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Montana Trails #5

Forgotten Trails

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When a Native American Salish woman seeks out her past, she must challenge her beliefs in herself and her family or lose her chance at love.

Rachiah has always prided herself in her heritage in the Salish community in northwestern Montana. When she finds out her dad isn’t her biological father, Rachiah determines it’s time to find out the truth everyone has kept hidden.

Damon has hurt a girl like Rachiah in the past. His need to make it up to her and assuage his guilt overwhelms him, forcing him to pursue a friendship with Rachiah when her aloofness would normally discourage him from trying further.

Will Damon’s need to fix his guilty past mess with Rachiah’s need to find herself? Or will they both diminish into the forgotten world of what-ifs and ranches?

Grab the next installment of the Montana Trails series and get roped into a family saga worth risking your heart for!

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2016

578 people are currently reading
56 people want to read

About the author

Bonnie R. Paulson

129 books662 followers
USA Today Bestselling author, Bonnie Paulson focuses on the drive of sweet western romances and the heros who ride for justice and the love of their lives. Living with her own cowboy helps keep things real!

Some of her favorite authors are Robyn Carr, Liz Isaacson, and Linda Lael Miller!

Sign up and get a free Paulson western romance!
http://www.bonniepaulson.com

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5 stars
191 (55%)
4 stars
119 (34%)
3 stars
25 (7%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,324 reviews
December 9, 2017
Forgotten Trails

I felt like I had stepped into the middle of a story with a cast of characters that I did not know. I struggled thru trying to organize how they all fit together. Maybe I needed to start with the first book. For that reason, I am not sure how I feel about the writing of this author.
Profile Image for Kerry.
822 reviews
December 27, 2017
Wow. Again Bonnie pulls you into this story and whisks you right back into the family. This is Rachiah and Damon's story and takes place around the same time frame as book four, Hidden Trails.
Rachiah is a Native American Salish woman who finds out that her father isn't her biological father and so she sets out to find out more about her past. Damon is a man with a past who is trying desperately to figure out who he is and how he can atone. Both characters have personal struggles in this book and are simply trying to find out who they truly are and Bonnie writes these, at times difficult realisations, extremely well.

Rachiah has appeared in past books and I've never really found her all that likeable but when I started to understand her more and the struggles she was coping with I found her much more relatable and personable. I loved how Rachiah and Damon's story develops and how they grow closer together only to be hit with the difficulties Rachiah has being a Salish woman with strict rules regarding her life choices.

Be aware that Emma and Nate's story also plays through the background of this and at times can be difficult to handle. If you have read all the series so far you know how book four ended but it's still difficult to see how the story replays and ends. It's going to take me sometime to forgive Bonnie for how she wrote their journey but I am assured she will make it right in the end and of this I have no doubts!

Bonnie is a talented writer and although spreading her wings into various genres, for me this cowboy series will forever remain one of my favourites. She hooked me from book one, Broken Trails and has allowed me as a reader to experience a whole new family that she writes so you feel part of it. I never doubt Bonnie's skill or passion with which she writes her books and always eagerly await the next in the series!
Profile Image for DM Pennington.
Author 9 books10 followers
December 5, 2017
Stars: 4
Chapters: Prologue + 18 + Epilogue
Ending: Cliffhanger, HEA
Series: The Montana Trails – Book 5

Review: This book in the series deals a lot with interracial relationships. Especially between Rachiah (whom is Salish Native American) and Damon Johnson (white) as well as Rachiah’s mother Jewel and her biological father Ratchet.
This story focuses primarily on the struggle between Rachiah and Damon’s love for each other against (what seems like) everyone’s opinions. Rachiah also learns some devastating truths about her family and its history, especially pertaining to her. Such an intriguing read!
It was interesting how Ms. Paulson is able to continue the story line for the ‘The Montana Trails’ yet provide a completely serious, separate storyline without losing either one. SO WORTH THE READ!!

ARC read in exchange for honest review!
1,781 reviews6 followers
November 26, 2017
This was a sweet, well-written book. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is #5 in the Montana Trails series. Rachiah is proud of her heritage in the Salish community. She finds out her dad is not her biological father and sets out to find her birth father. Damon meets Rachiah, and she reminds him of a girl he hurt when he was younger. At first her pursues a friendship with her because of that reminder, but then he finds himself drawn to her for herself. Rachiah starts letting down her walls and getting to know him, finding more and more to admire about him as time passes. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by this author.
Profile Image for Susan Shearer.
403 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2017
Forgotten Trials by Bonnie R. Paulson was about finding out who you are and how to deal with who you are. Chasing after a father she didn’t know Rachiah left her life behind on a journey to learn who she was. Desperation caused her to believe someone she didn’t know and turn her back on those that loved her.
Damon wanted to help Rachiah find what she was looking for but knew she had the answers within herself. Let her find out home was where her heart was took more patience than Damon knew he had.
Realizing who and what you are in your eyes is just important as knowing what others think of you. Trust is the key and learning that Rachiah found love.
1,720 reviews10 followers
December 27, 2017
I received a free book in exchange for an honest review. This is the fifth book in the series and it is getting better learning all about each character and getting to know them. I will be sorry when this series ends. This is Damon and Sherri's story. They meet at Cyan's wedding now you get to know more about them. Sherri is trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs, Damon is interested in Sherri but he also has something in his past that he is not proud of. Can they make it work? Also she is Salish and may not be allowed to marry him. This book opened your eyes to two worlds. I would recommend this series to everyone I know.
1,925 reviews5 followers
December 16, 2020
Forgotten Trails

Another great book in this series. This series has been so good that I have moved from the first one and kept going to fallow the story from start to finish. I really love Bonnie’s books and especially this series. The excitement that is generated throughout the book is a great reason to stay reading till the end. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
481 reviews4 followers
March 12, 2021
Wasn"t at all impressed with this story. Its about an Sleish woman intent of finding the father shown on her birth certificate. When she finally does, he robbs he and attempts to sell her to some lowlife friends for drugs before she escapes. There is a an anglo guy who is infatuated with her despite being warned away by her brother as she is only supposed to marry within the tribe. Its a dark book and will leave you wondering why you bothered to read it.
Profile Image for Aj.
41 reviews
November 16, 2017
Fantastic book! While they've all been family oriented, this one seemed even more driven by the concept. Rachiah has a lot to face in this book about family and herself. Damon has ghosts of his own. I would really like to know what actually did happen to Melissa. Wonder if we might ever find out.

Definitely a don't miss series.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
November 21, 2017
This is a much happier story in the series. There is still drama and angst, but it's also sweet. Damon is interesting, he's guilt ridden about things that happened in high school and that makes him very protective of Rachiah. Rachiah is angry and confused. And conflicted about her feelings for Damon. It's a good addition to the family.
Profile Image for Anne Blyth.
1,982 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2017
Who am I really? A question that has been asked by many people. Rachiah’s search for her true identity and her developing feelings for Damon takes us on a soul searching ride. Damon is battling his own demons as he falls for Rachiah. After some painful, gut wrenching experiences they finally realise that they are each enough and can finally overcome their issues to be together.
Profile Image for Kandice.
891 reviews
February 21, 2018
I don't think these books work as standalones. I read 1 and skipped until this #5. It felt jumpy and hard to follow without the context of the other books and what i hope they provide. I didn't love book 1 but wanted to give this series one more try. I want to love it - Native American struggles, family secrets and traditions, but the I just think this writer's style does not suit me.
713 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2021
Another great read in this series

Yes, each book can be read as a stand alone book but in my opinion to get the full impact of this series, you should read them in order. This story about Rachiah and Damon is a compelling book, tugging at you to turn the page and see how they overcome their inner demons and find a way together in this sweet romance.
135 reviews
November 28, 2018
A learning lesson.

Bonnie R. Paulson does it again. Damon and Rachiah are the best characters in this story. All of the Trails are concerned about Nate so Damon's brother Dylan has gone searching for him. Next book coming up, yay.
1,232 reviews2 followers
Read
August 28, 2019
Very interesting book

Rochiah and Damon are faced with decisions that are for life. Sometimes we search and search for something and when we find it we are disappointed.Bonnie has written a very good series and I am enjoying every book
288 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2020
Clean romance

I enjoyed reading this story about a young woman searching for her father and the many who helps along the way. As I finish one part of the series, I am anxious to get reading the next.
5,405 reviews67 followers
June 12, 2020
Forgotten Trails a sweet western romance(The Montana Trails Series Book 5)

This is the fifth book in this series about love and family and friends that accept each other and finding happiness
224 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2020
Another good read!

Bonnie Paulson has become one of my favorite authors. Enjoy the family relationships and their love for each other. They open their lives to others freely. Thank you!
406 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2021
Ranchers:

This is a great story of how a family that states together though be crime in story of failed or Lost of love ones . Oh real enjoy following this family ad !I've one can't Craig to venture I. To there livez.
19 reviews
August 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this book.

Good to have a happy ending for Damon and Rachaiah. They both had issues and were able to make it through them. Good writing!
122 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2020
Looking

Looking for her father kept her busy and not trusting family and friends didn't help. A dry story. Not my type.
Profile Image for Sue Brooks.
465 reviews8 followers
November 18, 2016
OMG - this was so much better than just 5 stars - it deserves at least 6 or 7!!!

This book is the 5th book in the Montana Trails Series. BUT - you really need to read Broken Trails (1st book), Forbidden Trails (2nd book), Unbridled Trails (3rd book) and Hidden Trails (4th book) before reading this book. Only for the reason that one story starts where the previous one left off and the whole story will make so much more sense to you!!!

I loved Stephanie and Drake from book one ... and oh so hoped that they would have their own story and maybe end up together. I have also loved Emma and Nate throughout the series. One of the really good things is the fact that when Bonnie writes these books, she puts so much emphasis on things and their details, that you literally can picture being there and witnessing the story first hand. I don't write spoilers -- but, I will warn you, have the tissues ready at the end!!! A lot of things happen in this book and some of them really caught me off guard. The ending might surprise you but it is still a tear jerker!!! AND when you start reading it, you will find it hard to put this book down until you reach the ending.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Gina.
477 reviews9 followers
December 4, 2016
Forgotten Trails is book 5 in the Montana Trails series. I have read every book in the series so far. This is one of those book series where you drop everything when a new book is released. It's just that good!

The story of Rachiah really hit home for me since I have never met my biological father. I've had the same thoughts and feelings she did. The only difference is, I've never set out to find mine.

Damon is holding on to the past so much that it's clouding his present and future. I know all about that as well. I think we all do to a point.

There is a huge mutual attraction between Damon and Rachiah. Unfortunately family traditions in Rachiah's family does not make being together easy if at all possible.

I loved reading about these two separately and their love story. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book!
431 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2017
Great book!

As always, Bonnie has done a superb job. I look forward to every book with great anticipation. It has been especially hard the last few months because I couldn't read so now I am playing catchup!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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