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Yonder 3
A WEDDING ON THE HORIZON. A STORM IN THEIR PATH.
After finally reaching Fort Kearny, the wagon train enters the Great Plains, where tensions run high due to recent troubles with the Sioux and Cheyenne.
Riding ahead of the wagons is Jem, now an official scout. He and Charlotte are looking forward to her birthday, when they can finally get married.
But first they must cover hundreds of miles and face many disgruntled Indians, buffalo stampedes, dangerous river crossings, extreme weather, and new danger from within their rolling village.
Because Howard Hampton knows there’s only one way to save his fortune. He must get rid of Jem Hardy.
This third and final book settles every score and answers every question as Jem confronts his enemies and blazes a bold trail toward a future with Charlotte.
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake thrillers; the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels; and the Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series
After finally reaching Fort Kearny, the wagon train enters the Great Plains, where tensions run high due to recent troubles with the Sioux and Cheyenne.
Riding ahead of the wagons is Jem, now an official scout. He and Charlotte are looking forward to her birthday, when they can finally get married.
But first they must cover hundreds of miles and face many disgruntled Indians, buffalo stampedes, dangerous river crossings, extreme weather, and new danger from within their rolling village.
Because Howard Hampton knows there’s only one way to save his fortune. He must get rid of Jem Hardy.
This third and final book settles every score and answers every question as Jem confronts his enemies and blazes a bold trail toward a future with Charlotte.
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake thrillers; the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels; and the Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2025
384 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 12, 2025
WHAT IT TRULY MEANS TO BE FREE TO EXPERIENCE LIFE, MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICES & THE CONSEQUENCES
☆☆☆☆☆
WHAT IT TRULY MEANS TO BE FREE TO EXPERIENCE LIFE, MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICES & THE CONSEQUENCES.
Yonder 3 (A Sweeping Oregon Trail Saga) by John Deacon is a fictional historical tale of a group of immigrants traveling from St. Joseph, Missouri to California during 1857. It's a story of two young adults and their fellow travelers going through the hardships and triumphs, building relationships, dealing with the losses and gains starting out as strangers with different personalities, strengths and weaknesses, banding together as a team to survive or parish as a group. It's a story of young love and new love where prior seemed hopeless and impossible. It's a story of a young man growing into a man that is respected by all. A man that would give his life to protect those he's come to love and even those he dislikes.
This book and series goes into the daily events that shape all the group of the Benson wagon train. It goes into the dangers they face each and every day during their journey coving the dangerous river crossings, Indians, hired killers, rough terrain where around every corner and every hill there was something or someone wanting to take what you have or outright take your life. The worst part was that you had to watch your back when it came to those you traveled with even though you had helped them by helping to keep them safe during their travels over and over again.
The characters are well developed and from the first book to the last, you'll find yourself at the edge of your seat wanting to know how Jem will save the day, how Jem and Charlotte face their own challenges and whether they will finally come together as husband and wife or whether their hopes and dreams will be crushed by those within their group. Cyrus and Dinah deal with their own feelings with their relationship and their struggles to become free in a time where they are pursued by hunters and even those within their group could end their new found freedom or even their lives. The Millers come face to face with their snobbish and ugly attitudes towards others. I could go on and on describing the interactions between all the characters but that would just spoil the book for you.
What I can say is; this is a great book and series if you enjoy historical fiction of the migration from the east to the west during the 1800s, if you enjoy reading about strong men and women with high morals that are the heroes of the story, if you enjoy a book and series that are action adventure thrillers, or a great romance trilogy this book and series will make your day.
☆☆☆☆☆
WHAT IT TRULY MEANS TO BE FREE TO EXPERIENCE LIFE, MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICES & THE CONSEQUENCES.
Yonder 3 (A Sweeping Oregon Trail Saga) by John Deacon is a fictional historical tale of a group of immigrants traveling from St. Joseph, Missouri to California during 1857. It's a story of two young adults and their fellow travelers going through the hardships and triumphs, building relationships, dealing with the losses and gains starting out as strangers with different personalities, strengths and weaknesses, banding together as a team to survive or parish as a group. It's a story of young love and new love where prior seemed hopeless and impossible. It's a story of a young man growing into a man that is respected by all. A man that would give his life to protect those he's come to love and even those he dislikes.
This book and series goes into the daily events that shape all the group of the Benson wagon train. It goes into the dangers they face each and every day during their journey coving the dangerous river crossings, Indians, hired killers, rough terrain where around every corner and every hill there was something or someone wanting to take what you have or outright take your life. The worst part was that you had to watch your back when it came to those you traveled with even though you had helped them by helping to keep them safe during their travels over and over again.
The characters are well developed and from the first book to the last, you'll find yourself at the edge of your seat wanting to know how Jem will save the day, how Jem and Charlotte face their own challenges and whether they will finally come together as husband and wife or whether their hopes and dreams will be crushed by those within their group. Cyrus and Dinah deal with their own feelings with their relationship and their struggles to become free in a time where they are pursued by hunters and even those within their group could end their new found freedom or even their lives. The Millers come face to face with their snobbish and ugly attitudes towards others. I could go on and on describing the interactions between all the characters but that would just spoil the book for you.
What I can say is; this is a great book and series if you enjoy historical fiction of the migration from the east to the west during the 1800s, if you enjoy reading about strong men and women with high morals that are the heroes of the story, if you enjoy a book and series that are action adventure thrillers, or a great romance trilogy this book and series will make your day.
September 28, 2025
Always so good
I’m very sad, as I have now completed my reading of every book available by John Deacon, I will have to patiently wait for his next release. I have enjoyed this last series very much. The characters he developed are all very vivid…his books read like watching a movie in my mind. I enjoy the excitement mixed with Godly values and no worry of smut which is so prevalent in books these days. Get busy John!! We’re all waiting!
I’m very sad, as I have now completed my reading of every book available by John Deacon, I will have to patiently wait for his next release. I have enjoyed this last series very much. The characters he developed are all very vivid…his books read like watching a movie in my mind. I enjoy the excitement mixed with Godly values and no worry of smut which is so prevalent in books these days. Get busy John!! We’re all waiting!
November 30, 2025
John did a marvelous job on this series. Loved it! He has a way of making the hero just an extra ordinary person. I would love to say more but my keyboard keeps locking up. Give this series a read you will love it. Jack.
September 17, 2025
Good series
I guess I have read all of John Deacons books and have enjoyed them all. The series with Heck and Hope is my favorite. As I often do, I don't rate each book in a series but wait and review the entire series. I hesitate to give 5 stars although its a really good story, but I rated it 4 stars only because there is a lot of repetition mostly in this third book which after a while is somewhat boring. Could have easily left out 10% of the words. Just my opinion. Again I did enjoy the story very much and as always look forward to Deacons next books. I especially appreciate that he does not stoop to the level of using profanity in his stories.
Thank you.
I guess I have read all of John Deacons books and have enjoyed them all. The series with Heck and Hope is my favorite. As I often do, I don't rate each book in a series but wait and review the entire series. I hesitate to give 5 stars although its a really good story, but I rated it 4 stars only because there is a lot of repetition mostly in this third book which after a while is somewhat boring. Could have easily left out 10% of the words. Just my opinion. Again I did enjoy the story very much and as always look forward to Deacons next books. I especially appreciate that he does not stoop to the level of using profanity in his stories.
Thank you.
September 7, 2025
Helluva book
Deacon delivers a finale to the cast of characters you've grown attached to, and while it’s hard to say goodbye, the ending leaves you satisfied instead of wondering what became of them. It’s a rare thing to close a trilogy feeling both fulfilled and at peace. If you’ve been on the fence, this series is absolutely worth the ride.
Deacon delivers a finale to the cast of characters you've grown attached to, and while it’s hard to say goodbye, the ending leaves you satisfied instead of wondering what became of them. It’s a rare thing to close a trilogy feeling both fulfilled and at peace. If you’ve been on the fence, this series is absolutely worth the ride.
September 21, 2025
wonderful ; wonderful
John it took me quite a spell to find Yonder3 and thank God I finically did.
Thank you for the list of characters at the beginning and and the Epitaph at the end. Though two things made this the best western novel I ever read. Thank you. As you know or should know you are my most favorite author. Keep them coming!!!
John it took me quite a spell to find Yonder3 and thank God I finically did.
Thank you for the list of characters at the beginning and and the Epitaph at the end. Though two things made this the best western novel I ever read. Thank you. As you know or should know you are my most favorite author. Keep them coming!!!
October 1, 2025
Wonderful series
I have read and enjoyed all three stories. That were wonderful. Filled with so much real life and adventure. Men was so mature for his age and good at almost everything. Thank You for a great series. I will keep reading your books. You fill them with so much of real life happening.
I have read and enjoyed all three stories. That were wonderful. Filled with so much real life and adventure. Men was so mature for his age and good at almost everything. Thank You for a great series. I will keep reading your books. You fill them with so much of real life happening.
September 14, 2025
Yonder 1 - 3
Thus was a great way to end the series. Finally, the day came when Jim and Charlotte could marry. Of course getting there was what “Yonder Calling” was likely the real title.
Thus was a great way to end the series. Finally, the day came when Jim and Charlotte could marry. Of course getting there was what “Yonder Calling” was likely the real title.
September 20, 2025
This morning I am sad! Sad because I have to leave my adventures with Jen and Charlotte behind. This third volume in the life of the young 17 year-old teen, Jem. What an adventure leaving the hills of the Ozarks to travel in a wagon train across the West to arrive in California. I never tire of reading about the hazards of our pioneer ancestors as they crossed the prairies and the deserts and the mountain passes to expand our country to the West. Author John Deacon does it one more time in writing this three volume narrative of the seventeen year/old orphan Jem Hardy who became a man as he fulfilled his responsibilities as an indentured servant. An excellent read you will not want to pass by! Thank you, John, for another fabulous series! What’s next? Can’t wait!
September 7, 2025
An exciting conclusion to the Yonder series. The problem with some trilogies is that there are only 3 books. Gem and Charlotte are well on their way to starting their life together. Roger is getting even more wild, befriending a gambler. Some of the self righteous ladies on the wagon train are claiming Lucy is a witch. Hampton has hired someone to kill Jem. The trip is about to get heated up as there are a couple attacks by the Souix. The first one was an ambush, which Jem thwarted by spotting them 1st. The 2nd was much more devastating with loss of lives and wagons and many injuries. The assassin was unsuccessful as was Hamptons attempt to do it himself.
October 2, 2025
Outstanding Series👏👏
This series started out strong and maintained that quality throughout the three volumes. The endearing characters are the foundation for the excellent story which is expertly brought to fruition by the author. Time and place is vividly portrayed with very realistic description of the occurrences throughout the trip. I think the author chose well in ending the principle storyline at the wedding, then using an excellent epilogue to summarize the remaining lives of the many characters involved in the story! I highly recommend this series to any reader of historical fiction, particularly of the American westward expansion.
This series started out strong and maintained that quality throughout the three volumes. The endearing characters are the foundation for the excellent story which is expertly brought to fruition by the author. Time and place is vividly portrayed with very realistic description of the occurrences throughout the trip. I think the author chose well in ending the principle storyline at the wedding, then using an excellent epilogue to summarize the remaining lives of the many characters involved in the story! I highly recommend this series to any reader of historical fiction, particularly of the American westward expansion.
September 8, 2025
I have read everything Mr. Deacon has written and have never been disappointed. The only thing that disappoints me is when the series ends. Once again, the Yonder series grabbed my interest in Book 1 and continued through Book 3. I was happy to see him mention Hope and Heck in this book and would love to hear more about them in maybe another series (please). It only took me one day to devour Yonder 3. Please keep writing these wonderful books and thank you for many hours of reading enjoyment.
September 10, 2025
Damn fine story
Good story, great characters, excellent writing! Mr Deacon put history together with a little fiction, making a very fine story for your pleasure. A story of a man, a man at a very young age, already tested by his upbringing. Honed by the trail across our vast nation, making history as he moved.
All three books were an easy, fun story to read and follow along. Mr Deacon writes in great word pictures, bringing his story to life in my mind.
Thank you good sir, well done!
Good story, great characters, excellent writing! Mr Deacon put history together with a little fiction, making a very fine story for your pleasure. A story of a man, a man at a very young age, already tested by his upbringing. Honed by the trail across our vast nation, making history as he moved.
All three books were an easy, fun story to read and follow along. Mr Deacon writes in great word pictures, bringing his story to life in my mind.
Thank you good sir, well done!
November 5, 2025
Adventure, Romance, and Survival
Experience the western wagon train life. Strangers traveling from their homes to the new life awaiting them in the western territory. The excitement, the hardships, the loneliness, the dangers of the land and the people. The evil times and the good times which awaits them. The author recreates the life experiences transporting the readers back to those days of the western wagon train crossing the wilderness with their hope, their faith, their determination, and their courage to guide them.
Experience the western wagon train life. Strangers traveling from their homes to the new life awaiting them in the western territory. The excitement, the hardships, the loneliness, the dangers of the land and the people. The evil times and the good times which awaits them. The author recreates the life experiences transporting the readers back to those days of the western wagon train crossing the wilderness with their hope, their faith, their determination, and their courage to guide them.
October 9, 2025
A Wholesome Read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. What I most appreciated was the blending of biblical references to situations that occurred throughout the story.
The strength and courage and growth of the man that Jem became, as developed throughout these three books, was inspiring and a joy to read.
I most certainly recommend this book, this series, and especially this author. Thank you.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. What I most appreciated was the blending of biblical references to situations that occurred throughout the story.
The strength and courage and growth of the man that Jem became, as developed throughout these three books, was inspiring and a joy to read.
I most certainly recommend this book, this series, and especially this author. Thank you.
October 12, 2025
I have read all three books in this series. And if I could use only one word to describe them it would be…OUTSTANDING! The Author hit a home run with his this entire story. In all three books it kept me wondering what would happen next. And the final ending(no spoiler here)was outstanding. You will have to read all three books in order to get the best effect. But it will be well worth your time. Hats off to the Author for a job very well done. And yes. I highly recommend this series.
November 23, 2025
Best Westerns , ( not the motel )I
I’ve read many of your books. Enjoyed every one. 1961 I was 12 years old, lived on Cape Breton Island N. S. Canada. A farmer up the old dirt road had two work horses. I used to go out to the fields where they were grazing, grab the ole grey mare by the mane lead her to a stump or big rock. I would get on its back and sit there while she grazed for a couple of hours and dream of being a cowboy. Those couple of hours I was. Thanks
I’ve read many of your books. Enjoyed every one. 1961 I was 12 years old, lived on Cape Breton Island N. S. Canada. A farmer up the old dirt road had two work horses. I used to go out to the fields where they were grazing, grab the ole grey mare by the mane lead her to a stump or big rock. I would get on its back and sit there while she grazed for a couple of hours and dream of being a cowboy. Those couple of hours I was. Thanks
January 1, 2026
Excellent series, beautifully written, a joy to read!
Wagon train from St. Joe, Missouri to California is full of adventure, love, bandits, Indian attacks, and both good and evil people. These three books tell this fun story that made me almost wish I had been born 100 years earlier. Almost...Mr. Deacon is a fine writer, and his characters come alive in these stories. I also especially like his devotion to God in these books. A sheer pleasure to read!
Wagon train from St. Joe, Missouri to California is full of adventure, love, bandits, Indian attacks, and both good and evil people. These three books tell this fun story that made me almost wish I had been born 100 years earlier. Almost...Mr. Deacon is a fine writer, and his characters come alive in these stories. I also especially like his devotion to God in these books. A sheer pleasure to read!
September 12, 2025
An Epic Chronicle of the American Frontier
An immersive western narrative that transported me directly onto the dusty trail alongside Jem and Charlotte. The storytelling was masterfully crafted, capturing the rugged essence of frontier life with remarkable authenticity and depth. A truly exceptional reading experience that resonates long after the final page.
An immersive western narrative that transported me directly onto the dusty trail alongside Jem and Charlotte. The storytelling was masterfully crafted, capturing the rugged essence of frontier life with remarkable authenticity and depth. A truly exceptional reading experience that resonates long after the final page.
September 12, 2025
great read
I have read hundreds of westerns and Wild West tales But, absolutely fell in love with Jem and Charlotte and all of the other characters. It was fun and exciting to read. After, I finished Yonder 2 could hardly wait for Yonder 3. So happy that Jem and Charlotte finally got married. God Bless. Thanks for the series.
I have read hundreds of westerns and Wild West tales But, absolutely fell in love with Jem and Charlotte and all of the other characters. It was fun and exciting to read. After, I finished Yonder 2 could hardly wait for Yonder 3. So happy that Jem and Charlotte finally got married. God Bless. Thanks for the series.
September 13, 2025
Loved the Yonder series
There was nothing I disliked about Yonder 3.,and books 1 and 2. I loved the characters,especially Jem and Charlotte. Great action and true American spirit filled with hope and preserverance. Excellent writing by the author, John Deacon. I highly recommend the Yonder series.
There was nothing I disliked about Yonder 3.,and books 1 and 2. I loved the characters,especially Jem and Charlotte. Great action and true American spirit filled with hope and preserverance. Excellent writing by the author, John Deacon. I highly recommend the Yonder series.
September 19, 2025
Yonder
I enjoyed reading Yonder so much so that I would find myself up until the wee hours of the morning. I have also read some of your other series , so I guess you can say I'm a true fan. Keep writing. A nd I will look for more of your books when they hit my screen. A fan, Diane
I enjoyed reading Yonder so much so that I would find myself up until the wee hours of the morning. I have also read some of your other series , so I guess you can say I'm a true fan. Keep writing. A nd I will look for more of your books when they hit my screen. A fan, Diane
September 19, 2025
Living the prairie through John Deacon
Another great series from John Deacon! I am transported back in history and can hear, feel and even smell life on the wagon train. Wonderful writing draws me in and I always read each book in a day or two. Thank you, John, for making history come alive!
Another great series from John Deacon! I am transported back in history and can hear, feel and even smell life on the wagon train. Wonderful writing draws me in and I always read each book in a day or two. Thank you, John, for making history come alive!
September 19, 2025
A great story of moving West.
The author has written a great story of adventure, deception, heartbreak and heroism as the wagon train moves through the Western States to California and their new life. This adventure gave them the opportunity to form a very strong and closely knit group that remained friendly through the years.
The author has written a great story of adventure, deception, heartbreak and heroism as the wagon train moves through the Western States to California and their new life. This adventure gave them the opportunity to form a very strong and closely knit group that remained friendly through the years.
September 22, 2025
Incredible
A thrilling and satisfying conclusion to another great Western saga by John Deacon. Undoubtedly one of my favorite authors. If you like exciting, uplifting, and spiritually edifying tales of the Wild West, then I suggest you invest some time with his work, you won't regret it!
A thrilling and satisfying conclusion to another great Western saga by John Deacon. Undoubtedly one of my favorite authors. If you like exciting, uplifting, and spiritually edifying tales of the Wild West, then I suggest you invest some time with his work, you won't regret it!
September 24, 2025
Thinking about Yonder
I loved this . To be honest I have avoided wagon series. After reading a lot of them
it seemed like they were similar and predictable. This was different .From the start you are engaged with unique and interesting people. The community that developed that lasted a lifetime is heart warming.
. As a grandson of a homesteader this felt authentic.
I loved this . To be honest I have avoided wagon series. After reading a lot of them
it seemed like they were similar and predictable. This was different .From the start you are engaged with unique and interesting people. The community that developed that lasted a lifetime is heart warming.
. As a grandson of a homesteader this felt authentic.
October 18, 2025
Jem
What a fantastic ride. As you ride along with Jem Hardy, you can almost feel like you're right there. John Deacon takes you to the place where you feel as though you're riding on this wagon train with them. Jem's hard times and bravery, take him from being a boy to a man. Read the books in order, and you will have a fantastic journey.
What a fantastic ride. As you ride along with Jem Hardy, you can almost feel like you're right there. John Deacon takes you to the place where you feel as though you're riding on this wagon train with them. Jem's hard times and bravery, take him from being a boy to a man. Read the books in order, and you will have a fantastic journey.
December 3, 2025
excellent
I haven’t read much from Mr Deacon. I am very pleased with this series. I am very pleased that I had the opportunity to read all 3 parts of the story. Realistic and awesome. I know there are exceptional people in the world and Jem is apparently modeled as such.
Very enjoyable read.
I haven’t read much from Mr Deacon. I am very pleased with this series. I am very pleased that I had the opportunity to read all 3 parts of the story. Realistic and awesome. I know there are exceptional people in the world and Jem is apparently modeled as such.
Very enjoyable read.
December 24, 2025
purty good
This was a great read. I greatly enjoyed it. However, I didn’t like it when there was a jump in the timeline from the difficulty of the trail to a place where they were settled in California. Suddenly with multiple children and grandchildren. Overall it was a very good story.
This was a great read. I greatly enjoyed it. However, I didn’t like it when there was a jump in the timeline from the difficulty of the trail to a place where they were settled in California. Suddenly with multiple children and grandchildren. Overall it was a very good story.
September 8, 2025
You win some and you lose some....
And this was definitely a win!!! Filled with action around every corner. Strength, love, and loyalty as a foundation gets these pioneers to their destination. Jem & Charlotte's story will forever be one of my favorite series.
And this was definitely a win!!! Filled with action around every corner. Strength, love, and loyalty as a foundation gets these pioneers to their destination. Jem & Charlotte's story will forever be one of my favorite series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews