What do you think?
Rate this book
Wagons West #3
Wyoming!
Savage Indian attacks. A lone, war-crazed Blackfoot stalking them. The courts of Queen Victoria and Russia's Czar plotting to thwart their valiant gamble for the future of a new nation. Bitter winter coming. Yet America's first wagon train pushes its way westward through the Rockies. Ahead is Oregon, the Promised Land -- and the endless miles of hardship and danger, treachery and death that stand between them and their beloved goal.
WYOMING! Men, women and children staking their all on the slimmest chance of success. They depend for survival on men like wagon scout Whip Holt, never bested by roan or beast. But now two women -- the beautiful young widow Cathy van Ayl, and the Indian maiden La-ena who was once Whip's woman--ride side by side on the train. Each wants him, and either has the power to become his fatal weakness!
WYOMING! Men, women and children staking their all on the slimmest chance of success. They depend for survival on men like wagon scout Whip Holt, never bested by roan or beast. But now two women -- the beautiful young widow Cathy van Ayl, and the Indian maiden La-ena who was once Whip's woman--ride side by side on the train. Each wants him, and either has the power to become his fatal weakness!
374 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
11 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
About the author
Dana Fuller Ross
108 books143 followersDana Fuller Ross is a pseudonym used by Noel B. Gerson and James M. Reasoner.
Noel Gearson specializes in historical military novels, westerns, and mysteries. He also writes under the pseudonyms, "Dana Fuller Ross.", Anne Marie Burgess; Michael Burgess; Nicholas Gorham; Paul Lewis; Leon Phillips; Donald Clayton Porter; Philip Vail; and Carter A. Vaughan. He has written more than 325 novels.
James Reasoner (pictured) is an American writer. He is the author of more than 150 books and many short stories in a career spanning more than thirty years. Reasoner has used at least nineteen pseudonyms, in addition to his own name: Jim Austin; Peter Danielson; Terrance Duncan; Tom Early; Wesley Ellis; Tabor Evans; Jake Foster; William Grant; Matthew Hart; Livia James; Mike Jameson; Justin Ladd; Jake Logan; Hank Mitchum; Lee Morgan; J.L. Reasoner (with his wife); Dana Fuller Ross; Adam Rutledge; and Jon Sharpe. Since most of Reasoner's books were written as part of various existing Western fiction series, many of his pseudonyms were publishing "house" names that may have been used by other authors who contributed to those series
Noel Gearson specializes in historical military novels, westerns, and mysteries. He also writes under the pseudonyms, "Dana Fuller Ross.", Anne Marie Burgess; Michael Burgess; Nicholas Gorham; Paul Lewis; Leon Phillips; Donald Clayton Porter; Philip Vail; and Carter A. Vaughan. He has written more than 325 novels.
James Reasoner (pictured) is an American writer. He is the author of more than 150 books and many short stories in a career spanning more than thirty years. Reasoner has used at least nineteen pseudonyms, in addition to his own name: Jim Austin; Peter Danielson; Terrance Duncan; Tom Early; Wesley Ellis; Tabor Evans; Jake Foster; William Grant; Matthew Hart; Livia James; Mike Jameson; Justin Ladd; Jake Logan; Hank Mitchum; Lee Morgan; J.L. Reasoner (with his wife); Dana Fuller Ross; Adam Rutledge; and Jon Sharpe. Since most of Reasoner's books were written as part of various existing Western fiction series, many of his pseudonyms were publishing "house" names that may have been used by other authors who contributed to those series
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 4, 2016
This book is the third in a historical fiction series that describes the first wagon train to Oregon in 1837.
The best way to describe it?
It's 1pm and you're driving in traffic on a hot day and you're starving and you see a Burger King in a strip mall on your right, and you turn into the drive through and get a whopper junior with cheese no onions and a diet coke and scarf it down in their parking lot.
This is the literary equivalent of that experience....
The best way to describe it?
It's 1pm and you're driving in traffic on a hot day and you're starving and you see a Burger King in a strip mall on your right, and you turn into the drive through and get a whopper junior with cheese no onions and a diet coke and scarf it down in their parking lot.
This is the literary equivalent of that experience....
May 10, 2023
I now see why I don't really remember the earlier volumes of this series outside of one or two characters. Because this book does not age well at all. I'm giving it two stars because of a couple of characters, but oh boy.
So let's start with the huge problem of Whip Holt, guider/leader of the Wagon Train who is in a romantic square with Cathy, La-ena, and Lee Blake. So way back in Independence, Whip was attracted to Cathy who was married, but her husband (who was an ass) died at the end of that book. In the second, there is a romantic triangle as Whip and Lee are both interested in Cathy who is young, blonde, pretty, and rich. (To be fair, the men are not interested in the money). At the end of that volume, we briefly met La-ena, a young Native American woman who is/was in a romantic relationship with Whip, one that is basically a marriage.
The problem is that in this book Whip Holt comes across as a complete and utter jackass and jerk. I now remember why I never liked him (and I never really liked his son Toby either. I always found the women in the series far more interesting). Here he is, having sex and co-habiting with La-ena during the wagon train's travel and winter stop over, and he can't figure out why Cathy no longer really wants to talk to him. He sees La-ena as, basically, a starter wife that he outgrew and Cathy is the woman he wants to settle down and have a family with. So yeah, that is a whole load of mess, with the most important aspect being Native American woman is something you out grow so you don't owe her a thing - not even an actual discussion about ending the relationship.
To be fair to Cathy, when she realizes how much La-ena loves Whip (god knows why), she takes herself out of running, acknowledging that La-ena has the claim. (Funny, how Whip doesn't acknowledge that). Whip is called out on his behavior when he tries to take Cathy aside and explain the whole thing to her with La-ena. Eulalia stops him and explains how he lost Cathy because of how he is acting about the whole situation. She understand La-ena she says because she spent time with a totally different Native American tribe when she was kidnapped by a Native American and enslaved (and in her wording was forced into prostitution to get food to eat. The word for that is rape gentlemen). I think my eyes fell out of my head they were rolling so head.
And then at the end of the book Eulilia marries Whip because he said he respects her (though he never acts like it) and he marries her because she is the only woman who isn't taken (I think).
And La-ena - after helping the wagon train survive the winter and showing them what native plants and such to eat, she is so depressed about her relationship that she takes herself off into the winter climate to freeze to death, and NO ONE GOES TO LOOK FOR HER. To be fair, the members of the wagon train who are not skilled in tracking are upset and seem to want to help. But Whip is like, well, too late to track and shrugs his shoulders because Indian (his word) women do that.
Jesus.
And there is Ginny who is a shrew because she had a tough childhood, something the reader is told, but no one in the wagon train ever considers. Every one hates her, and to teach her a lesson one of the men spanks her. He tires out one arm and then uses the other. And, um, she then gets a crush on him. (She marries someone else in the next book thankfully).
And then there is Cindy, who I love because she is about independence, but apparently its her fault that two men are fighting over her even though she has made it clear to both that she is not interested in a relationship and wants to recover from what she went though when she was a prostitute.
The only thing that make this book tolerable are Dolores and Hosea, who, yes, are slotted into the magical minority folk slots but manage to transcend that a bit. Hosea's idea of teaching a woman to respect him (something that the men in this book talk alot about) is simply to act like a good man around her and support her. I want a book about them (there isn't one). Interesting enough, it is the two non-Christians that help the Reverend defeat his addict to the bottle by basically taking him to a cave, and drugging him so he has visions. (It isn't a vision quest, and the Reverend's visions are Christian in nature because he is). More importantly, he doesn't true to convert what to him would be non-believers. He just accepts them and their beliefs.
So let's start with the huge problem of Whip Holt, guider/leader of the Wagon Train who is in a romantic square with Cathy, La-ena, and Lee Blake. So way back in Independence, Whip was attracted to Cathy who was married, but her husband (who was an ass) died at the end of that book. In the second, there is a romantic triangle as Whip and Lee are both interested in Cathy who is young, blonde, pretty, and rich. (To be fair, the men are not interested in the money). At the end of that volume, we briefly met La-ena, a young Native American woman who is/was in a romantic relationship with Whip, one that is basically a marriage.
The problem is that in this book Whip Holt comes across as a complete and utter jackass and jerk. I now remember why I never liked him (and I never really liked his son Toby either. I always found the women in the series far more interesting). Here he is, having sex and co-habiting with La-ena during the wagon train's travel and winter stop over, and he can't figure out why Cathy no longer really wants to talk to him. He sees La-ena as, basically, a starter wife that he outgrew and Cathy is the woman he wants to settle down and have a family with. So yeah, that is a whole load of mess, with the most important aspect being Native American woman is something you out grow so you don't owe her a thing - not even an actual discussion about ending the relationship.
To be fair to Cathy, when she realizes how much La-ena loves Whip (god knows why), she takes herself out of running, acknowledging that La-ena has the claim. (Funny, how Whip doesn't acknowledge that). Whip is called out on his behavior when he tries to take Cathy aside and explain the whole thing to her with La-ena. Eulalia stops him and explains how he lost Cathy because of how he is acting about the whole situation. She understand La-ena she says because she spent time with a totally different Native American tribe when she was kidnapped by a Native American and enslaved (and in her wording was forced into prostitution to get food to eat. The word for that is rape gentlemen). I think my eyes fell out of my head they were rolling so head.
And then at the end of the book Eulilia marries Whip because he said he respects her (though he never acts like it) and he marries her because she is the only woman who isn't taken (I think).
And La-ena - after helping the wagon train survive the winter and showing them what native plants and such to eat, she is so depressed about her relationship that she takes herself off into the winter climate to freeze to death, and NO ONE GOES TO LOOK FOR HER. To be fair, the members of the wagon train who are not skilled in tracking are upset and seem to want to help. But Whip is like, well, too late to track and shrugs his shoulders because Indian (his word) women do that.
Jesus.
And there is Ginny who is a shrew because she had a tough childhood, something the reader is told, but no one in the wagon train ever considers. Every one hates her, and to teach her a lesson one of the men spanks her. He tires out one arm and then uses the other. And, um, she then gets a crush on him. (She marries someone else in the next book thankfully).
And then there is Cindy, who I love because she is about independence, but apparently its her fault that two men are fighting over her even though she has made it clear to both that she is not interested in a relationship and wants to recover from what she went though when she was a prostitute.
The only thing that make this book tolerable are Dolores and Hosea, who, yes, are slotted into the magical minority folk slots but manage to transcend that a bit. Hosea's idea of teaching a woman to respect him (something that the men in this book talk alot about) is simply to act like a good man around her and support her. I want a book about them (there isn't one). Interesting enough, it is the two non-Christians that help the Reverend defeat his addict to the bottle by basically taking him to a cave, and drugging him so he has visions. (It isn't a vision quest, and the Reverend's visions are Christian in nature because he is). More importantly, he doesn't true to convert what to him would be non-believers. He just accepts them and their beliefs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2020
Book #3 of the Wagons West series is Wyoming!. Picking up immediately after the end of Nebraska, the wagon train is still heading towards Oregon. The big revelation at the end of book 2 was the arrival of Whip's Native American wife La-Ena, throwing a wrench into the big romance that had been set up between Whip and the widow Cathy Van Ayl. There are a few new characters this time as well. Ginny and Garcia are two travelers coming from California who are in the habit of stealing from whoever they encounter. Dolores is a medicine woman, half Spanish half Native American, whose visions bring her to the tribe. I would avoid reading the character descriptions at the beginning of the book as they give away what happens to one of these major characters and hint at who will be surviving to the next book or not.
If I were giving this a review as a stand alone book, it would be much lower. Likely in the 2 star range. Most of the the important things that happen to characters are built up in other books in the series. There are three characters that die in this book that are barely mentioned until the tragedy happens. If you haven't read the first two books in the series, it just feels like more red shirt wagon train members. If you have read the earlier books though, I suspect the deaths will be pretty sudden and shocking and they certainly made me reevaluate what Ross was willing to do with the plot in these books.
My biggest complaint from the previous book was how the character of Hosea was written. very much the magical negro trope we see often criticized in fiction, it seemed like every scene he was in was an opportunity to ignore logic and remove any danger from the wagon train. Here, Hosea is much less utilized, and instead his personality is developed more as he falls for Delores. Unfortunately, Dolores is also written as a magical person who comes in and shifts the vibe of the storyline. Now we have somebody who has accurate visions portending danger, and can cure alcoholism with no issues.
Overall, this one was much better than Nebraska but still a bit below Independence. I'm really enjoying how characters that weren't part of the first book are now as important as anybody else. While Cathy and Whip are the two leads, Lee Blake and Eulalia Woodling are even more interesting characters that are getting a lot of storytime. Characters aren't all getting happy endings, and some are settling for situations that may or may not work out long term. That's got me excited to see where Ross takes the characters in the future.
If I were giving this a review as a stand alone book, it would be much lower. Likely in the 2 star range. Most of the the important things that happen to characters are built up in other books in the series. There are three characters that die in this book that are barely mentioned until the tragedy happens. If you haven't read the first two books in the series, it just feels like more red shirt wagon train members. If you have read the earlier books though, I suspect the deaths will be pretty sudden and shocking and they certainly made me reevaluate what Ross was willing to do with the plot in these books.
My biggest complaint from the previous book was how the character of Hosea was written. very much the magical negro trope we see often criticized in fiction, it seemed like every scene he was in was an opportunity to ignore logic and remove any danger from the wagon train. Here, Hosea is much less utilized, and instead his personality is developed more as he falls for Delores. Unfortunately, Dolores is also written as a magical person who comes in and shifts the vibe of the storyline. Now we have somebody who has accurate visions portending danger, and can cure alcoholism with no issues.
Overall, this one was much better than Nebraska but still a bit below Independence. I'm really enjoying how characters that weren't part of the first book are now as important as anybody else. While Cathy and Whip are the two leads, Lee Blake and Eulalia Woodling are even more interesting characters that are getting a lot of storytime. Characters aren't all getting happy endings, and some are settling for situations that may or may not work out long term. That's got me excited to see where Ross takes the characters in the future.
December 15, 2021
Interesting book full of history, emotions, and Wild West drama.
May 1, 2020
After I finished this third book in the Wagons West series, I took a look at some of the reviews posted from other readers. While they ranged from two to five stars, some comments were really humorous! One reader said he thought this book was the equivalent of ordering a Burger King hamburger through the drive through. Another said they weren't interested in the British and Russian historical aspects of the story - just the romance. And the last one I looked at made me feel very lucky. Ms. Markhart posted in 2014 that she bought her book through Amazon because her library didn't carry it and purchasing books was against her frugal nature. (She rated it three stars, so I wonder if she completed the series?) So why do I feel so lucky? Well... my brother-in-law found the entire paperback series at a garage sale one summer and snapped them all up! My father-in-law has borrowed and read them all. And now the first 17 have been loaned to me. And yes, I plan to read all of them because who can pass up free books? :)
As for my experience with "Wyoming!", I found it better than a cheeseburger with onions. I also enjoyed the historical pieces as much as each character's storyline. True, history was a college requirement back in the day but if you don't use it, sometimes you lose it. This series has inspired me to Google a few historical figures and events mentioned in each book so far. A little "refresher course" if you will!
As for Ms. Markhart's comment, maybe she found the remaining books through inter-library loans? All in all, I think it's a good series and definitely want to finish it. It might help though if I got my brother-in-law a nice 'thank you' gift.
As for my experience with "Wyoming!", I found it better than a cheeseburger with onions. I also enjoyed the historical pieces as much as each character's storyline. True, history was a college requirement back in the day but if you don't use it, sometimes you lose it. This series has inspired me to Google a few historical figures and events mentioned in each book so far. A little "refresher course" if you will!
As for Ms. Markhart's comment, maybe she found the remaining books through inter-library loans? All in all, I think it's a good series and definitely want to finish it. It might help though if I got my brother-in-law a nice 'thank you' gift.
December 22, 2015
Another quick, fast, fun re-read.
I'm enjoying the series, and enjoying the characters. The writing isn't the greatest, and at the rate the publishers churned out the books, who would expect it to be? The book is exactly what it's supposed to be - light, fluffy, fun, fast, and a quick enjoyable read.
I'm enjoying the series, and enjoying the characters. The writing isn't the greatest, and at the rate the publishers churned out the books, who would expect it to be? The book is exactly what it's supposed to be - light, fluffy, fun, fast, and a quick enjoyable read.
December 21, 2007
May sound somewhat repetitive here but I got hooked on the first book and it was like an addiction.
The author shows how the westward movement affected families and individuals while placing them within history itself.
The author shows how the westward movement affected families and individuals while placing them within history itself.
October 31, 2009
The plots are a little simplistic but I enjoy reading the history and continue to be amazed at the courage of folks setting out for the unknown.
June 27, 2017
I really like this story. I really found the author very good
May 6, 2025
Another good installment in the Wagons West series. The wagon train has almost made it to Oregon but are forced to winter in the Wyoming wilderness and deal with challenges from native populations and threats to the train from both in and out.
My only complaint is how some of the characters from the previous books were not really mentioned until the last chapter when the novel was throttling towards a conclusion.
I’m still engaged enough to continue reading the next few books in the series.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
My only complaint is how some of the characters from the previous books were not really mentioned until the last chapter when the novel was throttling towards a conclusion.
I’m still engaged enough to continue reading the next few books in the series.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
October 16, 2019
What started off as a live triangle quickly turned into a love square. A little bit of romance drama was cut off by snippets of chatter regarding the president, czar, and British all still battling over who will “own” Oregon. It took away a from the story and I started skimming those sections. Everyone is stuck in the valley waiting out winter but rest assured, drama still happens. Westward ho!
March 13, 2024
3rd in the series and my favorite one so far!
This one made me tear up:-)
I felt even closer to the characters watching them go through hardships and heartbreak only to find a new beginning to fall into with new love ones, I highly recommend this saga and I know you'll fall for the characters like I have!
This one made me tear up:-)
I felt even closer to the characters watching them go through hardships and heartbreak only to find a new beginning to fall into with new love ones, I highly recommend this saga and I know you'll fall for the characters like I have!
March 31, 2025
It was enjoyable, largely following the comfortable form of the last book. A few things were different, this one had more political maneuvering in cutaways to England, Russia, and the United States...which isn't really what I'm here for. But it's nice to have something light to read while also reading something more in depth, like the full collection of original Grimm's Fairy Tales for example...
April 29, 2022
Loved it
March 2, 2024
Great history lessons to be learned.
A bit too much romance.
A bit too much romance.
June 18, 2024
Seemed much slower than the first two books.
July 1, 2024
Third book in the wagons west series. Questions answered that started in book one. The wagon train faces many hardships during the winter, but perseveres to set out towards their goal, Oregon!
March 12, 2025
the last couple chapters of this book had me yelling PLEASE STOP 😭🤚 it also astounds me that everyone goes from “teehee i think i like you, but im shy” then gets married the next day—but im obsessed
April 23, 2025
Another installment in the series. A little draggy. But still, a decent story of the pioneers.
December 15, 2025
Still a very interesting series!
January 28, 2017
So many threads, perfectly woven together.
May 30, 2023
I read "California!" after finding it in a second hand shop. I loved the idea of adventure, even with the hardships of these times.
I stumbled upon "Wyoming!" in a book sale, and was happy to read this book in the series too.
Set in 1840's United States. The English, Russians and Americans are all vying for control/ownership of Oregon Country (Oregon, Washington and half in British Columbia). But none want another war.
This book follows a fictional wagon train on the famous Oregon trail. The train is led by two stereotypical heroes; they're brave, honest, loyal and of course good looking.
My main gripe is the Hollywood movie vibe. Great looking people who are overcoming obstacles against all odds.
If you can get past that (or if you actually like that kind of thing), then the good old Western adventure is what you're left with.
For me, many of the characters were too one dimensional. And the relationships were boring. Thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the meals and daily rituals though.
I stumbled upon "Wyoming!" in a book sale, and was happy to read this book in the series too.
Set in 1840's United States. The English, Russians and Americans are all vying for control/ownership of Oregon Country (Oregon, Washington and half in British Columbia). But none want another war.
This book follows a fictional wagon train on the famous Oregon trail. The train is led by two stereotypical heroes; they're brave, honest, loyal and of course good looking.
My main gripe is the Hollywood movie vibe. Great looking people who are overcoming obstacles against all odds.
If you can get past that (or if you actually like that kind of thing), then the good old Western adventure is what you're left with.
For me, many of the characters were too one dimensional. And the relationships were boring. Thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the meals and daily rituals though.
March 30, 2014
Bought this off of amazon.com. Local library not carrying it. Following the journey of the wagon train on it's way to Oregon. This is the third book in the wagons west series. Not sure that I will read all of the books. So far I have had to buy all three and that is just against my nature!!
This books has the wagon train leaving the Nebraska territory and entering Wyoming. They locate a place called Little Valley where they build cabins and spend the winter. Plenty of raids by Indians prior to settling for the winter.
Romantically speaking....Le,,Ena, Indian girl friend of Whip Hold unexpectedly joins the wagon train and puts a damper on the feelings that Whip and Cathy Van Aul are trying to deal with. By the end of the book, Cathy is married to Lee Blake, Le..Ena has left because she senses that Whip does not care for her as she does for him. Whip marries Eulialia Woodling at the very end.
This books has the wagon train leaving the Nebraska territory and entering Wyoming. They locate a place called Little Valley where they build cabins and spend the winter. Plenty of raids by Indians prior to settling for the winter.
Romantically speaking....Le,,Ena, Indian girl friend of Whip Hold unexpectedly joins the wagon train and puts a damper on the feelings that Whip and Cathy Van Aul are trying to deal with. By the end of the book, Cathy is married to Lee Blake, Le..Ena has left because she senses that Whip does not care for her as she does for him. Whip marries Eulialia Woodling at the very end.
April 9, 2009
Not as good as the first two.
Basically it is just their winter camping in the little valley, with some romantic twists and no real adventure or suspense.
I didn't understand the need to introduce a couple of characters just to have them die in the next chapter. . . because I didn't really care, I didn't even know them.
Dolores is a great new character and I enjoy the relationship she has with Hosea.
The deaths of Malcolms were very sad.
I'm looking forward to the next book when they are back on the road!
Basically it is just their winter camping in the little valley, with some romantic twists and no real adventure or suspense.
I didn't understand the need to introduce a couple of characters just to have them die in the next chapter. . . because I didn't really care, I didn't even know them.
Dolores is a great new character and I enjoy the relationship she has with Hosea.
The deaths of Malcolms were very sad.
I'm looking forward to the next book when they are back on the road!
December 18, 2022
I have read all 24 books,
and am looking for The Holts, An American Dynasty
There is a lot of killing in some and Indian violence,
a nd sex between unmarried people, all in all good historical
romance and action but I tire of the Comancheros in Mexico and
the fight betweenn kidnapping women and Toby Holt being such
a good guy and winning every gun fight.
and am looking for The Holts, An American Dynasty
There is a lot of killing in some and Indian violence,
a nd sex between unmarried people, all in all good historical
romance and action but I tire of the Comancheros in Mexico and
the fight betweenn kidnapping women and Toby Holt being such
a good guy and winning every gun fight.
November 6, 2013
The 1st wagon train to go west is 3 months from Oregon when this book ends. It is a great way to learn the history of the western settlement. I hope Claire and Camille will read it when they are older- maybe in jr. high.
October 13, 2014
Wyoming is the third in a series. The book explained how the settlers survived a bitter winter, without much hunting or farming available. I like the characters and it is fun to see how and why certain couples form. It does not always turn out as you'd expect!
July 3, 2015
3rd in the Wagons West series, still full of adventure as in the first 2 books. have enjoyed all 3 and can't wait to read #4 Oregon! great author, great story! shows how pioneers on the wagon trains actually lived.
Read
December 4, 2007Ross, Dana Fuller PB
Read
November 19, 2008W Ros
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews