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Courage on the Oregon Trail #4
Unyielding Heart
Is it too late to go back home?
Beth McKinnon and her family have already lost so much. Forced from their home, pared down belongings, they seek a new chance out west for their five children.
But when her son Alexander dies early in the journey to Oregon, Beth disappears into herself and struggles to find a reason to continue the trek westward.
Without every member of her family, will this harrowing struggle for survival even be worth it?
Beth McKinnon and her family have already lost so much. Forced from their home, pared down belongings, they seek a new chance out west for their five children.
But when her son Alexander dies early in the journey to Oregon, Beth disappears into herself and struggles to find a reason to continue the trek westward.
Without every member of her family, will this harrowing struggle for survival even be worth it?
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 16, 2023
This was more a story of one woman's angst than a story of the Oregon Trail. I found her mostly annoying.
June 26, 2022
I am sorry to say this, but this book was boring. There was many times and slogging my way through the book that I wanted to choke Maggie. She was a whiney lady. And the story had an almost dragnet kind of delivery, the facts ma’am just the facts. The story was more told than shown by the actions of the other members of the cast so to speak. To have everything “turn out well at the end, was more by luck and the forgiveness of other people than Maggie’s efforts. I didn’t enjoy Maggie’s constant waltz with her perceived victim hood. That she survived the Oregon Trail at all is due to the kindness of the author.
More could’ve been done to use Robert, Maggie’s husband, in the story. He felt more like a prop rather than a human being. I’m glad the book is over. I will not read anything else in the series.
More could’ve been done to use Robert, Maggie’s husband, in the story. He felt more like a prop rather than a human being. I’m glad the book is over. I will not read anything else in the series.
June 28, 2021
I was given a copy of this book by the author to review. This is the 4th book in the series of the Oregon Trail, each book sees the journey from a different persons viewpoint. and this book concentrates on the Mckinnon family who tragically lose their 6 year old son who drowns in the stream near the start of the journey. Beth McKinnon is in a state of constant fear and anxiety about the rest of her children. This book lives the journey through her eyes and paranoia about keeping her children safe on this dangerous journey. Her attitude has a bad effect on her children as she curtails their freedom. Gradually she learns to confront her fears and the reader can start to relax as Beth does. The story confronts the damage fear can do to a family whilst wrapping it in a story. It is good to raise awareness of the issues and to see how Beth learns to trust her husband and her children and manages to form friendships with the other travellers.
Having read the other stories on the same trail I do not intend to read the future ones as I feel I know the journey quite well and although the perspective is different in each book, there is only so many times you can travel the same way. Having said that, I did enjoy each book and I recognised all the characters in the books.
Having read the other stories on the same trail I do not intend to read the future ones as I feel I know the journey quite well and although the perspective is different in each book, there is only so many times you can travel the same way. Having said that, I did enjoy each book and I recognised all the characters in the books.
June 26, 2021
The Fear of the Unknown is Overwhelming for Some
This is such a unique and wonderful series. This is the story of a wagon train setting off on the Oregon Trail. Each book tells the story of the journey through the eyes of one family. Of course, each person experiences the same event in a different way. There is tragedy and hardship to deal with each day. The fear of the unknown and the attitude that accompanies it can be debilitating, especially when you have a family to take care of. The change in attitude when one begins looking at the journey as going toward a new place as opposed to looking at it as further away from a beloved place is like day and night. The positive attitude of anticipation gives one a sense of power. The author has done such a fine job of presenting this series that the reader can feel and experience what each member of the party has gone through. I know that I will re-read this series when it is complete. This is an epic story that I think should be read in order.
This is such a unique and wonderful series. This is the story of a wagon train setting off on the Oregon Trail. Each book tells the story of the journey through the eyes of one family. Of course, each person experiences the same event in a different way. There is tragedy and hardship to deal with each day. The fear of the unknown and the attitude that accompanies it can be debilitating, especially when you have a family to take care of. The change in attitude when one begins looking at the journey as going toward a new place as opposed to looking at it as further away from a beloved place is like day and night. The positive attitude of anticipation gives one a sense of power. The author has done such a fine job of presenting this series that the reader can feel and experience what each member of the party has gone through. I know that I will re-read this series when it is complete. This is an epic story that I think should be read in order.
November 27, 2021
Fear.
Paralyzing fear is what Beth must overcome , if she is ever to find happiness and a future for her family in Oregon. With no choice but to leave all she knew behind and journey west on a wagon train , Beth is tormented by the stress of dangers to her children , both realized and imagined. Struggling to accept what life has dealt, she must come to accept that which she cannot change. Can she trust her children enough to give them the freedom they need to become responsible or will she smother them in her love and fear.
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Incapacitation is a very real result of such strong emotions and a true challenge to overcome for the health and well being of all involved.
Paralyzing fear is what Beth must overcome , if she is ever to find happiness and a future for her family in Oregon. With no choice but to leave all she knew behind and journey west on a wagon train , Beth is tormented by the stress of dangers to her children , both realized and imagined. Struggling to accept what life has dealt, she must come to accept that which she cannot change. Can she trust her children enough to give them the freedom they need to become responsible or will she smother them in her love and fear.
***********************************************
Incapacitation is a very real result of such strong emotions and a true challenge to overcome for the health and well being of all involved.
October 1, 2021
Overcoming Grief and Fear
Beth was a perfectionist. She believed it was up to her to protect her children, that translated to control. She did not want to leave her home in Pennsylvania and travel to Oregon. Each step she travelled brought mor fear and more control.
The story was painful as I understood Beth’s issues but also understood the needs of her children. In keeping them safe Beth was hurting them, not allowing them to grow as individuals.
Beth was a perfectionist. She believed it was up to her to protect her children, that translated to control. She did not want to leave her home in Pennsylvania and travel to Oregon. Each step she travelled brought mor fear and more control.
The story was painful as I understood Beth’s issues but also understood the needs of her children. In keeping them safe Beth was hurting them, not allowing them to grow as individuals.
July 17, 2022
Forced to Change
I enjoyed the depth of the main character whose life was going just how she wanted it until a family member forced her to give up the home she loved. On the Oregon Trail, the unthinkable happens which prompted her to overreact in a way that strained relationships. The author portrayed the characters well and brought about a positive conclusion. Quite thought-provoking. A great read.
I enjoyed the depth of the main character whose life was going just how she wanted it until a family member forced her to give up the home she loved. On the Oregon Trail, the unthinkable happens which prompted her to overreact in a way that strained relationships. The author portrayed the characters well and brought about a positive conclusion. Quite thought-provoking. A great read.
October 6, 2022
probably hardest in series to read
The author well deserves 5 stars for this story. I normally read to forget my troubles. I was partially familiar with Beth's story from earlier books. The way the author works through the grief issues is both inspiring and encouraging. If you lean towards depression be warned it is a very difficult story to read. The book is very well written.
The author well deserves 5 stars for this story. I normally read to forget my troubles. I was partially familiar with Beth's story from earlier books. The way the author works through the grief issues is both inspiring and encouraging. If you lean towards depression be warned it is a very difficult story to read. The book is very well written.
January 17, 2023
unyielding heart
Excellent read about a family that leaves their home in Pennsylvania to go to the Oregon territory and a new life. Many trials await them along the trail west. Interesting how family members grow as they make the trip. These Oregon Trail Adventure books are great reads. And the best part each story stands alone even though story takes place within the same company making the trip.
Excellent read about a family that leaves their home in Pennsylvania to go to the Oregon territory and a new life. Many trials await them along the trail west. Interesting how family members grow as they make the trip. These Oregon Trail Adventure books are great reads. And the best part each story stands alone even though story takes place within the same company making the trip.
November 15, 2025
overcoming fear
Robert and Elizabeth McKinnon start out on the Oregon trail with six children, but one little one drowns in a river crossing. Elizebeth holds the remaining 5 children close in a manic fear that she will lose more. A thousand miles later the pastor, her husband, and a few elder women help her to trust God for their safety and finds there is freedom in a lack of fear.
Robert and Elizabeth McKinnon start out on the Oregon trail with six children, but one little one drowns in a river crossing. Elizebeth holds the remaining 5 children close in a manic fear that she will lose more. A thousand miles later the pastor, her husband, and a few elder women help her to trust God for their safety and finds there is freedom in a lack of fear.
March 31, 2022
Organ stories
All in this series have a wonderful life lesson at my age of 73 have learned and I personally could not put into words! Well this author does a great job of writing my feelings as I went through my own family issues!
Thank you, I have shared with my own family, & one of my daughters has started reading at least one of your books!
All in this series have a wonderful life lesson at my age of 73 have learned and I personally could not put into words! Well this author does a great job of writing my feelings as I went through my own family issues!
Thank you, I have shared with my own family, & one of my daughters has started reading at least one of your books!
June 17, 2022
growth and heartache
I throughly enjoyed this book with its unique characters and informative story line. It brought you into some of the hardest things life can throw at you. You learn how these people overcame some of life’s trials and the joys they shared. It is well worth the time to read.
I throughly enjoyed this book with its unique characters and informative story line. It brought you into some of the hardest things life can throw at you. You learn how these people overcame some of life’s trials and the joys they shared. It is well worth the time to read.
August 15, 2023
Courage!
What courage those early pioneers had to endure the hardships of a cross country trek in a covered wagon! I just can't even imagine how they survived the journey let alone thrived in a new land. This book covers one such journey and tells of the challenges and the heartache when tragedy strikes.
What courage those early pioneers had to endure the hardships of a cross country trek in a covered wagon! I just can't even imagine how they survived the journey let alone thrived in a new land. This book covers one such journey and tells of the challenges and the heartache when tragedy strikes.
July 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was different from the usual love story on the trail. I like the change where she finished the trip on the Oregon Trail with the husband she started with and how they manage to work through the death of a child together. Can't wait till the next book comes out.
October 16, 2021
Oregon Trek
This tale involves an annoying woman, but just when you want to toss her off a mountain, she redeems herself and manages to make you admire her determination. You'll like her family, too.
This tale involves an annoying woman, but just when you want to toss her off a mountain, she redeems herself and manages to make you admire her determination. You'll like her family, too.
January 20, 2022
For some reason, this book did not seem as eventful as the other three in this series, and I thought it was a little on the boring side. I struggled to finish reading all of it, and kept hoping it would get better.
June 22, 2022
Brilliant!
This book brought memories I heard about my family. who came to California by wagon train. I even have the diary written by an 11 year old girl. The author has been inspired to write American history at its best.
Thank you.
This book brought memories I heard about my family. who came to California by wagon train. I even have the diary written by an 11 year old girl. The author has been inspired to write American history at its best.
Thank you.
September 30, 2021
An inspiring story
This is the story of the McKinnon family and their journey on the Oregon Trail. The story tells of the heartbreaking challenges and the trials they endured.
This is the story of the McKinnon family and their journey on the Oregon Trail. The story tells of the heartbreaking challenges and the trials they endured.
October 1, 2021
A n Oregon Trail Adventure
This is a very good story about the travel of a wagon train toOregon and the hard shipsof the travelers
This is a very good story about the travel of a wagon train toOregon and the hard shipsof the travelers
October 8, 2021
love this series!
I am enjoying this series of life on the Oregon Trail from so many different perspectives! What an adventure this must have been!
I am enjoying this series of life on the Oregon Trail from so many different perspectives! What an adventure this must have been!
July 8, 2022
I really loved the details of the Oregon Trail. It was wonderful to watch Beth overcome her fears with Roberts advice to let their children grow.
July 18, 2022
Predictable
It was all about a woman who did nothing but fear when she had to.move from Pennsylvania to Oregon with her family.
It was all about a woman who did nothing but fear when she had to.move from Pennsylvania to Oregon with her family.
Read
July 1, 2023So sick of this family and this series...HOWEVER, I committed to reading 1689 pages and 2 books left.
August 21, 2023
Name of this book should be worry, worry, worry! A good lesson why worry doesn't help
July 21, 2024
Like the previous books in this series, i enjoyed this book as well. I read it in one sitting.
July 23, 2025
boring series
These books are so repetitious I skipped over probably half the book. Couldn’t finish the series. Characters were not impressive.
These books are so repetitious I skipped over probably half the book. Couldn’t finish the series. Characters were not impressive.
August 24, 2025
Palpitations
I experienced the anxiety along with Beth and took a breath each time she broke free from some. The children grew, memories remain an the future holds promise
I experienced the anxiety along with Beth and took a breath each time she broke free from some. The children grew, memories remain an the future holds promise
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews