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Love on the Santa Fe Trail #1
Wagon Train Baby
From an award-winning author with more than one million books sold, a new series of four heartwarming historical romances about life on the Santa Fe trail. Note: each book can be read as a stand-alone.
A life-altering betrayal leaves Donna Grace alone, unmarried, and pregnant. She’s desperate to leave St. Louis, Missouri, and return to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she grew up, and the only way back is by wagon train. The wagon master refuses to let a single woman drive a wagon without a male escort. Donna knows she can’t trust men, but it seems she’s going to have to partner with one if she wants to get back home.
Luke Russell failed to protect his fiancée. Because of his neglect, she was murdered. He vows to never leave another person to face dangers on their own and to never again open his heart to love. When he overhears Donna Grace’s predicament he offers her a marriage of convenience that they will dissolve as soon they reach Santa Fe.
But the trail forces them to work together. The birth of Donna’s baby unites them in a way they can’t deny. Will the dangers and joys of the Santa Fe Trail break down the barriers these two have built around their hearts?
A life-altering betrayal leaves Donna Grace alone, unmarried, and pregnant. She’s desperate to leave St. Louis, Missouri, and return to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she grew up, and the only way back is by wagon train. The wagon master refuses to let a single woman drive a wagon without a male escort. Donna knows she can’t trust men, but it seems she’s going to have to partner with one if she wants to get back home.
Luke Russell failed to protect his fiancée. Because of his neglect, she was murdered. He vows to never leave another person to face dangers on their own and to never again open his heart to love. When he overhears Donna Grace’s predicament he offers her a marriage of convenience that they will dissolve as soon they reach Santa Fe.
But the trail forces them to work together. The birth of Donna’s baby unites them in a way they can’t deny. Will the dangers and joys of the Santa Fe Trail break down the barriers these two have built around their hearts?
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2018
3687 people are currently reading
1695 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ford
212 books365 followersLinda Ford grew up devouring books and making up stories in her head—often late at night when she couldn't sleep. But she hadn't planned to write. Instead, she dreamed of running an orphanage. In a way, that dream came true. She married, had four homemade children, adopted ten and lived (at times, endured) the dream.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
February 19, 2024
I read this book in a couple hours, but I wasn't a huge fan. It was just ... eh. The writing style didn't work for me, and the novel's plot was pretty predictable.
I skim-read toward the end because I thought it was boring. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood, though.
If you enjoy Christian historical romance and don't mind reading a book that's just for fun, this may be the one for you! Just not for me.
I skim-read toward the end because I thought it was boring. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood, though.
If you enjoy Christian historical romance and don't mind reading a book that's just for fun, this may be the one for you! Just not for me.
March 29, 2026
Wagon Train Baby is a Christian historical fiction of an unwed (very) pregnant young woman who desires to be a part of wagon train to escape the town she’s in and start anew. The big problem, she has no man escort and a single woman is not allowed to go on her own.
When a young man notices her plight, he offers her a marriage of “convenience”, get legally married by a preacher but with no strings attached. Thereby, she can make the trip she wants and provide the unborn child with a name (protecting it for future humiliation and shame)
Problem is - a lot of emotional baggage from both of them resulting in arguments and hurt feelings and being unable to communicate.
But that’s not all - there’s danger and hardship on this trail. It calls for tests of their faith.
When a young man notices her plight, he offers her a marriage of “convenience”, get legally married by a preacher but with no strings attached. Thereby, she can make the trip she wants and provide the unborn child with a name (protecting it for future humiliation and shame)
Problem is - a lot of emotional baggage from both of them resulting in arguments and hurt feelings and being unable to communicate.
But that’s not all - there’s danger and hardship on this trail. It calls for tests of their faith.
April 28, 2025
A marriage of convenience and a baby. There was a lot going on yet felt like just a story. This was not an emotional deep dive.
March 31, 2019
A Worthy Love
A tender story of trust and love amid shadows of the past. I appreciate the author's use of comforting scripture and inspirational hymns. A very satisfying read.
A tender story of trust and love amid shadows of the past. I appreciate the author's use of comforting scripture and inspirational hymns. A very satisfying read.
April 23, 2019
Good book. I wish it was a little more in depth about the characters back rounds.
December 17, 2024
Y’all these types of books are my guilty pleasure that I am willing to publicly share. And while this book was not great, I’ll take skim reading a story like this any day.
November 6, 2020
Donna Grace Clark and Luke Russell both are headed from St. Louis, Missouri to Santa Fe on the Santa Fe Trail when Donna Grace finds she needs a man to accompany her and her sister or be left behind. She was tricked into a false marriage and left expecting a baby and wants a new start for her child.
Luke hears of her problem and offers her a fake marriage to help her and also to atone for the guilt he feels when he failed to protect the woman he loved and she was murdered.
This sets up the Wagon Train Baby and how they found ways to help each other not only with the trip but also to confront and move past their personal problems. I liked it was a Christian romance and how they became to depend on one another, learning to laugh together and love each other and to plan a new life together. Sweet little Elena Rose was a great addition to the story and especially how Luke became part of her life even before her birth.
Luke hears of her problem and offers her a fake marriage to help her and also to atone for the guilt he feels when he failed to protect the woman he loved and she was murdered.
This sets up the Wagon Train Baby and how they found ways to help each other not only with the trip but also to confront and move past their personal problems. I liked it was a Christian romance and how they became to depend on one another, learning to laugh together and love each other and to plan a new life together. Sweet little Elena Rose was a great addition to the story and especially how Luke became part of her life even before her birth.
May 5, 2023
A quick book to pass time but not especially good in any way.
May 30, 2024
great Book
Very well written. Kept me reading till the end. Enjoyed the characters in the story. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Very well written. Kept me reading till the end. Enjoyed the characters in the story. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
August 7, 2024
Was interesting enough
March 23, 2024
What a beautiful story.
December 19, 2019
Pretty Good Read
This was a great story about starting over and making a new life after a scoundrel (wagon train language) and a liar leave a young woman pregnant . The Wagonmaster won't allow an unaccompanied woman on the train so Donna Grace and her sister Mary are not allowed to start their journey to Santa Fe.
A fellow called Luke overhears the dilemma and helps out by suggesting they do a pretend marriage for the duration of the trip. They both have previous sad pasts and become close especially when they discover a mutual religious affinity. Now here is why I gave the story 3 stars... For me, it became a bit distracting when a situation arose, they would pray on it for guidance . Alot! Quoting Bible passages from time to time is what keeps them close but in a couple of instances an urgent matter would come up and they would stop and pray on it. Or, if possibilities of danger arose they would ask God for his guidance and pray on it . Many many times they stopped and prayed or sang a verse to work a problem through.
I hope no one is offended by this, I actually knew it was a Christian story and have enjoyed many in the past. As a story though and character development though, these actions helped the characters fall in love but it made them seem kind of wooden, it was kind of like a default reaction. Usually, when characters are confronted by trouble, I love to see how they will act and how they talk things through...the reader can put themselves into the story and kind of disappear into the plot too. It just didn't happen enough for me. But,
The way Luke tries to get close to Donna Grace, (more than once he's hesitant to come on too strong for her) is very very sweet as he gently caresses her face from time to time . It's refreshing Not to read something graphic, all that was needed here was exactly that Romantic Touch! Amen
what's get to know one another
o much of that. usually what I love is when the people talk things through and
This was a great story about starting over and making a new life after a scoundrel (wagon train language) and a liar leave a young woman pregnant . The Wagonmaster won't allow an unaccompanied woman on the train so Donna Grace and her sister Mary are not allowed to start their journey to Santa Fe.
A fellow called Luke overhears the dilemma and helps out by suggesting they do a pretend marriage for the duration of the trip. They both have previous sad pasts and become close especially when they discover a mutual religious affinity. Now here is why I gave the story 3 stars... For me, it became a bit distracting when a situation arose, they would pray on it for guidance . Alot! Quoting Bible passages from time to time is what keeps them close but in a couple of instances an urgent matter would come up and they would stop and pray on it. Or, if possibilities of danger arose they would ask God for his guidance and pray on it . Many many times they stopped and prayed or sang a verse to work a problem through.
I hope no one is offended by this, I actually knew it was a Christian story and have enjoyed many in the past. As a story though and character development though, these actions helped the characters fall in love but it made them seem kind of wooden, it was kind of like a default reaction. Usually, when characters are confronted by trouble, I love to see how they will act and how they talk things through...the reader can put themselves into the story and kind of disappear into the plot too. It just didn't happen enough for me. But,
The way Luke tries to get close to Donna Grace, (more than once he's hesitant to come on too strong for her) is very very sweet as he gently caresses her face from time to time . It's refreshing Not to read something graphic, all that was needed here was exactly that Romantic Touch! Amen
what's get to know one another
o much of that. usually what I love is when the people talk things through and
August 22, 2018
Wonderful story of a rescue of a lady and her sister. Luke is truly a hero in her eyes and in the readers. He rescues this lady so she can go to Santa Fe to start her life over for her and her unborn baby. Previously she married a man, and was having his child, the problem with that marriage is he husband was already married. So now here is Donna Grace alone, unmarried and with child. She finds she can't join the wagon train without a man, husband, father, brother. So Luke steps up and offers her an alternative so she can go to NM. She is shocked and of course can't do this as now she does not trust men. All of them in her life had let her down. She takes Luke's offer of a marriage of convenience or a "pretend" marriage, just until she gets to Santa Fe. So the wagon train (including his bro and sister) believes it is a real marriage and it goes on from there. It is a good story and I recommend it to those who love stories of this nature. As for me I am a sucker for a "good wagon train story" and this one qualifies.
May 17, 2025
i guess i’m in my oregon train era….sos
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Để tăng cơ hội thắng khi tham gia đá gà, người chơi cần kết hợp quan sát, phân tích và chiến lược đặt cược hợp lý. Một số mẹo phổ biến bao gồm theo dõi lịch sử trận đấu của gà, đánh giá thể lực trước trận, quan sát cách di chuyển và phản xạ của gà trong thời gian thử sức. Trên MCW4579, người chơi còn có thể tham khảo các trận đấu demo, học hỏi từ kinh nghiệm của những người chơi lâu năm, và thử nhiều loại cược khác nhau để tìm ra chiến lược tối ưu.
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Tham gia đá gà không chỉ là trò chơi cá cược mà còn mang đến nhiều niềm vui và trải nghiệm thú vị. Người chơi được thưởng thức sự kịch tính của từng trận đấu, cảm giác hồi hộp khi đặt cược và niềm vui khi dự đoán chính xác kết quả. Ngoài ra, việc tham gia đá gà còn giúp rèn luyện khả năng quan sát, tư duy chiến thuật và quản lý cảm xúc trong các tình huống căng thẳng. MCW4579 mang đến một môi trường an toàn, minh bạch để người chơi trải nghiệm đầy đủ những lợi ích này.
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Với sự phát triển không ngừng của công nghệ, đá gà trực tuyến tại các nền tảng như MCW4579 ngày càng được nâng cao v��� chất lượng hình ảnh, âm thanh và tính minh bạch. Công nghệ truyền phát trực tiếp giúp người chơi cảm nhận trận đấu sống động, trong khi các công cụ phân tích thông tin chiến kê và tỷ lệ cược ngày càng chính xác. Tương lai của đá gà trực tuyến hứa hẹn sẽ mang đến trải nghiệm ngày càng hấp dẫn, vừa giải trí vừa thử thách kỹ năng dự đoán và chiến lược cá cược của người chơi.
Website:
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https://mcw4579.pro/
Địa Chỉ: 162 Đường Lê Duẩn, Phường Cửa Nam, Quận Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
SĐT: 0905134526
Post code: 110000
#mcw4579 #mcw4579_pro #mcw4579_com #mcw4579pro #mcw4579com
Chiến lược quản lý vốn trong đá gà
Quản lý vốn là yếu tố then chốt để tham gia đá gà hiệu quả. Người chơi nên đặt ra mức cược hợp lý, không nên đặt tất cả tiền vào một trận đấu duy nhất, và cần biết khi nào nên dừng lại để tránh rủi ro. Trên MCW4579, việc đặt cược được hỗ trợ nhiều công cụ giúp quản lý vốn, theo dõi lịch sử cược và phân tích tỷ lệ thắng. Những người chơi lâu năm đều chia sẻ rằng kỹ năng quản lý vốn thông minh giúp họ duy trì niềm vui khi tham gia đá gà mà không gặp phải áp lực tài chính.
Trải nghiệm đá gà trực tuyến tại MCW4579
Đá gà trực tuyến tại MCW4579 mang đến trải nghiệm gần như thực tế với hình ảnh và âm thanh sống động. Người chơi có thể xem trực tiếp các trận đấu, theo dõi hiệp đấu từng phút và đặt cược theo thời gian thực. Giao diện thân thiện, dễ sử dụng giúp người chơi dù mới lần đầu tham gia cũng có thể nhanh chóng làm quen. Ngoài ra, MCW4579 còn cung cấp các phân tích chuyên sâu về chiến kê, các mẹo đặt cược, và thống kê tỷ lệ thắng thua, tạo điều kiện cho người chơi nâng cao kỹ năng dự đoán kết quả trận đấu.
Các mẹo tăng cơ hội chiến thắng khi đá gà
Để tăng cơ hội thắng khi tham gia đá gà, người chơi cần kết hợp quan sát, phân tích và chiến lược đặt cược hợp lý. Một số mẹo phổ biến bao gồm theo dõi lịch sử trận đấu của gà, đánh giá thể lực trước trận, quan sát cách di chuyển và phản xạ của gà trong thời gian thử sức. Trên MCW4579, người chơi còn có thể tham khảo các trận đấu demo, học hỏi từ kinh nghiệm của những người chơi lâu năm, và thử nhiều loại cược khác nhau để tìm ra chiến lược tối ưu.
Lợi ích và niềm vui khi tham gia đá gà
Tham gia đá gà không chỉ là trò chơi cá cược mà còn mang đến nhiều niềm vui và trải nghiệm thú vị. Người chơi được thưởng thức sự kịch tính của từng trận đấu, cảm giác hồi hộp khi đặt cược và niềm vui khi dự đoán chính xác kết quả. Ngoài ra, việc tham gia đá gà còn giúp rèn luyện khả năng quan sát, tư duy chiến thuật và quản lý cảm xúc trong các tình huống căng thẳng. MCW4579 mang đến một môi trường an toàn, minh bạch để người chơi trải nghiệm đầy đủ những lợi ích này.
Tương lai của đá gà trực tuyến
Với sự phát triển không ngừng của công nghệ, đá gà trực tuyến tại các nền tảng như MCW4579 ngày càng được nâng cao v��� chất lượng hình ảnh, âm thanh và tính minh bạch. Công nghệ truyền phát trực tiếp giúp người chơi cảm nhận trận đấu sống động, trong khi các công cụ phân tích thông tin chiến kê và tỷ lệ cược ngày càng chính xác. Tương lai của đá gà trực tuyến hứa hẹn sẽ mang đến trải nghiệm ngày càng hấp dẫn, vừa giải trí vừa thử thách kỹ năng dự đoán và chiến lược cá cược của người chơi.
March 1, 2023
A lovely, sweet story about learning to accept God's love and forgiveness
A young woman was tricked into marriage by a man who was already married, and discovers the truth when his wife comes back into his life. Pregnant, hurt, and scared, she decides to travel back to Santa Fe as part of a late-season wagon train and to try and build a life for herself and her fatherless child with some money the man who tricked her had paid her in the hopes she'd leave him alone. Her father bails at the last minute, refusing to accompany her and her sister on the trip--and the wagon train won't allow unmarried women to join them without a chaperone.
A young man who fled his own unhappiness to be a driver on the wagon train overhears, and feels led to offer her a marriage of convenience to solve some of her problems. His own fiancee had been murdered some time earlier, and he is haunted by her death and guilt he feels over having failed to protect her. Determined to never love again, he thinks perhaps helping the pregnant woman and protecting her on the journey will somehow help attone for his failure. They marry and the wagon train departs.
The young woman is fixated on the idea of her baby waiting until they reach Santa Fe before being born, but of course this isn't going to happen. As they journey on, meeting various hardships, the woman and her rescuer become closer. Both begin to think that just maybe it wouldn't be so bad if they didn't end their marriage of convenience once they reach their destination...but both are scared of being hurt again, unsure if the other person might feel the same, and seem to have different plans. The stress and toll of the journey eventually make it plain that the baby just is not going to wait. The birth is an event that brings them even closer, but some long-simmering danger from the young woman's childhood and her cruel grandfather's past actions intervenes...and they are finally forced to face their own fears and their growing love.
I felt this was a lovely little story, even if the world-building isn't very deep. It didn't really need to be, as there is a lot of existing historical context and the supporting characters were fairly easy to envision. There are many Scriptural references and various situations showing that it isn't necessarily God who leaves us, but us leaving God to follow our doubts, fears, and past hurts into wrong paths--thinking we aren't worth His attention. A good read with an uplifting storyline.
A young woman was tricked into marriage by a man who was already married, and discovers the truth when his wife comes back into his life. Pregnant, hurt, and scared, she decides to travel back to Santa Fe as part of a late-season wagon train and to try and build a life for herself and her fatherless child with some money the man who tricked her had paid her in the hopes she'd leave him alone. Her father bails at the last minute, refusing to accompany her and her sister on the trip--and the wagon train won't allow unmarried women to join them without a chaperone.
A young man who fled his own unhappiness to be a driver on the wagon train overhears, and feels led to offer her a marriage of convenience to solve some of her problems. His own fiancee had been murdered some time earlier, and he is haunted by her death and guilt he feels over having failed to protect her. Determined to never love again, he thinks perhaps helping the pregnant woman and protecting her on the journey will somehow help attone for his failure. They marry and the wagon train departs.
The young woman is fixated on the idea of her baby waiting until they reach Santa Fe before being born, but of course this isn't going to happen. As they journey on, meeting various hardships, the woman and her rescuer become closer. Both begin to think that just maybe it wouldn't be so bad if they didn't end their marriage of convenience once they reach their destination...but both are scared of being hurt again, unsure if the other person might feel the same, and seem to have different plans. The stress and toll of the journey eventually make it plain that the baby just is not going to wait. The birth is an event that brings them even closer, but some long-simmering danger from the young woman's childhood and her cruel grandfather's past actions intervenes...and they are finally forced to face their own fears and their growing love.
I felt this was a lovely little story, even if the world-building isn't very deep. It didn't really need to be, as there is a lot of existing historical context and the supporting characters were fairly easy to envision. There are many Scriptural references and various situations showing that it isn't necessarily God who leaves us, but us leaving God to follow our doubts, fears, and past hurts into wrong paths--thinking we aren't worth His attention. A good read with an uplifting storyline.
May 29, 2019
My review today is on the Christian Historical Novel, Wagon Train Baby. This is the first book in the Love on the Santa Fe Trail Series. I have always enjoyed Linda's stories. This one is excellent. I really like marriage of convenience stories so I was excited to get it. This story is well written, heartwarming, and full of faith. I know you are going to love it.
Donna Grace Clark finds herself in a terrible situation. She had married what she thought was a good man only to find out he had lied to her and he was already married. He and his real wife are prancing around town and everyone is talking about Donna Grace as her pregnancy becomes more noticeable. She arranges for her sister, her father, and herself to go on a wagon train to Santa Fe where she had grown up. At the last minute her father refuses to go. The wagon master comes and tells her she can't go on the train. Women must be married or accompanied by their father or brother. The girls discuss what their options are but Donna Grace refuses to stay in this town. A man comes to her and offers to marry her and give the baby a name. The marriage will be in name only.
Luke Russell couldn't help hearing the wagon master and the girls discussing the situation. Luke felt like he had failed his beloved and this could be a way to atone for that. His brother has lost his wife and child maybe this is a way to him too. The woman had been badly treated he could help her. He makes the offer and marries the girl before evening is over. He'll be all that she and the baby needs. Then he will let her go.
A horrendous journey to cross the wilderness. Faith in God and trust in each other will have to be enough for this group. God has a plan for them a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you to, thoughts of peace, and not for evil, to give you an expected end. You must give Him your heart to see Him work in your life.
Donna Grace Clark finds herself in a terrible situation. She had married what she thought was a good man only to find out he had lied to her and he was already married. He and his real wife are prancing around town and everyone is talking about Donna Grace as her pregnancy becomes more noticeable. She arranges for her sister, her father, and herself to go on a wagon train to Santa Fe where she had grown up. At the last minute her father refuses to go. The wagon master comes and tells her she can't go on the train. Women must be married or accompanied by their father or brother. The girls discuss what their options are but Donna Grace refuses to stay in this town. A man comes to her and offers to marry her and give the baby a name. The marriage will be in name only.
Luke Russell couldn't help hearing the wagon master and the girls discussing the situation. Luke felt like he had failed his beloved and this could be a way to atone for that. His brother has lost his wife and child maybe this is a way to him too. The woman had been badly treated he could help her. He makes the offer and marries the girl before evening is over. He'll be all that she and the baby needs. Then he will let her go.
A horrendous journey to cross the wilderness. Faith in God and trust in each other will have to be enough for this group. God has a plan for them a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you to, thoughts of peace, and not for evil, to give you an expected end. You must give Him your heart to see Him work in your life.
November 3, 2020
This is an amazing story, a father sending his two young adult daughters to Santa Fe, New Mexico on a Wagon Train alone. The older daughter is very independent, can take care of herself, her younger sister, the animals and drive the wagon, even though she is pregnant with no husband. But the wagon master will not let her join the wagon train with no man to help her. A kind gentleman on the wagon train volunteers to help her, will he marry her, a total stranger? This story gets better as you read.
Every story and every author is unique in their storytelling this is one of them. It is an excellent, well written historical, Christian romance novel, I love this type of book. In the 1800's during the gold rush days when so many people in the East packed up to head West for free land, not knowing the trials, decisions or hardships they would face. This author, Linda Ford shares these adventures, the journey and good history with us in this book. I enjoyed reading of these brave families and their lives. This was interesting, historical and entertaining. It is a series, although these books are stand alone. I recommend this book to everyone of all ages.
Every story and every author is unique in their storytelling this is one of them. It is an excellent, well written historical, Christian romance novel, I love this type of book. In the 1800's during the gold rush days when so many people in the East packed up to head West for free land, not knowing the trials, decisions or hardships they would face. This author, Linda Ford shares these adventures, the journey and good history with us in this book. I enjoyed reading of these brave families and their lives. This was interesting, historical and entertaining. It is a series, although these books are stand alone. I recommend this book to everyone of all ages.
March 23, 2019
Do you agree to his plan? Donna Grace and her younger sister are looking for a better life and now that her father won't be joining them on the trail to Santa Fe she is worried. Luke knows that he can help them she just needs to marry him so that they can continue their journey. Donna Grace really doesn't have a choice she needs to get Santa Fe before the baby comes so she agrees to his plan. Luke never wanted to get married as he lost his wife to be had been murdered and he blames himself he should have been with her so if he can help Donna Grace this will be part of his penance. Donna Grace can't really understand his reasons but she needs his help for now but everything doesn't go according to plan as someone kidnaps her and Luke fears that he has lost her for good. Can he get Donna Grace to stay with him for good as they are a good match and he has fallen for her and the baby? She is afraid that he might break her heart so he isn't too sure if she should take that chance? Can they work things out? A good read.
April 1, 2019
Sweet story
Two wounded hearts must learn to forgive and trust in order to heal.
Donna Grace has been betrayed by her Grandfather and his negative words towards her and then betrayed by married man who married her but left when his wife found out. Luke once engaged to Ellen until he lost her in a horrible accident.
At the last minute Donna Grace father backs out of traveling with her and her sister on the wagon train to Santa Fe and the wagon master refuses to allow them to travel with the group. Luke has over heard her plight and propose a pretend marriage until they reach Santa Fe. Since Donna Grace is pregnant with no life with her father she agrees to marry until she and her sister get to Santa Fe.
She has an extremely independent struck an he has a crazy need to protect and provide for her can they find themselves a middle ground and open up to each other? Will unexpected events bring them together? Read and find out!
Two wounded hearts must learn to forgive and trust in order to heal.
Donna Grace has been betrayed by her Grandfather and his negative words towards her and then betrayed by married man who married her but left when his wife found out. Luke once engaged to Ellen until he lost her in a horrible accident.
At the last minute Donna Grace father backs out of traveling with her and her sister on the wagon train to Santa Fe and the wagon master refuses to allow them to travel with the group. Luke has over heard her plight and propose a pretend marriage until they reach Santa Fe. Since Donna Grace is pregnant with no life with her father she agrees to marry until she and her sister get to Santa Fe.
She has an extremely independent struck an he has a crazy need to protect and provide for her can they find themselves a middle ground and open up to each other? Will unexpected events bring them together? Read and find out!
November 22, 2024
Set in 1848, this book launched the Santa Fe Trail series. I am a big western history fan and especially enjoy a good wagon train story. This is one of my favorites. Both main characters are struggling with painful pasts. Strong, independent, and pregnant heroine Donna Grace Clark needs help, but she is determined to manage on her own and travel to Santa Fe with her sister on the wagon train to start a new life. Caring, protective hero Luke Russell is just as determined to do what needs to be done to help her. Convinced that a marriage of convenience with no emotional involvement is the best solution, they set off on the wagon train to Santa Fe. What ensues is a heartwarming, engaging, adventurous journey. A well-paced plot, well-crafted characters, a creditably sketched western setting, a sweetly developing marriage of convenience romance, and an encouraging faith thread combine to make an uplifting, enjoyable read.
November 23, 2024
A good, clean western romance.
A young woman finds herself married and pregnant...until her husband's wife arrives in town. She now is the disgraced "other woman", and finds herself paid a small damages fee and trying to find her way back to her childhood home. This means she must join the last wagon train of the season, except the rules require her to have a father, husband, brother, or other close male relation travel with her. Unfortunately, her father won't escort her. And, no one of character wishes to marry a woman in her condition--except for one man who overhears her predicament and offers the protection of a marriage of convenience. It can be dissolved once they reach Santa Fe, and they can continue on with their lives. She agrees, and finds herself on both a physical journey and a journey of healing. This book is predictable with a few surprises along the way. It is a great option to settle down with when you need a gentle story.
A young woman finds herself married and pregnant...until her husband's wife arrives in town. She now is the disgraced "other woman", and finds herself paid a small damages fee and trying to find her way back to her childhood home. This means she must join the last wagon train of the season, except the rules require her to have a father, husband, brother, or other close male relation travel with her. Unfortunately, her father won't escort her. And, no one of character wishes to marry a woman in her condition--except for one man who overhears her predicament and offers the protection of a marriage of convenience. It can be dissolved once they reach Santa Fe, and they can continue on with their lives. She agrees, and finds herself on both a physical journey and a journey of healing. This book is predictable with a few surprises along the way. It is a great option to settle down with when you need a gentle story.
January 15, 2026
Very sweet story about a young woman who finds out her marriage was not real. The man she married was already married and now she is pregnant. To avoid all the talk and everyone knowing her baby is fatherless she decided to join a wagon train, along with her sister and father, and move across the country to start again. At the last minute her father changed his mind and the man in charge of the wagon train refused to take the 2 women without a man. Luke, who is traveling with his family overhears them and offers a pretend marriage just until they get to their destination. After thinking about it she agrees and they get married quickly before the wagons leave. They have several adventures on the trail and I am sure the ending will be no surprise.
I knew the story would have religion in it but for me it was a little too much. Not my normal read but I am glad I read it.
I knew the story would have religion in it but for me it was a little too much. Not my normal read but I am glad I read it.
March 20, 2019
Luke and Donna Grace
Donna Grace ,, her sister and father were going to leave with the wagon train in the morning. Her father decided that he doesn't want to go and the girls can go on to Santa Fe by themselves. The only problem being the Wagon train boss refuses to allow two single female to travel alone in his train. Like and his brother and sister are signed on the train already. He overheard their problem and offers a marriage of convenience to Donna Grace until they reach Santa Fe. They have hardship, adventure, excitment, and a kidnapping on their journey. Will they find happiness and real love along the way? This is a very good story and you will enjoy every page of it.
Donna Grace ,, her sister and father were going to leave with the wagon train in the morning. Her father decided that he doesn't want to go and the girls can go on to Santa Fe by themselves. The only problem being the Wagon train boss refuses to allow two single female to travel alone in his train. Like and his brother and sister are signed on the train already. He overheard their problem and offers a marriage of convenience to Donna Grace until they reach Santa Fe. They have hardship, adventure, excitment, and a kidnapping on their journey. Will they find happiness and real love along the way? This is a very good story and you will enjoy every page of it.
April 6, 2019
I found this to be a new twist on wagon train romances. The author's different approach to this and 'marriage-of-convenience' captured and held my attention. I couldn't wait to see how the whole story would unfold.
Donna Grace is an admirable heroine, striving to make the best of a terrible situation. The way her experiences shape her at the beginning of the novel and her growth throughout the tale encouraged me.
Just to let you know, there are some repetitive bits. If that kind of thing bothers you, you might want to give this one a pass. If not, give it a try. I found it to be a peaceful, enjoyable book, just right for unwinding after a busy day.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean reads, romance, inspirational romance, historical fiction, or old west romance.
Donna Grace is an admirable heroine, striving to make the best of a terrible situation. The way her experiences shape her at the beginning of the novel and her growth throughout the tale encouraged me.
Just to let you know, there are some repetitive bits. If that kind of thing bothers you, you might want to give this one a pass. If not, give it a try. I found it to be a peaceful, enjoyable book, just right for unwinding after a busy day.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean reads, romance, inspirational romance, historical fiction, or old west romance.
May 2, 2019
This series could be outstanding, if this Book 1 of the Love on the Santa Fe Trail series is any example. It's a historical Christian romance, and I think I need to give it five stars.
It's hard to come up with an untried variation on the romance genres. They mostly start out with girl hates guy (and vice versa) and wind up with them falling in love with each other. This one adds a baby to the picture that the guy didn't father. That can be a little ticklish. Add to the fact that both the guy and the gal begin with intentions to split when they reach Santa Fe. All she needs is to have a man holding the reins on her covered wagon. All he needs is to know is that he saved one woman from hardship and/or death.
I think you'll like this one.
It's hard to come up with an untried variation on the romance genres. They mostly start out with girl hates guy (and vice versa) and wind up with them falling in love with each other. This one adds a baby to the picture that the guy didn't father. That can be a little ticklish. Add to the fact that both the guy and the gal begin with intentions to split when they reach Santa Fe. All she needs is to have a man holding the reins on her covered wagon. All he needs is to know is that he saved one woman from hardship and/or death.
I think you'll like this one.
November 7, 2019
Love Found on the Santa Fe Trail
Donna Grace and her sister, Mary Mae, joined a wagon train headed to Santa Fe. Donna Grace was expecting a baby, but it turned out that the man she married was actually married before he married Donna Grace and she just wanted to get away from her home before her pregnancy was noticeable. She had a grandfather in Santa Fe and wanted to stay with them until the baby came.
Donna Grace caught the attention of a young man working on the wagon train and he offered to marry Donna Grace and give the baby his name. The precious baby was born and the "father" was really proud o his daughter.
Read the book to find out about a kidnapping and how this was resolved.
Donna Grace and her sister, Mary Mae, joined a wagon train headed to Santa Fe. Donna Grace was expecting a baby, but it turned out that the man she married was actually married before he married Donna Grace and she just wanted to get away from her home before her pregnancy was noticeable. She had a grandfather in Santa Fe and wanted to stay with them until the baby came.
Donna Grace caught the attention of a young man working on the wagon train and he offered to marry Donna Grace and give the baby his name. The precious baby was born and the "father" was really proud o his daughter.
Read the book to find out about a kidnapping and how this was resolved.
August 1, 2020
Donna Grace alone, unmarried, and pregnant leaves St. Louis, Missouri, and returns to Santa Fe, New Mexico by wagon train. The wagon master refuses to let a single woman drive a wagon without a male escort. Donna can’t trust men, but it seems she’s going to have to partner with Luke Russell. When he overhears Donna’s predicament he offers her a marriage of convenience that they will dissolve as soon they reach Santa Fe. The birth of Donna’s baby unites them in a way they can’t deny.
I felt the dangers of the Santa Fe Trail. The baby born brought joy. (I love it!) Nothing like a hardship to break down barriers of the heart. Historic novel at its best. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I felt the dangers of the Santa Fe Trail. The baby born brought joy. (I love it!) Nothing like a hardship to break down barriers of the heart. Historic novel at its best. I look forward to the next book in this series.
November 8, 2020
Tender love blossoms under tenuous circumstances
A strong, independent woman caught in a crushing dilemma not of her own making fights to regain her honor and self esteem. The impossible task can only be accomplished with the help of a willing candidate to enter a into a pretend covenant of marriage. The saving grace in such an awkward collusion can only succeed with both individuals drawing on their individual faith and inner commitment to God. Evil comes against them from various directions as the wagon train they travel with winds it’s way from Independence Kansas toward Santa Fe New Mexico. The characters are engaging and well developed with inner fears and personal reactions that reveal individual shortcomings.
A strong, independent woman caught in a crushing dilemma not of her own making fights to regain her honor and self esteem. The impossible task can only be accomplished with the help of a willing candidate to enter a into a pretend covenant of marriage. The saving grace in such an awkward collusion can only succeed with both individuals drawing on their individual faith and inner commitment to God. Evil comes against them from various directions as the wagon train they travel with winds it’s way from Independence Kansas toward Santa Fe New Mexico. The characters are engaging and well developed with inner fears and personal reactions that reveal individual shortcomings.
August 28, 2018
Linda Ford's books are always winners. This was no exception. A young woman marries a man and becomes pregnant only to find he is already married to someone else! She wants to go back to Santa Fe, the only place that she ever felt she belongs. The problem is how to get there without a man. Can't be done.
The hero steps in and offers a "marriage of convenience". He carries a boatload of guilt about not being able to protect his fiancé and vows to not let any other woman down.
The baby is supposed to wait until they get to Santa Fe to be born. She doesn't!
Add in the problems of the trail, bad guys and other issues, Linda's writing style, and it's a "can't put it down story!"
The hero steps in and offers a "marriage of convenience". He carries a boatload of guilt about not being able to protect his fiancé and vows to not let any other woman down.
The baby is supposed to wait until they get to Santa Fe to be born. She doesn't!
Add in the problems of the trail, bad guys and other issues, Linda's writing style, and it's a "can't put it down story!"
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