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Herriots aka Vetted #2
Cavalcade
Molly didn’t know what kind of life to expect when she fell in love with Erin Herriot—her schoolmate, her best friend, and a woman. She had been grateful for Erin’s friendship when the bank swindled her after selling her parents’ farm and she was invited to live on Erin’s parents’ farm. After making the difficult decision to live life as ‘man and wife,’ Molly gladly accepted the challenges before them. Together, they made the decision to sell Erin’s farm and embark on the journey of a lifetime…on the Oregon Trail. Erin couldn’t give Molly children; however, she could love her forever. But leaving the area where they had both grown up and where everyone knew the women was the only way they could be together without questions about the true nature of their relationship. Come along on their adventure as two women cross the country, adopt a family, and begin a life that neither had imagined possible growing up in the mid-1800s.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2018
29 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 10, 2020
The westward journey along the Oregon Trail during the 1800’s is pure Americana legend. It’s an absolute goldmine for storytelling and Cavalcade takes on the epic tale with pure gusto.
If you read Vetting, then you need to know that Cavalcade and its sequel, Pioneering, recount the story of Dr. Fiona Herriot’s ancestors, Erin and Molly Herriot. However, Erin and Molly’s stories can be read as standalones.
Back in Ohio, it’s the 1800’s, and best friends Erin and Molly decide to sell the family farm and head out west. They have no choice. They’ve fallen in love and the only way for two women to flourish as a couple is for Erin to take on the identity of a man and husband. To be safe, they must start out fresh in a place where no one knows them.
On the way to join the wagon train, Erin and Molly get married, adopt a family of 5 stair-step children, and then in Missouri, begin the harrowing trek out west. The Herriots venture through wilderness, drive their livestock and a Conestoga Wagon onward, crossing the madness of raging rivers and fighting off wild animals. But the core of the story is the sweet love and dedication that Molly and Erin show towards one another and their children. They are determined to find open space and freedom to live as a caring family. The book ends with the journey complete but leads to the next chapter of their story, Pioneering, which I plan on reading next. A solid 4.5 stars.
If you read Vetting, then you need to know that Cavalcade and its sequel, Pioneering, recount the story of Dr. Fiona Herriot’s ancestors, Erin and Molly Herriot. However, Erin and Molly’s stories can be read as standalones.
Back in Ohio, it’s the 1800’s, and best friends Erin and Molly decide to sell the family farm and head out west. They have no choice. They’ve fallen in love and the only way for two women to flourish as a couple is for Erin to take on the identity of a man and husband. To be safe, they must start out fresh in a place where no one knows them.
On the way to join the wagon train, Erin and Molly get married, adopt a family of 5 stair-step children, and then in Missouri, begin the harrowing trek out west. The Herriots venture through wilderness, drive their livestock and a Conestoga Wagon onward, crossing the madness of raging rivers and fighting off wild animals. But the core of the story is the sweet love and dedication that Molly and Erin show towards one another and their children. They are determined to find open space and freedom to live as a caring family. The book ends with the journey complete but leads to the next chapter of their story, Pioneering, which I plan on reading next. A solid 4.5 stars.
May 28, 2019
What an adventure! The journey of Erin and Molly from Ohio to Oregon, adopting five children on the way, is breathtaking, despite being slightly repetitive at times. K’Anne Meinel’s Cavalcade feels like a yellowed postcard of pioneers brought to life. The landscapes the family rides through were so vividly described I felt like I was actually seeing them.
September 23, 2020
DNF at 33%. Just far too much tedium and minutia, and no real joy for any of the characters or their personalities.
The grammar and spelling is also not great, I can usually look past it for the sake of a good story and endearing characters - but when it has neither and the charm factor is naught, I couldn't struggle any further to finish.
It just got worse when they adopted 5 (YES FIVE!) orphans before even setting out on the wagon trail... Just why on earth would you bring 5 children ranging from 2 to 10 along on a wagon train? As if they wouldn't have kids in need for adoption once they establish their claim? Seemed entirely unreasonable to me.
I'm impressed anyone actually could finish this, let alone enjoy it. Sorry. Stick to Jae's Backward to Oregon series.
The grammar and spelling is also not great, I can usually look past it for the sake of a good story and endearing characters - but when it has neither and the charm factor is naught, I couldn't struggle any further to finish.
It just got worse when they adopted 5 (YES FIVE!) orphans before even setting out on the wagon trail... Just why on earth would you bring 5 children ranging from 2 to 10 along on a wagon train? As if they wouldn't have kids in need for adoption once they establish their claim? Seemed entirely unreasonable to me.
I'm impressed anyone actually could finish this, let alone enjoy it. Sorry. Stick to Jae's Backward to Oregon series.
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June 30, 2018If you enjoy characters of substance and historical novels then this is the book for you. This is a romance story but it's far more than that, there are a few love scenes that add to the story but they aren't the bulk of the storyline, the story is the storyline, which is so much more than a lot of books these days.
This book tells of a time where being 2 women in love was not tolerated, was not talked about and certainly not something you did out in the open. The story is of a time none of us today can truly imagine, sure we still have inequalities to overcome but we don't need to dress and act as man and wife in order to remain together, to worry that we could be found out at any moment and what that could mean for our family.
Follow the story of two very strong women who give up everything they know and have worked for in order to remain together for life and not be forced into marriages with men. See just how far these 2 women will go to stay together and just what does Erin do to win the trust and admiration of most of the men on the wagon train despite starting out as the odd 'man' out.
There is suspense, fear, joy, excitement and love all wrapped up in a thrilling historically fascinating tale of the early settlers of the west of America.
I personally can't wait for the sequel to Cavalcade, Pioneering that will be out in August.
This book tells of a time where being 2 women in love was not tolerated, was not talked about and certainly not something you did out in the open. The story is of a time none of us today can truly imagine, sure we still have inequalities to overcome but we don't need to dress and act as man and wife in order to remain together, to worry that we could be found out at any moment and what that could mean for our family.
Follow the story of two very strong women who give up everything they know and have worked for in order to remain together for life and not be forced into marriages with men. See just how far these 2 women will go to stay together and just what does Erin do to win the trust and admiration of most of the men on the wagon train despite starting out as the odd 'man' out.
There is suspense, fear, joy, excitement and love all wrapped up in a thrilling historically fascinating tale of the early settlers of the west of America.
I personally can't wait for the sequel to Cavalcade, Pioneering that will be out in August.
September 22, 2018
This author always delivers an enthralling and touching tale about women who go through difficult situations and the way they overcame them. This story is close to my heart because I adore stories with a historical background with down to earth and amazing characters. I just love Erin and Molly so much because their love for each other and their resilience during the perilous journey to Oregon had me anchored to my bed and I refused to do anything until the story ended. This is definitely going to be one of my favorite re-reads!
November 27, 2022
Very well done
June 30, 2018
This book is set in the mid - 1800s. It's about two women who choose to travel west so that they can live their lives together as spouses in a time when two women could not have that kind of relationship. They have been friends since childhood and became lovers as adults. The descriptions of the travels and the lands and all the encounters along the way were phenomenal. It made me feel like I was right there with them. They were an excellent team and you could feel the love and intensity of the relationship together. I haven't read many historical romances before. I also have never read any of this author's books before. I did not want this book to end and can't wait to read the sequel!
June 28, 2018
This novel set in the 1840’s is a wonderful love story between two women in a time where it would not be tolerated.
This is a first for me I’ve never read a love story set back in my great-great-grandmothers day, and I was so very happy that I did. Both characters are very strong-willed and tough, they both fight for what is theirs. I loved this novel for the love you can feel throughout the story and K'Anne does a wonderful job on telling the story and making me care about them. The descriptions and certain words that was used back then where just icing on the cake.
This book transported me to that time and I felt like a fly on the wall the whole time.
This is a first for me I’ve never read a love story set back in my great-great-grandmothers day, and I was so very happy that I did. Both characters are very strong-willed and tough, they both fight for what is theirs. I loved this novel for the love you can feel throughout the story and K'Anne does a wonderful job on telling the story and making me care about them. The descriptions and certain words that was used back then where just icing on the cake.
This book transported me to that time and I felt like a fly on the wall the whole time.
July 3, 2018
This is a great read for those who love historical fiction and lesbian romance. The author brought me right into the characters' world, and I felt every emotion and physical pain right along with them.
May 25, 2020
Good plot, but let down by poor editing and such a terrible cover. I did like that this book starts with an established relationship and was not a romance,
February 19, 2019
This book shares some obvious similarities to at least one other book that features a woman who presents herself as a man as she and her family travel the Oregon Trail, but honestly I don't think the two can be compared beyond the basics.
In this story, the women work together to present themselves as a traditional family of that time. They're both aware of what's at stake if they're caught, and they're also aware of what they could gain if they're successful - the potential for freedom and happiness their childhood homes can't offer. They have big hearts that they open wide throughout the story, which leads to trouble in some cases but they don't let that stop them from living by their own sense of what's important.
I found the book to be fun and fantastical, a somewhat less serious style of historical romance. I haven't read Vetted, opting instead to go in chronological order with the series instead of numerical, but this book has convinced me that I should consider following the rest of the series to find out how everything ties together.
In this story, the women work together to present themselves as a traditional family of that time. They're both aware of what's at stake if they're caught, and they're also aware of what they could gain if they're successful - the potential for freedom and happiness their childhood homes can't offer. They have big hearts that they open wide throughout the story, which leads to trouble in some cases but they don't let that stop them from living by their own sense of what's important.
I found the book to be fun and fantastical, a somewhat less serious style of historical romance. I haven't read Vetted, opting instead to go in chronological order with the series instead of numerical, but this book has convinced me that I should consider following the rest of the series to find out how everything ties together.
July 19, 2018
I will not review the plot, since many of the prior reviews and the book description offer good information on that already. I was intrigued from the first chapters, as the story of Erin and Molly gently unfolded. I was pleasantly surprised that Erin never experienced a "big reveal," was violently attacked, or lost her property as a result of pretending to be a man. Nor did her girlfriend/wife betray her. Yet, the story contains plenty of conflict. Erin and Molly face hardships both together and separately, as they build a life together, first on the farm and later as they travel to and along the Oregon Trail, and their personalities find unique ways to solve problems that could (and have) destroyed other people. I look forward to reading the next book in the saga, as well as other works by K'Anne Meinel.
November 5, 2023
4 stars. This was fantastic! Big improvement from book one from me. I loved it. It’s historical and it was a lot more interesting plot wise as Erin is living as a man to other people so that she and her wife Molly can live a normal life. It was very fascinating. I loved both of their characters and their romance was everything! They worked so well together and were perfect together. They adopt some children and just watching them adapt and learn how to raise them together was great. The kids are lovable. There was some great action scenes especially towards the end and this was just a really captivating, romantic, and exciting read. I’m so happy that the next book continues to follow Molly and Erin and their family because I’m obsessed and I need more of them.
August 24, 2018
Wagons ho to Oregon
The book’s outstanding writing deserves everyone’s attention. It will expand the way you see the world and hopefully impress upon you that no matter our lot in life we all want to be loved, respected and accepted for who we are and we all have gifts to share with the world. Starting from Ohio on the way to Oregon this girl couple picks up five kids and a bunch of sheep to add to the cattle, dogs, and cats they brought from home. Crossing rivers, fighting Indians, and bears is just what happens on the way. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the installment.
The book’s outstanding writing deserves everyone’s attention. It will expand the way you see the world and hopefully impress upon you that no matter our lot in life we all want to be loved, respected and accepted for who we are and we all have gifts to share with the world. Starting from Ohio on the way to Oregon this girl couple picks up five kids and a bunch of sheep to add to the cattle, dogs, and cats they brought from home. Crossing rivers, fighting Indians, and bears is just what happens on the way. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the installment.
March 13, 2020
it was a good storyline, I love the transgender aspect of it. it was heartwarming when they adopted the children. I definitely want to more about Tabetha. I love the fairness and equality the 2 women instilled in their children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2018
A good read. I found this book hard to get my teeth into at first but when they did eventually sink in i thoroughly enjoyed it.
That is why it gave it 4 out of 5 star's.
That is why it gave it 4 out of 5 star's.
August 7, 2018
Truly enjoyed the story! Brilliant strong women in love and building a future and a family together!
September 22, 2018
Excellent!
I loved Cavalcade. Just a great book. Lots of history, romance and excitement. I am really enjoying this series. Enjoy!
I loved Cavalcade. Just a great book. Lots of history, romance and excitement. I am really enjoying this series. Enjoy!
January 24, 2019
Good story
The story developed well but seemed a little rushed in the last third of the book. It’s a good read though.
The story developed well but seemed a little rushed in the last third of the book. It’s a good read though.
June 13, 2019
Great book
Really enjoyed this story. I always like period books and as a farmer I really enjoyed reading about a couple of lesbian farmers
Really enjoyed this story. I always like period books and as a farmer I really enjoyed reading about a couple of lesbian farmers
February 13, 2019
This is a touching and endearing story of two people in love. In a time when their love could cost them everything including their lives, they hold on to each other and work together in order to stay together.
I have read a few of the author's shortstories and jump at the chance to listen to one of her audiobook and I was not disappointed.
The narrator did a great job at portraying the emotions of the characters and bringing their world to life in the spoken word. I kn ow I will listen to this audiobook again.
I was given this free copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I have read a few of the author's shortstories and jump at the chance to listen to one of her audiobook and I was not disappointed.
The narrator did a great job at portraying the emotions of the characters and bringing their world to life in the spoken word. I kn ow I will listen to this audiobook again.
I was given this free copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 8, 2021
Great read
I don't leave reviews often. First you should know I'm disabled and read novels daily. It passes my time. I read this one in a day and i am impressed. I like historical books and this one will be read again. If i like a series i often re read it to catch any details i might have missed the first time around. I will definitely be reading books by this author again. I was sad to have the story end. I could have kept on going but i know all stories must end. I suggest you read these in order so you can get the most out of the books. This is one i will keep and read again in the future. It's just that good.
I don't leave reviews often. First you should know I'm disabled and read novels daily. It passes my time. I read this one in a day and i am impressed. I like historical books and this one will be read again. If i like a series i often re read it to catch any details i might have missed the first time around. I will definitely be reading books by this author again. I was sad to have the story end. I could have kept on going but i know all stories must end. I suggest you read these in order so you can get the most out of the books. This is one i will keep and read again in the future. It's just that good.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews