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Leaving Independence #1
Leaving Independence
Abigail Baldwyn might not be a widow after all.…
Ever since she received word that her husband, Robert, was killed in the Civil War, Abigail has struggled to keep her Tennessee home and family together. Then a letter arrives claiming that Robert isn’t dead, yet he has no plans to return. Desperate for answers, Abigail travels to Independence, Missouri, where she joins a westbound wagon train to find him.
Leading a company along the Oregon Trail isn’t part of Hoke Mathews’s plans. But then the former cavalry scout gets a glimpse of Abigail—so elegant compared to the rest of their hardscrabble wagon community, yet spirited and resilient. Through every peril they encounter—snakebites, Indian raids, fevers, dangerous grudges—his bond with Abigail grows.
Abigail knew this journey would test her courage. Now it’s testing her marriage vows and her heart, daring her to claim a future on her own terms in a land rich with promise.
Ever since she received word that her husband, Robert, was killed in the Civil War, Abigail has struggled to keep her Tennessee home and family together. Then a letter arrives claiming that Robert isn’t dead, yet he has no plans to return. Desperate for answers, Abigail travels to Independence, Missouri, where she joins a westbound wagon train to find him.
Leading a company along the Oregon Trail isn’t part of Hoke Mathews’s plans. But then the former cavalry scout gets a glimpse of Abigail—so elegant compared to the rest of their hardscrabble wagon community, yet spirited and resilient. Through every peril they encounter—snakebites, Indian raids, fevers, dangerous grudges—his bond with Abigail grows.
Abigail knew this journey would test her courage. Now it’s testing her marriage vows and her heart, daring her to claim a future on her own terms in a land rich with promise.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2016
389 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Leanne W. Smith
4 books105 followersAmazon bestselling author of Leaving Independence, Leanne W. Smith says, "My goal as an author is to weave a tapestry of stories connected to a common place--by homesteads and intersecting family lines--over time. Most of these will be in historical settings, but my most recent novel, Alone in a Cabin, takes place in 2016, the year my first book was published." In addition to writing, Smith teaches Business Communication classes at Lipscomb University in Nashville. "God knew I needed some business acumen, so He put me in the College of Business where I get to help students refine their career goals and give them practical advice on how to achieve them. God has equipped and blessed me through the equipping and blessing of others." For more about her books or inspiration for pursuing career goals, visit Smith's website at www.leannewsmith.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
June 23, 2016
“Dear Mrs. Baldwyn, it is my duty to inform you that your husband, Captain Robert Baldwyn, is not deceased as previously reported.”
When Abigail Baldwyn receives this letter that her 5-years dead husband Robert wasn’t killed in the Civil War after all and that he had no plans to return to her, she decides to head west to find him and resolve why he never came home. She is out of money, her home to be foreclosed and her children’s future at risk so what does she have to lose. Abigail leaves her life in Tennessee to travel westward with her 4 children. Enter swoon-worthy Hoke Matthews, a handsome, handy hunk of a man who after catching sight of beautiful Abigail, signs on with the company leading her westbound wagon ride via the Oregon Trail. Ah hah! I think I see where this is going.
Although the burgeoning relationship between Hoke and Abigail was predictable, it was an enjoyable ride watching it unfold. Hoke, the dream I suspected, every good trait imaginable rolled into one charming man who happens to also love children and Abigail, the courageous and spunky mother who caught his eye. Their story captivated me even if the romance was a bit quieter than I usually prefer. But this is Waterfall Press, an Amazon Christian publishing imprint, so was completely understandable.
The author did her research giving me a real sense of time and what life was like for the pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail via wagon train. Historical tidbits, sense of community, obstacles, and resourcefulness made me appreciate my current comforts.
Leaving Independence is a good historical romance escape with plenty of adventure.
When Abigail Baldwyn receives this letter that her 5-years dead husband Robert wasn’t killed in the Civil War after all and that he had no plans to return to her, she decides to head west to find him and resolve why he never came home. She is out of money, her home to be foreclosed and her children’s future at risk so what does she have to lose. Abigail leaves her life in Tennessee to travel westward with her 4 children. Enter swoon-worthy Hoke Matthews, a handsome, handy hunk of a man who after catching sight of beautiful Abigail, signs on with the company leading her westbound wagon ride via the Oregon Trail. Ah hah! I think I see where this is going.
Although the burgeoning relationship between Hoke and Abigail was predictable, it was an enjoyable ride watching it unfold. Hoke, the dream I suspected, every good trait imaginable rolled into one charming man who happens to also love children and Abigail, the courageous and spunky mother who caught his eye. Their story captivated me even if the romance was a bit quieter than I usually prefer. But this is Waterfall Press, an Amazon Christian publishing imprint, so was completely understandable.
The author did her research giving me a real sense of time and what life was like for the pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail via wagon train. Historical tidbits, sense of community, obstacles, and resourcefulness made me appreciate my current comforts.
Leaving Independence is a good historical romance escape with plenty of adventure.
June 12, 2017
Such rich characters in this debut novel!
Leaving Independence is about a young widow named Abigail Baldwyn. She lives in Tennessee near her family and with her long time friend Mimi. Abigail is compelled to journey west and sets out from Independence, Missouri with a wagon train.
The author does a nice job of painting the geography and including historical elements into the novel. The writing was solid and had me turning pages to know what would happen next in the story.
Back to the characters...the characters were not perfect (and who is?). Abigail made choices that were not the right ones. Her children were fabulous. They were mannered and hard working. Hoke and his traveling companion James Parker were delightful.
On the minus side is the use of foul language. While I can understand the use of a curse word to illustrate a character, the author used two curse words multiple times in the novel. Curse words were used about 15 times total. While both words used are found in the Bible, the words were not used in a Biblical sense.
Overall, I very much enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading others by this debut author.
Leaving Independence is about a young widow named Abigail Baldwyn. She lives in Tennessee near her family and with her long time friend Mimi. Abigail is compelled to journey west and sets out from Independence, Missouri with a wagon train.
The author does a nice job of painting the geography and including historical elements into the novel. The writing was solid and had me turning pages to know what would happen next in the story.
Back to the characters...the characters were not perfect (and who is?). Abigail made choices that were not the right ones. Her children were fabulous. They were mannered and hard working. Hoke and his traveling companion James Parker were delightful.
On the minus side is the use of foul language. While I can understand the use of a curse word to illustrate a character, the author used two curse words multiple times in the novel. Curse words were used about 15 times total. While both words used are found in the Bible, the words were not used in a Biblical sense.
Overall, I very much enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading others by this debut author.
January 3, 2019
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I feel like I’m cheating a little in counting Leanne W. Smith’s Leaving Independence as my first book of 2019. Strictly speaking, I started the novel last year and while I meant to finish it before the ball dropped, time got away from me so here we are.
In the spirit of full transparency, I also want to note that I listened to the audio edition of this book and am very pleased with my decision to do so. Nicol Zanzarella has a lovely voice and I felt the cadence and tones she employed complimented the story quite nicely. As of January 2019, the novel and its audio are also available through Kindle Unlimited so be sure to check it out if you are enrolled in the service.
Personally, I found the love story predictable, but there is much more to the book than the relationship between Abigail and Hoke and I liked how the novel’s key twist played out toward the end. I was particularly impressed with the amount of historic detail worked into the novel (who knew pioneers churned butter by hanging it below their wagons?) and found myself drawn to Corrine who I was pleased to discover features prominently in Smith’s follow-up, A Contradiction to His Pride.
In terms of content, readers should be aware that the novel has less to do with the Civil War or Reconstruction than it does westward expansion. I found the religious elements of the story light and the romantic storyline tame but really appreciated the authenticity of the wagon train attack and the fact that Smith didn’t shy from the more difficult realities of the journey.
Hard to put down, well-written, and thoroughly enjoyable.
I feel like I’m cheating a little in counting Leanne W. Smith’s Leaving Independence as my first book of 2019. Strictly speaking, I started the novel last year and while I meant to finish it before the ball dropped, time got away from me so here we are.
In the spirit of full transparency, I also want to note that I listened to the audio edition of this book and am very pleased with my decision to do so. Nicol Zanzarella has a lovely voice and I felt the cadence and tones she employed complimented the story quite nicely. As of January 2019, the novel and its audio are also available through Kindle Unlimited so be sure to check it out if you are enrolled in the service.
Personally, I found the love story predictable, but there is much more to the book than the relationship between Abigail and Hoke and I liked how the novel’s key twist played out toward the end. I was particularly impressed with the amount of historic detail worked into the novel (who knew pioneers churned butter by hanging it below their wagons?) and found myself drawn to Corrine who I was pleased to discover features prominently in Smith’s follow-up, A Contradiction to His Pride.
In terms of content, readers should be aware that the novel has less to do with the Civil War or Reconstruction than it does westward expansion. I found the religious elements of the story light and the romantic storyline tame but really appreciated the authenticity of the wagon train attack and the fact that Smith didn’t shy from the more difficult realities of the journey.
Hard to put down, well-written, and thoroughly enjoyable.
June 20, 2016
What a debut for novelist Leanne Smith! I measure the success of a book by how long it takes to 'get over it,' so to speak. And I'm still not over this story or these characters.
Abigail Baldwyn set out to recover whatever remains from the life she once knew, and in order to do so, she had to leave family and all comforts behind. In some ways, she was chasing a dream, dragging her kids along with her. No one could blame her.
But what she found instead along the journey was an appreciation for the simple things and an inner strength that surprised even her. She gets way more than she bargained for, but it doesn't come easy, and the mysteries and adventures she uncovers along the way are so worth the wait.
The characters were a joy to get to know. The story itself had so many true to life details that I continue to ponder if I could have survived life along the Oregon Trail. I treasure fiction based on truth, including history, and the intricate view of day-to-day existence was informative, troubling and enjoyable all at once.
Completely satisfying, yet left me wanting more.
That's the mark of a great author!
Abigail Baldwyn set out to recover whatever remains from the life she once knew, and in order to do so, she had to leave family and all comforts behind. In some ways, she was chasing a dream, dragging her kids along with her. No one could blame her.
But what she found instead along the journey was an appreciation for the simple things and an inner strength that surprised even her. She gets way more than she bargained for, but it doesn't come easy, and the mysteries and adventures she uncovers along the way are so worth the wait.
The characters were a joy to get to know. The story itself had so many true to life details that I continue to ponder if I could have survived life along the Oregon Trail. I treasure fiction based on truth, including history, and the intricate view of day-to-day existence was informative, troubling and enjoyable all at once.
Completely satisfying, yet left me wanting more.
That's the mark of a great author!
May 30, 2016
I loved Leaving Independence! No greater compliment can be made than to say when you put a book down, you feel like you have left the characters waiting on you to pick the book up and let them complete their story. I have carried them with me throughout my day, wondering what will happen next! A historical fiction, a romance and a mystery all rolled up into one fantastic book! I am looking forward to Ms Smith's next book.
December 6, 2020
Best Oregon Trail story I've read so far. I've read a few and find them interesting, but this one was more than that. Great writing, wonderful, charming characters, romance, wit, emotional dilemmas, suspense. Good dialogue, easy to follow story that didn't get sidetracked or too mushy. Enough about the antagonist to keep the reader on alert without diverging from the main story or divulging too much, just enough that the reader wasn't taken completely by surprise by the dénouement. It was always in the back of my mind that something sinister was going to happen, but the focus was on the developing relationships within the wagon train party. I really enjoyed this book and am happy that there's a sequel about James Parker. He was my favorite character.
March 21, 2017
Interesting book/idea of a husband who may or may not be missing during/after the Civil War. Makes one wonder, how many times did a person just move in order to change circumstances. The author takes us through the ordeals of the Oregon Trail.
December 23, 2018
Excellent!
A book must meet certain criteria to receive 5 stars from me - Leaving Independence by Leanne W. Smith meets them all. The characters immediately came to life as whole, believable people; the writing was so descriptive I experienced the story more than read it; and the story had stayed on my mind long after finishing the book - left me wanting more and more. Luckily the author has written A Contradiction To His Pride, a continuation to the story! Highly recommend Leaving Independence and can't wait to read the sequal.
A book must meet certain criteria to receive 5 stars from me - Leaving Independence by Leanne W. Smith meets them all. The characters immediately came to life as whole, believable people; the writing was so descriptive I experienced the story more than read it; and the story had stayed on my mind long after finishing the book - left me wanting more and more. Luckily the author has written A Contradiction To His Pride, a continuation to the story! Highly recommend Leaving Independence and can't wait to read the sequal.
September 1, 2016
What a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying read! Romance, tension, adventure, suspense, tragedy, triumph, community, humour: This novel had it all. I loved both the physical and the emotional journey the characters went on, I loved that the characters were so down-to-earth and authentic, I loved that they had such distinct voices, and I loved that the story unfolded so organically. In fact, excepting the few times that I felt the point-of-view switching was a bit excessive, this novel was pure reading pleasure!
Hoke and Abigail were both strong characters in their own way, and their characterisation and voices were perfect! – although some readers may wish to be forewarned that Hoke occasionally uses the word ‘damn’ (particularly in his inner voice), and expressions such as ‘G*d almighty’ (again, more often in his inner voice).
Abigail is the well-bred daughter of a Southern plantation owner, determined to hold her head high, pull her weight, and not let the absence of her husband be a burden on either her children or her travelling companions – particularly Hoke.
Hoke is a solitary, taciturn man, a bit raw and rough around the edges in all the right ways, and not much inclined to the company of others. But from the moment he first sees (and smells!) Abigail, he senses there is something troubling her and can't get her out of his head. Much to his own surprise, he finds himself agreeing to join the wagon train as a company leader. Without realising what is happening, he becomes attached to Abigail and her children – even their dog! – and finds himself doing what he can to make their lives easier, to fill that gap that Abigail’s husband left in their lives; a gap he can’t help wishing he could fill permanently.
I thought the tension between Hoke and Abigail was handled well, respecting the bond of marriage, but also being realistic about the developing attraction between them. Although physical attraction was certainly a factor, for the most part their growing bond was emotional, developing through the everyday realities of the journey as well as the major incidents along the way. There was also a great community spirit among the travellers (in spite of the personalities that clashed from time to time), including Abigail’s four children (aged from 16 down to 5) and the other children travelling in the train.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this novel was the way the story flowed. The journey west took several months, and this story conveyed that passing of time well, but managed to maintain a feeling of fluidity between the scenes and chapters at the same time. Robert’s point-of-view was also included at various points throughout the story, which added an extra twist. It meant that the reader knew what was going on from somewhere in the middle of the story, but this actually heightened the tension rather than deflating it.
And I can’t express just how much I enjoyed the way Hoke and his gregarious companion, James, interacted – or Hoke and Abigail, for that matter. James was the perfect foil for Hoke’s character and a fabulous secondary character. And it was nice that he got something out of the trip west too!
Really, the only regret I have in relation to this book is that I let it languish on my TBR pile for so long!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Hoke and Abigail were both strong characters in their own way, and their characterisation and voices were perfect! – although some readers may wish to be forewarned that Hoke occasionally uses the word ‘damn’ (particularly in his inner voice), and expressions such as ‘G*d almighty’ (again, more often in his inner voice).
Abigail is the well-bred daughter of a Southern plantation owner, determined to hold her head high, pull her weight, and not let the absence of her husband be a burden on either her children or her travelling companions – particularly Hoke.
Hoke is a solitary, taciturn man, a bit raw and rough around the edges in all the right ways, and not much inclined to the company of others. But from the moment he first sees (and smells!) Abigail, he senses there is something troubling her and can't get her out of his head. Much to his own surprise, he finds himself agreeing to join the wagon train as a company leader. Without realising what is happening, he becomes attached to Abigail and her children – even their dog! – and finds himself doing what he can to make their lives easier, to fill that gap that Abigail’s husband left in their lives; a gap he can’t help wishing he could fill permanently.
I thought the tension between Hoke and Abigail was handled well, respecting the bond of marriage, but also being realistic about the developing attraction between them. Although physical attraction was certainly a factor, for the most part their growing bond was emotional, developing through the everyday realities of the journey as well as the major incidents along the way. There was also a great community spirit among the travellers (in spite of the personalities that clashed from time to time), including Abigail’s four children (aged from 16 down to 5) and the other children travelling in the train.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this novel was the way the story flowed. The journey west took several months, and this story conveyed that passing of time well, but managed to maintain a feeling of fluidity between the scenes and chapters at the same time. Robert’s point-of-view was also included at various points throughout the story, which added an extra twist. It meant that the reader knew what was going on from somewhere in the middle of the story, but this actually heightened the tension rather than deflating it.
And I can’t express just how much I enjoyed the way Hoke and his gregarious companion, James, interacted – or Hoke and Abigail, for that matter. James was the perfect foil for Hoke’s character and a fabulous secondary character. And it was nice that he got something out of the trip west too!
Really, the only regret I have in relation to this book is that I let it languish on my TBR pile for so long!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2019
I was going to write out why I hated this book so much, but then I realized it wasn’t worth the effort.
A very very boring romance between two incredibly boring characters. The vaguely interesting plot was touched upon here or there, but would get sidetracked by the pathetic characters and their personal lives.
Oh and problematic takes on race for two different minority groups!
But you know what? I powered through because I had made it far enough to not turn back. Something something metaphor for the Oregon Trail.
A very very boring romance between two incredibly boring characters. The vaguely interesting plot was touched upon here or there, but would get sidetracked by the pathetic characters and their personal lives.
Oh and problematic takes on race for two different minority groups!
But you know what? I powered through because I had made it far enough to not turn back. Something something metaphor for the Oregon Trail.
July 3, 2016
A book that reads like I’m watching a movie, and like a movie when you reach the end you often want to go on with their lives.
The book opens with meeting Abigail Baldwyn, she is out of money and about to lose her home, she has been a widow after her husband was killed in the Civil War, but now the bank won’t help and there is doubt her husband is dead? How could that be, and then she finds out where he is, contacts him out West and decides she has no choice but to take her four children and find him.
Thus the Baldwyn family begins the journey West in a wagon train leaving Independence MO, with the hopes of being reunited with their husband and father. We are about to meet people who change the course of their lives, and end up with new family.
One of the members Hoke Mathew’s becomes a leader of their part of the wagon train, and we learn what kind of a man he is. You are about to endure quite an adventure, to include people who are not as they appear, Indian attacks, illness, and forging tight bonds.
I really enjoyed this read, and as I said I didn’t want it to end!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Waterfall Press, and was not required to give a positive review.
The book opens with meeting Abigail Baldwyn, she is out of money and about to lose her home, she has been a widow after her husband was killed in the Civil War, but now the bank won’t help and there is doubt her husband is dead? How could that be, and then she finds out where he is, contacts him out West and decides she has no choice but to take her four children and find him.
Thus the Baldwyn family begins the journey West in a wagon train leaving Independence MO, with the hopes of being reunited with their husband and father. We are about to meet people who change the course of their lives, and end up with new family.
One of the members Hoke Mathew’s becomes a leader of their part of the wagon train, and we learn what kind of a man he is. You are about to endure quite an adventure, to include people who are not as they appear, Indian attacks, illness, and forging tight bonds.
I really enjoyed this read, and as I said I didn’t want it to end!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Waterfall Press, and was not required to give a positive review.
May 12, 2016
Leaving Independence is a Historical Fiction novel with a blend of history, romance, suspense and humor that drew me in from the first page. The story of Abigail Baldwyn, a strong, independent, faithful mother of four who learns her presumed dead husband might still be alive, is intriguing. The good dialogue, well developed characters, and unexpected twists make this a page turner for me. Hoke Mathews, who finds himself smitten with Abigail and feels compelled to watch over her family, transitions from being on his own with James Parker, his riding partner, to becoming an essential part of this group as a leader, defender, friend. Leanne Smith hit the mark with her first novel, using beautiful imagery with her words that allowed me to see the surroundings and feel the emotions that must have been present in the brave families in our past who made the journey west on the Oregon Trail. She weaves a story about family, not only Abigail's family, but the family that forms through months of surviving this journey together. I thoroughly soaked up Leaving Independence and this is definitely a book I will read again.
June 28, 2016
This book was recommended by an author I follow on Facebook and am I ever glad I took her advice! I believe this is a new author and this is her debut work. I loved it! I cannot wait for her next book. This one was so rich in descriptions you actually felt like you were part of the wagon train west.
What does one do when she discovers she is not the widow she thought she was? Well, she packs up her children, leaves her fancy lifestyle, and heads west to find her husband. But does she? Perhaps there is a man on the wagon train who might capture her heart before she gets to her destination. But what of the long dead husband? The road to the truth is paved with elements from the weather, sickness, and soul searching.
I highly recommend this book. I did not want to put it down each night but my eyes wouldn't stay open. I could not wait to get back to the story. It captured my attention right from the beginning.
What does one do when she discovers she is not the widow she thought she was? Well, she packs up her children, leaves her fancy lifestyle, and heads west to find her husband. But does she? Perhaps there is a man on the wagon train who might capture her heart before she gets to her destination. But what of the long dead husband? The road to the truth is paved with elements from the weather, sickness, and soul searching.
I highly recommend this book. I did not want to put it down each night but my eyes wouldn't stay open. I could not wait to get back to the story. It captured my attention right from the beginning.
August 1, 2016
I'm a little bit in love with Hoke Mathews myself. This was a marvelous story of one woman's journey west, four children in tow, to track down her wayward husband who may or may not have been killed in the Civil War. Abigail was just the right mixture of strong-willed, smart, genteel, and flawed. And Hoke was the perfect combination of rugged cowboy with a heart longing to belong. And the dog made it all the way out West! (I'm always worried about the dog.) I definitely recommend this book and look forward to more great historical fiction from Smith.
*The only thing that kept me from giving this book five stars, was the over abundance of point of views. I don't mind if there are more than the standard hero/heroine POV, but at times there were so many different characters telling me the story, it slowed me down. And every now and then we even get a dose of omniscient POV, which jars when you've been hearing from characters in the story.
*The only thing that kept me from giving this book five stars, was the over abundance of point of views. I don't mind if there are more than the standard hero/heroine POV, but at times there were so many different characters telling me the story, it slowed me down. And every now and then we even get a dose of omniscient POV, which jars when you've been hearing from characters in the story.
June 14, 2016
Thank you to NetGalley and Waterfall Press. I couldn't put this book down, and it got in the way of things I "should've" been doing. I so enjoyed this historical fiction book. I love the story of the Oregon Trail, and the characters in this one are wonderful. There were subplots and surprises I hadn't expected. If you like historical fiction, this is a great choice.
June 8, 2016
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. I was hooked right from the beginning. It has humor, suspense and romance. All of the characters are interesting. Abigail is very relatable. Very well done.
June 12, 2016
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. The story drew me in immediately. The scenes were fast paced and the story never faltered. I love stories involving the Oregon trail and this one is no exception.
I loved this book. The story drew me in immediately. The scenes were fast paced and the story never faltered. I love stories involving the Oregon trail and this one is no exception.
June 29, 2022
I enjoy a good historical fiction story and this fit the bill! Good characters that I found interesting, a compelling story if not predictable, and good writing.
March 7, 2020
This was a very readable book. I could have given the book 4 stars, but because of the second half of the book, I decided on 3 stars. The plotline was quite predictable, and the second half of the book reminded me more of a romance novel. The story begins in Independence, MO in the mid-1800s. It is the time of westward expansion in the country. The main character is Abigail; she has a family of four children. She decides to join a wagon train which is heading west on the Oregon Trail. Abigail believed that her husband, who was in the Union Army, was killed. However, she began receiving letters from him in Idaho, and came to believe he was alive after all, but had not come home to his family. She sets out to find him.
The other main character is Hoke who raised himself after losing his parents at the age of 11. He is a smart and sensitive cowboy, but has trouble with communication. The first time he spots Abigail in Independence, he decides that he, too, will be on that wagon train westward. He is hired as one of the company leaders and provides much leadership and kindness to the people on the wagon train.
After gathering provisions and deciding what to pack, the wagon train heads west. Many adventures happen along the way. They meet many Indians ... some friendly, some not so much. If you like historical fiction of this time period, I would recommend the book. If you are looking for something meaty with interesting historical significance, not so much.
The other main character is Hoke who raised himself after losing his parents at the age of 11. He is a smart and sensitive cowboy, but has trouble with communication. The first time he spots Abigail in Independence, he decides that he, too, will be on that wagon train westward. He is hired as one of the company leaders and provides much leadership and kindness to the people on the wagon train.
After gathering provisions and deciding what to pack, the wagon train heads west. Many adventures happen along the way. They meet many Indians ... some friendly, some not so much. If you like historical fiction of this time period, I would recommend the book. If you are looking for something meaty with interesting historical significance, not so much.
December 26, 2017
Loved Leaving Independence
This book was so good, I hated whenever I had to put it down. This book captured my attention from the first page. The author did an amazing job of sucking me into the story. I felt as if I was on that wagon train headed out west on the Oregon trail with her awesome cast of characters. Which brings me to the awesome hero Hoke. He was handsome, brave, broody, and gentle. Ahh swoon!! The heroine, Abigail was also strong and smart as well as a gal you'd love to have as your best friend. The story line was captivating and the book was easy to read. I enjoyed every bit of this story. My only hang up is there are some mild curse words throughout the book. So I wouldn't recommend for younger readers. I just kind of over looked them as well as I could because the story was so good. I certainly hope this talented author comes out with new books soon. I'd love to read a follow up or a sequel from this one.
This book was so good, I hated whenever I had to put it down. This book captured my attention from the first page. The author did an amazing job of sucking me into the story. I felt as if I was on that wagon train headed out west on the Oregon trail with her awesome cast of characters. Which brings me to the awesome hero Hoke. He was handsome, brave, broody, and gentle. Ahh swoon!! The heroine, Abigail was also strong and smart as well as a gal you'd love to have as your best friend. The story line was captivating and the book was easy to read. I enjoyed every bit of this story. My only hang up is there are some mild curse words throughout the book. So I wouldn't recommend for younger readers. I just kind of over looked them as well as I could because the story was so good. I certainly hope this talented author comes out with new books soon. I'd love to read a follow up or a sequel from this one.
November 2, 2016
Too Many Characters
Overall, I liked the story. Some of it was predictable, and yet I was pleasantly surprised by something I wasn't expecting. I can't say or it will give away an important part of the plot. I loved the main characters, Hoke and Abigail and the children , but I felt there were too many characters introduced that really didn't play a huge part in the story. I was confused by all the names, some similar sounding to others . I think the author could have still told the story with a lot less characters. Overall, it was a very sweet story with a satisfying ending.
Overall, I liked the story. Some of it was predictable, and yet I was pleasantly surprised by something I wasn't expecting. I can't say or it will give away an important part of the plot. I loved the main characters, Hoke and Abigail and the children , but I felt there were too many characters introduced that really didn't play a huge part in the story. I was confused by all the names, some similar sounding to others . I think the author could have still told the story with a lot less characters. Overall, it was a very sweet story with a satisfying ending.
August 10, 2018
I love finding new to me authors and loving them. Such is the case with Leanne. Why have I not heard of her? She has created and amazing story that is full of romance, adventure and is just raw and honest.
I adored this journey on the Oregon trail and getting to know these interesting characters.
The cool thing about this book was that the reader knew some inside information and that Abigail was headed toward disaster but we couldn’t warn her.
I loved Hoke, his strength and his sense of right and wrong made him the perfect hero.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this one.
I adored this journey on the Oregon trail and getting to know these interesting characters.
The cool thing about this book was that the reader knew some inside information and that Abigail was headed toward disaster but we couldn’t warn her.
I loved Hoke, his strength and his sense of right and wrong made him the perfect hero.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this one.
March 2, 2019
Loved this book for several reasons. The story line, which includes the Civil War. Pioneers, because my great grandparents came West in a wagon train and the interaction between the people in the wagon train. This is a period of history that has been written about with love, respect and sometimes hate, but since none of us were able to actually experience it, we just have to take parts of it and in this case the author chose to show good, the bad and the ugly of a fictional group of people and did so in a way that was very positive. In my opinion, the author deserves much praise. Thanks for a great read.
February 28, 2025
It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t my cup of tea honestly. Maybe it’s because I’d just read an Oregon trail book that I loved and couldn’t put down and I was Oregon trailed out? But I thought this would be like just an easy breezy romance but it was more an ensemble story with a million storylines and characters to keep track of. Then when the romance did happen it was so rushed that it was a let down. I guess I just had the wrong expectations going in.
The story also switched perspectives VERY often and always between different people so it would take a minute to figure out who’s I was in.
The story also switched perspectives VERY often and always between different people so it would take a minute to figure out who’s I was in.
December 17, 2018
Very good story
I enjoyed your story. I am originally from CA but I married a Sailor from TN in 1957 and we settled back here in 75. I lost him after 57 years.
I have been told so many things on my Mother's side, I know here family left GA in 1835 and settled in TX. Then my great-grandfather went to NM and settled with his family. My family ended up in CA in the '20's so a lot of history.
Thank you for your story and I guessed it wasn't her husband she was going to.
I enjoyed your story. I am originally from CA but I married a Sailor from TN in 1957 and we settled back here in 75. I lost him after 57 years.
I have been told so many things on my Mother's side, I know here family left GA in 1835 and settled in TX. Then my great-grandfather went to NM and settled with his family. My family ended up in CA in the '20's so a lot of history.
Thank you for your story and I guessed it wasn't her husband she was going to.
February 1, 2020
Really, I would give this book a 4.5 if I could. This is my kind of book - Historical, clean, a favorite period of our past and with believable characters. I feel as if I were traveling with Abigail and Hoke on their way west. Leanne Smith was done a good job with this book. The only comment would be, the writer should not hint so many time about Abigail's 'husband'. Too much information. Let the reader discover this for themselves..
September 21, 2021
Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri I was interested in this book at first because of the location--then the story had me hooked! Abigail was a much stronger and resourceful woman than she herself believed--and reading stories of strong women is uplifting. I have often thought how lucky we are to be the progeny of strong pioneer stock and hopefully we have inherited some of their take no prisoners attitudes. Definitely worth reading.
March 27, 2022
I am giving Leaving Independence 4.5 stars. I had a little trouble getting into it because the story is so familiar. Post Civil War, pioneers searching for a new life out west, wagon trains, and all that entails. Mrs. Smith has created drama and twists to her story which really kept it going. She gives excellent detail to the process of making such a trek overland. I enjoyed those parts of the story very much. Highly recommend.
March 7, 2017
A beautiful love story and much more!!
It's been quite awhile since I have enjoyed a book so much!! Couldn't put it down. It is clean reading and keeps one guessing from chapter to chapter. I love novels that have to do with settling the West. I hope Leanne Smith will write more novels. I will be checking!
It's been quite awhile since I have enjoyed a book so much!! Couldn't put it down. It is clean reading and keeps one guessing from chapter to chapter. I love novels that have to do with settling the West. I hope Leanne Smith will write more novels. I will be checking!
May 7, 2017
If I'm honest I would say this was more of a 2 1/2 for me. Although there were some aspects of the book that I did enjoy, overall I felt the book fell a bit flat. It felt like just as the author was starting to dig a bit deeper she would abruptly stop and go back to the surface. I guess I just wanted more.
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