Long Trail Home

by Lacy Williams

All roads lead home in the dramatic conclusion to one family’s journey of love, sacrifice, and survival.

Since the moment he saw her, Coop Spencer has been single-minded in his quest to protect Belle. She’s running from something—someone—and he’s never met anyone so scared. When the wagon master forces an a marriage or Belle is expelled from the wagon train, Coop makes the only choice he can. He’ll do everything in his power to prove he's the kind of man she can trust. But overcoming the mistakes of his past may prove too much...

Belle knows that the danger she escaped is still out there, still hunting her. Experience has taught her that she can't rely on anyone, not even the man who promised their marriage was in name only.

As they traverse the Oregon Trail together, Belle is taken in by Coop’s big family, and the more time she spends with her temporary husband and his siblings, the more she starts to long for something she'd forgotten ages home.

When danger closes in, one of them must sacrifice everything for love...Forced marriage of convenienceRedemptionFamily sagaHeroine with a dark past/sworn off men

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 26, 2026

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

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A kiss is no good if it has to be taken." His voice came out rougher than he'd intended. "I would only want a kiss from my wife if it was freely given."

The marriage of convenience story is packed with danger, family, and faith. This is book 9 in the Wagon Train Matches series. It can be read alone but would be much more enjoyable in its place in the series. (The series covers the wagon train’s journey from Independence to the Willamette Valley.) There are overlapping characters and over-arching storylines. I am honestly a little sad to say goodbye to the Spencer and Mason families!

Coop! I have had a soft spot for Coop since the very beginning of the series. I was so excited to read his story, discover his hurts and motivation, and especially see him find his happily ever after. Coop is determined, protective, and struggling. I loved his determination to win Belle’s heart and his desire to be accepted for who he was by his brothers. I loved his patience and gentleness with Belle. I loved his growth and the restoration he finds with God and his family. Belle is brave, scarred, and determined. I loved her growth especially in her trust of Coop. I loved that she saw the good in him and encouraged him. I loved that she took Rachel and Maddie’s words of faith to heart. I loved her journey to knowing she was chosen and beloved. Coop and Belle prove that you can face trials and make bad decisions and still come out better on the other side. They overcome so much and find the truth of family! I loved the threads of truth, of redemption and restoration woven throughout Coop and Belle’s story.

A few more quotes:
"Because the first time I saw her, something shifted. Like the world tilted and suddenly everything made sense. Like I’m meant to be with her.”

"Your brother counts every mistake you make." It wasn't a question. Coop's chest tightened. "Yeah. He does." A pause. Then: "But that doesn't mean everyone does. Some people might just be glad you came back at all."

“She watches you like she can’t quite believe you’re real. She cares about you. Anybody with eyes can see it. Maybe she’s scared of how she feels about you.”

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional roller coaster! These two wounded souls have been through the wringer and show the reader that it's possible to come through trials on the other side and be a better person. I have had a soft spot for Coop through this entire wagon train journey. I knew there was more to his story and felt that if people just gave him a chance, he'd rise to the occasion. I was right. He had so much to give but his past and the lack of faith of so many had beaten him down. However, in this last book in the series, which takes place in the final days of the wagon train's journey, he takes a chance and marries Belle, who is the outcast because she's about to be thrown out of the wagon train unless someone marries her. A bad guy is following her and causing problems for the wagon train so the master feels if she's out of the company, the danger will be gone. Coop takes a chance and marries her because he's felt something for her from the beginning. However, Belle has the temperament of a feral cat! Just because she married Coop, doesn't mean she likes him, trusts him or will even let him get near him! She even sleeps with a knife under her pillow!
Reading these last days of the journey made me realize how I'm not ready to let these characters go! They have become friends to me! I want to see what they do in Oregon Territory and how their lives turn out! This has been a fantastic series, and I have loved every book. This last book has been my favorite. Coop and Belle are complex, emotional characters who overcome so much to turn their lives around and realize what family is all about.

[Cathy Donaldson]

This is Coop and Belle's story from the Wagon Train Match series. Reading about Belle you feel the desperation, desolation and deep hurt in her life. She has escaped from a brothel and there are those who can't see past that, but there are those who reach out in friendship and in tender ways to help her heal. One especially tender moment is when one of the ladies offers to comb her twisted dirty messy hair before the wedding ceremony.
Coop is dealing with his own demons, yet as he marries Belle, which allows her to stay on the wagon train, you see the transformation begin in his life. His interactions with Belle are so tender, and cautious, allowing her to not be spooked. You see it in how he teaches her to ride a horse. His past marks him as irresponsible, not meeting others expectations, impulsive... Despite all that, he is driven to not mess up his marriage, but he makes bad decisions witch lands him in trouble.
The Word of God is alive and active. I love how the author intertwined scripture. Lamentations 3:23 is shared with Belle, who then shares it with Coop. For both of them the phrase "new every morning" hits their hearts with hope. Another is the story of the prodigal son shared with Leo, Coop's older judgmental brother, which,begins to capture and change his heart.
The story is intense, taking on some difficult topics, and filled with twists and turns with lives on the line. It involves forgiveness, repentance and reconciliation. It ends the trail to God and a new life, the Long Trail Home.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

[Catherine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page I was immersed in the story - I felt like I could hear the wagons creaking and smell the campfire smoke. This sweet story is captivating as it tells Coop and Belle's story but also connects all the previous stories and relationships together like a patchwork quilt.

A Long Trail Home is a story I have been waiting for - we have met and struggled with Coop throughout the series but now we get to hear his story and understand the demons he is battling. Belle has not had an easy life and having someone still out to get her leaves her vulnerable and on edge. When she is forced to get married Coop offers to marry her but that doesn't mean she trusts him or will let him close. Together though, they are stronger and can face the danger and pressure around them. I really appreciated the nuggets of biblical truth that were scattered throughout the book and helped guide Coop and Belle in the right direction.

This is the 9th book of the Wagon Train Matches series and while it concludes the series I don't feel ready to let these characters go. It really has been a favourite series for me. I have loved the family drama throughout this book and the series - family is so important and to see them maturing and growing together is super satisfying to read. I totally recommend this book and series to you!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story of redemption and grace! While I’ve read and loved other series by Lacy Williams, I think this may be the first time I’ve read a book in this particular series. A few times events were mentioned that happened before this book that left me curious if they happened in other books or just off the page. In no way did I feel lost however, as whatever was significant was well explained in the story.

Coop is a prodigal that can’t seem to find his way back despite all his efforts. This doesn’t stop him from loving Belle, a spoked and haunted woman. Together, they learn about trust, real love, and redemption. All throughout the story, events and people point Coop and Belle back to their Heavenly Father and what true love and trust look like.

The characters are deep and multifaceted. Their thoughts and actions were believable and I quickly got lost in the story. I lead a busy life but still managed to read the book in two days. Though with a bit less sleep than perhaps I need. lol. It was totally worth it. I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys historical fiction with a reminder of God’s love for them.

Now I need to go back and read the rest of this series!

I received an ARC and my review is my own.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This concludes the series, but I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. The Spencer and Mason families finally reach Oregon Territory but their lives have been changed forever.

Coop has been on the outside of the circle since before the trip started. The tension with his family was heartbreaking at times. We have seen little pieces of his story throughout the series but here we get all of it. He is hurt, grieving, lonely, and desperate for someone to listen to his heart.

Belle (and I love her real name at the end) has walked a life of hurt, abuse, betrayal, pain, and fear. She wants freedom to life in peace. She didn’t expect Coop to come to mean so much. He changed her perspective on life.

They have their ups and downs, times of doubt and triumph. They face danger from bad men out to take their freedom. But the most exciting thing was when both of them gave control of their lives over to God. That changed them completely.

I enjoyed this novel and this series. A good read with lots of suspense, drama, family, and romance. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Linda Marsh]

This story opens with Bella inserting herself into a wagon train, desperate for food and survival. She is obviously afraid for her life, and the wagon train master decides she must marry a member of the wagon train or leave. Coop knows she cannot survive on her own, so he steps forward and says he will marry her.

Coop has family members also making up part of the wagon train, and as Belle witnesses their behavior and the interactions of Coop’s family, she realizes what she has been missing for years since someone trusted as her caregiver sold her into prostitution.

Making her and Coop’s marriage even more difficult is the fact that her “handler” Sarge is searching for her and wants to kill her for leaving his “protection”.

This story was intriguing from the start and keeps you on the edge of your seat until you finish. I enjoyed reading it and am anxiously waiting for the next story in this series to be published.

I was provided a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Sara Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites from this series by far! I have enjoyed every book in this series and this one while bittersweet to read was a wonderful end to this series. Belle is running from a mad man and can’t bring herself to trust anyone. She has never truly felt safe. Coop has made so many mistakes and has too many regrets but he desperately wants to change and be a better man for Belle. Find out what happens in the conclusion to the Wagon Train Matches series with Long Trail Home. This book has clean romance, suspense, danger, and a Christian message that touched my heart more than once through this book. I’ve looked forward to each character’s story and I’m so sad to see this series end. This is truly my favorite series from Lacy Williams.


I received an advanced reader’s copy as part of a launch team. All opinions expressed are my own. Seriously you won’t regret reading this series!

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing ending to the series! I enjoyed getting to know the Spencer family, their wives and the others in the wagon train. This story is mostly about Coop and Belle.

Coop is the prodigal son. He has made many mistakes and squandered his money. In doing this he has lost the trust of his family. Belle is a broken person. Abused for most of her life, she doesn't trust anyone. Their marriage of convenience brings more problems than solutions.

I like how Coop slowly changes and matures throughout the book. He still makes bad choices but when his brother, Leo forgives him, he begins to believe in himself. He also surrenders to God. "The prodigal son had come home. And the Father had run to meet him. Had wrapped him in love and celebration and grace."

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This is Coop's story. Of course, it is entwined with his siblings' stories. There were so many parts of the story that I loved, both heartrending and heartwarming.

Coop was the one in the family that could never get things right. No matter how hard he tried, his brothers only commented on where he messed up. In this story he's seen and recognized for how much he's grown from being that messed-up kid to the man he is now.

I love how the Spencer family immediately pulls Belle into their protective circle and helps provide for all her needs—safety, social connection, and teaching her necessary skills.
I loved how the characters entwined Bible stories and Bible verses in their conversations, too. “Remember the Bible story about . . . ? Well . . .”

[Elaine Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great finale to this Oregon Trail series. Coop's story is one of a black sheep/prodigal son who finds redemption and restoration. He has spent the last several years trying to make amends for a mistake and trying to live up to his older brother's expectations. It was painful at times to watch him struggle to be a better man, and when he agrees to marry a prostitute who escaped from a brothel it causes more problems with his brother. When he and Belle finally realize that God loves them no matter what, they are able to make their way to a hopeful future. The love and support of family is the theme throughout all these books and the love of God is what makes the difference. A great series I would definitely recommend.


I received a copy of this book from the author as an ARC, but this is an honest review.

[Nancy Cavanaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the last in a series. I will have to go back and read the series. I really enjoyed this book a lot. I love how her characters are so realistic. This book evokes the realization we have a bit of some of these characters in ourselves. Some of us may be hurting deeply while some of us may be judgmental towards those hurting. Some of us need to heal from deep trauma and pain while some of us are there to help them heal. I love the faith and forgiveness interwoven into this story. Sometimes we need to forgive ourselves to truly heal. Sometimes we need to realize we need to ask forgiveness to those we wronged and sometimes we need to forgive those who wronged us. I give this book 5 stars and am eager to read the whole series.

[Taylor Veruchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coop and Belle’s story is full of redemption and learning to trust, healing and reconciliation. I couldn’t put this book down. I was hooked from the start.

Two people with sorted pasts joining into a marriage like a business arrangement. What a great picture of what life on a wagon train might have been like. The monotony of the daily travel, the danger that lurked just outside the train, the people running from their past to something new, the adventure. This book is a great reminder to keep our eyes focused on God, that He loves us and is waiting for us to return to Him like the prodigal.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A redemptive journey of broken pasts, growing faith, and unexpected love.

This book captures humanity at its core. Despite tragic circumstances beyond her control, Belle finds the courage to build a new life. Her emotions feel raw and deeply human, making her journey both honest and relatable. I loved how Coop serves as a steady anchor for Belle—strong yet imperfect. Both characters carry flawed pasts, but together they confront their struggles and grow. Their developing relationship with Christ profoundly shapes not only their individual lives, but also how they care for one another and those around them.

A heartfelt and uplifting must-read.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eighth and last book in Williams’ Wagon Train Matches series. However, she does not give her poor characters an easy slide down the mountains into Oregon! There’s still too many bad guys not that far away waiting to harass the women and children, steal what they can, and just generally be nasty. Add in a few more snow storms, searches at night, dunkings in icy rivers, and sibling conflicts… so don’t expect a nice relaxing read. I’d like to read more about the futures of the couples who found each other on the trail, but I’d like a lot less drama.

[Aud Ludlam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Marry or get out", the wagon master demanded. Belle had no choice but to marry Coop. Both Coop and Belle have many demons in their past and present to overcome. Family dynamics and outside problems add to the turmoil. Unexpected events draws the family closer together resulting in forgiveness and redemption. Belle learned to trust and love Coop, finding love and happiness together. I love the way Lacy brings Bible nuggets into the story without being preachy, so very powerful. I loved this book and would highly recommend it

[Dawn]

I’ve really enjoyed following these characters, and this book continues to show Williams’s talent for heartfelt storytelling and redemption. While this installment was more difficult to read at times due to the heroine’s traumatic past and the reality of her being forced into sex work, it was handled with care and compassion. The story doesn’t shy away from pain, but it ultimately focuses on healing, resilience, and hope. Watching the characters grow, find safety, and learn to trust again made the journey worthwhile. This book may be heavier than others in the series.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love reading books about the Oregon Trail, this is a series you must read. You will not be disappointed! These people become like family. You feel what they feel. It’s like you can smell the campfires, feel the crisp morning air, see the bright stars in the deep dark of night, feel the anguish and fears and enjoy the triumph of the good things. I can not give you any spoilers though. Start this series as soon as you can.

[Michele Scheffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ending book for a series of books about pioneers headed west to start a new life. Full of family connections both happy and difficult, their faith brought them all back together by the end of The Long Trail Home. I highly recommend this book and the entire series, it has adventure,determination, family, faith and love. It gives the reader a realistical glimpse of the struggles that so many faced along the Oregon Trail.

[AmandaB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Coop’s story and this is the perfect ending with a beautiful redemption story. Both Coop and Belle grew in their faith and overcame difficulties. Lacy gave another great plot filled with tension, growth in characters and hope for new beginnings.
This whole wagon train series has been fantastic and books that I just cannot put down. I truly wish we would get to see how their new lives in Oregon Territory develop.

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I received this book from the author, I thought I would just read the first page, but two hours later I was still glued to the screen, and only put it down when I had finished. What a fitting, nail biting end to a series! The bad guy and the broken woman who both find love and healing when they realize that God loves them just as they are and has a special purpose for each of them.

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of the prodigal son and the older brother. This is about a man with emotional wounds that started young and he would rather feel physical pain than deal with the emotional pain. This is about a woman given no voice or control of her own life and surviving the life she was in. This is about dangers on a trail in wagons. This is the best book so far in the series.

[Terri Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does the series really need to end??? I hope not. I could not wait to read what trails would lead to Coop and Belle’s happy ever after. The author did not disappoint. I experienced their joy, tears, feelings of unworthiness and being made whole through Christ. This book was amazing.

[Chrissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect ending to a great series. I received this book as an advanced reading copy and absolutely loved it. The story was gripping and full of adventure, bringing to a conclusion the over arching story line of the Spencer family and their journey west. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful historical romance.. Sweet, interesting, and heartfelt. Adventure and suspense..

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very, very enjoyable. These characters are just wonderful. I have enjoyed the journey. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic end to a great series. Long Trail Home is a story full of Gods grace and forgiveness,showing us that no matter what we have done God never leaves us and will always forgive us if we ask.