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Love on the Western Trail #3
Reluctant Love
From an award-winning author with more than one million books sold, a new series of four heartwarming historical romances about life on the California trail. each book can be read as a stand-alone.
Sarah Goodine lost her husband on their journey across the Great Plains. After a herd of stampeding buffalo rampage over her wagon, she has nothing left. Nothing other than the three children depending on her. How can she get them to safety in California? This journey was meant to protect her six-year-old son, but now the little family is in dire straits.
Davis Carpenter’s wife and newborn baby died on the trail. He has his hands full dealing with his two remaining children. His dream of joining his cousin on a ranch in California seems unimportant now but he has no choice but to continue on.
There is only one thing that will help Sarah and Davis complete this journey—a marriage of convenience. They have no intention of falling in love. Can their children help them see that a real family requires love?
Sarah Goodine lost her husband on their journey across the Great Plains. After a herd of stampeding buffalo rampage over her wagon, she has nothing left. Nothing other than the three children depending on her. How can she get them to safety in California? This journey was meant to protect her six-year-old son, but now the little family is in dire straits.
Davis Carpenter’s wife and newborn baby died on the trail. He has his hands full dealing with his two remaining children. His dream of joining his cousin on a ranch in California seems unimportant now but he has no choice but to continue on.
There is only one thing that will help Sarah and Davis complete this journey—a marriage of convenience. They have no intention of falling in love. Can their children help them see that a real family requires love?
ebook
First published March 1, 2021
About the author
Linda Ford
221 books378 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 30 reviews
March 6, 2021
Sarah Goodine has lost her husband in a horrible accident while traveling the Western Trail. Davis Carpenter has also lost his wife and newborn on the trail during childbirth. With five children between them, after the loss of Sarah's wagon, the two agree to enter a marriage of convenience in name only. The two are still grieving the loss of their spouses while dealing with the day-to-day challenges of blending two families and also caring for their mourning children. These characters have appeared in the previous books in the series and are now fleshed out in this story. This book has more of a "slow burn" relationship pacing due to the need for healing, which some may find frustrating and others may find deliciously tantalizing.
March 5, 2021
Enjoyable
This was a very enjoyable read between Sarah a young widower of 3 children and Davis a widower of 2 children on the Oregon trail. Davis lost his wife and baby in child birth. Sarah lost her husband when a wagon turned over on him. Sarah still want to take her children to Oregon for safety. She finds a driver for her wagon and is on the trail again. Shortly after starting on the trail a herd of buffalo stampede and destroy Sarah’s wagon, destroying everything she owns. What will she do? Davis is to save the day he marries Sarah for his family and for Sarah’s. Will it work out? I enjoyed reading this book with the many changing days of life on the Oregon trail.
This was a very enjoyable read between Sarah a young widower of 3 children and Davis a widower of 2 children on the Oregon trail. Davis lost his wife and baby in child birth. Sarah lost her husband when a wagon turned over on him. Sarah still want to take her children to Oregon for safety. She finds a driver for her wagon and is on the trail again. Shortly after starting on the trail a herd of buffalo stampede and destroy Sarah’s wagon, destroying everything she owns. What will she do? Davis is to save the day he marries Sarah for his family and for Sarah’s. Will it work out? I enjoyed reading this book with the many changing days of life on the Oregon trail.
March 21, 2021
In her typical fashion, Linda Ford has given us a story, while sweet and heartwarming, is filled with lots of human emotion including death, grief, and uncertainty for the future. This is Sarah Goodline and Davis Carpenter's story. Both of them, while traveling by wagon train, lost their respective spouse leaving each of them with children who needed a complete family. Will a marriage of convenience be the answer to both family's situation? Will a marriage of convenience grow into a HEA? Be sure to read this beautiful story to find out. It is a real page turner, and I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
May 26, 2021
Davis and Sarah and five children
This is a sweet love story happening on the wagon trail trail to California. The story begins on the wagon train with the loss of two spouses and the marriage of the remaining spouses. There is a promise by Davis and Sarah for a marriage of connivence to provide for the children’s safety and welfare and to aid the two families in reaching California. They each develop feelings for the other but have promised each other a marriage of connivence only. You will enjoy discovering how they find the love they both desire as well as their happily ever after.
This is a sweet love story happening on the wagon trail trail to California. The story begins on the wagon train with the loss of two spouses and the marriage of the remaining spouses. There is a promise by Davis and Sarah for a marriage of connivence to provide for the children’s safety and welfare and to aid the two families in reaching California. They each develop feelings for the other but have promised each other a marriage of connivence only. You will enjoy discovering how they find the love they both desire as well as their happily ever after.
June 29, 2021
Each story gets better
You can read this book by itself or as part of the series. Both ways work to tell an exciting story about love, danger, courage and faith on a wagon train headed for California. I am always amazed at the courage and fortitude these people had. I do realize these characters and stories are created, but they are based on characters and situations that took place to some degree as these settlers made their way west. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
You can read this book by itself or as part of the series. Both ways work to tell an exciting story about love, danger, courage and faith on a wagon train headed for California. I am always amazed at the courage and fortitude these people had. I do realize these characters and stories are created, but they are based on characters and situations that took place to some degree as these settlers made their way west. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 2, 2021
Reluctant Love
This was a great story. Davis lost his wife a Isabel and new born in child birth. She was buried on the trail to California. Sarah also lost her husband Hank, when a wagon turned over on him and killed him on the trail. That left Sarah traveling alone with her two children. One day, heard of Buffalo ran through her wagon and destroyed everything in it. Davis and Sarah were destined to have a life together. Enjoy their finding their forever love.
This was a great story. Davis lost his wife a Isabel and new born in child birth. She was buried on the trail to California. Sarah also lost her husband Hank, when a wagon turned over on him and killed him on the trail. That left Sarah traveling alone with her two children. One day, heard of Buffalo ran through her wagon and destroyed everything in it. Davis and Sarah were destined to have a life together. Enjoy their finding their forever love.
May 16, 2021
Sarah and Davis
I liked Sarah more than how Colleen was for most of their story, however, a little more than half way through, Sarah turned into Colleen.
I would have enjoyed this story so much more if they just would have continued being kind to each other and eventually acknowledging their growing feelings.
I liked Sarah more than how Colleen was for most of their story, however, a little more than half way through, Sarah turned into Colleen.
I would have enjoyed this story so much more if they just would have continued being kind to each other and eventually acknowledging their growing feelings.
June 29, 2021
Heart breaking heart warming
Marriage of convenience along the wagon trail to California. Man loses wife left to raise a son and daughter, Woman loses husband left to raise 2 sons and infant daughter each helping the other along the trail and then Buffalo destroy her wagon and the only way to continue to help her and her children is to make a marriage of convenience.
Marriage of convenience along the wagon trail to California. Man loses wife left to raise a son and daughter, Woman loses husband left to raise 2 sons and infant daughter each helping the other along the trail and then Buffalo destroy her wagon and the only way to continue to help her and her children is to make a marriage of convenience.
February 18, 2022
Love Will Find Away
I really enjoyed this book a wonderful book about Trusting God and doing the right thing even when it was hard then God making them One Happy Family . RELUCTANT LOVE, LOVE ON THE WESTERN TRAIL , WAGON TRAIN ROMANCE BOOK 7 BY LINDA FORD . I recommend teens and up .
I really enjoyed this book a wonderful book about Trusting God and doing the right thing even when it was hard then God making them One Happy Family . RELUCTANT LOVE, LOVE ON THE WESTERN TRAIL , WAGON TRAIN ROMANCE BOOK 7 BY LINDA FORD . I recommend teens and up .
January 1, 2024
Life moves on.
What happens when life doesn't go as planned? As children of GOD our earthly plans don't always go with God's heavenly plans. This is what happens with two families starting out on their new earthly plans. God takes over when those plans fail, giving newness to the people left to figure out life
What happens when life doesn't go as planned? As children of GOD our earthly plans don't always go with God's heavenly plans. This is what happens with two families starting out on their new earthly plans. God takes over when those plans fail, giving newness to the people left to figure out life
April 2, 2024
Speedy wedding
When buffalo turn Sarah's wagon to dust (we aren't told why her wagon was the only one in the path of the stampede), she has no choice but to marry the man whose wife recently died. They marry for convenience and spend the next two months denying their growing affection. But it all works out quickly because the book is very short. A quick read.
When buffalo turn Sarah's wagon to dust (we aren't told why her wagon was the only one in the path of the stampede), she has no choice but to marry the man whose wife recently died. They marry for convenience and spend the next two months denying their growing affection. But it all works out quickly because the book is very short. A quick read.
July 23, 2024
New Author For Me
Loved this story so very much! Will add Linda Ford to my favorite author list and find more love and scripture and family adventures on the journey! Sarah and Davis are wonderful characters facing a new period of their lives with a newly blended family. HEA ❤️❤️❤️
Loved this story so very much! Will add Linda Ford to my favorite author list and find more love and scripture and family adventures on the journey! Sarah and Davis are wonderful characters facing a new period of their lives with a newly blended family. HEA ❤️❤️❤️
February 11, 2025
Blended family
A widower helps a widow after her wagon is destroyed by buffalo. Between them they have 5 children and he proposes a marriage of convenience (name only) to get them to California in his wagon. Both mourn their spouses but the longer the go together feelings start to grow. They are both (along with drama from kids) reluctant to see the love that is developing.
A widower helps a widow after her wagon is destroyed by buffalo. Between them they have 5 children and he proposes a marriage of convenience (name only) to get them to California in his wagon. Both mourn their spouses but the longer the go together feelings start to grow. They are both (along with drama from kids) reluctant to see the love that is developing.
March 6, 2021
Just finished book 3. Loved it
Looks like I have to wait for the last book in this series. I believe it’s coming out next month. It is going to be a long wait. I have read book 1 - 3 in the last couple of days so am looking forward to the last book.
Looks like I have to wait for the last book in this series. I believe it’s coming out next month. It is going to be a long wait. I have read book 1 - 3 in the last couple of days so am looking forward to the last book.
March 9, 2021
Reluctant Love. by Linda Ford
Very interesting story about the hardships of the travels west. Our ancestors were very strong individuals with strong belief in God. This author writes well so you can easily find yourself in the story.
Very interesting story about the hardships of the travels west. Our ancestors were very strong individuals with strong belief in God. This author writes well so you can easily find yourself in the story.
November 29, 2021
Reluctant Love
He lost his wife and newborn daughter on the trail. She lost her husband in an accident. Can they create a new family out of two separate families? Good clean romance.
He lost his wife and newborn daughter on the trail. She lost her husband in an accident. Can they create a new family out of two separate families? Good clean romance.
April 3, 2023
A Promise Not Kept
Two people meeting in tragedy make a hasty, mutually beneficial promise to a marriage of convenience only, but they then soon learn it was a promise that they never should have been made.
Two people meeting in tragedy make a hasty, mutually beneficial promise to a marriage of convenience only, but they then soon learn it was a promise that they never should have been made.
July 3, 2023
heartache after heartache
But love wins!! Another great short story. I could feel the heat and blast of sand in the desert. I was glad when they were out of that mess. And didn’t it feel good when Davis dropped himself in the water, clothes and all?!!
But love wins!! Another great short story. I could feel the heat and blast of sand in the desert. I was glad when they were out of that mess. And didn’t it feel good when Davis dropped himself in the water, clothes and all?!!
July 23, 2023
what is love
Well a sad& happy story of family, love and Gods presence over come tragedy and cling to God his love and growing their own love as family.
Also give some good survival skills.
Well a sad& happy story of family, love and Gods presence over come tragedy and cling to God his love and growing their own love as family.
Also give some good survival skills.
March 10, 2024
The road to happiness and love
This is another great story by Linda FOrd. As soon As i see her books I just have to get it. I just know it will be a day story as have never been wrong. Thank you Linda. Maureen Clarke
This is another great story by Linda FOrd. As soon As i see her books I just have to get it. I just know it will be a day story as have never been wrong. Thank you Linda. Maureen Clarke
March 2, 2021
Reluctant Love(Love on the Western Trail Book 3)
This is the third book in this series about family and friends and travels on the Western Trail and love
This is the third book in this series about family and friends and travels on the Western Trail and love
April 3, 2021
Love grows
Despite the hardships, the characters persevere with kindness and gentleness. They fall in love while persevering through sickness and danger.
Despite the hardships, the characters persevere with kindness and gentleness. They fall in love while persevering through sickness and danger.
April 26, 2021
Review
Wonderful story. History lesson on hardship people endured traveling West. Enjoyed how much love was in the people & closeness.
Wonderful story. History lesson on hardship people endured traveling West. Enjoyed how much love was in the people & closeness.
May 6, 2021
Good
Oh goodness I like this series....can't stop reading ....can't wait to start on next book when I finish one...loved it
Oh goodness I like this series....can't stop reading ....can't wait to start on next book when I finish one...loved it
June 22, 2021
Sweet
A sweet version of yours, mine, and ours. It was nice to interweave their faith and their struggles of respecting their former mates memories while blending their new one.
A sweet version of yours, mine, and ours. It was nice to interweave their faith and their struggles of respecting their former mates memories while blending their new one.
September 16, 2021
Beautiful
I must say that Linda Ford's writing and books have improved tremendously since the first one I ever read. This was a sweet story.
I must say that Linda Ford's writing and books have improved tremendously since the first one I ever read. This was a sweet story.
January 19, 2024
Blended family at its best
I like how these people do what they need to do to make a blended family and get to California. They work out the kinks and fall completely in love.
I like how these people do what they need to do to make a blended family and get to California. They work out the kinks and fall completely in love.
July 3, 2024
Loved this book. I could hardly put it down. Ready to read the next book in this series.
April 21, 2025
Trials Conquered Love Grows
It is a beautifully written book where heartbreak and hard days find love and beauty all in the roughest of environments.
It is a beautifully written book where heartbreak and hard days find love and beauty all in the roughest of environments.
May 28, 2026
Excellent Book
I couldn't stop reading this book. A page turner for sure. It took them a while to recognize they loved each other and the ending is perfect.
I couldn't stop reading this book. A page turner for sure. It took them a while to recognize they loved each other and the ending is perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews