Where Tomorrow Waits

Westward Dreams #3

by Jane Peart

Penny Sayres' red hair, freckle-splashed skin, and fierce independence drew the attention of some of the region's most eligible bachelors. One by one, they've been disappointed -- because romance and marriage are the last things on Penny's mind! Since her childhood, she has sensed an unknown destiny beckoning from the horizon. When Penny's brother, Brad, invites her to join his family on their wagon train to California, Penny's dream of adventure comes true. The Oregon trail, with its promise of a distant land, sweeps her into a world of fascinating new sights and sounds. It's an exciting time for Penny and her newfound friend, Nell, who shares Penny's zest for the unknown. The trail is long, the journey often grueling, and, as happens when strangers travel together, tempers sometimes flare. Still, it looks like the train will reach its destination without event -- that is, until disaster strikes at Snake River and changes Penny's life forever. Little does Penny realize that God is about to set her on her greatest adventure yet -- one that includes a new dream and lasting love.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Romance

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 1995

About the author

Jane Johnson Peart of Asheville, North Carolina, Humboldt and Marin counties, California, and in recent years, Hawaii, passed away in 2007. She was the author of more than 60 works of suspense, historical fiction and romance, which touched the hearts and minds of thousands of readers whose correspondence she treasured. She wrote for the secular and Christian market, and is best known for the Brides of Montclair series.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure what it was about the writing style, but it felt juvenile or young adult at best. The content might have been alright for young adult. It was a simple story. The portion while they were on the wagon train to California was very abbreviated and wasn’t heavy on any historical facts. The hardships felt glossed over to me. I admit I skimmed quite a bit of the story due to the writing style. I did enjoy the plot even if I felt it could have used more depth in the story telling.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You gotta love a book like this. A story of a young man, his wife and small child deciding to head west to fulfill their dreams for a homestead in California. They entice his sister, Penny, to go along. Ahead lies many hardships and challenges for Penny. Short story, but a good read!

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is ... to be expected for when it was written. But overall a decent story with a nice little surprise at the end.

[April Suter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Penny leaves her Grandmother and goes with her brother and sister-in-law out west for a new start. The trail is horrible with one exception of a special friend Nelldean who helps her through the painful events. Now with new reponsibilities Penny has to find her own path with God. Who will she find to be her helpmate?
221 pages

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice Christian read. Penny's adventure on the Oregon Trail turns into disaster as her brother and sister-in-law die along the way, leaving her to raise their young daughter. Help from the next wagon allows Penny to finish the trip and begin a new life.