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Heart's Journey
Adventure is in her blood, so when wealthy eighteen-year-old Rachel Hamilton’s treasure-hunting father disappears in the wilderness of British Columbia, she considers only one course of action: she will embark on a quest to find him. But for a well-bred woman with little understanding of the world beyond her upper-class existence, the harsh realities of the trail quickly become apparent. Woefully unprepared for the hardships of crossing a wild and unsettled continent, Rachel is hungry, lost, and distraught when handsome frontiersman Peter finds her in the middle of nowhere. Taking pity on the castaway, Peter promises to escort her to the safety of civilization. Little does he realize he’s taking on a naïve and foolishly brave girl who will test the limits of his patience. But he also discovers the same naïve girl will blossom into a strong, competent, and captivating woman as they undertake an epic journey that will forever alter both their lives.
If you enjoyed this book you would also like The Governess, set in 1880s Canada.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
9 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Kristen McKendry
17 books80 followersKristen McKendry began writing in her teens and her work has been published in Canada and the U.S. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Linguistics from Brigham Young University and has always been a voracious reader.
Kristen has a strong interest in urban agriculture, sustainable living, environmental issues, and the local foods movement. She incorporates these themes in her writing, and she also lets her Mormon background flavour her work to make her culture more accessible to mainstream readers. She enjoys playing the bagpipes and banjo, learning obscure languages, growing wheat in the backyard, and making cheese. Raised in Utah, she now resides with her family in Canada.
Kristen won the 2012 Mississauga Arts Council MARTY Award for Established Literary Arts, and her book Garden Plot was nominated for the 2011 Whitney Award for excellence in LDS fiction.
Kristen has a strong interest in urban agriculture, sustainable living, environmental issues, and the local foods movement. She incorporates these themes in her writing, and she also lets her Mormon background flavour her work to make her culture more accessible to mainstream readers. She enjoys playing the bagpipes and banjo, learning obscure languages, growing wheat in the backyard, and making cheese. Raised in Utah, she now resides with her family in Canada.
Kristen won the 2012 Mississauga Arts Council MARTY Award for Established Literary Arts, and her book Garden Plot was nominated for the 2011 Whitney Award for excellence in LDS fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 9, 2016
An 18 year old young woman sets off on a journey alone to find her missing father. This would be a tough experience for anyone, but when you put it in a historical setting where travel was by wagon train it takes on a whole different experience.
Rachel is in a tough situation. She is traveling alone by train, boat, and wagon train. She is pretty and young which makes her a target for unscrupulous men. She comes from a family of wealth, so living life on a trail with little food or water is a hardship she is not used to.
I enjoyed reading about her experiences and the will to survive in difficult situations. As a character she undertakes a lot of growth and becomes better for it.
Peter is an interesting character. He is the silent type who keeps his thoughts to himself. When they meet, you could call it a rocky beginning. In many ways he helped Rachel to grow by letting her be stubborn. He didn't play the gentleman and insist on coddling her.
I found this to be an enjoyable book.
Rachel is in a tough situation. She is traveling alone by train, boat, and wagon train. She is pretty and young which makes her a target for unscrupulous men. She comes from a family of wealth, so living life on a trail with little food or water is a hardship she is not used to.
I enjoyed reading about her experiences and the will to survive in difficult situations. As a character she undertakes a lot of growth and becomes better for it.
Peter is an interesting character. He is the silent type who keeps his thoughts to himself. When they meet, you could call it a rocky beginning. In many ways he helped Rachel to grow by letting her be stubborn. He didn't play the gentleman and insist on coddling her.
I found this to be an enjoyable book.
September 21, 2015
Heart's Journey is a wonderful book with characters that come alive and a well-paced adventure through the wilds of Canada. There are some harrowing moments, but what I loved was how Rachel slowly grew as she is exposed to a whole new world and the people in it, both good and bad. Peter is essential in helping her on this journey, not only physically but mentally as she learns to see things from a new perspective and reconsiders the quick judgements she makes based on her limited upbringing. The families they interact and bond with are endearing and create an excellent cast of secondary characters. The various terrains they travel across are easy to visualize and appreciate in their wild beauty, even through their desperate circumstances. I loved how Rachel came to prefer the freedom of the great outdoors after her body grew acclimated to the tough conditions. The book has the vibe of an epic pioneer trek but with a more unique setting and a variety of interesting subplots. The romance was perfect and enhanced the tale of Rachel's journey rather than becoming the focus of the book. There are great moments between she and Peter as their relationship also undergoes a journey of its own. Highly recommend!
(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
September 25, 2015
Rachel, a wealthy young woman, decides to leave her home in Toronto and travel across Canada to find her dad in British Columbia. He left years earlier to prospect for gold and hasn't been heard from for three years. No one wants to take her on, but she finally convinces someone to let her journey with their wagon train. After a lot of hardships, adjusting to trail life and lewd men, she finds herself alone in the wilds of Canada, without a thought of how to survive, until Peter stumbles upon her and takes pity on her. That's when the story really picks up and gets good, although it was interesting prior to that point.
Rachel has secrets and doesn't want anyone to know who she really is and against his better judgment, Peter allows her to travel with him and a young boy, Shorty. They've both got secrets to hide and they all work well together to survive and keep their secrets intact.
I'm a firm believer that anyone can learn life lessons and love a good story that proves that. Rachel is just 18 and has a lot to learn about life, but she's got grit, determination, and the ability to learn quickly on her side. Peter is 31 and even he learned a few things along the way, although he's been around and has a lot of experience in life. The character growth in both of these people is astounding and heartwarming. I loved the people they came across and the way they learned something from them all, taking those lessons to heart. My favorites were Lizzie, a woman crossing Canada with her boys to meet up with her husband who went on before, and Karl, Joanna, and Ed, a farm family, who all completely won my heart.
As for the actual crossing--I don't think I've ever read a story where the characters crossed Canada in pioneer times. I found the setting and situations fascinating and enjoyed the journey, probably much more than the characters did. It was a lot of hard work, but was worth it.
I found myself a little disappointed in Rachel and how she handled things at the end, yet I was satisfied, for the most part. I really grew to love the characters and to empathize with them and their hardships. Great story!
Content: near attacks on a woman; talk of war/fighting, deaths, infection (not graphic); mild romance (non-descriptive kissing, man and woman sleeping by each other, but not with each other, brief mention of prostitutes); very brief mention of religion. Clean!
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Rachel has secrets and doesn't want anyone to know who she really is and against his better judgment, Peter allows her to travel with him and a young boy, Shorty. They've both got secrets to hide and they all work well together to survive and keep their secrets intact.
I'm a firm believer that anyone can learn life lessons and love a good story that proves that. Rachel is just 18 and has a lot to learn about life, but she's got grit, determination, and the ability to learn quickly on her side. Peter is 31 and even he learned a few things along the way, although he's been around and has a lot of experience in life. The character growth in both of these people is astounding and heartwarming. I loved the people they came across and the way they learned something from them all, taking those lessons to heart. My favorites were Lizzie, a woman crossing Canada with her boys to meet up with her husband who went on before, and Karl, Joanna, and Ed, a farm family, who all completely won my heart.
As for the actual crossing--I don't think I've ever read a story where the characters crossed Canada in pioneer times. I found the setting and situations fascinating and enjoyed the journey, probably much more than the characters did. It was a lot of hard work, but was worth it.
I found myself a little disappointed in Rachel and how she handled things at the end, yet I was satisfied, for the most part. I really grew to love the characters and to empathize with them and their hardships. Great story!
Content: near attacks on a woman; talk of war/fighting, deaths, infection (not graphic); mild romance (non-descriptive kissing, man and woman sleeping by each other, but not with each other, brief mention of prostitutes); very brief mention of religion. Clean!
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
September 24, 2015
Heart's Journey is a gentle adventure of growth and love. Not romantic love, but a love for people and places and of self. I really, really enjoyed this book.
Yes, Rachel Hamilton is a bit naive. She thinks she knows so much and, as is typical for most young people, she also thinks she can do anything. One of the best parts of this book was watching Rachel's transformation from a girl to a woman. She is strong mentally with determination but her strength is tested in ways she never thought possible- physically and emotionally. Rachel goes from a soft, genteel young woman to a woman who knows how to work hard. She learns to deal with the difficulties of travel. Her body becomes stronger and more capable.
Mostly I loved Rachel's "Heart's Journey" as the title so easily expresses. Rachel thinks she knows people and places because she has read or heard about them but her experiences teach her that there is so much more to know. Rachel learns how to really love people. She learns how to withhold judgment. People are so much more than what you first see.
The setting was both harsh and beautiful. The secondary characters were well defined and added depth and flavor to the book.
I just really loved this book. From beginning to end. All of it.
Yes, Rachel Hamilton is a bit naive. She thinks she knows so much and, as is typical for most young people, she also thinks she can do anything. One of the best parts of this book was watching Rachel's transformation from a girl to a woman. She is strong mentally with determination but her strength is tested in ways she never thought possible- physically and emotionally. Rachel goes from a soft, genteel young woman to a woman who knows how to work hard. She learns to deal with the difficulties of travel. Her body becomes stronger and more capable.
Mostly I loved Rachel's "Heart's Journey" as the title so easily expresses. Rachel thinks she knows people and places because she has read or heard about them but her experiences teach her that there is so much more to know. Rachel learns how to really love people. She learns how to withhold judgment. People are so much more than what you first see.
The setting was both harsh and beautiful. The secondary characters were well defined and added depth and flavor to the book.
I just really loved this book. From beginning to end. All of it.
February 19, 2016
I wasn't sure about this book as it started, but was happily surprised at how quickly it pulled me in. Rachel is a spoiled, rich, city girl, but I loved her grit and desire to stretch herself. My heart ached for her and her naivety. She learned quickly that a lot of what she'd learned or been taught was not true to life. What a rude awakening! Peter/William/Jacob was a perfect hero for her! He was tough as needed in their circumstances, but was also so tender and had so much patience for Rachel/Mary. :) I fell in love with so many of the side characters! I would love to now read "Shorty's" story, Franks story, Lucy/Lucas, and even Lizzie's. All in all I loved this sweet, clean, journey of Faith.
October 31, 2024
Escapism romance
August 28, 2024
Rachel’s character drove me crazy many times in this book and it was the same with Peter. There were things I liked about the story but it was just okay, not great.
October 8, 2015
Heart's Journey is a gentle adventure of growth and love. Not romantic love, but a love for people and places and of self. I really, really enjoyed this book.
Yes, Rachel Hamilton is a bit naive. She thinks she knows so much and, as is typical for most young people, she also thinks she can do anything. One of the best parts of this book was watching Rachel's transformation from a girl to a woman. She is strong mentally with determination but her strength is tested in ways she never thought possible- physically and emotionally. Rachel goes from a soft, genteel young woman to a woman who knows how to work hard. She learns to deal with the difficulties of travel. Her body becomes stronger and more capable.
Mostly I loved Rachel's "Heart's Journey" as the title so easily expresses. Rachel thinks she knows people and places because she has read or heard about them but her experiences teach her that there is so much more to know. Rachel learns how to really love people. She learns how to withhold judgment. People are so much more than what you first see.
The setting was both harsh and beautiful. The secondary characters were well defined and added depth and flavor to the book.
I just really loved this book. From beginning to end. All of it.
Yes, Rachel Hamilton is a bit naive. She thinks she knows so much and, as is typical for most young people, she also thinks she can do anything. One of the best parts of this book was watching Rachel's transformation from a girl to a woman. She is strong mentally with determination but her strength is tested in ways she never thought possible- physically and emotionally. Rachel goes from a soft, genteel young woman to a woman who knows how to work hard. She learns to deal with the difficulties of travel. Her body becomes stronger and more capable.
Mostly I loved Rachel's "Heart's Journey" as the title so easily expresses. Rachel thinks she knows people and places because she has read or heard about them but her experiences teach her that there is so much more to know. Rachel learns how to really love people. She learns how to withhold judgment. People are so much more than what you first see.
The setting was both harsh and beautiful. The secondary characters were well defined and added depth and flavor to the book.
I just really loved this book. From beginning to end. All of it.
September 25, 2015
Author Kristen McKendry has written an inspiring and touching novel in her latest release, Heart’s Journey. Full adventure, mishaps, and romance, readers will fall in love with this well-written story, as well as the delightfully-crafted characters as they trek across the country in the wilderness of British Columbia. Not only will this novel touch the heart of its readers, but will leave them longing for an exciting adventure of their own. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy both adventure and romance.
Genre: historical fiction, LDS fiction
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: September 5, 2015
Number of pages: 312
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications.
Genre: historical fiction, LDS fiction
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: September 5, 2015
Number of pages: 312
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications.
September 21, 2015
Excellent! I enjoyed the Canadian setting.
September 23, 2019
Overall I enjoyed this book. There were a few things I would have loved to have extended or gone into more. It felt a bit rushed in places.
July 22, 2025
Oh where to start with this one… First this is one of my back back list books which means it’s been sitting on my shelves for years. I’ve made a goal to read more of the books I own. But life is busy so I got the audio from the library & the audio was terrible which might be one of the reasons I didn’t like this book as much. I think if I had read it I might have enjoyed it more.
The wilds of Canada 1862. Eighteen year old Rachel, a wealthy young woman leaves her home in Toronto & travels across Canada to find her dad in British Columbia. He left 5 years earlier to prospect for gold & hasn't been heard from for three years. There were things I enjoyed but I really struggled with the main character, Rachel. She kinda drove me crazy… she was irritating & it felt like she kept making poor choices. I realize that she was young and raised in a shelter wealthy life style but she was just too naïve… thankfully there was some character growth by the end but I never really liked her. And the ending left something to be desired. What I did enjoy was the setting and reading about those who trekked across the wilds of Canada to find gold or a better way of life. I spend much of my year in British Colombia & have family in Alberta so it was so much fun reading about the pioneers who settled Canada. Basically I loved the journey more than the characters.
The wilds of Canada 1862. Eighteen year old Rachel, a wealthy young woman leaves her home in Toronto & travels across Canada to find her dad in British Columbia. He left 5 years earlier to prospect for gold & hasn't been heard from for three years. There were things I enjoyed but I really struggled with the main character, Rachel. She kinda drove me crazy… she was irritating & it felt like she kept making poor choices. I realize that she was young and raised in a shelter wealthy life style but she was just too naïve… thankfully there was some character growth by the end but I never really liked her. And the ending left something to be desired. What I did enjoy was the setting and reading about those who trekked across the wilds of Canada to find gold or a better way of life. I spend much of my year in British Colombia & have family in Alberta so it was so much fun reading about the pioneers who settled Canada. Basically I loved the journey more than the characters.
July 25, 2018
In 1862, wealthy 18-year-old Rachel Hamilton sets out to find her adventuring father in the wilds of British Columbia. He left five years prior to find his second fortune, in gold this time. Rachel and her older brother have not heard from him in the past three years. It is not appropriate for a young woman to attempt this adventure on her own, but the love for her father trumps propriety and off she goes.
The adventure brings several obstacles, each requiring her to alter her name and situation. The privileged young woman finds existing in the wild challenging at every turn. At one-point Rachel is lost, left to survive completely on her own with only the clothes on her back. A young, and of course handsome, frontiersman named Peter finds her and is appalled that she has done something as stupid as being out in nowhere on her own. His sense of responsibility kicks in and he agrees to take her to where her father is.
This is my first story by Kristen McKendry. It was good: 3½ stars. It kept my attention with some interesting twists and I liked the characters and their journey. If there is a sequel I would read it, but it didn’t stir me enough to keep on the shelves to read again someday. I will, however, check out any other books McKendry writes.
The adventure brings several obstacles, each requiring her to alter her name and situation. The privileged young woman finds existing in the wild challenging at every turn. At one-point Rachel is lost, left to survive completely on her own with only the clothes on her back. A young, and of course handsome, frontiersman named Peter finds her and is appalled that she has done something as stupid as being out in nowhere on her own. His sense of responsibility kicks in and he agrees to take her to where her father is.
This is my first story by Kristen McKendry. It was good: 3½ stars. It kept my attention with some interesting twists and I liked the characters and their journey. If there is a sequel I would read it, but it didn’t stir me enough to keep on the shelves to read again someday. I will, however, check out any other books McKendry writes.
November 28, 2016
This is the story of a woman setting out to find her father in a harsh, unforgiving place. I really liked how prejudices and intolerance died by the end of the book. I appreciate all early frontiers people experienced to settle areas. My favorite part of the book was when they were at the farm for a month earning money for their journey. I would have given it a higher rating, but it bugged me at the end when he proposed and was supposed to be confessing his undying love for her that he was telling her how she annoyed him. We already knew that from all the times he'd told her before. He didn't need to bring it up again at the best part of the story. It made me wonder if he asked her to marry him because they had been through so much together that he was used to her. I wasn't convinced that he was in love with her completely. The story just ended suddenly. I think that ending part could have been developed a little better and been a little more drawn out. It also bugged me that she turned on Maggie so quickly. I know what what she did was wrong, but that part of the story could have been developed a little better also, I think. I may pick this one up again in the future.
August 10, 2017
I haven’t read books by this author before and I loved it, I will be searching for her books in hopes I can find another that will grip me from the first page and not want me to put it down. I loved the setting and I loved the growth that Rachel makes in this cute story, Rachel becomes a strong woman, I love the way she takes on this epic journey without complaint and does what is asked of her so she can be reunited with her father again. This was a great book, fun to read and clean.
Rachel is 18 and after 3 years of not hearing from her father she takes matters into her own hands and decides to cross the country to look for him. She meets lots of interesting people along the way, but Peter saves her life, when she is stranded in the middle of nowhere. Peter promises to escort Rachel to civilization.
Rachel is 18 and after 3 years of not hearing from her father she takes matters into her own hands and decides to cross the country to look for him. She meets lots of interesting people along the way, but Peter saves her life, when she is stranded in the middle of nowhere. Peter promises to escort Rachel to civilization.
November 5, 2020
I like romance novels for pure entertainment. I don’t expect to learn anything from them or get great value out of them. They’re just great distractions when I’m busy/stressed or awake in the middle of the night. Having said that, I actually enjoyed this one for more than entertainment value. I enjoyed watching the main character grow over time and be confronted over and over again with her biases and prejudices and perceived “knowledge.” I appreciate that she was able to recognize them and learn to work through them, however imperfectly. Because isn’t that what we should all be doing?
August 22, 2023
I should probably be generous and give this book closer to 3.5 or 4 stars. I really did enjoy it, but I wasn’t blown away! The story is easy to read and kept me engaged, but I wasn’t dying to come back to it every day to find out what’s next. The story is about an 18-year-old lady who runs away from an arranged marriage and hers greedy brother to find her adventurous father who was out looking for gold. The story follows her adventures, crossing the plains as a single woman. She wasn’t annoying and weak like a lot of women in books written about this period of time.
February 1, 2020
Kristen McKendry has written a good book, holding my interest from beginning to end, . Peter rescues Rachel and agrees to take her across Canada in search of her father. Both are strong interesting, likable characters and the story line is very believable. Rachel certainly matures into a strong, capable women. I felt as if I were there traveling with them and experiencing their many difficulties. Just my kind of story with romance, adventure and bit of history.
July 9, 2017
The story wore me out! Rachel Hamilton's naivete proves extremely dangerous. Thank her lucky stars, Peter Sinclair stumbles upon her after three days of wandering the prairie completely lost. He's a good-looking, big hearted hero who promises to get Rachel to the end of her journey. And, will also save her from it.
October 31, 2023
Enjoyable for the most part. I liked the plot, good twists and turns. Rachel's character kinda drove me nuts though. She was irritating, and acted poorly a lot. She does show some growth throughout the book, though, and that's good. There is a lot of withholding information on both sides, to drive the plot along, but that bothered me too. It seemed manufactured, and not realistic.
February 9, 2024
This was the second book written by Kristen McKendry that I've read in the last few months and Heart's Journey was a good one! I loved that it took place during the Gold Rush and was exposed to the hardships of traveling across country to the "West". Kristen does a great job developing the characters and telling a story with intrigue and some romance.
August 17, 2017
I enjoyed this book overall although I would get frustrated with Rachel at times when she was
unreasonable or just clueless but then, that was part of the story! I cannot begin to imagine crossing Canada from East to West on foot. Those pioneers were tougher than tough!
unreasonable or just clueless but then, that was part of the story! I cannot begin to imagine crossing Canada from East to West on foot. Those pioneers were tougher than tough!
July 2, 2019
A light and easy read that kept me engaged. I really enjoyed the setting of crossing Canada during gold rush years. It was very interesting to learn more about that through the eyes of the characters in this novel.
December 22, 2019
This book’s great strength is in the very real-ness of the characters. Rachel is young and unprepared. Peter isn’t a perfect gentleman but he is a a good person. I love that they grow and change and become.
Also now I need to reread Mrs. Mike and go to Canada, too. :)
Also now I need to reread Mrs. Mike and go to Canada, too. :)
February 4, 2022
I really liked this book until the end. The last few chapters introduced brand new drama which got wrapped up super quick. I could have done with out that. Otherwise it was super fantastic. I loved it and had a hard time putting it down!
Except for the cat. That wasn't my favorite.
Except for the cat. That wasn't my favorite.
June 2, 2023
It was fine until the determination to not communicate was so stupid I couldn't read or listen any more. So, 2 stars for you.
Clean rating: PG. There is a part where a man tries to force himself on the woman, but gets no further than ripping a button or two from her dress, I think.
Clean rating: PG. There is a part where a man tries to force himself on the woman, but gets no further than ripping a button or two from her dress, I think.
May 18, 2025
I was going to give this 4 stars up until the very end. The way they wrapped things up with the characters was so frustrating. All these months of them journeying together and that’s how they profess how they feel? So unsatisfying. I really did like the story, though!
October 27, 2025
Rachel leaves Toronto traveling on the Canadian frontier. After getting lost from her company she meets up with Peter. They pose as husband and wife for most of the journey and grow to live each other.
October 13, 2017
Exciting and romantic historical novel set in the 19th century in the wilds of Canada.
May 4, 2018
loved this book! romance, adventure, and mystery. western regency type book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews