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Oregon Trail Dreamin' #2

A Lifetime to Share

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When life has shown you death, can you bring yourself to love again?
Eli Todd is a tall, handsome Captain of a wagon train bound for Oregon. Life has taught him if he allows people into his heart, he ends up losing them.
Amelia Cruthers is a pretty young woman with a limp. She’s a hard worker who starts out the trip to Oregon with her parents, until they try to leave her behind. In shock, she watches them cross a river by ferry without her.
Thankfully the kind, strong Eli Todd takes her with him. Admiring her spunk and work ethic he gives her a job cooking for the crew. After a fall from his horse, Amelia tends him and he realizes she is sweetness on earth.
Her parents demand he marry Amelia since she spent time alone with him, nursing him. Eli figures why not? He won’t be home most of the year anyway and Amelia could have a safe place to live on his ranch. What could possibly go wrong?
Amelia never thought to be married. She’d been told her hip was too hideous for a man to look upon and that she couldn’t have children. Knowing that she could never be a real wife, the love she begins to feel for Eli frightens her.
The distance they try to place between them doesn’t work leaving them both hurt with longings that could never be fulfilled. But there are secrets and when they realize they’d been lied to; do they take the leap at a lifetime to share?

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2017

1729 people are currently reading
220 people want to read

About the author

Kathleen Ball

126 books684 followers
USA Today Best Selling Author of
Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.

Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.


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5 stars
742 (56%)
4 stars
365 (27%)
3 stars
152 (11%)
2 stars
40 (3%)
1 star
23 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Vikki Vaught.
Author 12 books160 followers
September 16, 2017
My Musings

I enjoyed Eli and Amy's love story. Glad I took a chance on this one. This is a sweet western romance with engaging characters and a fantastic plot. Happy ☺reading 📚!
116 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2019
A lifetime to share

I bought this book for .99 I felt like I was traveling along with them loved this book would highly recommend this author
Profile Image for Nancy.
376 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2017
Really a 2.5 stars. Eli and Amy got to annoying! How many times did we have to hear their skewed thinking. And her so called parents....sorry they were so cruel and opened about it and yet half a train wagon to follow them! Not believable.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
August 9, 2018
Reviewed at Historically Romantic

A Lifetime to Share is an emotional journey, and I mean that in the widest sweeping sense of that word. You will run the gambit of emotions from happy and joyful to frustrated, angry and disgusted – usually at how one human can treat another human. Even in fiction it amazes me how realistically the behavior of some people can come across in simple words. Amelia certainly has had cruelty directed at her from a young age, and it continues on as she and her parents head to Oregon on Eli’s wagon train. It would be very easy to give away spoilers so I’m simply going say that this is an intriguing story of endurance, new beginnings and finding that one person who is right for you. There is hardship and cruelty in this story, there is danger certainly but mostly that danger comes from those within this community known as a wagon train. Amelia and Eli are strong characters, believable, even when I wanted to get them moving on a little faster. There are misunderstandings, plain, clear talking usually takes care of that when it’s not left to fester into doubts and fears.

I enjoyed watching how Amelia grew during this story. Sure, she stumbled along the way, but eventually she saw her own worth. Eli is in an unusual position. As wagon master he, as the leader, has to set the rules and the pace… he also has to deal with the gossips, the troublemakers, and the downright mean and nasty people. Sometimes men are truly clueless, and Eli had his moments but in the end Amy and Eli’s story was a delightful combination of old fashioned love and true grit. I enjoyed their story very much and if you love Western Historical Romance then I’d strongly suggest checking out A Lifetime to Share and the entire series.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
May 26, 2020
I really did not think this second installment in the Oregon Trail Dreamin series could be better than the first. Wow. Can I say it again? Wow. It is equally as heart warming if not better. I love the Todd brothers and Eli, now taking over from his older brother is such a great leader. This is Eli and Amelia, or as he called her Amy's story and what a beautiful one
As the wagon train heads to Oregon, Amelia is with her parents doing all the work. She has a limp but perseveres and drives the wagon, does the meals and everything. When they get to a ferry crossing, they try to leave her behind. (Oh I wanted to do bodily harm to those people!) Eli comes to the rescue and puts her to work cooking and when Eli gets hurt, she tends him and all demand they marry since she was alone with him.
They do marry but she knows no one will ever care for her due to her injury on her hip that she feels is hideous. But fate has a way of stepping.
This is a journey filled with secrets, lies, vicious people, but more so the power of love and the strength that can be found in the toughest of times.
With the truly amazing voice ot Tom Jordan (can you fall in love with a voice?) who has the perfect inflections and differences to each character to bring them alive, and the creative words of Kathleen Ball, who is a writer of the heart, you will be transported to a place and time that makes you feel you are right there with the characters and surroundings. I cannot wait for Jed's tale!!!
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,888 reviews
March 19, 2018
Eli enjoys his job leading wagon trains from Missouri to Oregon. On this particular ride, he notices a young woman being ill treated by her parents. Amelia can’t comprehend why her parents hate her so much...yes, she’s a cripple but she can tend a farm, fix a wagon wheel, cook & clean with the best of them...not to mention that she’s a crack shot. Aftee spending the night tending to Eli after a nasty fall, her father raises a fit about her being ‘compromised’. Eli decides to marry Amelia to put an end to the brewing trouble. However, once married, it comes to light that Amelia is not the Carruthers daughter, and they’re after her inheritance. In addition, but we learn that Mrs. Carruthers purposely pushed Amelia down some steps when she was a young girl, thereby causing the injury that made her ‘cripple’.
A wagon train is like a small community and the gossip mongers keep feeding Amelia’s insecurities and distrust for Eli. Will Amelia and Eli survive the trio to Oregon or will gossip and evil force them apart? This is a sweet historical story that details the hardships that were endured in wagon trains across the country. We do get a sweet HEA and the bad ppl get their just desserts.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
138 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2017
Uggh,, Disappointed

I enjoyed the first book so much that I couldn't wait to read Eli's story. First off wagon masters didn't let other families tell them what to do. Secondly, Cholera was extremely contagious which this story made it sound like the common cold. Third, I wanted to rip Amy's brain out of her head because this whole damn book was about her thinking in her mind Eli didn't want her because she was crippled and unable to have children. If that wasn't bad enough we had to read over and over from the time Eli and Amy married until the end of the book on how he wanted all these women because she's CRIPPLED!!! Then all Eli did is tell himself he'd distance himself from Amy until there's a better time and place to explain his innocence. That again caused Amy to believe he didn't want her because she's CRIPPLED!!! If this was a paperback book I would have torn it up and tossed it in the garbage. If there is a third book on Jed and Lilly forget it my nerve's couldn't take it.
Profile Image for Cyndee.
268 reviews
March 18, 2018
I listened to the Audible version.
This book was very enjoyable. I have listened to this narrator before and he has a good voice. Most of the time I would call it hypnotic or calming.
He was an excellent choice for this book.

I loved the story. Between the narrator and the story line I wish it would have gone into more detail. But let’s be honest. It was well edited.
I admit I have not read any other books from this series and I will correct that problem shortly.
Amy or Amelia was a wonderful character that you could not help but love and cheer for. She has more spine than I ever could have. I won’t go through all that this lady went through but at the end it made you believe in happily ever after. The book also made you want to find a horse and go riding. (Not sure I could handle riding in a wagon that long) oh and I also want to be able to shoot a gun like her.

Just a great story. Hope you take a chance and read it.
Profile Image for Kenzie.
478 reviews
October 20, 2022
4/5
I love the drama of these Oregon Trail books. Amelia is a strong female character with a limp. Along the Oregon Trail, that does make it more difficult for her to keep up but she's strong. Her strength was so admirable.

“Mother, surely you don’t mean to leave me behind?” She held her breath, fearing the answer. Her mother leaned out of the back. “Amelia, we only have enough money for three of us to cross. You’re a grown woman now. It’s time you made your own way.”

“It’s all of our business when immoral acts are taking place within the camp. And it’s our duty to put an end to it.”

"The most I’ve ever talked to a person is you.”

"Jed laughed. “Is that what you call it? Swimming lessons? You do know that you’re married and you can make sweet love to you wife without using code words don’t you?”
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
September 14, 2017
"A Long Trek To Seattle Helps Two People Needing Love"

This is a delightful story of the old days of wagon trains headed for Oregon. Eli Todd is captain of this wagon train who has suffered loss; he fears to fall in love again only to end losing a loved one again. One young woman, Amelia, on this trip draws his attention. She is hampered by a hideous, partially crippled hip. She's also been told she can't have children. Her parents are cruel to her, not letting her sleep inside the wagon, even in the freezing weather. Eli is concerned about her welfare on the long trip from Independence, Missouri. This story is very moving; it sweeps you right in and is both heartbreaking and heart warming. A must read.
Profile Image for Eniko.
533 reviews14 followers
May 10, 2018
AUDIOBOOK edition

I liked the book, it was a story of good winning over evil, but the journey was quite hard. I wanted to smack Amelia a few times. Yes... I know how damaging self-esteem crushers can be, but didn't Eli show her at each turn that he can be trusted? She believes a woman who belittled her all her life and tried to kill her many times. What is Eli to do? I stuck to the end, I wanted to have a positive outcome after all that trouble and was rewarded with a sweet HEA. - 4 stars
Mr. Jordan's voice made it easy to listen to the story. This is my first listen and I like his warm voice, he gave the characters distinctive voices that fit their temperament. I will definitely check out his other works. - 5 stars
Profile Image for Desiree Smelcer.
40 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2018
I received a free audio of this book to give an honest review.
As a librarian I read constantly. These characters will stay ith me for some time. I found the main character Amelia similar to many women in their fear of self assurance. I also found the villains a bit over the top but it fit within the story. The romance between the main characters I could see happening between two young people who do not know how to talk to each other yet. I will definitely read Kathleen Bell’s stories in the future. The story was a sweet one, and I usually prefer a bit more heat, but that is just a personal preference. I enjoyed this book and look forward to others.
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,926 reviews22 followers
April 16, 2018
Great Western Romance. This was my first Katheleen Ball's book. This is a good and clean western romance. This story is hopeful and heartwarming. I love the two main characters. Amelia's so strong. Eli's also strong and kind. They are great together. My heart was broken by the treatment Amelia's parents given her. I haven't listened to the first book in the Series yet and I think I miss something! I can't wait for the next book in the Series. Tom Jordan did a great narration and bring life to the characters. He has a soft voice easy to listen. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review. I have reand and listen this story.
Profile Image for ReadingWench.
2,103 reviews13 followers
March 17, 2018
I loved this book. The plot, flow, characters and pace was dang near perfect. I feel in love with the characters. I felt for them. This audio made it so I was on the trail with them. There was a lot of feeling, emotions... I have listened to other books by the narrator, Tom Jordan. He has a way of bringing life to characters and how to develop emotions with his voice. I say this is a perfect match with Ms. Ball's writing and Mr. Jordan's narrations. I am looking forward to hearing or reading more of this series in the future.
416 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2018
Lovely story

What a lovely, well written story. Amelia Caruthers was such a strong young lady, despite what her so called parents did to her, some of the things actually made me shudder, and then after she married Eli Todd they still wouldn't leave her alone. The pastors was a terrible woman, who would have confidence in the pastor with a woman like her by his side. The story was interesting and well filled out and I'm pleased that finally Amelia and Eli got their 'happy ever after ' I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
94 reviews
November 5, 2017
Light read

I enjoy her writing.. You do get attached to the characters and want to know more about them and what happens to them from book to book. I didn't like the mistakes with the pronoun's it was to many for me. I am an avid reader and this is a pet peeve of mines. If you like women who are not strong minded and not sure of themselves Kathleen Ball is the author for you.
Happy reading!
718 reviews11 followers
January 17, 2022
Thrilling Adventure!

This thrilling adventure on the wagon train trail to Oregon was filled with controversy, action and intrigue. A definite example of the struggles families were faced with while making the trip out west. Amelia and Eli meet under less than ideal circumstances and manage to find love in spite of the troubles that they face. This inspirational story is one that will surely have you wanting to read more in this series from such a talented author.
Profile Image for Tracy Sylvester.
1,022 reviews9 followers
April 29, 2023
Eli Todd never had a thought to marrying and settling down because his life as a trail guide to the West wasn't an easy life. On his trip to Oregon with his wagon train he discovers Amelia Cruthers. Amelia is mistreated by who she thought was her parents and treated worse than a pack mule or slave. When they tried leaving her behind Eli finds himself taking up for Amelia and looking after her. This is a sweet Oregon Trail romance.
Profile Image for Dawn Baffa.
371 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2019
Another hit for me

This was an awesome storyline with the characters developing nicely. There was humor mixed with alot of heartache. The thing that bothered me about this book was with new beginnings the Author changed the heroine name from Amelia to Amy. That would have been fine except I didn't care that both names were used the rest of the book. But that's on me. Nice read
Profile Image for Teresa B. Noe.
68 reviews
July 23, 2017
Amy & Eli

Another great novel about the adventures of making it west on the Historic Oregon Trail.

If you are like me and are looking for some good clean fiction involving the wagon trains leaving Missouri heading to the vast fertile land of Oregon, then add this one to your list.

Enjoy!
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,253 reviews12 followers
July 24, 2017
What a amazing read

Kathkeen Ball brings you characters that will warm your heart. The emotions tear at you! The journey they take will rip your heart out. A jouney that is hard full of sadness but yet even at its darkest times you can see a love that blooming like none other. Thank you Kathleen so looking forward to reading more!!!!!!
Profile Image for Judy Esposito.
969 reviews14 followers
August 1, 2017
A Lifetime To Share! Book 2!

Enjoyed reading this second book in this series. Following Amelia and Eli, two lonely and lost souls through all the twist and turns of their story to a HEA, kept me busy swiping the pages. Good story and wonderful characters! Looking forward to the next one. JudyE
457 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2017
Very good reading.

A really bad childhood and life of abuse from people she only knew as parents. How low they were willing to go to ruin her life or kill her to get her inheritance away from her? Really intense and so many challenges she faced but turned out to be an amazing sweet young woman.
59 reviews
September 25, 2017
A lifetime....

Who doesn't want a lifetime of love? Love is not always easy, things get in the way, lies can be told and so many selfish acts done. But true love will always find a way. This story will keep you spellbound, not wanting to put the boom down! Enjoy it, you will be happy u did....
2,137 reviews38 followers
April 24, 2018
A Long Way to Go

This is the second book in The Oregon Trail series and I loved it. Amelia(Amy) has had a tough life and being on the wagon train is hard work. Eli is the Captain of the trip and tries to help Amelia when he sees how her parents treat her. As the trip goes on Eli and Amelia get closer. Please read the book to see what happens next.
1 review
August 19, 2019
Simply Beautiful

This a the most Beautiful book I've read. I felt so many emotions reading this. My heart ached through it. And I learned something reading it. There are others who has it worse than I do. And we whine thinking no pne else does. Thank you for allowing me to read this book. I love oregan trail books
198 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2020
I love wagon train stories and this was no exception. I loved the characters and connected with our heroine with a bad hip. Bless her. I love a book that leaves me smiling at the end. After reading the first two in the series I feel I know these people and I'd like to be their friend. Can't wat to read the next one.
Profile Image for Jessie Bee.
607 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2021
2nd book in series

When I read about how Amelia’s parents treated her, I hoped they would rot later. Then the story expands to say she is due an inheritance and her parents are just caretakers. Luckily they had already forced circumstances that Eli got married to her. Another beautiful story to read.
740 reviews
August 30, 2021
What a sweet romance! I am addicted to this wholesome series. The romance is clean, the story well written, and the characters are completely developed. I highly recommend this series if historical romance is what you enjoy!

"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews

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