A Tender Devotion

Wagon Train Matches #0.5

by Lacy Williams

Alice Spencer knows her place. Working in the grand Braddock estate, servants like her must remain silent and invisible. But when a surprising encounter with her boss leads him to mistake her for a debutante, Alice is plunged into a world of wealth and privilege. Charmed by Mr. Braddock and his single-minded pursuit, there’s still a part of Alice that knows it can’t last.

When tragedy strikes their small community, Alice is faced with an impossible protect her brother or lose the man she’s begun to fall for…

Forbidden RomanceMaid/falls for the heirClass DividesSecrets and Sacrifices

Genres: Historical Fiction

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 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

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

i absolutely love this series! this novella is such a good preface for the rest of the series!

[Marlene]

Free today on Amazon. Thank you Lacy Williams, and Merry Christmas!

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this for free in a Christmas giveaway. I haven't read the series this book is a prequel to so I'm a little lost on the importance of everyone 😅

[Jackie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beginning

What decision does a fa.Ily make to protect one of their own? Do they leave everything and everyone they have known their whole life? The journey will be hard and treacherous. What if they don't like where they're going once they arrive? What if they never make it at all? Alice may have to leave the love you just found - a love never meant to be - a love that will never be accepted by society. If she stays, how are things going to work out , anyway? When two men appear stating that they are the brothers of Alice and Leo, through their father who disappeared from their lives long ago, should they believe them? The one has a very strong resemblance to Leo. They present an escape from trouble and disaster that is sure to fall. Read this beginning to the families adventures on AAA WAGON TRAIN MATCHES by Lacy Williams. This is an exciting series based on the historical Oregon Trail movement. The series is filled with adventure, suspense, faith, love, and, yes, even hatred. There are breathtaking moments interspersed with tears, joy, and laughter. Once you start you won't want to stop until you read the last book in the series.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tender Devotion is the prequel novella to one of my favorite series--Wagon Train Matches. The poignant, exciting storyline and wonderful characters engulfed me in the fictional world and kept me involved and entertained for the entirety of the read. Alice is one of my favorite characters in the series. I loved learning her and Rob's backstory which provided details of what prompted the Spencer family to join the wagon train to Oregon and how their love story began. I totally enjoyed this short, satisfying read--a perfect prelude to an exciting, engaging series. I highly recommend it and the series.
I received a copy of this story from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prequel to a wonderful series! Alice has been a great character in the wagon train and I've always wondered about her backstory. This is it! She is the only girl in her family and has struggled to keep her family together after losing her parents. They have been very poor and all of them had to work to stay together. This story tells how she met Rob, a wealthy man who was the grandson of the owner of the factory where her brothers worked, and what happened to send them on the wagon train west. It's a tenderhearted story that kept me enthralled through the whole book.

[Ivonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What?! That’s it?! I need to know what happened next! 😂 That’s the only bad thing with novellas you just stare into a wall wanting more of the story. This is my first time reading from this author and definitely won’t be my last. I really liked what I read, the little glimpse I took from the Spencer family. This is the prequel of the Wagon Train Matches series.

Alice Spencer works as a maid and the grandson and heir of the mansion takes genuine interest in her setting aside class differences. But she has to decide between staying with family or follow her heart.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel novella to Lacy Williams' Wagon Train Matches series sets the stage for the next to last book coming out in November, Heart's Perilous Journey. It's emotional, and fills in a lot of details that have been hinted at in earlier books. If you haven't started the series yet, you'll want to start with this one, but if you've read them in order, don't worry - just make sure you read it before Heart's Perilous Journey. I can't wait for that book!

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance

I almost wish this turned directly into the rest of their story, but when read out of order, it could be a bit messy. I happened to learn about the prequel just before reading their ending, but I think that's how it's meant to be!
Either way, the couple on the cover seem way too young to me! Lol! Of course they could be in their 20s! When you get to be my age, everyone else seems too young, or closer to my age!

[Sara Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet prequel

This was a great read! It answers a lot of questions about two of the characters in this series and gives a better understanding to the relationship between Alice and Rob and the conflicts surrounding Coop. I’m excited to read the conclusion in Hearts Perilous Journey.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great prequel

Class distinguish was pretty much shown, you didn't hardly stand a chance if you were not rich. A wonderful story of people trying to break that distinction. Can't wait for the next.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This enjoyable short story tells how the relationship between Alice and Rob began, as well as how and why the Cooper family began their voyage on the Oregon Trail.

[Wendy Klopfenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this prequel to the Wagon Train Matches! It does leave you hanging a bit, waiting for their HEA. But the whole series is so good, you won't mind diving into the rest of the books to find out what happens! :)

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tender Devotion is a prequel novella to the Wagon Trail Matches series. This novella is about a maid and a mill owner's grandson. I enjoyed learning about Alice's and Rob's backstories, how their love story started, and what prompted the Spencer family to head on the Oregon Trail.

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice was working for the badcock family and old man Badcock left his nephew Rob in charge of the mill where Alice's brothers worked. An explosion destroyed a part of the mill and Alice's brother is a suspect. So Alice's family leave the area to go on the origin trail

[Gina Freire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wear a pretty dress & attract the guy you want - that's my kinda of story!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the setting of this one. The difference in class is interesting to read about and the ending is great. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lorin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book! This book has wonderful characters and a wonderful plot! I will be reading the next book in this series!

[Alice · Rating 1 out of 5]

Proof

Where is the proof that Cole caused the explosion?
Too many jumps in this book. Omission of details. But plenty of information about class status.

[Makayla Ledingham]

it was positively delightful, so much heart you definitely will need to get your hands on the rest of the books

[Lore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I was so, intrigued by ALICE story and I can't wait for more. This short book gave a little inside about her and ROB storyline. Truly amazing writing.

[Teresa Nasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet introduction to Alice and Rob's story. Instantly captivating and I was glad I had the full novel on hand to immediately dive into their love story.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice and Rob's backstory give you a little insight into why she acts the way she does toward him. I'll be honest I think she is a little too mad. Getting to see the family dynamics before the wagon train began was eye-opening. Great prequel.