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The American Journey #3

Journey to Respect

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Some call him half-breed and she’s called a lady. Few in 1825 would judge them equals~

Rafe McKuen, the son of an Osage chief’s daughter and a successful American fur trader turned planter, has one foot in each world. Since childhood, he’s visited his mother’s tribal camp near St. Louis. And at his father’s New Orleans Plantation, he’s the “invisible” but beloved son. Where will he make his home--in which world?

Miss Eve Holcombe is an Eastern beauty with influential relatives. Her father’s unexpected and sudden announcement that they are going West startles Eve and worries her. Why, she asks. But her father has a secret and a plan he won’t reveal. He insists she trust him and what other choice does she have? If she stays in the East, her ambitious aunt will try to marry her off to her aunt’s advantage.

Both Rafe and Eve are on a journey, a Journey to Respect. But such journeys are rarely uncomplicated or without dangers. And falling in love is the most dangerous of all.

222 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2018

310 people are currently reading
86 people want to read

About the author

Lyn Cote

123 books590 followers
Lyn grew up loving books. Her favorite night of the week was Friday night, when the Bookmobile came to her neighborhood in Illinois. She’d spend those two hours chatting with the driver of the Bookmobile and the librarian and making the big decision of the week — which books to check out! In those distant days, children were limited in how many books they could check out. Lyn could only take home six a week — and there were so many to choose from. Her favorites were Cotton in my Sack by Lois Lenski, The Little House series and the One of a Kind Family series. Later, she discovered Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances!
This love of books led to a desire to write. Lyn won prizes in high school and college for her poetry and, not surprisingly, Lyn became a history and English teacher. When she became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Then she wrote her second and third. Long years of rejection followed — as it does for most writers. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen to appear in the first year of the new Love Inspired line. Lyn has written many articles on writing and the emerging Christian Booksellers Assoc. (CBA) fiction market. In 2006, Lyn's book, Chloe, is a finalist for the RWA's RITA, the highest award in the romance genre in the inspirational category.
Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love. Her nest is empty and she and her real life hero, her husband, have more and more time to spend together in their home on a lake in the lovely northwoods. And books are still dear to her heart.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Judy.
3,296 reviews
May 7, 2018
Journey to Respect by Lyn Cote
Patriots and Seekers Series Book Three
Rafe McKuen walked between two societies. Not fitting into either one. His father was a white man. His mother had been an Osage Indian. While staying with his Osage family, a smallpox epidemic breaks out. While helping to get them vaccinated, Rafe's meets a father and daughter who treat him as a whole human...not just a man of mixed blood. Not as a half-breed.

Eve Holcombe isn't like other women. She doesn't want to find a man who only wants her for her beauty and as a show piece on his arm. She wants to be cared about as a person. About who she is. After meeting Rafe...she realizes that she has no idea what she really wants in life.

This is a really good series. The author does not make the road to love easily traveled. There are heartaches, delays, and forks in the road. Real-life happens. While traveling along with the characters, I find the story emotional, the history enticing, and the ending worth the trip.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,886 reviews208 followers
April 24, 2018
Journey to Respect was an absolutely riveting novel! It is the third in a series, however, the story stands alone. I had not yet read books one and two in the series and I still thoroughly enjoyed this story.

The characters, Rafe and Eve, were ones that I instantly bonded with. The author did such a good job of allowing me to understand what was going on in the hearts of these two. There was great romantic tension between Rafe and Eve, along with painful experiences in Rafe’s past that influenced decisions that he made throughout the book.

I was captivated by the various settings in this story. As a reader, I was able to get a well-rounded glimpse into life during this time period. The author guided me through the frontier and what it was like to live and work in an Osage village. There were also glimpses into life in Saint Louis, Philadelphia, and Washington City. I loved seeing the contrasts in the ways Eve was expected to dress and behave. This book tackles some great moral topics with sensitivity and grace.

I loved this story from start to finish and hardly set it down. I fairly zoomed through this book as I could not wait to find out what happened next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Robyn Echols.
Author 5 books28 followers
April 11, 2021
Excellent Characters

I enjoyed this story with its diverse cast of characters meant to represent the various people who became part of North America. Interesting characters with realistic emotional responses to the challenges they faced. I enjoyed the insight into this part of history. A great read.
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
9,216 reviews206 followers
May 19, 2018
Journey to Respect by Lyn Cote
First off I liked hearing about the vaccinations being administered during the 1825's.
Rather confusing at first when the alternating sections are about different main characters.
Ewe is living with her father and a woman relative that she refers to as a dragon. He's gone into politics and now she will stay in St. Louis while he heads further west.
Story also follow Rafe, he's white and part Indian.
He accompanies the Indian tribe and is welcomed by the US troops also. He finds a baby, his parents dead and Rafe been vaccinated he takes the child and gives it to the Osage Indian tribe's wife to nurse and they will care for the child.
Ewe has not found a man that respects her but she knows she will probably end up married and with children.
Love how she shocks them with her dress-she only hopes to accompany them to the Osage tribe so she can find out what's wrong with her father and help administer the vaccine to the tribe members.
Love legends spoken about the tribe, so treasuring a moment.
Lots of action, rich in Indian and American history, adventure, romance, believing in God. Wouldn't mind reading more from this author.
Ending includes author bio and history around the book and events that took place and other resources.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
2,365 reviews12 followers
February 24, 2023
3. Journey to Respect
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the clean historical novel Journey to Respect: The American Journey Collection Book 3 by Lyn Cote and this review was given freely.
Tragic but with heartwarming reunions and a couple from diverse backgrounds who find love and happiness in the Midwest.
Featuring the oldest children from Book two, Tristan and Raphael “Rafe” McKuen, this a poignant story featuring Easterner Eve Holcombe’s father’s death from Consumption, the rush to protect the military and Native Americans from Smallpox, and the further displacement of the local tribes. Contains a strong undercurrent of cultural prejudice.
4. Journey to Peace
3 stars
I purchased a copy of the clean historical novel Journey to Peace: The American Journey Collection Book 4 by Lyn Cote and this review was given freely.
Bullying and prejudice force the McKuens and their estate workers to move to Texas. There is completion as the McKuen twins find love with the women they are protecting, and Tristan finally marries the woman he loves.
The storyline is good, but it is hard to follow as there are no separations between characters speaking or changes in place and time except for changing paragraphs. I found myself backtracking to determine who was talking.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
June 24, 2018
Journy to Respect: Sweeping Historical Saga of Young America (Patriots and Seekers Book #3)
By: Lyn Cote
Journy to Respect is book three in Patriots and Seekers series. I did not read the first two books in this series, but did not have any problems reading Journy to Respect. It can be read as a stand a lone without any problems. At the start it was like reading two different stories. Ms Cote writes about the two main characters. I really enjoyed it after they were brought together. I did not want to put it down. I like reading about vaccinations being administered back in the 1825’s. A half breed he is called and then an Eastern lady from well known relatives . Is there any chance for these two? I really enjoyed reading about the two characters and the journey they took, and the difference locations I got glimpses of . The author did her research while writing journy to Respect and I loved it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lee.
604 reviews13 followers
April 26, 2018
Wonderful book! I love the way the young couple meets, with her heading west with her father and him taking care of his family, the Osage Tribe. It's a beautiful story of love, in the midst of a hard time of history. The 1800's is a time of much change, especially with people settling the west, and the tribes being moved out of their homes. I love that the heroine, Eve, is so accepting of all the people, and therefore, she's able to open her heart to her true love, Rafe, who is of mixed race. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more of these books set in this time period. Journey to Respect is highly recommended! Thanks to the author for the free copy to read and enjoy.
170 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2018
Another fantastic story in this series. Each one is as good as or better than the previous one. We met Rafe McKuen, the son of an Osage chief’s daughter and a fur trader, in book two, but we get to know the man he is now. He has had a difficult life living in two worlds. Then he meets Eve Holcombe, a doctor’s daughter. There is almost immediate attraction between them, but Rafe knows what it would mean for Eve to be married to a half-breed. There is a happy ending, but they must face many challenges of their own to get there. I loved this story with the history of this time period and seeing how the Osage lived. I would certainly recommend this book to others. I received an advance reader copy of this book, which I have voluntarily reviewed and given my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Betti.
1,381 reviews36 followers
June 23, 2018
In this day and age of easy travel from one country to another, it is fascinating to read of how it used to be. The idea of going from one place to another on horseback or wagon sounds almost romantic, but if that is your only way to traverse the distance, it might not be quite so interesting. Eve moves from the comfort of the eastern states to the 'uncivilized' world of a fort in the west. Can she look past the differences and love those people just the way they are? Have we learned, or do we still look at those who are different with fear and mistrust?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book that reminded me again of the rich history of our great land. I received this book from the author, but the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Dianne Sidebottom.
1,436 reviews15 followers
July 31, 2019
Enjoying Lyn Cote as an author and her books. I haven't read the first two books but I did meet some previous characters during this story (It can be a stand alone book). Eve and Rafe's story the third generation. The issue of mixed races in marriage is still happening today but probably with less society input. I did like Tristan's character! Appreciate the research that went into writing this story. Custodians of the land is big here in Australia but I can see the first nation of America may never receive that respect. Look forward to the next book of Lyn's?
Profile Image for Nancy.
144 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2024
I truly enjoyed this story. A story of two different worlds that come together in love despite the obstacles. A story where there were struggles and resistance, but in the end God's plan for them came to fruition. You will love the characters from beginning to end. Lots of emotions as this story is read from beginning to end.
609 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2019
Good Book

I love reading historical novels. I have not read the first two books in this series but now plan to do so. Great reading about this period in American history and the sad plight of Native Americans.
703 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2021
A young lady tries to find a man to marry. None of them interest her. So she n
Sneaks off with her father to an army fort. Her father who is a doctor has to go to an Indian village and she talks her father into letting her go along. Will they return to the fort only time will tell.
Profile Image for Charline Romine.
834 reviews
July 7, 2025
Raffe ❤️ Eve

Another well-told historical novel of a proud people, the Osage. They eventually ended up in Oklahoma and were blessed abundantly. The love story about Raffe and Eve is a sweet telling you won’t want to miss.
118 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2019
Journey to respect

I so loved this book it was so great first time I read this author what a heart warming story
5,411 reviews67 followers
Read
October 9, 2020
Journey to Respect Sweeping Historical Saga (The American Journey Book 3)

A very good story about a young woman that is in love with a young man that is part indian
120 reviews
March 3, 2021
4.5 really. Realised when I finished that it would have helped to read the previous books in the series...think I'll do that. Enjoyed the book though.
Profile Image for Jackson.
2,501 reviews
September 24, 2021
Although the speech seemed rather idealistic, it is a good time in our history to start "mainstreaming" other cultures and characters
Profile Image for Tina .
781 reviews
August 10, 2018
Journey to Respect: Sweeping Historical Saga of Young America (#3 Patriots & Seekers) by Lyn Cote

This remarkable story is set in 1825, partly near St. Louis at the Osage tribal camp and partly in New Orleans with side trips to Philadelphia, and Washington City. The two main characters, Eastern beauty Eve Holcombe and handsome, rugged Rafe McKuen, are characters that fill the pages with their courage, strength and bravery. It will serve them well on their journey; a journey filled with heartaches, delays, change of plans, romance and a multitude of challenges and surprises along the way. . .maybe even love. But will their differences in society keep them apart or will they follow their hearts and God’s leading? We get a glimpse of what society dictates to those of their own class, as Eve was, and would leave behind if she choose a different path. In contrast we see Rafe and how he lives, however, there is more to him than at first glance (which I will not share, don’t want to spoil it for others).

As a retired nurse I especially enjoy reading about the medical practices and illnesses in the early years of America. So, I found the descriptions of the vaccinations being administered very interesting and how they were obtained.

Journey to Respect is a wonderful conclusion to this series. It is filled with courageous characters who show strength in the light of conflicts, challenges, heartaches and grief, unexpected changes and prejudices that they must endure and overcome. Both Eve and Rafe yearn for respect and as such are on a journey to find that respect (as the title indicates). But are they looking in the wrong sources to find it and will they finally learn where they need to look, or rather in Who? I especially appreciate the spiritual elements woven throughout the story and characters lives. The historical elements are woven within the story-line in rich detail, enriching the story and the characters (see authors’ historical note at end of book, which I always enjoy). I have not read the first book in this series, yet, but of the two I have read this is my favorite. A gripping, heartwarming story.



Profile Image for Joleen.
2,669 reviews1,225 followers
December 29, 2025
When a half Osage, half Scottish man hasn’t both feet in either camp, Rafe's world has to be navigated differently. Society in New Orleans sees him as a half breed, savage, and he simply doesn’t belong. His Osage family on the prairies of Kansas has accepted him, as he's the grandson of the chief.

But when a white doctor is introduced into the tribe with his beautiful daughter, Rafe's world is rocked.

I really liked both Rafe McKuen and Eve Holcombe. Both were well suited for each other, but only Eve believed it all the way through.

Very engaging all the way through. The ending came a bit quickly. I wish there had been a bit more detail for a satisfying conclusion.

But all in all, a clean somewhat Christian historic story.

Virtual voice was used for this Audible book. Sounded like a more mature woman than most. Still, you can tell by mispronounced words and odd inflections that it wasn’t a human.
128 reviews
June 28, 2019
The Osage Affair

Rafe McKuen is the son of Mac McKuen and the daughter of the Osage Chief called by the world as a half breed and even though his family has wealth and prestige he is looked down on. He is not accepted in New Orleans where his father and Stepmother own a prosperous Plantation because of his heritage. He has grown up in his father's prosperous Fur Trading business that he will one day inherit and live in St Louis where it is headquartered.
Eve Holcombe is the daughter of a Doctor whose father was wealthy until the financial market crashed taking most of their wealth and changing their lifestyle. The Doctor realizing he was dying of Consumption accepted a position as a Frontier Army Doctor not realizing his disease would flare up within days of his move to Fort Osage taking his life. He had not prepared Eve for this and he died while they were in the Osage village vaccinating the tribe against Smallpox. She met and fell in love with Rafe during this episode and he loved her as well in spite of the outrage of the white soldiers. Rafe sent her back to her family to spare her the scorn of people.
I'm spite of all the circumstances surrounding them they were reunited and married then went on to help with the move of the Osage people to the new location ordered by Congress. Theirs was one of the first interracial marriages openly carried out by a prestigious white woman and a half breed indian and was frowned upon by society.
Profile Image for Sunnie.
1,005 reviews48 followers
April 22, 2018
This is book 3 of the series entitled Patriots and Seekers by Lyn Cote. It can certainly be read as a stand-alone book, so no worries if you haven't read the series.

I loved this book! I love historical and I loved the social aspects of this book and how it came together for good. The story has great ethical and social lessons and lots of great historical information.

There were no slow moving parts in this book. It was a page turner and I had a difficult time to close it and get some sleep!

Lyn Cote is an excellent author and I have enjoyed many of her writings and will continue to do so.

I received an ebook copy of this book from the author with no expectations of a review. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,984 reviews
November 29, 2020
Rafe and Eve’s story is endearing, but also has a much deeper level to it. Prejudice takes many forms, and it takes respect for yourself and others to stand against it, as Rafe and Eve demonstrate. The issue of the treatment of Native Americans during that time period is handled in a thoughtful, balanced way in this reader’s opinion. Social class issues and the place women held in society are also dealt with. I highly recommend this historical fiction book.

I received a free copy of this book from the author, but the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,289 reviews17 followers
April 23, 2018
This is a truly wonderful look at a young America. Clearly shows the bigotry towards blacks and half breeds. The love story of Eve and Rafe uncover strength and courage at such a time. I highly recommend this very well written and engaging book. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
702 reviews
May 6, 2019
Good, but not great. Excellent historical research bumos it from 3 stars to 4.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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