better than a team of cowboys on a cattle drive coming across a damsel in distress? It is a captivating, action-packed story and the author does a nice job of keeping the reader's interest with engaging characters and a plot that moves quickly and realistically. I loved the scene where the cattle and crew must cross a raging Cimmaron River--I found myself holding my breath waiting to see if all made it over safely. And such a sweet romance embedded within the story. I wouldn't mind a sequel to find out more about Kitty and Steve and the rest of the men on the drive.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
August 21, 2018
This was my favorite in the Journeys of the Heart collection! Kitty Fareholm's husband dies at the worst possible time. In labor, and stuck in the middle of the river crossing, she has no options until Steve Ketchum's herd comes up behind her. Will he pull her out and leave her there? It's what she expects. Instead, he delivers her baby, and offers her a job as the camp cook, even though his men object to a woman and a baby on the trail. Can she make a place for herself with this motley crew, and maybe in Steve's heart?
This story had it all - excitement, fun, danger, love. I definitely recommend!
This story had it all - excitement, fun, danger, love. I definitely recommend!
September 9, 2018
What is a cowboy to do when he comes across a wagon in the middle of the river on a trail ride? They have to move the wagon so they can get the cattle across the river. Imagine his surprise when he discovers a young woman in the midst of labor and she's all alone! He can't just leave her there alone at the mercy of Indians and/or rustlers. Somehow Steve, the boss, has to keep the woman, the baby, his little brother and the rest of his crew together and safe to deliver the cattle to market and save his ranch. Very good romance with some humor mixed in.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 25, 2018
This story was sweet and short...easily read in a day, or a couple hours if you have no interruptions. I only had a hard time getting through the first couple paragraphs but than I was hooked.
I loved all the characters! And would totally read this one again! I'm curious now about the others that were in the original collection, but I'm very glad I read this one and I highly Recommend it!!!
I received this book from Author for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
https://wp.me/p8WuXG-1pe
I loved all the characters! And would totally read this one again! I'm curious now about the others that were in the original collection, but I'm very glad I read this one and I highly Recommend it!!!
I received this book from Author for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
https://wp.me/p8WuXG-1pe
October 15, 2018
I loved this sweet story! I think it is my favorite Erica Vetsch book yet! A heartwarming tale of a stranded pioneer whose husband died and whose horses were stolen. She is left with a wagon in the middle of nowhere in labor!
Discovered by cattle drivers she now faces a big adventure in her quickly changing circumstances. Unsure of what her future holds in store, she does what she must do for herself and the baby she bears.
This was such a good book, I was sad to see it end. Really worth the time to read it!
I received an ebook copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.
Discovered by cattle drivers she now faces a big adventure in her quickly changing circumstances. Unsure of what her future holds in store, she does what she must do for herself and the baby she bears.
This was such a good book, I was sad to see it end. Really worth the time to read it!
I received an ebook copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.
January 17, 2026
Brides of the West book 11
This was such a fun read, the little sayings and calling a newborn little critter was so awesome. Steve was driving a very large herd of long horns to sell so he can pay his ranch off. On the way he finds a wagon abandoned and finds a woman in labor, he helps her deliver her precious little critter.
I cant say anything else this whole story is Great, I Loved it.
This was such a fun read, the little sayings and calling a newborn little critter was so awesome. Steve was driving a very large herd of long horns to sell so he can pay his ranch off. On the way he finds a wagon abandoned and finds a woman in labor, he helps her deliver her precious little critter.
I cant say anything else this whole story is Great, I Loved it.
February 5, 2026
Included On A Cattledrive
The unexpected is always something good writers include as part of the core of a good story whether it is a twist ending or just a curveball in the story arc. Erica did a great job blending the everyday grit of a back in the day Texas cattle drive with fun changeups.
I enjoyed this fictional practical faith journey and the characters she introduced us to. RECOMMEND for a next read.
The unexpected is always something good writers include as part of the core of a good story whether it is a twist ending or just a curveball in the story arc. Erica did a great job blending the everyday grit of a back in the day Texas cattle drive with fun changeups.
I enjoyed this fictional practical faith journey and the characters she introduced us to. RECOMMEND for a next read.
September 1, 2019
I enjoyed this novel from beginning to end. Kitty is vulnerable but also strong. Steve is the boss. He commands the men and is pushing hard to meet a deadline. But there are many obstacles along the way. Soon we realize that this boss has a heart. I love how the romance develops in this novel. I also enjoyed getting to know all the men on the cattle drive. Very enjoyable read.
January 15, 2025
I can't say I have ever wanted to go on a trail drive and certainly not right after giving birth, but that is definitely this book. Interesting concept. Interesting characters. And the author really got the hot Kansas summer right (and their big snowstorms). I have read others by this author and enjoyed every one.
February 21, 2026
Loved the strong and tender male character, doing what's right even when it's uncomfortable. Love the historical fiction with a Christian faith emphasis. Relatable characters working out their faith through challenging life circumstances. Always enjoy Erica's stories, both American West and Regency settings.
February 17, 2023
An Eventful Trail Crossing
Thank you so much for this exciting story regarding Kitty, her new-born baby girl and trail-boss Steve Ketchum. I enjoyed all the events that happened on the trail ride. I was unable to put my KIndle down. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you so much for this exciting story regarding Kitty, her new-born baby girl and trail-boss Steve Ketchum. I enjoyed all the events that happened on the trail ride. I was unable to put my KIndle down. I look forward to reading more of your work.
June 26, 2020
There was a lot to like about the story. Nice characters.
June 30, 2021
Oh so good
A fun adventure and romance. Love all the cowboys, especially the trail boss. This was a fun story. Very well written. Highly recommended.
A fun adventure and romance. Love all the cowboys, especially the trail boss. This was a fun story. Very well written. Highly recommended.
December 2, 2021
The Trail Boss
Love this book will look for more by this author. It was very entertaining and fast paced . The Boss's Bride
Love this book will look for more by this author. It was very entertaining and fast paced . The Boss's Bride
November 18, 2022
This is a fun adventure with a unique premise. I thoroughly enjoyed this western romance and highly recommend it!
March 10, 2026
great book
This was absolutely a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
This was absolutely a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
May 28, 2026
Great Book
I enjoyed all the characters interaction with each other and the story. First book by the author but hopefully not the last. Highly recommend the book.
I enjoyed all the characters interaction with each other and the story. First book by the author but hopefully not the last. Highly recommend the book.
September 4, 2018
The Trail Boss's Bride is part of the Journeys of the Heart series and by far my favorite. It is a short read but full of giggles, romance, adventure, faith and hope. I give it well deserved five plus stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
April 9, 2023
Erica Vetsch did a great job of packing a lot of story into a tiny little novella. Oregon Trail and Wagon Train themes/settings are at the top of my list for favorite historical western frontier stories. This is almost that but not and very different from what I've read previously. Main character Kitty's wagon gets bogged down in the middle of a river crossing, her husband dies, she buries him along the riverbank, and then goes into labor all alone out in the middle of nowhere. Then Trail Boss Steve and his nine cowboys, remuda of horses, and 2,461 longhorns shows up ready to cross the river headed to market. I love the way this story unfolded with Kitty joining the cattle drive as a cook, despite the fact that almost half the cowboys didn't want her there. Steve's got a serious deadline and every time they turn around they've got another delay. I love everything I've ever read by Erica Vetsch and this was no exception, another hit out of the park for one of my favorite writers.
December 13, 2019
Another fantastic story by Erica Vetsch. I love all her stories but this one is definitely a new favourite. You can't go wrong with romance and cowboys! Steve is taking the herd to Dodge and comes across poor Kitty all alone and in labour. Now what to do with her?
I read way too late into the night and still had trouble putting this book down. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone :D
Update:
Just re-read this book again and still loved it just as much.
I read way too late into the night and still had trouble putting this book down. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone :D
Update:
Just re-read this book again and still loved it just as much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews