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Across Barren Plains
They long to build a future. But first, they must overcome their shattered past.
Eden Houston wants nothing more than to repair her broken relationship with her husband, Adam. But the death of their infant son has left them distant, walking together in body but worlds apart in spirit. As they follow the Oregon Trail with hope of starting fresh, even the vast plains feel too small to contain their grief and brokenness.
But when they come upon the ruins of a massacred wagon train and find three young children still alive in the wreckage, she finds a spark of purpose in a wilderness of sorrow.
Adam fears that taking in the orphans will reopen the grief that Eden has only just begun to conquer. Leaving the children at the next fort will break her heart all over again—and he’s not sure he can bear that agony a second time, either.
However, that concern will have to wait because the man responsible for the massacre has realized the children survived. And he will do whatever it takes to silence them—and anyone who stands in his way. Including Eden.
In the face of fear and desperation, Adam and Eden must hold tight to love, to hope . . . and to the God who knows how to carry those He loves across barren plains.
Eden Houston wants nothing more than to repair her broken relationship with her husband, Adam. But the death of their infant son has left them distant, walking together in body but worlds apart in spirit. As they follow the Oregon Trail with hope of starting fresh, even the vast plains feel too small to contain their grief and brokenness.
But when they come upon the ruins of a massacred wagon train and find three young children still alive in the wreckage, she finds a spark of purpose in a wilderness of sorrow.
Adam fears that taking in the orphans will reopen the grief that Eden has only just begun to conquer. Leaving the children at the next fort will break her heart all over again—and he’s not sure he can bear that agony a second time, either.
However, that concern will have to wait because the man responsible for the massacre has realized the children survived. And he will do whatever it takes to silence them—and anyone who stands in his way. Including Eden.
In the face of fear and desperation, Adam and Eden must hold tight to love, to hope . . . and to the God who knows how to carry those He loves across barren plains.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
About the author
Lynnette Bonner
81 books441 followersLYNNETTE BONNER, the daughter of missionaries, was born and raised in Malawi, Africa, graduated high school from Rift Valley Academy, a boarding school in Kenya, and attended Northwest University in Washington, where she met her husband, Marty. A few years after their marriage, they moved to Pierce, Idaho. While studying the history of their little town, Lynnette was inspired to begin The Shepherd’s Heart Series with Rocky Mountain Oasis.
Marty and Lynnette have four children and currently live in Washington, where Marty pastors a church.
Marty and Lynnette have four children and currently live in Washington, where Marty pastors a church.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 15, 2026
I found that this book was a nice audio book. There were times that I wished that the characters would talk about their feelings with each other more openly but I suppose I understand why it was not easy for them. I really liked seeing the characters trust in God and how even when it was hard they turned to Him.
September 2, 2026
Read as an audiobook via Libby App. Fast paced heart-felt and exciting. Handles well topics of infertility, loss, & adoption in pioneer times. While weighty topics I did not find anything terribly triggering. Mostly lots of emotions of hope and redemption as a new family forms to regain safety and support. Highly recommend for the genre, and look forward to seeking out other books in this series. Oddly enough I jumped at starting this book first, which is 3rd in the series. And while I can tell the previous books will give a broader picture of some of these characters, this book stands alone well as a solo read too.
It is a fast book that I had to set aside a couple times to return and check out again as I hadn’t planned enough time to take it in all in one setting, but I do think I’d be likely to be willing to invest in the paperbacks of this series and then read it again within sequence to see what other details I might gain.
It is a fast book that I had to set aside a couple times to return and check out again as I hadn’t planned enough time to take it in all in one setting, but I do think I’d be likely to be willing to invest in the paperbacks of this series and then read it again within sequence to see what other details I might gain.
July 26, 2025
Across the Barren Plains is a compelling journey from beginning to end. Lynnette Bonner excels in world-building, painting vivid scenes that transport you straight into the rugged beauty of the frontier. The characters are richly drawn—strong, relatable, and layered with authentic struggles and growth.
What sets this book apart is the exceptional storyline that not only satisfies but pulls you seamlessly into the next installment. The plot is both engaging and meaningful, with twists that keep the pages turning and a depth that stays with you long after you close the book.
I especially appreciated the natural integration of Scripture into everyday life. It never felt forced, but rather a reflection of how faith shapes decisions, relationships, and hope in the face of adversity.
What sets this book apart is the exceptional storyline that not only satisfies but pulls you seamlessly into the next installment. The plot is both engaging and meaningful, with twists that keep the pages turning and a depth that stays with you long after you close the book.
I especially appreciated the natural integration of Scripture into everyday life. It never felt forced, but rather a reflection of how faith shapes decisions, relationships, and hope in the face of adversity.
May 12, 2025
Stayed up way too late to finish this one. Couldn't put it down!
Her characters are so relatable and so enticing. I can't wait to see what will develop and how they will come around to resolving but conflict, so I read on. The writing is crisp and well researched. This has so many diverse kinds of people, so I highly recommend you plan on reading for a good amount of time. I really feel drawn to the story. I truly enjoyed this latest submission in the series. She brings the scriptures into a practical setting and makes me reflect on how she is going to shape and direct the characters thru the adverse situations. Well done.
Her characters are so relatable and so enticing. I can't wait to see what will develop and how they will come around to resolving but conflict, so I read on. The writing is crisp and well researched. This has so many diverse kinds of people, so I highly recommend you plan on reading for a good amount of time. I really feel drawn to the story. I truly enjoyed this latest submission in the series. She brings the scriptures into a practical setting and makes me reflect on how she is going to shape and direct the characters thru the adverse situations. Well done.
November 19, 2025
One special book above all others
I read and listened to this book in one day. I could not put it down. The front cover is beautiful. The children captured my heart. The Bible verses enhanced the story. How the adult characters naturally communicated with the Lord in prayer flowed so beautifully. I was rooting for the believers in God to see them through the evil they faced. I enjoyed the humor throughout the book. Most especially I adore this Christian author who wri tes the best books. This reader is happy to have been named "Lynnette" just like the author. Thank you for pouring your talent and love into your writing.
I read and listened to this book in one day. I could not put it down. The front cover is beautiful. The children captured my heart. The Bible verses enhanced the story. How the adult characters naturally communicated with the Lord in prayer flowed so beautifully. I was rooting for the believers in God to see them through the evil they faced. I enjoyed the humor throughout the book. Most especially I adore this Christian author who wri tes the best books. This reader is happy to have been named "Lynnette" just like the author. Thank you for pouring your talent and love into your writing.
May 29, 2025
Another Great Read
I have loved this series! Lynnette has done an amazing job of bringing each character to life and intertwining their stories in a seamless, natural way. As the storyline continues from book to book, we are introduced to more of the story for a different character(s) while keeping in touch with the main character(s) from the previous book. All of this set against the backdrop of a beautiful journey west with all the excitement and danger of the wagon train.
I have loved this series! Lynnette has done an amazing job of bringing each character to life and intertwining their stories in a seamless, natural way. As the storyline continues from book to book, we are introduced to more of the story for a different character(s) while keeping in touch with the main character(s) from the previous book. All of this set against the backdrop of a beautiful journey west with all the excitement and danger of the wagon train.
July 14, 2025
Love hanging out with these folks
The characters that Lynnette Bonner creates are so multifaceted. They each have their struggles and their strengths. I love how the story weaves couples from the past and couples from the future together in one wagon train. Looking forward to the next one.
The characters that Lynnette Bonner creates are so multifaceted. They each have their struggles and their strengths. I love how the story weaves couples from the past and couples from the future together in one wagon train. Looking forward to the next one.
December 16, 2025
Another great book in the series. This follows more characters on the wagon train headed to the west. Eden and Adam have a bit of a strained relationship due to past tragedy. In this book we see the wagons come across a horror on the plain and find 3 children hidden. They are taken in by the couple and I liked seeing how this helped them communicate about their other issues.
May 3, 2025
Establishig Priorities
There are several instances of confusion about personal priorities in this book. Communication is lacking to nonexistent between Adam and Eden.
Suspense is high. I enjoyed the book.
There are several instances of confusion about personal priorities in this book. Communication is lacking to nonexistent between Adam and Eden.
Suspense is high. I enjoyed the book.
May 8, 2025
loved it
I loved this wagon train book, as I have loved all of her other books as well. This was a story about Adam and Eden refinding their love as they face difficulties on the trail.
I loved this wagon train book, as I have loved all of her other books as well. This was a story about Adam and Eden refinding their love as they face difficulties on the trail.
May 24, 2025
Just great story telling. Laughing and crying with the characters. And the word of God to encourage you!
Can't wait till the next book in the series.just so encouraging to trust God no matter the issue you are going through.
Can't wait till the next book in the series.just so encouraging to trust God no matter the issue you are going through.
June 8, 2025
Across the Barren Plains
Another good read. This has been a good series so far.
Thank you for sharing your talent with your readers. I look forward to more of your books in the future.
Another good read. This has been a good series so far.
Thank you for sharing your talent with your readers. I look forward to more of your books in the future.
June 14, 2025
Compelling
This story kept me in suspense all the way through. Couldn't put it down. I would recommend this to anyone I spoke to a about good reads. Can't wait for next book in this series. Well done!
😘
This story kept me in suspense all the way through. Couldn't put it down. I would recommend this to anyone I spoke to a about good reads. Can't wait for next book in this series. Well done!
😘
January 6, 2026
At first it felt like I was doing time with this book because I wanted to get to book 4 in the series. but at the halfway mark the book picked up and never slowed down. I also like the way this book set up book 4 and am excited to dig into an Oregon trail story featuring a black fmc in book 4.
February 3, 2026
I like that Lynette Bonner doesn't shirk from the hardships and facts of the things that happened during this period in time. Her interpretation of the times and dramatizations, though often tragic, also have a message of hope. I am enjoying this series.
July 18, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up! Although I don’t know loss like Eden did, I cried and praised the Lord with her over our mutual desire for a child all through the book. It was so great to see His hand working things out. I also can’t wait for Del’s story next!
August 12, 2026
Enjoyable and clean living...
I enjoyed this book both because of the interesting storyline and the kindness people had to each other. I don't read books with sex and godlessness in them. So pleased to recommend.
I enjoyed this book both because of the interesting storyline and the kindness people had to each other. I don't read books with sex and godlessness in them. So pleased to recommend.
June 10, 2025
Excellent series of books. I hope there are more in the series!
July 25, 2025
ANOTHER good one!
#3 of the Oregon Promise book series did not disappoint!
Good over evil, EVERY TIME!!
I enjoyed this one immensely!❤️
#3 of the Oregon Promise book series did not disappoint!
Good over evil, EVERY TIME!!
I enjoyed this one immensely!❤️
July 26, 2025
I cant wait for the next book!
This is such a beautifully written book. All the characters are so full of life and love for our Lord.
This is such a beautifully written book. All the characters are so full of life and love for our Lord.
September 13, 2025
Loving this series. Can't wait for book 4
September 25, 2025
couldn’t put it down
This book was a page turner and I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend it !
This book was a page turner and I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend it !
March 1, 2026
So sad it over!
Another great read. I wasn't ready for things to end. Looking forward to more. Still waiting for more from Wildwood !
Another great read. I wasn't ready for things to end. Looking forward to more. Still waiting for more from Wildwood !
March 28, 2026
4.5 🌟
I am throughly enjoying these little books.
Has all the things: entertainment, joy, sadness, questionable thought processes, love.
I am throughly enjoying these little books.
Has all the things: entertainment, joy, sadness, questionable thought processes, love.
September 25, 2026
The Parson and Eden
Wonderful book of ministering the Word of God with a Christian romance story. Partial justice was served hopefully next story will tell!
Wonderful book of ministering the Word of God with a Christian romance story. Partial justice was served hopefully next story will tell!
June 17, 2025
Edge of my seat
Loving this series. The characters are built well and relatable. The story had me nervous and waiting to see what will happen next. I love how the characters grab hold of the Word of God and show how to face the worst situations. Amazing story and love meeting new people in the story as they go on their journey. Can't wait to read the next book.
Loving this series. The characters are built well and relatable. The story had me nervous and waiting to see what will happen next. I love how the characters grab hold of the Word of God and show how to face the worst situations. Amazing story and love meeting new people in the story as they go on their journey. Can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews