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Trails of the Heart #5
Oregon Disaster
Pregnant and alone, Sarah Hughes finds herself in a village at the mercy of strangers. Along comes Bear who is determined to bring her home. She doesn’t want to leave but having killed a man she is left with little choice.On the run with an Indian who calls her a spoiled brat isn’t the best of starts to romance. Over time, she comes to see the person behind the stony face. Bear is intent on staying single due to his mixed heritage. Can Sarah prove to herself and Bear, not to mention their respective friends that they belong together?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2018
727 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Wesson
112 books358 followersRachel Wesson was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin as that's where she spent most of her life. Her dad brought Rachel and her two sisters out every Saturday to give their mother a break. He took them to the library and for ice-cream after. It took a long time for her sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
She grew up driving everyone nuts asking them questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc. Finally her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was reading. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths. After a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn't write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. Working in the City is great but it's a young person's dream. Having three children you never see isn't good for anyone. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for "research" purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home - in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 5, 2018
Full of adventure.
This author has a great way of writing with just enough suspense to keep you reading. i didn't want to put any of this series down and went directly from one to the other.
The way she handled the love stories with just enough and no details. Leaving the virtue to the characters. The love scenes were NOT sexually explicit but sweet, leaving the details to the readers own mind.
I fell in love with the families with all of their ups and downs. I also liked that some characters we thought in the first books were going to be trouble were not.
I will read more by Rachel Wesson for sure!!
This author has a great way of writing with just enough suspense to keep you reading. i didn't want to put any of this series down and went directly from one to the other.
The way she handled the love stories with just enough and no details. Leaving the virtue to the characters. The love scenes were NOT sexually explicit but sweet, leaving the details to the readers own mind.
I fell in love with the families with all of their ups and downs. I also liked that some characters we thought in the first books were going to be trouble were not.
I will read more by Rachel Wesson for sure!!
May 12, 2022
Sarah, the older niece/daughter of Rick and Johanna, has fallen for a young man who is rotten to the core - just like the rest of his family. Rick and Jo can't figure out what she could possibly see in the nasty boy, who asks to marry her but is told they can marry after they court for a year. But neither wants to wait, so they elope...or so Sarah believes. The news that she has eloped with Edwin sets Rick back by quite a bit. Sarah doesn't realise that she won't ever see him alive again.
Instead of marrying her, however, Edwin knocks her up and leaves. She finds a job doing laundry. One day, in the middle of her work, a little boy comes and asks her to help his mom. Scared of losing her job, she refuses, and the woman dies. The child refuses any help from her, blaming her for his mother's death.
Edwin had disappeared but is now back. She buys some food from the people who own the general store where she rents a single room. She fixes a nice meal for him, and tells him he is goingnto be a father. He accuses her of being a whore and says the child isn't his, then he beats her. When they first arrived, Edwin took out loans to get equipment, then left Sarah with the debt that is owing to a rich man. Hence the job at the laundry. Then, Edwin "sells" her to the loan shark to pay him off, as if she was a whore, and tells her to work off HIS debt by being a prostitute. Before this, the loan shark was always trying to feel her up or otherwise molest her. Now, he demands it, and she refuses.
During this time, she has been watched over by a mixed blood Indian, who has given her food and told her he us there to take her to see Tall Trees, now chief of his people. His name is Bear, and he rescued a dog that Edwin abused nearly to the point of death just because he could. Tala, the dog, is a good watch dog and fighter, even though he is still a puppy. When the loan shark attacks Sarah, Bear does what he can to help, but it is Sarah who inadvertently delivers a killing blow to the side of his head with a rock she has picked up to use as a weapon. Bear knows if anyone saw him near the man and fighting him, even to defend her, and even if she admits she killed in self-defense, he will be blamed and lynched, and so they end up on the run. Not long afterwards, Edwin sees the loan shark's body and goes through the man's pockets, then rifles his, house and takes his considerable wealth. Now, they're on the run from a murder charge.
Bear keeps his promise but it takes a lot of effort on all 3 of their parts. Bear nearly dies after a fight with a puma, and so does Tala. She stitches up Tala then has to cauterize Bear's wounds before he bleeds to death. He has to instruct her on how before he loses consciousness again. Some men find them on 2 occasion but there is another big cat in the area that finds them before they can pinpoint where Bear, Tala, and esp. Sarah are. Their guns are retrieved by the couple. Sarah can shoot well, and so, with wild cats and other perils, the guns come in handy.
Bear and Sarah grow closer then further apart...both have issues with which they must deal if they are to have a chance to try a life together. Sarah needs to go home and own up to stupidity and selfishness...Bear needs to realize a lot of his concerns that he isn't accepted aren't valid.
Sarah gets a few surprises, not all good, but mostly. Bear also brings her an interesting present.
Will they go their separate ways, or is the the start of real love? Will her family forgive Sarah? Can Bear overcone the feeling if being relegated to outcast status?
Instead of marrying her, however, Edwin knocks her up and leaves. She finds a job doing laundry. One day, in the middle of her work, a little boy comes and asks her to help his mom. Scared of losing her job, she refuses, and the woman dies. The child refuses any help from her, blaming her for his mother's death.
Edwin had disappeared but is now back. She buys some food from the people who own the general store where she rents a single room. She fixes a nice meal for him, and tells him he is goingnto be a father. He accuses her of being a whore and says the child isn't his, then he beats her. When they first arrived, Edwin took out loans to get equipment, then left Sarah with the debt that is owing to a rich man. Hence the job at the laundry. Then, Edwin "sells" her to the loan shark to pay him off, as if she was a whore, and tells her to work off HIS debt by being a prostitute. Before this, the loan shark was always trying to feel her up or otherwise molest her. Now, he demands it, and she refuses.
During this time, she has been watched over by a mixed blood Indian, who has given her food and told her he us there to take her to see Tall Trees, now chief of his people. His name is Bear, and he rescued a dog that Edwin abused nearly to the point of death just because he could. Tala, the dog, is a good watch dog and fighter, even though he is still a puppy. When the loan shark attacks Sarah, Bear does what he can to help, but it is Sarah who inadvertently delivers a killing blow to the side of his head with a rock she has picked up to use as a weapon. Bear knows if anyone saw him near the man and fighting him, even to defend her, and even if she admits she killed in self-defense, he will be blamed and lynched, and so they end up on the run. Not long afterwards, Edwin sees the loan shark's body and goes through the man's pockets, then rifles his, house and takes his considerable wealth. Now, they're on the run from a murder charge.
Bear keeps his promise but it takes a lot of effort on all 3 of their parts. Bear nearly dies after a fight with a puma, and so does Tala. She stitches up Tala then has to cauterize Bear's wounds before he bleeds to death. He has to instruct her on how before he loses consciousness again. Some men find them on 2 occasion but there is another big cat in the area that finds them before they can pinpoint where Bear, Tala, and esp. Sarah are. Their guns are retrieved by the couple. Sarah can shoot well, and so, with wild cats and other perils, the guns come in handy.
Bear and Sarah grow closer then further apart...both have issues with which they must deal if they are to have a chance to try a life together. Sarah needs to go home and own up to stupidity and selfishness...Bear needs to realize a lot of his concerns that he isn't accepted aren't valid.
Sarah gets a few surprises, not all good, but mostly. Bear also brings her an interesting present.
Will they go their separate ways, or is the the start of real love? Will her family forgive Sarah? Can Bear overcone the feeling if being relegated to outcast status?
May 24, 2021
Even Better The Second Time...
This was actually the second time that I read this series and, if possible, I Ioved it even more this time around! The same characters (with the exception of a few new ones added in) were throughout the entire series and I fell in love with them! The plots of each of the books in this series grabbed my attention from the very beginning and never let go. Truly, the only bad thing I can say about this series is that it ended and I feel like I had to say goodbye to good friends. I have read every book this author has written and they've all been near perfect! I can't recommend her books highly enough!
This was actually the second time that I read this series and, if possible, I Ioved it even more this time around! The same characters (with the exception of a few new ones added in) were throughout the entire series and I fell in love with them! The plots of each of the books in this series grabbed my attention from the very beginning and never let go. Truly, the only bad thing I can say about this series is that it ended and I feel like I had to say goodbye to good friends. I have read every book this author has written and they've all been near perfect! I can't recommend her books highly enough!
September 3, 2023
very well done.
This is book five and final book I think in this series of books. The Oregon Disaster is written by Rachel Wesson and is very well written. It is about Bear and Indian that is sent to keep an eye on Sarah, who is the step daughter of Jo who story in one of the previous books. Bear saves Sarah’s life in more ways then one. Sarah ran away to merry another man, who beat her and sold her to another for payment of of money owed to him. So Sarah ran after accidentally kills him, and runs. This is the story that Sarah and Bear travel. You will enjoy this read. I sure did
This is book five and final book I think in this series of books. The Oregon Disaster is written by Rachel Wesson and is very well written. It is about Bear and Indian that is sent to keep an eye on Sarah, who is the step daughter of Jo who story in one of the previous books. Bear saves Sarah’s life in more ways then one. Sarah ran away to merry another man, who beat her and sold her to another for payment of of money owed to him. So Sarah ran after accidentally kills him, and runs. This is the story that Sarah and Bear travel. You will enjoy this read. I sure did
June 19, 2021
Great Five Book Series
I read the first three books of this series in 2018 as a boxed set. I loved it. Then, forgetting that I had read them, I read those same books again in 2020. I loved them the second time also. Several days ago, I noticed there were now five books in the series. I have now read all five and enjoyed them thoroughly. I am happy to have tied up those loose ends. Oregon Disaster lets us see Sarah as an adult. I feel like I watched her grow up. Will I read the series again? Maybe. We will have to see.
I read the first three books of this series in 2018 as a boxed set. I loved it. Then, forgetting that I had read them, I read those same books again in 2020. I loved them the second time also. Several days ago, I noticed there were now five books in the series. I have now read all five and enjoyed them thoroughly. I am happy to have tied up those loose ends. Oregon Disaster lets us see Sarah as an adult. I feel like I watched her grow up. Will I read the series again? Maybe. We will have to see.
August 2, 2021
Trails of the heart series
I read all 5 of the Oregon Trail Books. I enjoyed them. Loved the continuing story of The Thompson Family! Hard to see the trials and prejudice they went through! But they never gave up and followed their heart! If we could all look at others and forget their background and skin color! Remember God is the creator and Jesus died for ALL! Get good series! I recommend it! Later will read the Orphan Train Sets!
I read all 5 of the Oregon Trail Books. I enjoyed them. Loved the continuing story of The Thompson Family! Hard to see the trials and prejudice they went through! But they never gave up and followed their heart! If we could all look at others and forget their background and skin color! Remember God is the creator and Jesus died for ALL! Get good series! I recommend it! Later will read the Orphan Train Sets!
November 22, 2025
The only thing imma say about this series is apparently I’m really into pioneer historical fiction romances hahaha. I loved how all the characters overlapped. I really did laugh and cry throughout this series. Will never not be in awe of those who came before me and ventured west to create the cities we have today.
Also, would jsit like to say on kindle it’s a different cover 🤦♀️😜 I did not realize I was reading mom nightstand material lol
Also, would jsit like to say on kindle it’s a different cover 🤦♀️😜 I did not realize I was reading mom nightstand material lol
January 23, 2018
Loved it
Love this series and was so excited to see Sarah's story. I loved her and Bear. Read them all!!!! The type of story that once you start you cannot stop! Can't wait for next one. The please don't kill off anymore characters. Losing Rick was bad enough. Don't want to lose anyone to the war! Don't kill anyone off again!!!
Love this series and was so excited to see Sarah's story. I loved her and Bear. Read them all!!!! The type of story that once you start you cannot stop! Can't wait for next one. The please don't kill off anymore characters. Losing Rick was bad enough. Don't want to lose anyone to the war! Don't kill anyone off again!!!
July 12, 2024
Very good series.
I love wagon train stories and this was very heartwarming. 2 issues though. Seems every 2 people who fell in love did so at first glance and often in dire circumstances. Also I loved all the helpful, wonderful Indians but seems strange no hostile Indians attacked the wagon train almost as if hostile didn't exist. Nevertheless I really enjoyed the story.
I love wagon train stories and this was very heartwarming. 2 issues though. Seems every 2 people who fell in love did so at first glance and often in dire circumstances. Also I loved all the helpful, wonderful Indians but seems strange no hostile Indians attacked the wagon train almost as if hostile didn't exist. Nevertheless I really enjoyed the story.
January 26, 2018
This was brilliant! I cried and laughed on cue! My heart ached with the poor choices Sarah made and the evil done to her, Bear, and Tala. Their tender medical care over each other was a precious aspect of the story, but nothing trumps the surprise at the end!!
January 21, 2018
Wonderful read
Love this whole series. The people are so loving and forgiving. They show that all can get along given a chance. Sarah and Bear were made for each other. I hope to see more of this series in the future.
Love this whole series. The people are so loving and forgiving. They show that all can get along given a chance. Sarah and Bear were made for each other. I hope to see more of this series in the future.
September 27, 2018
I liked this book a lot because Bear and Tala were in it a lot and Sarah matures and finally shows some concern for others. She is a feisty girl though and wins Bears heart and respect. This book is about forgiveness, and overcoming one’s past. I loved the ending! (Karen’s review)
January 27, 2020
A bit darker
The romances takes a slightly darker turn as a previous character passes away and the heroine goes off with the wrong person. However being a romance, after some adventures things turn out for the best.
The romances takes a slightly darker turn as a previous character passes away and the heroine goes off with the wrong person. However being a romance, after some adventures things turn out for the best.
August 22, 2021
Book 5
What a lovely set of stories. The final one shows how different nationality can be neighbors and work together. Not everyone agrees and can cause many hurts and hate. Once you find true love, you can work out the little things
What a lovely set of stories. The final one shows how different nationality can be neighbors and work together. Not everyone agrees and can cause many hurts and hate. Once you find true love, you can work out the little things
November 9, 2021
Unrealistic
I enjoyed the 1st two books but after that the situations and historical research seemed lacking. Book 5 was set in the era of the civil war but read like a modern day romance. Very unrealistic!
I enjoyed the 1st two books but after that the situations and historical research seemed lacking. Book 5 was set in the era of the civil war but read like a modern day romance. Very unrealistic!
January 18, 2023
This entire series is awesome. I was found holding my breath while reading the most exciting parts. I laughed and I cried and I thanked Rachel every day that she has the talent to give us entertainment through her books. A Must Read…!!!!
January 23, 2018
Terrific!
This story was captivating, it kept me hooked from beginning to end. Sarah is growing up into a wonderful lace, once she meets Bear that is.
This story was captivating, it kept me hooked from beginning to end. Sarah is growing up into a wonderful lace, once she meets Bear that is.
January 26, 2018
Great Story
A nice clean love story that is filled with action and suspense throughout the story. I enjoy the books this author writes because of the above comments.
A nice clean love story that is filled with action and suspense throughout the story. I enjoy the books this author writes because of the above comments.
January 28, 2018
Sarah
Great to catch up on what has happened to the family and all the complexities of life. Reading about how they have grown and changed was interesting.
Great to catch up on what has happened to the family and all the complexities of life. Reading about how they have grown and changed was interesting.
September 5, 2018
Oregon Disaster (Trails of the He....
I loved reading this story and I felt like I was in the book also. I enjoyed getting to know the whole family...
I loved reading this story and I felt like I was in the book also. I enjoyed getting to know the whole family...
June 12, 2019
Sarah and Bear
Sarah has many regrets and so does Bear but they strive to put that all behind them and ask for forgiveness. Their family loves them but will they forgive them? -Babs
Sarah has many regrets and so does Bear but they strive to put that all behind them and ask for forgiveness. Their family loves them but will they forgive them? -Babs
February 2, 2020
Gret
All five books were excellent . This book had me crying. I would like to see the series continued through the war and beyond following the family children etc.
All five books were excellent . This book had me crying. I would like to see the series continued through the war and beyond following the family children etc.
October 29, 2020
Always a good read with some excitement to keep it ingesting. Love the characters and sorry to see this series end.
December 6, 2020
Wonderful!
Wish the series didn't end after 5. Would like to see more of what happens with these families! Love them!
Wish the series didn't end after 5. Would like to see more of what happens with these families! Love them!
January 4, 2021
Must read
What a fantastic series! Could not put these books down
What a writer!
Thoroughly enjoyed each and every book
Loved how the story continued throughout
What a fantastic series! Could not put these books down
What a writer!
Thoroughly enjoyed each and every book
Loved how the story continued throughout
May 26, 2021
Trails of the Heart
A fitting end to the family after the many trials of the long journey and settling into their new life in Oregon.
A fitting end to the family after the many trials of the long journey and settling into their new life in Oregon.
September 11, 2021
Great series of books! Wish there was more!
March 18, 2022
A wonderful book with a link to the past.
A beautiful ending to a story full of intrigue and acceptance. I felt I knew all of the characters intimately. A truly loving family.
A beautiful ending to a story full of intrigue and acceptance. I felt I knew all of the characters intimately. A truly loving family.
July 31, 2022
Great book
This was a great ending for the series. I enjoyed it very much. I absolutely loved Sarah's story.I recommend this book to anyone that likes historical romance.
This was a great ending for the series. I enjoyed it very much. I absolutely loved Sarah's story.I recommend this book to anyone that likes historical romance.
September 4, 2022
A nice summer read. I enjoyed all 5 books of the Oregon Trail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews