A Wagon Train Weekend

Back Inn Time #1

by Stephenia H. McGee

It was just one night at a Victorian B&B. Until they woke up in 1857.

Collette Donaldson never should have taken her boyfriend to her cousin’s wedding. Or introduced him to her parents. After a disastrous weekend, all she wants is to get back home and sort out the mess that had once been their relationship. A heartbreaking fight, a flat tire, and an inconvenient storm force her and Seth to stay the night at a quaint bed and breakfast. But when Collette finds an antique photograph of herself, circumstances quickly shift from weird to unimaginable.

Seth Stone was ready to propose. Now he isn’t sure if he and Collette even have a relationship. People he'd never want to be his in-laws, an irritable girlfriend, and now he has to spend the night in a creepy old Victorian inn. He should have never wondered how things could possibly get worse. When they wake up stranded on a wagon train in 1857, Seth is determined to get home. But the only way to get out of the past is to face the problems stealing their future.



♥ The Back Inn Time series short novels are fun, faith-filled stories of what it might be like to suddenly experience life in a different time. These clean historical romances are packed with humor and adventure. Perfect for fans of dual timeline or time slip stories and Christian historical romance, these books answer the question ever historical fiction fan wonders—what would it be like if I went back to that time? If you enjoy the wholesomeness of Amish, Western, or frontier fiction and adore romantic comedies, then a visit a seaside Victorian inn where you can “step back inn time and leave your troubles behind!” is for you.

Genres: Time Travel, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Christian

226 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2021

About the author

Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Present Day & 1857 Oregon Trail

Christian Fiction Time Travel!

Sweet romance about two young adults both believing they had found "the one" and then starting to have second thoughts. When they are transported back in time, it forces them to see each other and themselves in a new light.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read! I was in the mood for a Christian, time travel story. After reading Stephenia McGee's book, "Falling for the Fifties" a few months ago, I figured "A Wagon Train Weekend" would be a fun choice. I was happy when the story met my expectations.

Seth and Collette travel to Houston for her cousin's wedding. They have been dating, and Seth believes it is time to propose to Collette. With a happy celebration in mind, they endure an embarrassing blow when Collette's parents openly reject Seth. Collette's father mentions that Seth is not suitable for her. Seth leaves the reception, and Collette runs after him. At this point, Seth is rethinking his thoughts about wanting to propose to her. Seth gets a flat tire, and they are stuck in a downpour of rain with no phone reception. Stranded in a weird, desolate neighborhood, they decide to knock on the door of an old, Victorian Bed and Breakfast called "The Depot." Mrs. Easley, the innkeeper who continues to make me laugh, opens the door and invites them in. She is dressed in 18th century attire. Seth asks her to use a phone, and of course it is an antique phone. He calls a towing company, but unfortunately he is not able to get assistance until the "next day." When Seth and Collette decide to get rooms, Mrs. Easley states that they are at the right place and they are just in time. Those cryptic words are unsettling, and what follows is beyond their wildest dreams. To their dismay, being launched to the 18th century is not a fantasy, but their reality. They scramble to their feet in the Wild West, and so begins their quest. What and who will be lurking around the corners of the unknown?


Faith, fun, humor, mystery, suspense, and action were all components that McGee used to seamlessly pen this journey to the past, in 1857 along the Oregon Trail. Her writing was easy to follow, and I enjoyed her vivid descriptions. When I read, "White hot heat seared up their arms" and "All went black," I got excited because I knew I would feel like I was transported to the past with the characters. Before Seth and Collette realized where they were and how they got there, I was already wondering about the experiences they would have, and what it would take for them to get back home. The experiences Seth and Collette faced, stretched them to their limits physically, mentally and emotionally. Spiritually, they were enlightened to give God the keys, and to take the passenger seats. It is ironic because they literally had to do that, given they had a flat tire in both the present and past.

It was fun uncovering the mystery surrounding Independence Rock and July 4th. I figured it out before the end; however, I enjoyed seeing how Seth and Collette navigated through their disappointments, and how everything came together for them in the end. I enjoyed the faith element in this story. It was really strong. There were many references about leaning on God for wisdom and direction. Initially, Seth and Collette put their situation in their own hands. Their relationship was as rocky as their wagon ride. It was not until they submitted to God's will, that things began to smooth out for them. Witnessing how they grew in spiritual maturity was so refreshing and beautiful. The romance was not forced. Instead it blossomed naturally. The way the romance progressed was believable, because of Seth and Collette's struggles surrounding communication and trust in their relationship. This story reminded me of Ecclesiastes 3:11 "He hath made every thing beautiful in His time."



5 out of 5 stars for this lovely, time travel story that kept me entertained!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wagon Train Weekend is the first book I've read by this author, but I'm excited to read more. This story, while short, was SO good. I wasn't too sure how I would like the whole time travel aspect, but I think it was very well done.

I really liked the characters. It was great to see how their relationship was tested throughout this story and the ending was perfect. I also enjoyed the wagon train aspect - that was interesting. ;)

All in all, A Wagon Train Weekend was a great read and I recommend it. I can't wait to read the next one!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

One thing I appreciated about this book is that is is clean (i.e. no sex, foul language, etc). Perhaps I most appreciated the focus on the idea that God can use every challenge (whether realistic or fantastical) to shape and mold us into better versions of ourselves if we trust Him and work with Him. I value how the author emphasized the importance of open communication and sharing of burdens/struggles (as well as joys) in a couple relationship.

The reasons for my low rating are as follows:
Even though the book touched on some of the character development, I feel a lot was left out. I also really did not like the main female character--she seemed too sheltered, naive, spoiled, entitled, and ignorant. For example, she had no clue that women in the 1800s covered their legs for social politeness, and when she learned of it she criticized their beliefs without trying to look at it from their point of view. It makes me wonder if this book is intended for teenagers to read; regardless, I did not admire much about the female character--she seemed to be a huge burden on the relationship. And even though her male counterpart kept stating that she had many great qualities, the reader had no concrete examples to base their own opinion on.
On the flip side, the main male character seemed to move past one of his limitations (lack of communication) without even trying. His transformation was unrealistic and I failed to see a logical progression; he jumped from not communicating openly to doing so perfectly, which does not happen without effort, struggle, reflection, practice, mistakes, etc. Compared to the main female character, he seemed to have more admirable qualities, such as skills in the wilderness. Of course, that may be due to my own bias towards such skills.

[Nan Adel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time trying to like Collette

I really looked forward to reading this one but it missed my expectations. The main female character, Collette, was vey annoying and unlikable. Stephenia McGee made this character overly stubborn and calling her independent. Well, it didn't work. She was just irritating. I wanted to slap her. It took a long time to even care about her a little bit. I think I can only recommend this book to teenage girls. For me, it fell flat, but I finished it.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fun story! What a treat for the imagination! Packed with tons of interesting details, I felt like I was in the wagon train with Seth and Collette. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator does a wonderful job with each character. I can't wait to read the next in the series!

I received a complimentary copy and all opinions are my own.

[Deena Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a unique story! I’ve never read a time-travel book, so this was a fun change of pace. And I especially enjoyed how the couple learned about one another as they traveled the 1800’s Oregon Trail and grew in their relationship with God and each other.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories that utilize ‘magical realism’ – in other words, realistic fiction with ‘magical’ moments woven into the framework. It’s done in such a way that you can easily see it happening in your current world without having to suspend much disbelief. Time travel fits nicely into this category, so I was super excited to read A Wagon Train Weekend by one of my favorite authors, Stephenia H. McGee!

Collette & Seth are having a rough time of it. Seth had planned to propose to Collette at a quaint seaside restaurant, but he runs into one frustrating obstacle after another, culminating in a flat tire and a surprise storm. They seek shelter in a quaint Victorian B&B with an intriguing innkeeper (whom I loved at first sight) and a mysterious photo of Collette from the 1800s… and, as they say, the rest is history. In more ways than one 😉

McGee did a great job of laying the groundwork for these two characters & their relationship, flaws and all. So when they suddenly find themselves in a wagon train headed toward Independence Rock, you immediately feel their tension, their confusion, their helplessness, and their “how do we make it back to the present day” emotions. In the span of a lightning flash they’ve gone from not knowing whether their relationship will survive to not knowing whether they will survive, and the author shows these layers with empathy and a dash of humor too. I really liked both characters and enjoyed watching them truly become the partners they were trying (and failing) to be for each other before their adventure began.

Bottom Line: A Wagon Train Weekend by Stephenia H. McGee is an entertaining ‘imagine if’ adventure, with engaging characters and a sweet romance. The challenges that Collette and Seth faced reminded me of how our greatest growth is often in difficult seasons when the familiar is turned upside down and we don’t have our usual ‘go-to’s to rely on. The author sets up the time travel element plausibly (and in a way that makes me super excited for the other books in the series, too) and brings the book to a very satisfying conclusion. A fun read with a great message!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and unique way to touch on a couple's indifferences as they cross the centuries to grow closer to each other.

It is the first time I have read a book from this author and liked her approach to the story. Collette and Seth were returning from a devastating weekend when a flat tire stopped them. At this point, it looked like the couple would not make the night, let alone a week or two in the veld.

Finding themselves on the wagon trail definitely shaped them as a couple and helped them to grow in faith. There were time for heart to heart moments where they really had to talk and listen. Then there were the adventures of being back in 1857, with no idea how to survive. Talk about a significant change.

Colette is a typical city girl with no idea about the outdoors or camping. When she finds herself in the outdoors, with no shower, toothpaste or toilet, she had to improvise to survive the hard land and harsh circumstances. Seth was a bricklayer by trade and loves the outdoors, but he too was thrown into the deep end with a wagon wheel to fix. Then to go out hunting for food. Both of them had to change and adapt to get along with the rest of the pilgrims. I would have liked more interaction with the people though.

This was a very entertaining read. The only part I didn't like was the interaction with the other pilgrims on the road. Their deduction about Collette didn't work for me and, as a subplot, had no actual weight to add to the story.

Otherwise a good storyline, with a good pace as you follow them through the land. Their love is an unfolding adventure that really captures the heart strings.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wagon Train Weekend by Stephenia H McGee is the most charming dual timeline Christian novel. It is the first book in the Back Inn Time series which promises to be fabulous.
Once again Stephenia McGee has created some wonderful warm characters who will delight the reader. They are realistic with their flaws and hang-ups.
Sometimes in life our parents put pressure on us to be someone we are not. We cannot live out the dreams of another. We need to be the person God created us to be.
Our Heavenly Father is our perfect Father. We can trust Him to take care of us even if we cannot see the way ahead. Wherever we are, whatever we face, God is there with us.
A relationship needs honesty. We need to face our pasts and be truthful about them. A relationship needs a firm foundation built on truth and trust. We need God in our marriages. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. We need to make godly decisions together as we love and care for each other.
I really enjoyed A Wagon Train Weekend. It was positively delightful and had strong godly themes. I cannot wait for the subsequent books.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute time-travel novella by Stephenia H McGee! I've read and enjoyed the author's historical and contemporary novels but this is the first of her time-travel ones that I've read. The author's fluid writing style, well-paced plot, and lovable characters are all here in the story, plus the fun and exciting twist of time travel thrown into the plot.

Collette is a bit of a spoiled rich brat, taught from early on to always have the upper hand in every situation. Seth is a fun and easy-going guy who doesn't talk about his feelings or problems and is weighed down by the sense of failure at every turn. In the present time, they claim to love each other but don't really know each other well until they're thrown in the midst of a wagon train heading out to Oregon in 1857. In 1857, they learn to lean into each other's strengths and bolster up each other's weaknesses as they navigate a foreign world lacking all the modern commodities. I really enjoyed traveling back in time with the couple; their growth and maturity through their common turmoil was lovely to see. If you enjoy time-travel stories, you will enjoy this one.

I received the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found myself easily immersed in the lives of Collette and Seth. From the spare tire, to the spunky (or I pictured her kind of like a hippee) lady at the inn, I was intrigued by how their relationship would continue, and how in the world there was going to be a time travel event. I was pleased with how McGee handled that. It was seamless really, and felt natural. Like it might have actually happened.

But what I loved about the story even more was Collette and Seth’s walk with each other. You learn early on that they come from different walks of life, and yet that was never a factor for them. Such a great message for readers today. Even more important was the fact that McGee brought a unique idea to the table. When couples are in trouble, send them back in time. Make them interact with historical people, try to fit in (boy I giggled with the wagon tire scenes), and figure out a way back. Not a way back to the present, but a way back to each other.

This was a quick read, and I hope the rest of the stories in this series will be just like it. A delightful read that puts a smile on my face! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed reading historical books, especially ones set on wagon trains and books about time travel, so when I discovered this series, I knew that I had to read them. Collete and Seth are on their way home to Alabama after a disastrous wedding in Houston, thanks in part to Collette's family. On their way to a secluded restaurant, Seth's car has a flat tire, and neither he nor Collete's cell phones work. Eventually, they make their way to a Victorian style B&B, and that's when the fun begins. After finding themselves in 1857, they (obviously) try to figure out how to get back home. I kept finding myself shaking my head at Collete because she tells Seth that they have to blend in with the other pioneers, yet she does everything BUT blend in. I also found it interesting that the word "tire" was used in the mid 19th century, because I assumed that it was a more modern term, so it was fun learning something I didn't know about covered wagons. I can't wait to start Book 2, Falling in the Fifties, and I hope that it's just as good!

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wagon Train Weekend is an auspicious beginning to the fun, faith-filled Back Inn Time series. In this book, master storyteller Stephenia McGee successfully executes a freely flowing time travel plot which is clever and enjoyable. The main characters Collette and Seth are well-developed and real. I enjoyed the humorous scenes as this modern day couple struggles to “fit-in” on the 1857 wagon train. I especially enjoyed the scene involving fuel for a campfire! On a serious side, this time travel has a purpose by helping the couple discover who they really are and what it takes to mend their fractured relationship. In addition to the humor and adventure, I appreciated the inclusion of uplifting spiritual truths about trusting God. If you are looking for a light, inspiring read; you don’t want to miss this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 4 out of 5]

After inviting her boyfriend Seth to a wedding back home and their date doesn't go well, Collette and Seth find themselves waiting for a car repair when they are unexpectedly thrown back in time to join a wagon train heading west. Creative and funny, author Stephenia H McGee creates memorable modern characters stuck in the past. Without all the modern conveniences and distractions, they have lots of time to examine their lives. I really enjoyed this time travel story, and I am so looking forward to more in this series!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own!

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

Quick read about a couple transported back on a wagon train to Oregon. i loved all the little bits added about living in that time frame.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a long read, but a very enjoyable one....one of the better Christian fiction time travel books that I have read

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute time travel story. I read the next one too
Library books

[Megan Lowe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited when I came across this series — historical fiction, time travel, & it was Christian fiction?! All the elements to make it potentially a series I would love were there. Unfortunately, this fell flat for me. I think a big part was the fact that it was more of a novella…only 5 hours audio. Too short to really have true depth or character development. I found the main characters, especially the female protagonist, quite annoying. There was not nearly enough “history” for my liking. Also, I think some of my middle school history students would have had more historical awareness than these people did 😂 I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I did think the epilogue was cute.

I do plan to try the next book in the series just to see if I like it any better. At the least, it’s an easy/quick listen. Different characters and a different time period might spark more interest for me. But it might just be that this author/series isn’t for me. Time will tell!

[Imagination's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great and fun way to talk about faith and learning to grow as a person. Collette annoyed me at first, but then she was supposed to. Her and Seth must work through some things in the Old West in order for there to be a potential future in their own time. Worth reading!!!

[Becca Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narration Review:

It is SO important to have the right narrator for an audiobook, and Stephenia H McGee has a gold star in Brynn Austin. I don't tend to "follow" many narrators, but knowing that Austin was going to be doing this series after enjoying her performance in others by this author, I was quite excited to say the least. She does a wonderful job of matching her voice to the energy and mood of the stories, and is able to craft different voices for the characters so they are easier to distinguish as she reads. 

Story Review:

Oh my goodness, LOVE!. Although time travel reads aren't my typical genre of choice, once I see Stephenia H McGee's name on the cover, I instantly know I must get my hands on it. There is something about her writing that sets her apart from other authors who write in this particular genre. If you take a look at her other reads, she tends to write more historical fiction, but even those that touch contemporary timelines have a tangible, deep-rooted appreciation and respect of history. In order for a story like this to be strong enough for me to enjoy it, the setting has to be as strong as the characters themselves, and McGee does an impeccable job of this. She doesn't just throw the characters back in time, but immerses them in the world of the time, they appear. Her wealth of research is evident, and often revealed in humorous if not unfortunate events. I adored this story, and yes, there were several moments of audible laughter throughout. HIGHLY recommend!

*I received an Audible code for this narration from By the Vine Press. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Judybelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you imagine having a flat tire and seeking refuge in a bed and breakfast Inn for the night……..then waking up in the year 1847 on a wagon train with a broken wagon wheel. This is what Seth and Collette awoke to. What an awakening to the trials and happenings of the things required of them on the trail when they both had no idea what to do. The others of the train looked at them, puzzled that they seemed so different and ignorant in how they did things. At times they thought Collette to be a “loose” woman because of her actions and hair. McGee created humorous happenings along the trail and other times life threatening situations. I loved reading of the different happenings along the wagon trail as this is one of my favorites times in Historical fiction. The time on the the wagon trail taught Seth and Collette a lot about their love for God and their love for each other. How they can learn to endure hardships if they trust in the Lord and lean on each other. All this time hoping that they will somehow wake up back at the bed and breakfast Inn. Loved how this all ended for them…… I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traveling back in time to the 1850’s for Collette Donaldson and Seth Stone was full of surprises. While it wouldn’t have been something either of them would have chosen, it is just what they needed to test not only their love and commitment for each other, but their very character.

Having been raised as a socialite, Collette was not used to doing anything for herself. Suddenly, she and Seth find themselves in the middle of the prairie in a broken down wagon. Having to join a wagon train of strangers, and overcome numerous dangers, Collette has to rely on Seth and grow to trust and love him more than she ever had before. This trust helped her to examine her love for him and believe that he was the one for her and wanted the best for her.

Frightening experiences and funny predicaments that Collette finds herself in make this story engaging and entertaining. This first book in the Back Inn Time series was an ingenious way to begin and it will be fun to see what other couples will face at this unusual inn.

Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

[SK · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve always found historical time fiction interesting, because it can push the reader to contemplate the differences of one time period versus another. I think it drives the reader to deliberate on the “what if” factor of living in another time. Effective use of time fiction can build an intensely real understanding of history. I’ve enjoyed a number of S.H. McGee’s time travel fiction books, such as “Her Place in Time” (I’ve rated 5.0), “The Hope of Christmas Past” (I’ve rated 4.0), and “Falling for the Fifties” (I’ve rated 5.0). But this first book in The Back Inn Time series just couldn’t rise above a 3.4 for me.

The Positives:

I enjoy a well-written time travel fiction, so immediately I had high expectations for the story. The character that was the most memorable was Mrs. Easley, the time-travel matron at The Depot. It was a nice touch that the Inns décor and the matron’s outfits were clues to the time period, where the characters would be sent. This book focused on travel across the country in 1857 via a covered wagon. The book doesn’t give a plethora of specific details on wagon-train travel, but we do learn about the challenges of cooking (especially when you possess zero cooking expertise), the tests and tedium of walking for miles, and what happens when your wagon wheel rim dislodges from the wood.

The Negatives:

Honestly, for me the lacks outnumbered the positives. The main characters were just not inspiring, in fact, page after page they became increasingly more annoying, Collette more so than Seth. I do not enjoy angst filled stories, and it soon became apparent that the main two characters were dysfunctional and grew up in families that functioned at cross-purposes. At the start of the story, the reader is thrown into a situation that is emotion filled, lacks clarity, and actually feels like you are eavesdropping on a private conversation. The more I read, the more it became unbelievable to assume that this couple could make it as a couple, they were both so immature. They needed to learn to be adults before connecting as a couple, and no time-travel experience was going to help them. Fairy-tales must have some believability and this story didn’t for me. I found it appalling that Collette refused to acquiesce to the social mores of the time, acting so callously to those who embraced them in their time of total inadequacy and need.

I also felt like the story was just too short. This story needed more time to develop the characters, show believable change, and credible faith and practice. I also thought that all the characters on the trail were flat, cardboard like, which could have been fleshed out, improving the plot, all with some increased pagination. I’m also sensing a pattern after reading book 1 “A Wagon Train Weekend” and book 3 “A Colonial Courtship.” This author likes to write female leads that are immature, troubled, and unlikeable as well as male leads also being immature, troubled, and unlikeable, only slightly less so.

Reviews are definitely subjective, so you must decide if this type of protracted angst and character dysfunction are the type of writing ploy you enjoy.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seth Stone was ready to propose. Now he isn’t sure if he and Collette even have a relationship. People he'd never want to be his in-laws, an irritable girlfriend, and now he has to spend the night in a creepy old Victorian inn. He should have never wondered how things could possibly get worse. When they wake up stranded on a wagon train in 1857, Seth is determined to get home. But the only way to get out of the past is to face the problems stealing their future.
Author Stephenia McGee does it again with this time travel story. Can you imagine being transported back to 1857 from today? McGee does a good job of expressing how this young couple would have felt, what they would have thought, and how they would have reacted. I could picture it all taking place. Some of it was scary, some funny, and always the relationship between Collette and Seth was being tested. Can it survive? You’ll have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite reads this year. I listened to the audiobook and that really brought this story to life. I love wagon train stories. Seth and Collette’s story was beautiful. From a trip to a wedding, Seth meeting Colette’s parents, having a flat tire and then having to stay in a B & B did not go as planned. When they woke up the next morning they were on the wagon train trail. They were not happy to say the least but they do learn that they have to survive. Through it all I love how they cope and learn about themselves and each other in the process.
This is a well written story with tons of things happening on the trail. There is also a faith thread that runs throughout the story as they are trying to figure out the ways of dress and language of 1857. This audiobook was over 5 hours of pure delight!
I received a complimentary copy but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah B White · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Highway to Wagon Train in a Split Second!

I must admit that this is the first time travel book I have ever read. I looked down on science fictiony stuff and avoided it. Well, this is a delightful book and I am no longer totally against indulging myself in another book in this series.

A young couple has a flat tire and discovers there is no spare tire in the vehicle, no cell phone signal to call for help, and the bed and breakfast inn is lit but seems spooky. The story goes from there. It involves a wagon train traveling on the Oregon Trail and the various travelers on the wagon train. The young couple got to know each other much better and began rethinking marriage plans.

I enjoyed this book and may just pick up others in this series --maybe today. I enjoyed the Christian emphasis and look forward to reading more books in this series.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolute delight! This story was a ton of fun and a nice change from what I've been reading lately. I love a good time travel story and this one was so well done. I've always been curious about what it would be like to go back in time, to experience history. (Just for a little while, though. I'm too fond of modern conveniences to want to stay for very long, lol.) And this book does a great job of imagining that.

A young couple struggling in their relationship are thrust back to 1857 to the Oregon Trail. They're so far out of their comfort zone, but this new adventure could be just what they need to work through their problems.

This was a quick read that I greatly enjoyed. I felt like I was there with the characters, experiencing everything right alongside them. I didn't want to say goodbye when I reached the end.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet. Clean. Wholesome. I was a bit frustrated with the main heroine. She was supposed to be a college trained journalist who grew up with a lawyer for a father. Her father supposedly taught her to think critically and analytically. Despite her education, it never occurred to her that a woman in the mid 1800s could not show her knees without being accused of being a harlot. The writing was a bit amateur. Such a big deal was made about the tension and arguments between the two main characters, yet the dialogue did not seem worthy of the supposed tension. My husband gave me this book for my birthday. I do not normally read historical romance, but,obviously, I had to give it a shot. I am glad I read it. It moved smoothly and at a good pace and did not take too long to get moving or arrive at a conclusion.

[Phyllis (Avid Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the second book in the Back Inn Time series before reading this one and I'm glad I did. While I really enjoyed this one, I like the first one best. I do plan to read the others in the series and recommend it.

While there wasn't a great deal of faith elements, I thought this was an especially good bit of advice about accepting God's will in your life:
"A person didn't have to be glad about God's decision in order to trust Him. She could be both painfully disappointed her prayers hadn't turned out like she'd wanted, and yet still trust that God had her best interest in mind." Wow, this really spoke to me.

My only negative thought about the book was that Collette wasn't a very likable or mature person in the beginning, but she grew during the wagon train "weekend," which was more than a weekend.