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Romance on the Oregon Trail #1
Cora's Courage
Christian Historical Western Romance
Cora feels indebted to Eddie Connor who saves her and her baby Esther. She travels on the treacherous Oregon Trail with him. He's not such a hero after all. She works hard yet he criticizes everything she does. He seems a bit crazy.An early snowstorm on the trail leaves her in close danger of frostbite and when Harrison Walsh carries her off to his wagon to be helped, Eddie becomes enraged and drops Cora's trunk off at Harrison's wagon.
Cowboy Harrison Walsh was happily married until three months ago when his wife died leaving him a grieving widower with a broken heart.Their dream was to have their own ranch and start a family. Now he's alone.
When the rest of the wagon train party learns Cora is not married to Eddie, rumors fly and to protect her reputation, Harrison is forced to marry Cora. To his surprise, Cora is not the meek woman she was when riding with Eddie. He finds himself drawn to this woman of strength and falls in love with the baby.
Cora and Harrison both agree to a marriage of convenience. Perhaps God is providing them with a second chance.
But when baby Esther's father shows up alive, Cora has a big heart wrenching decision to make.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
649 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ball
133 books684 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author of
Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
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https://www.kathleenballromance.com
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Feel free to friend me!!
Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
Sign up for my newsletter
https://www.kathleenballromance.com
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/kathleenball...
Feel free to friend me!!
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 27, 2019
Hardship and healing
A beautiful story of life on the wagon train for those who settled our nation. There were many disasters for Cora to deal with but God kept her safe.
A beautiful story of life on the wagon train for those who settled our nation. There were many disasters for Cora to deal with but God kept her safe.
August 1, 2019
Cora’s Courage
What a great start to a new series about the Oregon Trail.Wonderful characters I feel like I know already and such a lovely story different than any Oregon Trail books Ive read.Cora starts out with Eddie who is meaner than s snake but he throws her out and she has nowhere to go.She finds the man of her dreams and they travel on with the rest.
What a great start to a new series about the Oregon Trail.Wonderful characters I feel like I know already and such a lovely story different than any Oregon Trail books Ive read.Cora starts out with Eddie who is meaner than s snake but he throws her out and she has nowhere to go.She finds the man of her dreams and they travel on with the rest.
August 9, 2020
I enjoyed reading this story very much. This is a sweet, clean story with some conflict that is resolved well.
January 1, 2026
Sweet Oregon Trail Romance
This was sweet romance set against the Oregon Trail. Coral had a lot of bad breaks in her short life, orphaned and later sold to a whore house owner at 12, being kept to the back cleaning and the like. While fortunate to get away before being considered old enough to "work", she did get engaged and have relations with a 17 year old boy who proposed to her. Naive and uneducated, she ended up pregnant with baby Essie. Needing to run before they tried to end her pregnancy, one of the girls in the saloon sends her off west on the trail with a man named Eddie, posing as her husband. Eddie is abusive quickly, and almost kills her (and Essie) having them walk through snow all day as punishment without proper clothing. Luckily, Harrison and some others from camp intervene and Eddie throws her out. Harrison is a recent widower, with trauma of his own after his wife passed in a rather horrific accident. Yet he finds himself agreeing to a marriage of convenience with Cora so that she and Essie can travel with him in his wagon. He finds himself fascinated with Cora, and over time and the more they come to understand and learn about each other, they fall in love and being to discuss the idea of making their marriage a real one built on love and family. Yet the trail is rough, with plenty of risks, and not everyone on in the train can be trusted. There are some surprises in the book I didn't expect, and some that seem foreshadowed to perhaps play out later in the series. Our characters are flawed individuals, yet good at heart, and their development individually and together is quite nice. Notes of found family and great side characters are features, with some known to have books of their own. It's nice to meet them before their specific books. The book is quite realistic with some of the prejudices and hardness of life for the time, especially when it comes out that Cora had ties to the saloon and that the baby was not Eddie's. Watching her prove herself as a good person and working to overcome those things (with help from some others) was interesting, and I found myself glad some of the women were coming round to her. I'd have liked to had a bit more closure with Harrison and Cora, but I also see why the author ended this one where she did to be able to continue on with the next couple. It does say they appear in the next one, so I do expect to see their marriage develop with the series. The book ends a long way from Oregon, not too far from Fort Laramie, and there is still a lot of trail and romance to go in the rest of the series. Looking forward to the next one.
This was sweet romance set against the Oregon Trail. Coral had a lot of bad breaks in her short life, orphaned and later sold to a whore house owner at 12, being kept to the back cleaning and the like. While fortunate to get away before being considered old enough to "work", she did get engaged and have relations with a 17 year old boy who proposed to her. Naive and uneducated, she ended up pregnant with baby Essie. Needing to run before they tried to end her pregnancy, one of the girls in the saloon sends her off west on the trail with a man named Eddie, posing as her husband. Eddie is abusive quickly, and almost kills her (and Essie) having them walk through snow all day as punishment without proper clothing. Luckily, Harrison and some others from camp intervene and Eddie throws her out. Harrison is a recent widower, with trauma of his own after his wife passed in a rather horrific accident. Yet he finds himself agreeing to a marriage of convenience with Cora so that she and Essie can travel with him in his wagon. He finds himself fascinated with Cora, and over time and the more they come to understand and learn about each other, they fall in love and being to discuss the idea of making their marriage a real one built on love and family. Yet the trail is rough, with plenty of risks, and not everyone on in the train can be trusted. There are some surprises in the book I didn't expect, and some that seem foreshadowed to perhaps play out later in the series. Our characters are flawed individuals, yet good at heart, and their development individually and together is quite nice. Notes of found family and great side characters are features, with some known to have books of their own. It's nice to meet them before their specific books. The book is quite realistic with some of the prejudices and hardness of life for the time, especially when it comes out that Cora had ties to the saloon and that the baby was not Eddie's. Watching her prove herself as a good person and working to overcome those things (with help from some others) was interesting, and I found myself glad some of the women were coming round to her. I'd have liked to had a bit more closure with Harrison and Cora, but I also see why the author ended this one where she did to be able to continue on with the next couple. It does say they appear in the next one, so I do expect to see their marriage develop with the series. The book ends a long way from Oregon, not too far from Fort Laramie, and there is still a lot of trail and romance to go in the rest of the series. Looking forward to the next one.
March 18, 2020
Cora's Story
This awesome story of love coming out of a sad place for Cora, Eddie was asked to help her after Mrs. Grealy , the saloon owner tried to killed her boyfriend Rudy for getting Cora pregnant. They were suppose to make sure she lost the baby. But, some of the working girls had Eddie take her away. Eddie was cruel to Cora and her baby Essie, while on the wagon train they joined, he made her do all the work and mistreated her. When others tried to help, he threw her out. Harrison, who had recently lost his wife Ora, before joining Mr. London's wagon train to Organ, took Cora and Essie in, but they had to get married. Harrison was kind and fell in love with the baby girl first. He felt he was betraying his late wife, but love finds away, into his heart for Cora. Wonderful read. Mr. And a Mrs. Chapman, The Walsh's workers Declan, Zander and Heath and others soon form a bond, others were not as kind to Cora because Eddie told them where she worked and they thought because she worked at saloon, she was a " dove". But, Rudy had been her one time and only love. The orphanage had sold her at 12, to work there. As, the story continues Harrison fall in love with Cora, more excitement, but read for your enjoyment! Eddist Rhett
found
This awesome story of love coming out of a sad place for Cora, Eddie was asked to help her after Mrs. Grealy , the saloon owner tried to killed her boyfriend Rudy for getting Cora pregnant. They were suppose to make sure she lost the baby. But, some of the working girls had Eddie take her away. Eddie was cruel to Cora and her baby Essie, while on the wagon train they joined, he made her do all the work and mistreated her. When others tried to help, he threw her out. Harrison, who had recently lost his wife Ora, before joining Mr. London's wagon train to Organ, took Cora and Essie in, but they had to get married. Harrison was kind and fell in love with the baby girl first. He felt he was betraying his late wife, but love finds away, into his heart for Cora. Wonderful read. Mr. And a Mrs. Chapman, The Walsh's workers Declan, Zander and Heath and others soon form a bond, others were not as kind to Cora because Eddie told them where she worked and they thought because she worked at saloon, she was a " dove". But, Rudy had been her one time and only love. The orphanage had sold her at 12, to work there. As, the story continues Harrison fall in love with Cora, more excitement, but read for your enjoyment! Eddist Rhett
found
August 13, 2020
I feel that this series is best read in order to get all the back stories and characters as the story develops. I have only read through book 5 but you will not want to miss this wonderful series following: Harrison, Declan, Heath and Zander. Oh, my but this is a wonderfully sweet and clean story of second chances. This is Cora and Harrison’s story. Why and how you must read for yourselves. Truly. I really love how the author worked things out with everyone involved. I really loved how Cora’s and Harrison’s prayers were talking to God in the same fashion they talked to everyone else, intimate, and personal. The prayers were respectful, but they were also heartfelt and conversationally. This was a great story showing how God can work in our lives when we believe and rely on Him completely no matter what. If I could give more than 5 stars for this story I would. Can’t wait to read book 2
September 17, 2021
Cora's Courage
Although Cora wad sold to a brothel at only 11 yrs old, she managed to stay out of 'the business'. Along came a young man wanting to marry her. After one night of convincing Cora it was OK since they were engaged, she became pregnant and her wad stabbed to death. Cora escaped to a wagon train with her baby and the help of Eddie. Eddie was a real piece of work and she almost died from his poor treatment. Enter Harrison to save her and her baby, in more ways than one! Will they make it to Oregon intact or will the elements, Apache, or the 'good men' of the wagon train stop them one way or another?
Although Cora wad sold to a brothel at only 11 yrs old, she managed to stay out of 'the business'. Along came a young man wanting to marry her. After one night of convincing Cora it was OK since they were engaged, she became pregnant and her wad stabbed to death. Cora escaped to a wagon train with her baby and the help of Eddie. Eddie was a real piece of work and she almost died from his poor treatment. Enter Harrison to save her and her baby, in more ways than one! Will they make it to Oregon intact or will the elements, Apache, or the 'good men' of the wagon train stop them one way or another?
May 28, 2024
An incredible Oregon Trail story of coming from a bad childhood and life to finding love on the trail. Cora and her infant daughter Essie are traveling with an awful man named Eddie who treats her poorly until she is so injured that the trail leader and another traveler Harrison Walsh, take her in and help care for her and her daughter. I enjoyed this book so much I have ordered the rest in this series!
April 14, 2020
Cora'sCourage
A beautiful, clean western romance. Wonderful descriptions of the trials and tribulations on the one hand and steady love, laughter and caring on the other side made for a couple of hours' escape from my everyday life and make me feel as if I was part of the characters' lives. Thank you for a clean, inspiring romance.
A beautiful, clean western romance. Wonderful descriptions of the trials and tribulations on the one hand and steady love, laughter and caring on the other side made for a couple of hours' escape from my everyday life and make me feel as if I was part of the characters' lives. Thank you for a clean, inspiring romance.
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August 30, 2021Courageous Story!
This amazing inspirational story of faith and courage facing difficult odds as two young people make their way across the country traveling in a wagon train. Harsh conditions on the trail,unscrupulous individuals,and sickness are all part of the trials this couple face. A fantastic read.
This amazing inspirational story of faith and courage facing difficult odds as two young people make their way across the country traveling in a wagon train. Harsh conditions on the trail,unscrupulous individuals,and sickness are all part of the trials this couple face. A fantastic read.
September 30, 2021
Hope
A fascinating tale with lots of surprises, suspense, betrayal, and misunderstandings. A cruel man bend on destroying a desperate woman, a kind man determined to protect the same woman! Expect lots of surprises in this one, no one is quite who you think! Is it to late for love, a second chance for them? Read and see!
A fascinating tale with lots of surprises, suspense, betrayal, and misunderstandings. A cruel man bend on destroying a desperate woman, a kind man determined to protect the same woman! Expect lots of surprises in this one, no one is quite who you think! Is it to late for love, a second chance for them? Read and see!
September 30, 2021
Amazing love story
What a wonderful journey of adventure and forever blessings and love. It’s an interesting story ending with a beautiful happy ending. I just loved reading Cora’s story. It’s an excellent must read and sure to be enjoyed from beginning to end. Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy your amazing work.
What a wonderful journey of adventure and forever blessings and love. It’s an interesting story ending with a beautiful happy ending. I just loved reading Cora’s story. It’s an excellent must read and sure to be enjoyed from beginning to end. Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy your amazing work.
October 19, 2021
I was going through a western historical phase and decided to give this a shot. Cora was raised in a brothel and was taken advantage of. She was left with a baby. She is protected by a man on the Oregon trail and they are forced to marry to protect Cora. I liked how the romance blossomed between the two.
January 4, 2022
A refreshing and lovely read
I love this authors style. A great story,with just enough suspense for the characters to keep you reading,with no major characters,making ridiculous assumptions that make you want to throw the book away because you can’t take one more. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good read and a happy ending. Please keep them coming Ms Ball.
I love this authors style. A great story,with just enough suspense for the characters to keep you reading,with no major characters,making ridiculous assumptions that make you want to throw the book away because you can’t take one more. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good read and a happy ending. Please keep them coming Ms Ball.
August 20, 2023
What a great book!
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it so much that I was quite disappointed when it ended. It wasn't A short story, it was just so wonderfully written and the characters were so well presented that I didn't want the story to end. I plan to start the next book in the series tomorrow. I can hardly wait!
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it so much that I was quite disappointed when it ended. It wasn't A short story, it was just so wonderfully written and the characters were so well presented that I didn't want the story to end. I plan to start the next book in the series tomorrow. I can hardly wait!
December 27, 2025
Sweet short story on the Oregon trail. Will Cora's past prevent her from having a future? Will Harrison allow his grief from his first wife's death to prevent him from loving again? Cora and Harrison really on their faith in God to direct their lives. I wish the book had been longer and had defined ending without having to read the next book.
February 23, 2020
Good read
Even though Eddie saved Cora and Essie, could she live the rest of her life constantly being belittled? Eddie threatened to leave her with nothing, but could he actually do it?
Even though Eddie saved Cora and Essie, could she live the rest of her life constantly being belittled? Eddie threatened to leave her with nothing, but could he actually do it?
April 3, 2020
Very touching story of how badly people can treat each other and how one good person stands up for them and love follows. Good Christian love story with the trials of trail. Can’t wait to read the next one.
June 24, 2020
Enjoyed this greatly
This book is enjoyable and easy and fun to read. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I gave it four stars instead of five simply because it needs some editing checks. Nothing that ruins the story; just simple things throughout.
This book is enjoyable and easy and fun to read. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I gave it four stars instead of five simply because it needs some editing checks. Nothing that ruins the story; just simple things throughout.
October 17, 2020
Ends in the middle of story
Well written, but ends right in the middle of the story. Seriously, like a soap opera. If you can afford to buy all her books to read the series it would probably be a great series. But.... I can't!
Well written, but ends right in the middle of the story. Seriously, like a soap opera. If you can afford to buy all her books to read the series it would probably be a great series. But.... I can't!
May 31, 2021
Really good!
I love reading stories that are based on something from history. The Oregon trail books are my favorite and this one didn't disappoint. Its a shorter book and is book one in this series. These should be read in order.
I love reading stories that are based on something from history. The Oregon trail books are my favorite and this one didn't disappoint. Its a shorter book and is book one in this series. These should be read in order.
September 30, 2021
Great
I loved this book. It has characters that learn and change. It has misunderstandings and forgiveness. It also shows some sad realities that our ancestors had to live through.
I loved this book. It has characters that learn and change. It has misunderstandings and forgiveness. It also shows some sad realities that our ancestors had to live through.
October 3, 2021
Salon-girl Wife
When Cora needed something, Harrison stepped up and married her, taking on her little baby, too. Rumors flew through the wagontrain about her since she had lived in a salon. No one believed she hadn't also worked there. She had a baby after all.
When Cora needed something, Harrison stepped up and married her, taking on her little baby, too. Rumors flew through the wagontrain about her since she had lived in a salon. No one believed she hadn't also worked there. She had a baby after all.
October 3, 2021
Beautiful short story!
I found this historical romance a fast read. Couldn't put it down! Great characters. Hardships and love on a wagon train. Reminds me of Carol Colter's books. I read all genres but always fall back to historical fiction for light reading. Patricia
I found this historical romance a fast read. Couldn't put it down! Great characters. Hardships and love on a wagon train. Reminds me of Carol Colter's books. I read all genres but always fall back to historical fiction for light reading. Patricia
October 4, 2021
Christian Romance
Cora is a mother and she is traveling too Oregon territory with Eddie. Along the way things change. Read and see all the twists and turns Cora and the men in herife take on the road. I did!!!!!!
Cora is a mother and she is traveling too Oregon territory with Eddie. Along the way things change. Read and see all the twists and turns Cora and the men in herife take on the road. I did!!!!!!
October 22, 2021
Good story
I do not normally read this genre but I found it to be entertaining and inspiring for the peoe who travelled out West for a better future. Can't wait to see what happens next.
I do not normally read this genre but I found it to be entertaining and inspiring for the peoe who travelled out West for a better future. Can't wait to see what happens next.
October 26, 2021
Great clean western story.
Enjoyed the plot development as the main characters traveled the Origan trail. Cory was initially portrayed as a painted woman but the truth comes out as the plot develops.
Enjoyed the plot development as the main characters traveled the Origan trail. Cory was initially portrayed as a painted woman but the truth comes out as the plot develops.
December 18, 2021
Heartwarming story
I enjoyed reading Cora's Courage. This one is not exactly a stand alone book. I was a bit disappointed at where it ended. However, It is a good story. Happy reading!
I enjoyed reading Cora's Courage. This one is not exactly a stand alone book. I was a bit disappointed at where it ended. However, It is a good story. Happy reading!
February 4, 2022
Good job!!!
You did good describing the land they had to travel through. Most writers do not bring out details that we who have lived along that westward route know so well. It is truly awesome. Thank you!!!
You did good describing the land they had to travel through. Most writers do not bring out details that we who have lived along that westward route know so well. It is truly awesome. Thank you!!!
February 10, 2023
Corals Courage: A Christian Romance
What troubles arose to create a loving relationship! God played a huge role in bringing two characters together! It is highly recommended reading and teaches a lot about love.
What troubles arose to create a loving relationship! God played a huge role in bringing two characters together! It is highly recommended reading and teaches a lot about love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews