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Legacy of Love #5
The Journey
After losing their father along the Oregon Trail, Samantha Waldron and her young brother, Micah, must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. When their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they rely on British exporter Alexander Clarke to escort them to Fort Vancouver. A number of men vie for Samantha’s affections, but the only one who intrigues her is the one she cannot have. When Alex’s betrothed arrives from Britain, Samantha becomes determined to create a home far away from the fort. But when Micah disappears into the wilderness alone, Samantha must rely on the man she loves to rescue her brother before it’s too late.
323 pages, ebook
First published September 28, 2012
209 people are currently reading
952 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Dobson
46 books1,738 followersWriting fiction is a fun excuse for Melanie to explore ghost towns and old houses, travel to unusual places, and spend hours reading dusty books and journals. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction with threads of romance and suspense.
Melanie is the award-winning author of almost thirty time-slip, historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels including Catching the Wind, The Winter Rose, and The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Five of her novels including Chateau of Secrets have won Carol Awards, Catching the Wind won the Audie 2018 Inspirational Fiction award, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana. Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass were both finalists for Christy Awards in historical fiction.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobsons have finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing or researching, she enjoys line dancing, biking, and making up stories with her kids.
More information about her and her books is available on her website at www.melaniedobson.com. You can also connect with Melanie at www.facebook.com/melaniedobsonfiction.
Melanie is the award-winning author of almost thirty time-slip, historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels including Catching the Wind, The Winter Rose, and The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Five of her novels including Chateau of Secrets have won Carol Awards, Catching the Wind won the Audie 2018 Inspirational Fiction award, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana. Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass were both finalists for Christy Awards in historical fiction.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobsons have finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing or researching, she enjoys line dancing, biking, and making up stories with her kids.
More information about her and her books is available on her website at www.melaniedobson.com. You can also connect with Melanie at www.facebook.com/melaniedobsonfiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 2, 2012
In the year 1842, Samantha Waldron could never have imagined the perils her family would face on their journey to Oregon. She pushed herself for the sake of her little brother Micah and a new life in Oregon. They must make it to the trails end of Williamette Valley, Oregon. Her father has a dream that it is the Land of Milk and Honey and will where they build their home.
Samantha has crossed rivers on this the trail to Oregon but not like this last river the Columbia River which they must cross. She just wasn't expecting to cross in a storm. She was having a difficult time keeping the canoe on course especially with the rain filling the canoe up with water and then the canoe capsizes dumping her and Micah into the freezing cold waters of the raging river.
Lord Alexander Clarke notices a canoe trying to cross the river from the opposite side. He can tell they are in trouble row out to them. As he nears their canoe it capsizes and he pulls a small boy out of the water then he grabs the woman by her dress and manages to get them to shore.
Samantha takes several days to get her strength back. During this time Micah plays with the children at the Fort under Alex's supervision.
Alex felt as if he needed to protect Samantha and Micah. When she got her strength back Alex offers her a job as a teacher for the children that live within the Fort. Since she has lost everything she was grateful for the offer. But she will only have this job until the next ship arrives with the new teacher. Come to find out Alex will be leaving on that same ship to return to England. He is promised to be married back in England due to an arranged marriage.
Alex has fallen in love with this land and if it were not for his obligations in England he would stay and build a life in Oregon. As he prepares to return to England young Micah sneaks out of the Fort, to find his dog, while Samantha was sleeping and she came straight to Alex for help. Alex promises he will not return to the Fort until he finds Micah.
Will Alex find Micah? Can Samantha make it on her own without the teaching position. How does she feel about Alex leaving for England? Will Alex really be happy living with his betrothed in England?
While reading this book you will need a supply of tissues. Also I want to warn you that as your anxiety builds while reading this book it may cause you to snap at loved ones if they interrupt your reading. You will not want to put this book down until the end of the trail. I meant end of the book.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse/Summerside Press for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
Samantha has crossed rivers on this the trail to Oregon but not like this last river the Columbia River which they must cross. She just wasn't expecting to cross in a storm. She was having a difficult time keeping the canoe on course especially with the rain filling the canoe up with water and then the canoe capsizes dumping her and Micah into the freezing cold waters of the raging river.
Lord Alexander Clarke notices a canoe trying to cross the river from the opposite side. He can tell they are in trouble row out to them. As he nears their canoe it capsizes and he pulls a small boy out of the water then he grabs the woman by her dress and manages to get them to shore.
Samantha takes several days to get her strength back. During this time Micah plays with the children at the Fort under Alex's supervision.
Alex felt as if he needed to protect Samantha and Micah. When she got her strength back Alex offers her a job as a teacher for the children that live within the Fort. Since she has lost everything she was grateful for the offer. But she will only have this job until the next ship arrives with the new teacher. Come to find out Alex will be leaving on that same ship to return to England. He is promised to be married back in England due to an arranged marriage.
Alex has fallen in love with this land and if it were not for his obligations in England he would stay and build a life in Oregon. As he prepares to return to England young Micah sneaks out of the Fort, to find his dog, while Samantha was sleeping and she came straight to Alex for help. Alex promises he will not return to the Fort until he finds Micah.
Will Alex find Micah? Can Samantha make it on her own without the teaching position. How does she feel about Alex leaving for England? Will Alex really be happy living with his betrothed in England?
While reading this book you will need a supply of tissues. Also I want to warn you that as your anxiety builds while reading this book it may cause you to snap at loved ones if they interrupt your reading. You will not want to put this book down until the end of the trail. I meant end of the book.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse/Summerside Press for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
October 25, 2019
Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Timeframe: 1840s
Format: e-book
Main characters:
Samantha and Micah Waldron: brother and sister traveling with their father on the Oregon Trail
Lord Alexander Clarke: British lord learning the trapping business for his uncle at Fort Vancouver
Doctor McLoughlin: Commander of Fort Vancouver
Lucille McLean: Samantha’s best friend
A sweet, very clean historic fiction book about families driving the Oregon Trail to the Willamette Valley, Oregon Territory, a place said to be rich in soil and resources. The highlighted family were the Waldrons. A lawyer by trade, Mr. Waldron saved for years to afford a new life in farming on the land so many heard was awaiting settlers.
It took the Waldrons seventeen of the thirty-three chapters (2000 miles) to make it to Fort Vancouver (Washington side of the Columbia River) with separations, and loss of life and possessions along the way. Engaging journey with true history along the Oregon Trail.
Once there, Samantha was offered a temporary position as a teacher, a position that afforded her an opportunity to meet families and employees at the fort. One in particular, Lord Alex Clarke, was charged with keeping watch over her, but he was soon to return to England, taking up his inherited place as heir and head of the family business, and marry a gentlewoman with whom he'd been betrothed for years.
****************************************
A bit of history the author added at the end:
After the first settlers came to Oregon Country in 1843, about 300,000 emigrated over the following 20 years. One tenth of them perished along the way. It was a rough journey, mostly walking for months, hoping to make it across the treacherous mountains before snowfall.
Having traveled some of the Oregon Trail on ATVs, even riding over the worn ruts still there today, I can attest to some of the hardships they may have suffered: Mountains and rocky roads, canyons and bodies of water to cross, even huge drop offs where the trail seemed to stop; having to lower oxen and wagons on a makeshift pulley system to get to the rest of the trail at the bottom.
I can highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys westward
-settler historical fiction. Easy to read, fascinating book.
Note: Originally part of An American Tapestry series in 2012, published by Summerside Press, this book was retitled as The Journey in 2019, and now part of the Legacy of Love Series, published by Ember Roth Books.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Timeframe: 1840s
Format: e-book
Main characters:
Samantha and Micah Waldron: brother and sister traveling with their father on the Oregon Trail
Lord Alexander Clarke: British lord learning the trapping business for his uncle at Fort Vancouver
Doctor McLoughlin: Commander of Fort Vancouver
Lucille McLean: Samantha’s best friend
A sweet, very clean historic fiction book about families driving the Oregon Trail to the Willamette Valley, Oregon Territory, a place said to be rich in soil and resources. The highlighted family were the Waldrons. A lawyer by trade, Mr. Waldron saved for years to afford a new life in farming on the land so many heard was awaiting settlers.
It took the Waldrons seventeen of the thirty-three chapters (2000 miles) to make it to Fort Vancouver (Washington side of the Columbia River) with separations, and loss of life and possessions along the way. Engaging journey with true history along the Oregon Trail.
Once there, Samantha was offered a temporary position as a teacher, a position that afforded her an opportunity to meet families and employees at the fort. One in particular, Lord Alex Clarke, was charged with keeping watch over her, but he was soon to return to England, taking up his inherited place as heir and head of the family business, and marry a gentlewoman with whom he'd been betrothed for years.
****************************************
A bit of history the author added at the end:
After the first settlers came to Oregon Country in 1843, about 300,000 emigrated over the following 20 years. One tenth of them perished along the way. It was a rough journey, mostly walking for months, hoping to make it across the treacherous mountains before snowfall.
Having traveled some of the Oregon Trail on ATVs, even riding over the worn ruts still there today, I can attest to some of the hardships they may have suffered: Mountains and rocky roads, canyons and bodies of water to cross, even huge drop offs where the trail seemed to stop; having to lower oxen and wagons on a makeshift pulley system to get to the rest of the trail at the bottom.
I can highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys westward
-settler historical fiction. Easy to read, fascinating book.
Note: Originally part of An American Tapestry series in 2012, published by Summerside Press, this book was retitled as The Journey in 2019, and now part of the Legacy of Love Series, published by Ember Roth Books.
December 2, 2020
This has been sitting on my Kindle for far too long. Dobson is always a solid writer with plots that take their time to unfold and diverse characters.
This book reflects the real-0life struggles of the Oregon trail, but I have to say that the first half of the book was so sad and full of hardship, it ended up not being my favorite.
I still say this is a solid read and a realistic look at the cost of coming west for so many people.
This book reflects the real-0life struggles of the Oregon trail, but I have to say that the first half of the book was so sad and full of hardship, it ended up not being my favorite.
I still say this is a solid read and a realistic look at the cost of coming west for so many people.
September 19, 2021
Traces a wagon train through all its difficulties and loss of life from Missouri to the Oregon Territory. Well written and enjoyable read.
November 8, 2012
Samantha Waldron is entering the final stages of her trip across the country. Joining others looking for the fertile Willamette Valley, Samantha, her father, and her brother have been traveling the Oregon Trail. They have given up everything in hope for a new life, but it appears they may have to give up even more before they can get to Oregon. Meanwhile, Alex Clarke is an important person in the fur business. Being a proper British man, he's tired of helping all these Americans arriving with nothing but dreams and immense hunger. When Alex ends up helping Samantha though, they both begin to rethink what it takes to live out west.
I love historical novels, and this book had a lot of interesting details in it. The harsh conditions of traveling across the Oregon Trail were very apparent. It really made me appreciate what strength and spirit it took to be able to complete the journey. I don't think I would have blamed anyone for wanting to turn back. There was also an element of luck involved, as evidenced by some of the bad things that happened to Samantha and her company. I really knew next to nothing about the fur and trapping business, so the book allowed me to learn some about that as well. I appreciate how much the governor really went out of his way to help all the struggling Americans. They were under no obligation to help, and yet they did. I could appreciate Alex's reticence to help, but he had a good heart no matter what and did what must be done.
More than anything I really admired Samantha. Her tenacity was amazing. She knew what her end goal was, and she was going to accomplish this no matter what. I also loved her open-mindedness about all the peoples she came across. I really enjoyed this book. It made me feel very lucky to be sitting in my air conditioned house on the couch just reading about it though. I think that to survive the trip west people really had to have a sense of purpose, and Samantha definitely had that. The further I got in the book, the less I wanted to put it down. There was a lot of action and adventure, so that also helped to keep my interest. I loved this book, and I think fans of history will also appreciate the human touch brought in this book.
Book provided for review.
October 5, 2012
Title: WHERE THE TRAIL ENDS
Author: Melanie Dobson
Publisher: Summerside Press
October 2012
ISBN: 978-1609366858
Genre: Historical/Oregon Trail
Samantha Waldron, her brother and father are on the Oregon Trail with a wagon train of other hopeful settlers of the west. Samantha plans to marry handsome Jack at the trails end, with her father’s blessing. But their wagon master doesn’t seem to know what he’s doing or where he’s going, relying on tales from trappers, and putting them in danger.
Alexander Clarke is in the Oregon Territory to learn the Hudson Bay business from bottom to top, then he plans to go back to England and take his rightful place as Lord. But the Americans keep coming west, walking over the mountains after losing their wagons full of belongings. And the director of the business is being too friendly to the settlers, helping them get on their feet instead of thinking of the bottom line.
When Samantha’s brother goes missing in the mountains, Samantha desperately searches for him, with the help of the one man she loves. Will she find her brother alive? And will she marry the man she wants?
WHERE THE TRAIL ENDS is a historical story that doesn’t gloss over the trials of the Oregon Trail as so many other books set on that treacherous journey do. Real life is involved, with illness, death, disease, loss of wagons and livestock, unreasonable rules, and danger from either man or beast.
I really appreciated this story, the faith as they went through trials, and the history of our country that was so seamlessly woven in. History bluffs and historical romance fans will want to read WHERE THE TRAIL ENDS. There is also included a long section of notes from the author that were quite fascinating. Recommended. $12.99. 336 pages.
Author: Melanie Dobson
Publisher: Summerside Press
October 2012
ISBN: 978-1609366858
Genre: Historical/Oregon Trail
Samantha Waldron, her brother and father are on the Oregon Trail with a wagon train of other hopeful settlers of the west. Samantha plans to marry handsome Jack at the trails end, with her father’s blessing. But their wagon master doesn’t seem to know what he’s doing or where he’s going, relying on tales from trappers, and putting them in danger.
Alexander Clarke is in the Oregon Territory to learn the Hudson Bay business from bottom to top, then he plans to go back to England and take his rightful place as Lord. But the Americans keep coming west, walking over the mountains after losing their wagons full of belongings. And the director of the business is being too friendly to the settlers, helping them get on their feet instead of thinking of the bottom line.
When Samantha’s brother goes missing in the mountains, Samantha desperately searches for him, with the help of the one man she loves. Will she find her brother alive? And will she marry the man she wants?
WHERE THE TRAIL ENDS is a historical story that doesn’t gloss over the trials of the Oregon Trail as so many other books set on that treacherous journey do. Real life is involved, with illness, death, disease, loss of wagons and livestock, unreasonable rules, and danger from either man or beast.
I really appreciated this story, the faith as they went through trials, and the history of our country that was so seamlessly woven in. History bluffs and historical romance fans will want to read WHERE THE TRAIL ENDS. There is also included a long section of notes from the author that were quite fascinating. Recommended. $12.99. 336 pages.
October 5, 2012
Being an Oregonian since the age of two, I’m always eager to find a book set in Oregon or on the Oregon Trail since I’m a historical junkie. The latest novel set on the path walked by hundreds of pioneers couldn’t exactly be classified as a romance, as the reader doesn’t meet the hero until a hundred pages from the end, but it certainly is a journey for a heroine that is determined and strong!
I think more than anything, the style of this novel wasn’t my perfect fit. Probably because we don’t meet the love part of the story until almost at the end and then it felt a bit rushed for me personally.
Taking the journey across the Oregon Trail has never been something that has been portrayed as easy and I have to feel for the people who walked so many miles and had to give up so much along the way. It tears at the heart a little bit and yet gives great respect to the dream of so many.
“Where the Trail Ends” wasn’t exactly my favorite, but what respect I have for the characters and the journey they took across such a harsh landscape.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.
I think more than anything, the style of this novel wasn’t my perfect fit. Probably because we don’t meet the love part of the story until almost at the end and then it felt a bit rushed for me personally.
Taking the journey across the Oregon Trail has never been something that has been portrayed as easy and I have to feel for the people who walked so many miles and had to give up so much along the way. It tears at the heart a little bit and yet gives great respect to the dream of so many.
“Where the Trail Ends” wasn’t exactly my favorite, but what respect I have for the characters and the journey they took across such a harsh landscape.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.
September 29, 2012
In some ways this story reminded me of others I'd read about the journey west on the Oregon Trail, but strangely it was less depressing than most. I liked how the author portrayed the heroine and the mettle she had that helped her endure to the end. It took a lot of determination to survive back in the pioneer days. So many people died on the way. But at the same time, for those who arrived, there had to be so much joy at arriving at their destination, especially after having traveled for so long.
The love story was sweet and the tension between them palpable at times. But the hero was a man of honor, and of course, there had to be the typical misunderstanding that often happens in romantic fiction. I enjoyed the story and the strong heroine, and at the same time I didn't find it as compelling as some of Melanie's other books. But I couldn't stop reading, so the pacing was just right to keep me hanging on to the end. If you enjoy historical fiction, you'll enjoy this novel. It shows the many of the hardships the emigrants traveling out west experienced, but without the gloomy feeling that often accompanies such historical tales.
The love story was sweet and the tension between them palpable at times. But the hero was a man of honor, and of course, there had to be the typical misunderstanding that often happens in romantic fiction. I enjoyed the story and the strong heroine, and at the same time I didn't find it as compelling as some of Melanie's other books. But I couldn't stop reading, so the pacing was just right to keep me hanging on to the end. If you enjoy historical fiction, you'll enjoy this novel. It shows the many of the hardships the emigrants traveling out west experienced, but without the gloomy feeling that often accompanies such historical tales.
September 28, 2012
Although it took me awhile to get into this book, once I did I couldn't put it down.
A realistic look at what life was like for the pioneers who settled the Western part of our county. Samantha Waldron, her Dad and young brother Micah are traveling to Oregon. I hated some of the things that happened to these people, and the Wagon Master. I wanted to shake him... ugh!
Be sure to have a box of tissues handy on this Journey. We see some beautiful sites, but having to be lowered by ropes?? Ride along in the wagon...or I should say put your walking shoes on and travel for a few thousand miles.
Long lasting relationships are established here, and many of them are going to last for the rest of their lives...however long the Lord has them stay.
Don't miss the incredible happenings that go on near the end of this book. I also found Micah so endearing!! A good read to really learn what hardships are.
I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Book Tours and was not required to give a positive review.
A realistic look at what life was like for the pioneers who settled the Western part of our county. Samantha Waldron, her Dad and young brother Micah are traveling to Oregon. I hated some of the things that happened to these people, and the Wagon Master. I wanted to shake him... ugh!
Be sure to have a box of tissues handy on this Journey. We see some beautiful sites, but having to be lowered by ropes?? Ride along in the wagon...or I should say put your walking shoes on and travel for a few thousand miles.
Long lasting relationships are established here, and many of them are going to last for the rest of their lives...however long the Lord has them stay.
Don't miss the incredible happenings that go on near the end of this book. I also found Micah so endearing!! A good read to really learn what hardships are.
I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Book Tours and was not required to give a positive review.
December 4, 2014
"Why do you Waldrons keep running?"
Samantha Waldron has been on the move for many months. Initially, with her father and brother; leaving a comfortable home for the rigorous, unforgiving Oregon trail. After enduring endless hardships, tragic circumstances slow her progress and she settles with her brother at Fort Vancouver, only to discover that her broken heart must push her forward once again.
Lord Alexander Clarke is also anxious to keep moving; to leave the American wilderness and head back to England where his prosperous future and elegant fiancé await him. But as the departure date draws nearer, he becomes less certain of those plans; especially after he rescues a lovely young woman and her brother from certain death, in the middle of a raging river.
Will the trail ever end for Samantha and Alex?
Melanie Dobson has woven rich history into a story of courage, determination and love. It is a fascinating read and inspires deep appreciation for those who settled the western frontiers of our beautiful country.
Samantha Waldron has been on the move for many months. Initially, with her father and brother; leaving a comfortable home for the rigorous, unforgiving Oregon trail. After enduring endless hardships, tragic circumstances slow her progress and she settles with her brother at Fort Vancouver, only to discover that her broken heart must push her forward once again.
Lord Alexander Clarke is also anxious to keep moving; to leave the American wilderness and head back to England where his prosperous future and elegant fiancé await him. But as the departure date draws nearer, he becomes less certain of those plans; especially after he rescues a lovely young woman and her brother from certain death, in the middle of a raging river.
Will the trail ever end for Samantha and Alex?
Melanie Dobson has woven rich history into a story of courage, determination and love. It is a fascinating read and inspires deep appreciation for those who settled the western frontiers of our beautiful country.
April 5, 2014
A solid 3.5 leaning toward a 4 - but just couldn't do it. Not sure why - not a bad read, just seemed like something was missing. The hero was a bit unlikeable from my POV, but he did change his thinking at the end. Anyway.. I would read more in the series..but not running to do it right now.
January 24, 2021
The Journey is another book in Melanie Dobson’s Legacy of Love series. This story is just one of the many people who took the trip from Missouri to the Willamette Valley known as the Oregon Trail. Samantha Waldron is only 18 but she already suffered so much loss. After her mother’s death after a long illness, her father, Hiriam, decided to take the family on the planned trek across the plains. Along with her brother, 7 year old Micah, Samantha and her family join the wagon train and set out on an uncertain journey in the hopes for new opportunities. After much tragedy and heartache, Samantha makes it to Fort Vancouver where she must stay for the winter before continuing on to the valley. There she meets British Alexander Clarke. Alexander was raised with a great sense of duty but at the same time yearns for something else. He knows once spring comes he is to return to England, take his place in the family business and marry the woman he has promised to marry. As many men vie for Samantha’s attention and affection, only Alex has intrigued her but she cannot have him. Will Samantha make it to the valley? Will Alex find the belonging he has been looking for?
The people who gathered all they had and left all they knew behind to travel across the plains in hopes of a new and better life has always intrigued me. Would I have the same courage and determination as Samantha and her wagon train to make it to the valley? Would I even survive? I enjoyed Samantha’s tenacity and spunk from the very beginning. A young woman who has been taught to stand up for herself and yet finds resistance from those who don’t care to hear her thoughts and opinions. Alex is a character I had to grow to love. From the beginning, he was a bit of an ass with a poor opinion of Americans. However, as he sees Samantha and all she went through, he realizes that Americans are built of stronger stuff than he realized. One of my favorite scenes is when Samantha is at the dinner table and the men are questioning her journey and after she details all she went through, they ask how did she accomplish all that? I love her answer. She says “We had no choice but to keep walking. We simply put one foot in front of the other for two thousand miles.” The Journey is a great inspirational story that will leave you in awe of what people went through to seek a better life. I highly recommend The Journey.
The Journey is available in eBook.
The people who gathered all they had and left all they knew behind to travel across the plains in hopes of a new and better life has always intrigued me. Would I have the same courage and determination as Samantha and her wagon train to make it to the valley? Would I even survive? I enjoyed Samantha’s tenacity and spunk from the very beginning. A young woman who has been taught to stand up for herself and yet finds resistance from those who don’t care to hear her thoughts and opinions. Alex is a character I had to grow to love. From the beginning, he was a bit of an ass with a poor opinion of Americans. However, as he sees Samantha and all she went through, he realizes that Americans are built of stronger stuff than he realized. One of my favorite scenes is when Samantha is at the dinner table and the men are questioning her journey and after she details all she went through, they ask how did she accomplish all that? I love her answer. She says “We had no choice but to keep walking. We simply put one foot in front of the other for two thousand miles.” The Journey is a great inspirational story that will leave you in awe of what people went through to seek a better life. I highly recommend The Journey.
The Journey is available in eBook.
February 3, 2024
I trust this author to deliver!
I've read, I think, 8 or 9 of Melanie's books now, and she's become an easy one for me to turn to if I'm having trouble finding just the right read. Now, The Journey has achieved the top slot in my favorites by her.
I'm attracted to gritty, epic feels in the historicals I read, and I wasn't disappointed in this story of adventure, hardship, and ultimately triumph. While some parts were especially sad, the author portrayed tragedy in a way that allowed me to hope along with the characters, just as we have to do when tragedy strikes any of us.
The heroine is flawed. She's too impulsive. But she's also brave, and I think represented the type of person able to survive those experiences in settling the land over the mountains well. The hero was so very British, and that allowed him his own set of flaws to deal with in the North American wilderness. Both these people, as well as others in this big cast, were molded by a new depth of humility toward the end of the story, and I liked that (although the heroine and her little brother were both still quite impulsive). It felt pretty honest.
I highly recommend The Journey for anyone who likes an early American historical with a strong dose of grit and realism.
I've read, I think, 8 or 9 of Melanie's books now, and she's become an easy one for me to turn to if I'm having trouble finding just the right read. Now, The Journey has achieved the top slot in my favorites by her.
I'm attracted to gritty, epic feels in the historicals I read, and I wasn't disappointed in this story of adventure, hardship, and ultimately triumph. While some parts were especially sad, the author portrayed tragedy in a way that allowed me to hope along with the characters, just as we have to do when tragedy strikes any of us.
The heroine is flawed. She's too impulsive. But she's also brave, and I think represented the type of person able to survive those experiences in settling the land over the mountains well. The hero was so very British, and that allowed him his own set of flaws to deal with in the North American wilderness. Both these people, as well as others in this big cast, were molded by a new depth of humility toward the end of the story, and I liked that (although the heroine and her little brother were both still quite impulsive). It felt pretty honest.
I highly recommend The Journey for anyone who likes an early American historical with a strong dose of grit and realism.
April 29, 2019
I was very excited to read "Where the Trail Ends" since I love books about the Oregon Trail. This book wasn't quite what I had hoped for though. The story didn't start up with the characters getting ready for their journey or even leaving Missouri. The story starts up with the characters already at the Snake River, so they were more then halfway through the Oregon Trail. The beginning of the book was about the characters finishing their journey and a good chunk of the middle was about the main character and her brother's stay at Fort Vancouver.
While the book wasn't what I had expected and I wished it was more about life on the trail as opposed to life at the fort, it was still a pretty enjoyable book, not my most favorite, but still good. :)
While the book wasn't what I had expected and I wished it was more about life on the trail as opposed to life at the fort, it was still a pretty enjoyable book, not my most favorite, but still good. :)
October 14, 2019
For anyone who enjoys a realistic experience of life on the Oregon Trail, this book is for you. Rugged and life-threatening on a daily basis even for the heartiest of pioneers, Samantha had to protect her little brother through it all. During their trials and tribulations, romance blooms, but not without some trauma in its midst. Highly recommended for those who enjoy this genre. Despite the cover being appropriate and attractive, a pioneer young woman character model, I believe, would attract more readers to the book and theme.
July 13, 2021
Journeys beyond point A to B
Even having read other Oregon trail books I still found this journey interesting. Especially with it being more of a trail blazer-one of the firsts to cross. I like how it didn’t disparage any people groups and enjoyed the “afterwards.” There were parts that I couldn’t put the book down until I knew how certain things came together. As always I love God and the spiritual journey and growth incorporated in.
Even having read other Oregon trail books I still found this journey interesting. Especially with it being more of a trail blazer-one of the firsts to cross. I like how it didn’t disparage any people groups and enjoyed the “afterwards.” There were parts that I couldn’t put the book down until I knew how certain things came together. As always I love God and the spiritual journey and growth incorporated in.
June 3, 2023
A British gentleman finds love at a fort in Oregon.
Enjoyed being back with this author again. Samantha and Alex story was sweet. Samantha had come on a long trip with her brother full of heartache. When she got to Oregon she was put in the arms of an English gentleman who she fell in love with but couldn't have. But all that changed and she and Alex and Micah became a family. Even her friend Jack found love again with Aliyah . Will read more by this author.
Enjoyed being back with this author again. Samantha and Alex story was sweet. Samantha had come on a long trip with her brother full of heartache. When she got to Oregon she was put in the arms of an English gentleman who she fell in love with but couldn't have. But all that changed and she and Alex and Micah became a family. Even her friend Jack found love again with Aliyah . Will read more by this author.
May 24, 2024
A journey of faith, love and perseverance
After a bit of a slow start, I was drawn into the journey these characters took to find a home and love along the Oregon trail. Samantha's determination to keep journeying on, no matter what hardships she faced was inspiring. Alex was a great hero and I was glad to learn of HEAs for Jack and Lucille as well. I always enjoy Melanie Dobson, especially in her single timeline novels. This isn't my favorite but was still very enjoyable.
After a bit of a slow start, I was drawn into the journey these characters took to find a home and love along the Oregon trail. Samantha's determination to keep journeying on, no matter what hardships she faced was inspiring. Alex was a great hero and I was glad to learn of HEAs for Jack and Lucille as well. I always enjoy Melanie Dobson, especially in her single timeline novels. This isn't my favorite but was still very enjoyable.
May 22, 2019
A true Journey
A well written account of the journey to the Oregon territory. How can so much tragedy happen to one person and still stay brave? Scripture says to be content in whatever condition you are in and Samantha stays true as she finally learns the meaning of faith and trust.
A well written account of the journey to the Oregon territory. How can so much tragedy happen to one person and still stay brave? Scripture says to be content in whatever condition you are in and Samantha stays true as she finally learns the meaning of faith and trust.
September 9, 2019
Loved
I have never heard of this author and it was my first time reading her books. I really enjoyed this journey to Oregon and the characters. I look forwards to reading her other books.
I have never heard of this author and it was my first time reading her books. I really enjoyed this journey to Oregon and the characters. I look forwards to reading her other books.
kindle-ebook-to-read
March 31, 2020
April 16, 2020
A great book
An informative book about a young girl traveling to a better land on the Oregon trail. She ends up caring for her younger brother when her father dies Full of determination and feisty too, she gets to her destination but not without struggles and victories
An informative book about a young girl traveling to a better land on the Oregon trail. She ends up caring for her younger brother when her father dies Full of determination and feisty too, she gets to her destination but not without struggles and victories
August 14, 2022
Westward Ho!
I love pioneer stories that are real, well researched, well written, and a love for God in every turn. Thanks for being real, but also being hopeful. Are we calling Historical Fiction Romance? I think so. Good job again Melanie.
I love pioneer stories that are real, well researched, well written, and a love for God in every turn. Thanks for being real, but also being hopeful. Are we calling Historical Fiction Romance? I think so. Good job again Melanie.
November 27, 2022
Good story.
Fast paced, family hardships moving across the Oregon trail, Samantha was born in the wrong century, very out spoken and independent. Just perfect for this trip. Good for a re-read.
Fast paced, family hardships moving across the Oregon trail, Samantha was born in the wrong century, very out spoken and independent. Just perfect for this trip. Good for a re-read.
December 19, 2024
great story
Melanie Dobson is one of my favorite authors and this book us an example of why. I first read Chateau of Secrets several years ago and since have searched for others she has written
Melanie Dobson is one of my favorite authors and this book us an example of why. I first read Chateau of Secrets several years ago and since have searched for others she has written
October 22, 2019
Great Read
Love learning history by reading entertaining fiction. Thank you, Ms. Dobson (or should I call you Melanie?), for researching and writing this book!
Love learning history by reading entertaining fiction. Thank you, Ms. Dobson (or should I call you Melanie?), for researching and writing this book!
July 21, 2021
Liked it
Do wish there had been a little more development between the characters but I still liked the story and would recommend it.
Do wish there had been a little more development between the characters but I still liked the story and would recommend it.
September 12, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It was very well written. The trip along the Oregon trail was very realistic.
December 10, 2021
This was fascinating historical fiction. Much better than the previous in this series!
January 9, 2022
I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did. Most of the romance came later on in the book. Although there were a lot of trials and heartache it was a sweet story.
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