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.