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The Long Trails #1

A Long Trail Rolling

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Escaping her father's killer, Aleksandra rode the Pony Express—full speed into the middle of the Indian Paiute Wars.
She didn’t expect to become a target, but she is one now!
Seventeen year old Aleksandra, trained in the Cossack arts from infancy by her father, finds herself alone and running to prevent her Pa's killer from obtaining a secret coveted by the Russian Czar, one which could alter the forces of power in Europe. Disguised as a Pony Express rider in 1860's Utah Territory, she finds herself in even deeper trouble. Her Californio boss Xavier has a strength to match her own, but can they overcome their differences before the ever-increasing odds overtake them?


With this debut Western Historical Adventure, Lizzi Tremayne won the 2014 RWNZ Pacific Hearts Award and was a finalist in the 2013 Great Beginnings A saga of the Old West with a multicultural cast of those who make up America, it would interest readers who enjoy Westerns, horses, American Indians, immigrants, and the Pony Express. It has a capable heroine, strong historical detail, period veterinary treatment and frontier-pushing characters. It compares to the work of Phillipa Gregory, Diana Gabaldon and Jean Auel, with a little Laura Ingalls Wilder thrown in.


The Long Trail Series
A Long Trail Rolling is first in a quadrilogy of historical adventure sagas following her characters from the wilderness of 1860 Utah to Colonial New Zealand. It continues with the partially-completed The Hills of Gold Unchanging. The third, A Sea of Green Unfolding, will follow and research is in progress for the fourth, A Bold Country Evolving. They are factual adventure fiction stories, rich in historical detail, following the escapades of Aleksandra and Xavier as they travel through the1860's. Some would call the first two Westerns, featuring 1860's Utah desert, the Pony Express, the Virginia City Comstock Lode and California Malakoff Diggins. The third details history of Redwood City and La Honda, CA and 1863 New Zealand, at the start of the Waikato Wars, and the fourth continues in New Zealand as war continues to wrack the young nation.

588 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 4, 2015

590 people are currently reading
440 people want to read

About the author

Lizzi Tremayne

17 books60 followers
Lizzi grew up riding wild in the Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods, became an equine veterinarian at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, practiced in the California Pony Express and Gold Country before emigrating to New Zealand. When not writing, she's swinging a rapier or shooting a bow in medieval garb, riding, driving a carriage or playing on her farm, singing, or working as an equine veterinarian or science teacher. She is multiply published and awarded in special interest magazines and veterinary periodicals.

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5 stars
107 (44%)
4 stars
68 (28%)
3 stars
40 (16%)
2 stars
16 (6%)
1 star
9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Lemurkat.
Author 13 books51 followers
March 20, 2015
An impressive debut from a New Zealand (ex-American) author. "A Long Trail Rolling" takes the reader on a journey to the wild west, to the trials and conflict faced by the enterprising souls determined to tame it and make it their home.

This is a romance, a western, and an adventure story, all rolled up into a compelling read. Our heroine, Aleksandra, lived with her father, a fur trapper, in an isolated canyon in Utah. When she finds his body, murdered and discarded in a crevice, her life takes a sudden and dramatic turn. Her father had a secret, and someone else - somewhere deadly and dangerous - is after it, and will stop at nothing to seize it.

Aleksandra must leave her peaceful life behind her, retreating with little more than her sturdy pony, Dzien. She is not without skills, however, for her father has trained her in the arts of the cossack - and she is both a skilled rider and educated in the ways of healing. Adventurous and impetuous, she seeks employment in the dangerous Pony Express, hiding her nature from all but those closest to her - like her Californio boss, Xavier.

What follows is adventure, excitement, romance and heartbreak. Aleksandra is an engaging character, albeit a tad quick at jumping to (the wrong) conclusions and perhaps being a bit defiant of the social norms (an admirable trait in many heroines). Xavier is tall, dark and handsome, haunted by the ghost of his abusive father and rough childhood. The point-of-view narration hops between the two, giving insights to each other's thoughts and, yes, desires for one another. The love relationship in here is not exactly unpredictable. There are, however, a number of other surprises. And if the girl-pretending-to-be-a-boy storyline is perhaps a shade overdone, this is still an entertaining take on it, without dwelling too much on embarrassing the heroine by putting her into socially awkward position.

This is an independently published title, and as such lacks a little of the glossy flare that comes through the big established printing houses. It should not, however, be judged on the quality of the cover but on the quality of the writing - which is of high calibre. I don't normally read romance, and I've never before read a western, but I devoured this one and am hungry for more.
Profile Image for Regan Walker.
Author 32 books825 followers
June 14, 2018
A Pony Express Adventure!

Set in 1860, this is the story of Aleksandra from Poland and Xavier, a Californio who becomes a station keeper for the Pony Express where he meets Aleksandra. Trained in Cossack horse riding, she decides to join the Pony Express while eluding the Russian man she believes is responsible for her father’s death. Disguised as a boy, she rides through difficult territory where the Paiute Indian Wars are raging.

The author’s considerable research into the era and the Pony Express are reflected in great detail in this story, which is nearly 400 pages. If you’ve always wanted to know what it was like to be one of those riders, or all that went into the Express, you will experience it with Aleksandra. The action scenes with arrows flying all around her and a villain in pursuit will keep you turning pages but they come in the last half of the book. (The beginning requires patience as Aleks and Xavier get to know each other and share information about the Pony Express.)

Both Aleksandra and Xavier are exceptional people and are attracted to each other from the beginning. Each has reservations, but the relationship progresses at a steady pace.

Exceptional detail and historical authenticity add to this Pony Express adventure!
Profile Image for Aly.
1,899 reviews69 followers
March 9, 2015
This book was very good. It reminds me a little of the Pony Express days. I enjoyed reading a little about the settler and Indians and some of the problems they faced. This book was better than I thought it would be. I don't read many books like this book I enjoyed this one. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
June 24, 2018
An amazing story bringing the old west alive in this adventure set in 1860. Growing up and even now, I have loved westerns and this story brought alive that time period with so many details that were new to me. Aleksandra disguises herself as a boy and becomes a pony express rider trying to keep ahead of the man who killed her father and is after her. Her Californio boss, Xavier is the station keeper for the pony express and knows she is a woman. This sets the stage for an exciting time evading danger in the Indian territories and staying ahead of the villain determined to catch her and learn her father's secrets.
The research for this story was incredible with wonderful narration of the scenery and the people who were immigrants that came to the United States for a home. The romance that slowly develops between the two main characters is passionate and heartwarming. Each has a story of their own lives that comes out and pulls everything together.
In the end, if you love the old West, history, suspense and a great romance, you will not be able to put this book down until you turn the last page. It will leave you wanting more... Lizzie Tremayne is an author to watch!
Profile Image for Martha Mohr.
1 review
August 5, 2015
I need to preface this review by saying I am somewhat biased as I have known the author since early childhood but the following is my comment to her: "Watching tonights news, there was a spot about today being the 155th anniversary of the Pony Express and 'tho we weren't travelling the exact route, our RV trip took us thru much of the same country you wrote of. It was a perfect setting to finish your book, while travelling thru Indian Territory, where I could envision the story and pretend we were really there. So, of course I love it and that coming from a very cynical gal who has lost any belief in romance, but the balance between "that mushy stuff" and the attention to historical detail, along with the dramatic suspense made for a great read! So proud of you!"
Profile Image for Patricia.
75 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this, my first experience with Lizzi Tremayne's books. The historical background was fascinating with the beginning of the Pony Express. It was easy, enjoyable reading with believable situations and the characters and scenery beautifully described.
I was really pleased to know there is a sequel.
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,477 reviews17 followers
October 17, 2019
Great adventure

A new author to me and one I have really enjoyed reading! Great characters and so much interesting historical content! I hated for it to end! So glad to see there are two more books in this series! And they are stand alone stories, so no problem there! Great read!
208 reviews
Currently reading
October 14, 2019
Great

I very much enjoyed this book. The book held my interest till the ending. This book was filled with knowledge and I learned a lot about the pony express and the Polish people. I loved the characters, the west, and especially this author's words and endearing way of telling this story. I will definitely look for more of her historical books. A definite winner in my opinion.
Profile Image for Sherrie Haynes.
71 reviews
October 11, 2019
Such a great read.

I love how this fictional book incorporated true historical events. I love the strength of young Aleks as she sought the highest paying most honest living of her day. Her strength and her endurance speaks volumes when it comes to all the women who faced the rough journey of the West. Thank you for such an exciting adventure of hope and strength.
Profile Image for Marsha.
544 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2019
A very nice HEA

Please excuse this review if I already left one.

I really liked this historical romance depicting the dangers of the pony Express. The main characters are engaging and easy to like. And the antagonist... well I dont want to spoil it for you. I did not find the story at all boring and I did not want to put the book down. I liked learning a little more about the Pony Express.
92 reviews
October 11, 2019
Much to long --- but Oh, so captivating -- and no, its did not end as I expected. I think I am going to have to get more of Lizzi's writing. I really liked it.
Profile Image for JackEllena.
430 reviews
October 6, 2019
An exciting , good western romance, that is hard to put down as it is read. Their needs were slow to become obvious and their secrets made them wary. Love still overcame the obstacles and their forever became real. A wonderful love story that I was happy to read, thank you, Jack.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,680 reviews342 followers
October 27, 2015
Unlike Most Indie books when they come into the writing world , A Long Trail Rolling has won the 2014 RWNZ Pacific Hearts Award and was a finalist in the 2013 Great Beginnings Competition. A Long Trail Rolling was not normally a book I would read as I have never really been a huge fan of the historicals but as I would read through the pages, I discovered that A Long Trail Rolling was more than just your average historical romance novel. It had something for every reader from the Western theme with the main theme being that the character Aleksandra rode the Pony Express in the 1860's , Utah in order to escape her father's killer which brings me to the next theme of Suspense as Alek's dad has been murdered and now in order to survive and not succumb to the same odds as her father has , Alek must ride in order to save her life and not become listed as one of the fallen. What's a good story without a romance entanglement as Alek meets along the way Xavier and with romance comes clashes as Alek and Xavier have their moments where the reader hopes they will kiss and make-up as you want them to realise that they are better off together , not only due to their amazing chemistry but the fact that two heads are better than one when it comes to the odds of survival. The story ends on a cliffie , as we learn that their will be more in the series as it follows and leads eventually to Alek arriving in New Zealand. What I did love about this book was the research that the authoress has put in as her love and knowledge of horses and the early American years has shone through her words and you know that what you are reading has a hint of reality to it which makes it seem even more real for the reader.
Overall , in parts this book reminded me of the Westerns my Grandad used to lend me and he would read himself - authors like Louis Lamour, as my mum's side of the family grew up in the country and were surrounded by Horses and the Western lifestyle as well as Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prarie which I loved reading and watching on TV when I was a child.
If you love Westerns, Romance, History and Adventure - not to mention the feel of an Epic Saga novel then A Long Trail Rolling is the read for you.
So What are you waiting for folks, #SaveAHorse by Reading "A Long Trail Rolling".
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,969 reviews175 followers
January 8, 2015
This book is a fascinating tale that encompasses so many historical events and actual people entwined with a beautiful story that is woven into its pages of family, secrets, adventure, mystery, suspense and love. The route along the Pony Express and the sights and smells are so vividly described, as a reader, you can envision and feel as if you are along on this journey as a voyeur. This story crosses the ocean into Poland and Russia and the uprising and threats that follow to America for the Lekarski family, especially Aleksandra. My heart breaks for her, from finding and burying her father, Krzystoff, to running for her own life dodging raiding Indians, riding the Pony Express in disguise as Aleks, dodging a threat from Russia, to finding love. Three men want her, the Indian, Dancing Wolf, from childhood that loves her turns her away because of the impending war between Indians and settlers, Xavier Argeuello is battling his memories of family and betrayal and Vladimir Chabardine is after the family secret. The plot is captivating and the dialogue is heartwarming. I was so engrossed into this story, which kept the pages turning until the wee hours of the morning.
Profile Image for Z.R. Southcombe.
Author 11 books59 followers
May 4, 2015
I went to the NZ launch of A Long Trail Rolling in earlier this year (2015) and was intrigued by the author’s passion for horses and history.

This passion is clearly demonstrated throughout the story. The protagonist, Aleks, shares Tremayne’s love for horses and cares for them more than she does for herself. Besides her interest in and love of horses, Aleks displays great skills in riding and combat.

Aleks is an admirably strong – if stubborn – young lady. She resolves to be a part of the Pony Express by disguising herself as a boy, and to this extent reminds me of Tamora Pierce’s series, The Song of the Lioness.

Romance sparked early in the story, and for my taste was a little too early. However, the relationship grew slowly and hit common hurdles between people who have loved, lost and are afraid to be vulnerable again. It was a refreshing realism.

The resolution was sound, but I was left with the feeling of a hurried ending. Perhaps it was due to the slow build up, but it was otherwise a fantastic read.

Tremayne’s book will appeal to those who like strong female leads, histories, and adventure. I have no hesitation in giving A Long Trail Rolling five stars.
Profile Image for Anne M..
Author 6 books25 followers
April 20, 2015
A well researched western romance with horses, history and adventure in one fast paced book. Too bad the rich history of the pony express wasn't taught with so much excitement, texture and political intrigue in school. Lizzi Tremayne incorporates the 'melting pot' of early US peoples making up the western frontier, with languages and cultures rapidly strangling out the native people struggling to survive. She introduces some fascinating Polish and European history. Engaging characters and their stories of life and love are what bring the history alive. Geography, vegetation, health and history - a rolling good tale from this first time author.

Also a fabulous young adult read.

Love Aleks and Xaiver? Good news news, Lizzi has more rollicking good reads for us with these enjoyable characters.
50 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2018
A Rough and Tumble Old West Adventure

I really enjoyed this novel set in the old West state of Utah in 1860. The story of the Pony Express has always intrigued me and the fictitious characters that brought this story alive were very believable. Alexsandra is a heroine after my own heart with my love of horses and riding. I found the author very knowledgeable of horses, their anatomy, possible injuries and subsequent care. She is obviously a horse loving veterinarian that has overlapped that knowledge with the ability to write a wonderful tale of old world secrets and intrigue with the western rough and tumble trapper and cowboy new world. I loved the hero, Xavier with all his ingrained faults and his ability to finally transcend the life of an abused young boy.
I totally recommend A Long Trail Rolling and look forward to reading more of the series.
Profile Image for Danielle Apple.
58 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2019
I got this book hoping to get out of beta reading mode and read something for fun. It did not disappoint! The first page had me hooked into the mystery/thrill. It was hard to put down! The characters are well developed and the horses even have their own personalities. Lizzi's idea is original and clever, and I am impressed by her research on immigrants of all kinds, the Pony Express, and life in the area and time. As a reader, I also enjoyed having access to the author's notes.

I am normally not a romance person because I find it cheesy, but the life challenges overcome by the characters, along with history from a place I actually explore in person, made this a satisfying read. There were rare occurrences in which conversations between characters felt more like a history lesson, but for a history fan, it's great.

I bought the next book and am loving that one so far, too!
Profile Image for Teresa Schulz.
Author 8 books18 followers
January 27, 2015
I really enjoyed this nostalgic trip back to the Wild West with Aleksandra and Xavier. It brought back fond memories of watching westerns as a child with greats such as John Wayne and Little House on the Prairie. I've often thought it a shame that they don't get as much air time on television, so this book was a pleasant reminder of why I loved them so much.
With a slow building suspense leading up to a page turning climax, and a delightful ending, it made me feel like saddling up a horse and going on an adventure beneath the great starry night-sky.
Look forward to finding out what they get up in the next book of the series.
Well done. Highly Recommended to souls with an adventurous romantic heart.
Profile Image for Paula Singleton.
191 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2017
Good book, lots of pony express info..

This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be my last. Very good book, first in a series of four books. Even though it is a work of fiction a girl could have pulled off impersonating a guy and running a route on the pony express. Can't wait to start the next book to see where the story takes Alex's and Xavier. Great first book of a series but could be read as a stand alone if you don't want to know "the rest of the story".
49 reviews
February 10, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Lizzi Tremayne and I am so glad I did. It is a Western Historical set in the 1860s when the Pony Express was first established. The description of the Pony Express was so realistic that I felt like I was there riding with Aleksandra. She and Xavier are trying to find who killed her father and why. Their quest takes them across the country to California.
This was an informative and delightful book. Fast paced with well developed characters. I look forward to reading more of the saga of Aleksandra and Xavier in the sequel.
1,249 reviews23 followers
April 27, 2018
ALEKS

The escape of a Polish family to the United States. The Tsars rulers of Russia and the Ukraine
theirs a war..The Bolshevik..white Russians and the Cossacks are in a war. Royal families escaped to America to live incognito...hiding from the war and those who want to destroy these families. I feel it was an act of genocide of a royal blood line. You will be introduced to lives involved with the Tsars families.
32 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2015
An outstanding first novel. I've always been interested in the Pony Express and was pleased to find it a feature of such a well written adventure novel. Well researched by someone who obviously knows and loves her subject this is a well paced historical adventure. Highly enjoyable. I'm pleased to see that it is part of a series. Im looking forward to the upcoming releases.
Profile Image for Jean Holtof.
426 reviews4 followers
October 10, 2019
A very engaging read with all the elements of the wild west, moving at a fast pace with intrigue, danger, a strong heroine who rides like a Cossack, a hero who wants love but fears it and a Russian thrown into the ordeal. I love Lizzi's writing style as it flows and weaves a great story. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Ana.
132 reviews
August 3, 2015
I enjoyed this read. Had no idea about PX before this at all really and always like to learn something new when I read :)
Wondering when the next one will be out?
3 reviews
September 24, 2018
A Long Trail Rolling was a great read and I couldn’t put it down. It was a lot like getting on a horse and going for a thrilling ride!
Profile Image for Cristina Rodrigues.
16 reviews
April 25, 2021
Aleksandra e o pai tem uma bonita relação de muito amor e carinho, por eles serem tão próximos ele ensinou a ela atividades que para a época as mulheres não deveriam saber como montar e auto defesa, mas era necessário pois ela sabe que mais cedo ou mais tarde ela terá que ser a guardiã do invento do pai e isso pode colocar sua vida em perigo. Algo terrível acontece e seu pai é morto, logo ela percebe que a morte dele só pode ter sido causada pelo mesmo perseguidor que os fez fugir de sua terra natal ela precisa se proteger e para isso ela vai se vestir de homem e ficar disfarçada por um tempo. No meio desse processo ela conhece Xavier por quem tem sentimentos fortes logo de início. Eles ficam bem próximos nessa aventura que se torna a vida de Aleksandra enquanto entregadora do Pony Express. O livro é mais sobre aventura do que romance, mas eu amei e vou falar a protagonista ganhou meu coração uma mulher a frente do seu tempo e de uma coragem sem precedentes. O mocinho um chuchu de fofura a autora soube nos encantar com sua história.
242 reviews
October 7, 2019
This book was not quite what I expected. Based on the cover, I thought the story would focus on the heroine's struggle to outrun a killer. However, it was primarily a historical narrative of the Pony Express. It was very interesting information, but the story got lost in it. Some sections of the book barely mentioned the plot. There were also a lot of extraneous details, ideas, and characters.

I think the historical aspect could have blended more into the plot, but If you like historical fiction, this book is worth reading.
43 reviews
October 14, 2019
She ruined it!

There was a lot of touching for a nice girl and a gentleman, but I could tolerate it for a good story line. However, I guess they got bored and decided sex was a priority in their relationship! She shared HER last but he didn't share his. Plus, they didn't discuss what they each wanted from their relationship. A very modern friends with benefits! Even today, I don't see the benefit for women! No strings sex benefits men!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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