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Oregon Historicals #1
Round The Bend
In 1851, Independence, Missouri, a big wagon train waits to begin the 2200 mile trek to Oregon. Seventeen year old Amy Stevens shares her excitement at the journey with her best friend-- only to be disappointed in his less than enthusiastic reaction. When he suddenly kisses her, Amy, who fancies herself a future bluestocking, angrily tells him he is ruining everything. Changes are coming, but surely not for her and Matt.
Three years older, already with too many hard experiences, Matthew shares none of her illusions as to what lies ahead. He also has seen how the train’s scout, Adam Stone has looked at her. He’s torn as to what he can do about it.
Matt has lived a hard life, worked hard to earn enough for the supplies to go west. His father and brother, both damaged by alcohol and hate, begged him to bring them. His brother claimed he wanted a second chance. What Matt learns, too late, is Morey’s idea of a second chance involves revenge.
Round the Bend is the story of the trek west told through two families-- the Stevens and the Kanes—families as different as light and dark. It is a story of the purest of love and the most driven of hate. As the train heads down the Trail, the travelers will learn more about each other than any want. The road ahead will test them all.
This is the first of four books, which follow the Stevens family through four romances as it tells some of the story of the founding of Oregon. Each of the romances stands alone, no cliff hangers. Heat level, with 1 least and 5 highest, is ♥♥♥♥. Some strong language and mild profanity.
Three years older, already with too many hard experiences, Matthew shares none of her illusions as to what lies ahead. He also has seen how the train’s scout, Adam Stone has looked at her. He’s torn as to what he can do about it.
Matt has lived a hard life, worked hard to earn enough for the supplies to go west. His father and brother, both damaged by alcohol and hate, begged him to bring them. His brother claimed he wanted a second chance. What Matt learns, too late, is Morey’s idea of a second chance involves revenge.
Round the Bend is the story of the trek west told through two families-- the Stevens and the Kanes—families as different as light and dark. It is a story of the purest of love and the most driven of hate. As the train heads down the Trail, the travelers will learn more about each other than any want. The road ahead will test them all.
This is the first of four books, which follow the Stevens family through four romances as it tells some of the story of the founding of Oregon. Each of the romances stands alone, no cliff hangers. Heat level, with 1 least and 5 highest, is ♥♥♥♥. Some strong language and mild profanity.
- GenresWestern Romance
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2015
34 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Rain Trueax
48 books4 followersAs a life-long lover of stories, a writer and artist, Sasquatch country raised and city college educated, I have experienced a blended life between sophisticated and simple living with homes in the Arizona desert and on an Oregon ranch.
All my stories attempt to portray the values of self worth, hard work, and community while intertwining the complications of physical attraction, sexuality and outside challenges, whether, truly malicious or societal. Curiosity for what might lie beyond has led to two paranormal novels (one of which is also available as 3 novellas with closed doors on sex). Currently I have 11 historical romance novels set in Oregon and Arizona. There are 10 contemporary romance suspense. My writing plans this year are to add 5 contemporary, paranormal books and probably one more historical romance in the fall. Except for the novellas, all of my books are spicy with some violence and strong language.
With grown kids and grandkids growing up too fast, my husband and I travel with our RV-- when we can get away from the cattle and sheep. When we are on the road doing research for future books, I keep connected with a satellite link.
All my stories attempt to portray the values of self worth, hard work, and community while intertwining the complications of physical attraction, sexuality and outside challenges, whether, truly malicious or societal. Curiosity for what might lie beyond has led to two paranormal novels (one of which is also available as 3 novellas with closed doors on sex). Currently I have 11 historical romance novels set in Oregon and Arizona. There are 10 contemporary romance suspense. My writing plans this year are to add 5 contemporary, paranormal books and probably one more historical romance in the fall. Except for the novellas, all of my books are spicy with some violence and strong language.
With grown kids and grandkids growing up too fast, my husband and I travel with our RV-- when we can get away from the cattle and sheep. When we are on the road doing research for future books, I keep connected with a satellite link.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 19, 2016
Very light on historical detail. The Oregon Trail has such history, scenery and built-in adventure that I expected much, much more. Characterization was also so-so. Matt was like this young alpha learning his way, but he was crippled by a lack of self-confidence that wasn't resolved until very near the end of the book. Amy was very, very young (18) with an immature and impetuous outlook that luckily was tempered as time getting goes on. Flawed characters were center stage, surrounded by stereotypical but enjoyable secondary characters. Virgin H/h, but sensuous scenes included.
February 23, 2017
In 1851, childhood friends Amy Stevens and Matthew Kane travel with their families in a large wagon train bound for Oregon. Matt has long known he loves Amy, but she’s only ever harbored brotherly feelings for him. As the massive trek begins, Matt makes his intentions known, but Amy rebuffs him. However, once the seeds of awareness are planted, Amy discovers that her attachment to Matt gradually begins to change. When Matt’s vengeful brother starts trouble, Amy is forced to hide the budding relationship because Matt insists on protecting her reputation. With compelling and likeable main characters, colorful and well-drawn secondary characters, and immersive descriptions of the Oregon Trail, Ms.Trueax has crafted an epic novel that will pull you in, slowly but surely. You won’t soon forget Matt and Amy, or their bumpy path to a happily-ever-after.
February 25, 2016
Rain Trueax is a terrific storyteller. In Round the Bend she takes her readers on a journey from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon's Willamette Valley via the Oregon Trail. Along the way the wagon train experiences runaway horses, treacherous river crossings, and violent storms, as well as human adversaries and conflicts.
The author's attention to detail adds realism and depth to the story. She vividly portrays the challenges for women in caring for their families while crossing the plains, the dangers to children, the camaraderie and conflicts among the pioneers, the wagon master's absolute authority over his charges, and so much more. We get to know the book's characters well and come to understand their motivations and fears. Rain Trueax's research must have been extensive.
Round the Bend is the first of four books in the Oregon Historical series, and it stands alone. I'm looking forward to reading them all.
The author's attention to detail adds realism and depth to the story. She vividly portrays the challenges for women in caring for their families while crossing the plains, the dangers to children, the camaraderie and conflicts among the pioneers, the wagon master's absolute authority over his charges, and so much more. We get to know the book's characters well and come to understand their motivations and fears. Rain Trueax's research must have been extensive.
Round the Bend is the first of four books in the Oregon Historical series, and it stands alone. I'm looking forward to reading them all.
April 17, 2015
Romance and Adventure on the Oregon Trail!
This is the first book in the series and I enjoyed it enough to buy the others as they come along. The writing just flows from page to page as the author builds each of her characters and all of their flaws, hurts and dreams into a book you hate to put down. A few places caused me to have tears for a lost little boy who grew to be a man without the benefit of ever being loved. But don't worry, there is always hope for a HEA. It was an exciting time for our pioneers to be traveling west on the Oregon Trail and Rain, with her wonderful way with words, made me feel as though I was part of the story. I will be keeping an eye out for the next one in the series to read more about these wonderful characters. JudyE
This is the first book in the series and I enjoyed it enough to buy the others as they come along. The writing just flows from page to page as the author builds each of her characters and all of their flaws, hurts and dreams into a book you hate to put down. A few places caused me to have tears for a lost little boy who grew to be a man without the benefit of ever being loved. But don't worry, there is always hope for a HEA. It was an exciting time for our pioneers to be traveling west on the Oregon Trail and Rain, with her wonderful way with words, made me feel as though I was part of the story. I will be keeping an eye out for the next one in the series to read more about these wonderful characters. JudyE
August 11, 2015
This was such good story
I have read many good stories about The Oregon trail. This was one of the best. You have to like a good story line to go with the drama and tastefully done love scenes. Yes there were a few errors but not enough to interrupt the story . I will be reading book 2 and book 3. Also book 4 and 5. When they come out in Sept and Dec.
I have read many good stories about The Oregon trail. This was one of the best. You have to like a good story line to go with the drama and tastefully done love scenes. Yes there were a few errors but not enough to interrupt the story . I will be reading book 2 and book 3. Also book 4 and 5. When they come out in Sept and Dec.
May 21, 2015
A good man in spite of bad blood family
Matt survived a wagon train with his evil brother and father. He also fell more in love with his childhood friend. A suspense and adventurous story of love and life's struggles.
Matt survived a wagon train with his evil brother and father. He also fell more in love with his childhood friend. A suspense and adventurous story of love and life's struggles.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews