What do you think?
Rate this book
Gentle Courage
The Oregon Trail provides the backdrop to unfold Hank and Rebecca Quaid’s dream of settling in the fertile Willamette Valley. Though, one month out of the Kansas Territory, Hank disappears leaving Rebecca and Jace, their older son, responsible for finding the wagon train in his absence.Without Hank, Rebecca is forced to kill an outlaw who threatens her and her children. The courageous act thrusts her on a course of unforeseen danger. Rebecca finds it necessary to make one critical decision after another for the survival of her family.Joining the wagon train, Rebecca begins the long journey west. Two thousand miles of untamed wilderness and overwhelming adversities draw her closer to the group of travelers whom she soon considers family. Their strength overshadows her fears of retaliation by the outlaw’s brothers determined to make good on their promise. Music by the campfires, starlit nights, and God’s constant presence make the unrelenting wind and long, hot days bearable. Along with the unexpected romance which catches Rebecca by surprise.Gentle Courage tells the story of a woman with extraordinary faith and courage to give her children a future. With powerful insight, author of the Tales of Hackett County series, Connie Johnson captures the essences of the historical epic of the Oregon Trail seen through the eyes of Rebecca Quaid.
275 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2019
302 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Connie Johnson
27 books7 followersI have long been a student of human behavior; my interest in what motivates people’s thoughts, feelings, and actions led to a lifetime career as a Social Worker. In my 35-year career, I worked with people who had experienced abuse and oppression, as well as those who sought to abuse and oppress. I was curious about where ‘God’, or the ‘Cosmic Mind’ fit into the picture, and so became a student of both traditional religions, and non-traditional spiritual expressions and practices. During the course of my spiritual studies, I developed a special interest in reincarnation, karma, and past life issues.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 22, 2020
A Christian historical fiction book based on the Oregon Trail.
Rebecca Quaid, and her three children, must continue the journey on the Oregon Trail without her husband. Her husband fails to return to their covered wagon after several days - he was just suppose to be gone to find some water and a little food. Then one night, an outlaw rides into their camp, and Rebecca kills him, as his intentions are to cause the family harm. Going through the outlaw’s pocket, she discovers her husband’s pocket watch.
With nothing to go back to, she makes the decision to catch up to and join the other covered wagons on the Trail. But the Captain leading wagons has signed a strict contract - all wagons joining their wagon caravan must have a man in charge of it’s own wagon. She has a 15 year old son, but in those days, that's not quite a man.
What will this family do? How will they ever overcome all the odds, obstacles and hardships on this journey ahead of them?
Rebecca Quaid, and her three children, must continue the journey on the Oregon Trail without her husband. Her husband fails to return to their covered wagon after several days - he was just suppose to be gone to find some water and a little food. Then one night, an outlaw rides into their camp, and Rebecca kills him, as his intentions are to cause the family harm. Going through the outlaw’s pocket, she discovers her husband’s pocket watch.
With nothing to go back to, she makes the decision to catch up to and join the other covered wagons on the Trail. But the Captain leading wagons has signed a strict contract - all wagons joining their wagon caravan must have a man in charge of it’s own wagon. She has a 15 year old son, but in those days, that's not quite a man.
What will this family do? How will they ever overcome all the odds, obstacles and hardships on this journey ahead of them?
November 21, 2020
Wonderful wagon train tale
I really enjoyed this tale of hardships, pleasures, joy and sorrow as they were knit together in a narrative of a wagon train moving west. The characters were human, some strengthened by their trials and others weakened, but God’s plan was a cord holding the plot together. I was a little disappointed with the ending, hence the four stars. I admire the author for trying to give a peak into the future with the epilogue, but it seemed way too abrupt, like falling off a cliff. It took the whole book to go one year and a short epilogue to go 35 years. It was still a worthwhile novel to read.
I really enjoyed this tale of hardships, pleasures, joy and sorrow as they were knit together in a narrative of a wagon train moving west. The characters were human, some strengthened by their trials and others weakened, but God’s plan was a cord holding the plot together. I was a little disappointed with the ending, hence the four stars. I admire the author for trying to give a peak into the future with the epilogue, but it seemed way too abrupt, like falling off a cliff. It took the whole book to go one year and a short epilogue to go 35 years. It was still a worthwhile novel to read.
January 3, 2021
Good title; good story.
Authors who self-publish as this author has -- learn to format properly. Take time to go through it ONE more time before pressing that button. Formatting errors alone decreased my rating to 4 stars.
Another Oregon Trail plot but with an outlaw twist. Good writing style although a couple of times the closure of a 'happening' felt rushed and ergo, awkward. I did love the Epilogue ending. Great closure for this story of a woman and her family who were stronger and tougher than they knew.
Authors who self-publish as this author has -- learn to format properly. Take time to go through it ONE more time before pressing that button. Formatting errors alone decreased my rating to 4 stars.
Another Oregon Trail plot but with an outlaw twist. Good writing style although a couple of times the closure of a 'happening' felt rushed and ergo, awkward. I did love the Epilogue ending. Great closure for this story of a woman and her family who were stronger and tougher than they knew.
August 25, 2021
Travel Dangers on the Oregon Trail!
This book is the story of a courageous family and the troubles they faced on the Oregon Trail. This is the story of the family members who did not live to see Oregon and of the family members who settled in Oregon. The family faced dangers that all people faced along the trail but they were also being followed by an outlaw gang who killed the husband and father of the children, then sought retribution against the person who killed one of the gang members.
I enjoyed this book and hope you enjoy it also.
This book is the story of a courageous family and the troubles they faced on the Oregon Trail. This is the story of the family members who did not live to see Oregon and of the family members who settled in Oregon. The family faced dangers that all people faced along the trail but they were also being followed by an outlaw gang who killed the husband and father of the children, then sought retribution against the person who killed one of the gang members.
I enjoyed this book and hope you enjoy it also.
March 20, 2020
An Amazing Western Historical!
I loved this book so much I don't even know where to start. I loved Rebecca, Jace, Ben, Hannah, Zeb, Clara and Luke plus all the other cast of characters. This book isn't just a love story but a family love story of their trek on the Oregon Trail. I loved all the details of their journey and cryed and laughed with them as they kept God the focus of their life. Ms Johnson you wrote a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time.
I loved this book so much I don't even know where to start. I loved Rebecca, Jace, Ben, Hannah, Zeb, Clara and Luke plus all the other cast of characters. This book isn't just a love story but a family love story of their trek on the Oregon Trail. I loved all the details of their journey and cryed and laughed with them as they kept God the focus of their life. Ms Johnson you wrote a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time.
March 21, 2021
A bit too much religion
I've many historical novels on the Oregon Trail & early American history. This book seemed to focus too much on interpersonal drama and "faith in god" as the reasoning for everything that happens on the trial west. I prefer books with more historical details about life on the Oregon trail rather than a constant Sunday school lesson. I'll likely avoid this author going forward.
I've many historical novels on the Oregon Trail & early American history. This book seemed to focus too much on interpersonal drama and "faith in god" as the reasoning for everything that happens on the trial west. I prefer books with more historical details about life on the Oregon trail rather than a constant Sunday school lesson. I'll likely avoid this author going forward.
April 24, 2021
CHARACTERS BECAME FAMILY
If I could have I would have given four and a half stars. Loved the storyline and characters. They were well developed and made you feel as if they were part of your life. The historical part was well researched. My only real complaint were some grammatical errors and a few typos. I will definitely read more of Connie Johnson's work. Her spiritual strength and beliefs added to the story and were most welcome.
If I could have I would have given four and a half stars. Loved the storyline and characters. They were well developed and made you feel as if they were part of your life. The historical part was well researched. My only real complaint were some grammatical errors and a few typos. I will definitely read more of Connie Johnson's work. Her spiritual strength and beliefs added to the story and were most welcome.
May 30, 2020
Gets your attention from the first word.
I love to read about wagon trains and the old West. I know times were harder but yet they were simp!er. Families were so important. I have no negativity to say regarding this book. I recommend it. With that said, I think I'll get started on the next one....
I love to read about wagon trains and the old West. I know times were harder but yet they were simp!er. Families were so important. I have no negativity to say regarding this book. I recommend it. With that said, I think I'll get started on the next one....
October 18, 2020
Good Christian Read
All I can say is that this was a very inspiring book about a young family heading to Oregon. The characters were well written and enjoyable. The description of trail life and wagon train living made you feel like you were traveling with them. Please give this book a read. Thank you Connie Johnson for a delightful story.
All I can say is that this was a very inspiring book about a young family heading to Oregon. The characters were well written and enjoyable. The description of trail life and wagon train living made you feel like you were traveling with them. Please give this book a read. Thank you Connie Johnson for a delightful story.
June 23, 2021
Rebecca’s Oregon trip
This is one of the best stories I’ve read in a while. Rebecca, her husband Hank and their three children start their treck by covered wagon to Oregon territory. The trip has much sorrow, adventure, excitement and so much happiness to be found. If you enjoy this type of tale you will not be disappointed!
This is one of the best stories I’ve read in a while. Rebecca, her husband Hank and their three children start their treck by covered wagon to Oregon territory. The trip has much sorrow, adventure, excitement and so much happiness to be found. If you enjoy this type of tale you will not be disappointed!
February 23, 2022
Heartwarming!
Such courage Rebecca had to have. And teenage Jace also! Such a down to earth believable, realistic story of the heartbreaking tragedies and hardships encountered and endured of those days. In the end, the outlaws, the romance, the adopted grandparents all came together and the epilogue made me cry.
Such courage Rebecca had to have. And teenage Jace also! Such a down to earth believable, realistic story of the heartbreaking tragedies and hardships encountered and endured of those days. In the end, the outlaws, the romance, the adopted grandparents all came together and the epilogue made me cry.
July 26, 2025
The Oregon Trail
A look into some of the lives of the people who made their way West by wagon train. You'll read how lasting friendships were formed and how grueling travel could be for them all. Clean reading while turning to the Lord for strength, patience and hope to make it through to their destination.
A look into some of the lives of the people who made their way West by wagon train. You'll read how lasting friendships were formed and how grueling travel could be for them all. Clean reading while turning to the Lord for strength, patience and hope to make it through to their destination.
November 30, 2019
Historical
Gentle Courage by Connie Johnson. Historical about the trials on the Oregon trail. Outlaws killed the father of the family and that begins the story of their lives on the Trail to Oregon. Great book didn't care much for the ending.
Gentle Courage by Connie Johnson. Historical about the trials on the Oregon trail. Outlaws killed the father of the family and that begins the story of their lives on the Trail to Oregon. Great book didn't care much for the ending.
May 12, 2020
Very Nice Christian Overland Traveling Story
I didn't know it at first but this story, happily, is a Christian centered story about families traveling overland in the 1800's. I liked it very much.
I didn't know it at first but this story, happily, is a Christian centered story about families traveling overland in the 1800's. I liked it very much.
August 9, 2020
Full of twists and turns
I enjoyed this book very much. Always something happening.!The determation and tenacity to keep going , This is way beyond what any of us today , would ever possibly think of doing!
I enjoyed this book very much. Always something happening.!The determation and tenacity to keep going , This is way beyond what any of us today , would ever possibly think of doing!
August 28, 2020
Dreams
We all have our dreams and plans but lots of things can change as we do our beets to best to accomplish them. We need to keep our mind and heart on what is really important. This is a great story about that.
We all have our dreams and plans but lots of things can change as we do our beets to best to accomplish them. We need to keep our mind and heart on what is really important. This is a great story about that.
September 10, 2020
Uplifting tale of the hardships of Pioneer life
This was a very good book. Right amount of action and suspense. Perfect description of the Oregon Trail. Hardships, friendships. Loss and love... Recommended read.
This was a very good book. Right amount of action and suspense. Perfect description of the Oregon Trail. Hardships, friendships. Loss and love... Recommended read.
September 26, 2020
Wonderful
Thoroughly enjoyable characters with a well thought out plot. The story kept me engaged enough that the book was difficult to put down .The story ended with me wanting more.
Thoroughly enjoyable characters with a well thought out plot. The story kept me engaged enough that the book was difficult to put down .The story ended with me wanting more.
December 29, 2020
Gentle Courage
An excellent story and filled with lots of action...as a school teacher, I would be pleased
To have my school children read and understand the importance of the Oregon Trail in history.
An excellent story and filled with lots of action...as a school teacher, I would be pleased
To have my school children read and understand the importance of the Oregon Trail in history.
June 5, 2021
Good story
The characters and story line were good. My biggest problem with the story was the lack of reality in some incidents. There was no way she could've made soap. Just gathering the ingredients is a lengthy process.
The characters and story line were good. My biggest problem with the story was the lack of reality in some incidents. There was no way she could've made soap. Just gathering the ingredients is a lengthy process.
June 30, 2021
Slow beginning
The first 20% of this novel suffers poor writing --- stilted narrative, weak description, slow plot formation. I rarely consider aborting a hook, but put it aside. Thankfully, the book improved.
The first 20% of this novel suffers poor writing --- stilted narrative, weak description, slow plot formation. I rarely consider aborting a hook, but put it aside. Thankfully, the book improved.
January 8, 2022
A very good book.
I am very glad I discovered this writer.
Her books are very well written.
The characters are real and there is lots of adventure.
I will be looking for more of her books.
I am very glad I discovered this writer.
Her books are very well written.
The characters are real and there is lots of adventure.
I will be looking for more of her books.
January 19, 2023
A story to remember
Rebecca is a character in this story that went through alot of hardships that can't imagine going through and still having the faith in God. God got them through and Made her son had hate in his heart but God turned that around. The story kept me wanting more.
Rebecca is a character in this story that went through alot of hardships that can't imagine going through and still having the faith in God. God got them through and Made her son had hate in his heart but God turned that around. The story kept me wanting more.
May 1, 2023
Even though there were many characters, the author made it easy to get to know them. When I'm reading a good book, I want the story to be a long one and I was pleased that this one is that. I look forward to reading the next edition of the series. Great job. Sweet story.
October 15, 2019
Trails End
This was a very enjoyable story of a family going west to Oregon. It tell of all of the heart breaking sadness and of all the joys the family incurred during the trip.
This was a very enjoyable story of a family going west to Oregon. It tell of all of the heart breaking sadness and of all the joys the family incurred during the trip.
March 1, 2020
The Quaids
The strength and love of Rebecca charter for her family and friends through God’s will was totally outstanding. I also like the closing of the plots in the story.
The strength and love of Rebecca charter for her family and friends through God’s will was totally outstanding. I also like the closing of the plots in the story.
March 13, 2020
Great story
I really enjoyed Gentle Courage. This is a beautifully written faith-based novel that is not preachy. Great characters and plot twists.
I really enjoyed Gentle Courage. This is a beautifully written faith-based novel that is not preachy. Great characters and plot twists.
April 8, 2020
Page turner
You kept me reading to see what happened next. I enjoyed it. I'd like to know the story from Luke and Jace's return to the epilogue.
You kept me reading to see what happened next. I enjoyed it. I'd like to know the story from Luke and Jace's return to the epilogue.
April 18, 2020
Gentle Courage
A very good story about a young woman that travels the Oregon Trail with her children after her husband is killed and her courage
A very good story about a young woman that travels the Oregon Trail with her children after her husband is killed and her courage
May 13, 2020
Excellent descriptive work.
This was an uplifting and engaging book. I found it hard to put it down. The people became real to me as well as their emotions and trials.
This was an uplifting and engaging book. I found it hard to put it down. The people became real to me as well as their emotions and trials.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews