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Trail Blazers #4
High Plains Bride
Sarah knew exactly what she wanted. Tom West would help rescue her daughter, their daughter, from the hands of the Sioux, or die trying. It was, she swore, the least he could do to atone for fourteen years of deceit! Tom West blamed himself. He'd had to let Sarah believe him dead-- even though she'd been his only love. But this reunion was born of danger, not desire, as this firebrand of a woman was quick to remind him.
Could they bridge the chasm of mistrust yawning between them to save their child-- "and" their love?
Could they bridge the chasm of mistrust yawning between them to save their child-- "and" their love?
292 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2007
622 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Kernan
123 books394 followersThank you for finding me on GoodReads.
Find my social media links here: https://linktr.ee/jennakernan
Here's a bit more about me...
Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Jenna Kernan has written over forty novels, most recently penning domestic thrillers. Her debut thriller, A Killer's Daughter, won the bronze medal in popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards in 2021. Jenna’s 2022 domestic thriller, The Ex-Wives, won the gold medal in the same category. The Nurse, was released in 2023, The Patient's Daughter released in 2024, and The Fake Mother in 2025. Her thrillers are intense, unsettling, and gripping with unexpected twists and turns.
Jenna began her writing journey penning historical romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Find them here: https://www.jennakernan.com/books-1
A member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Florida Mystery Writers and Novelists, Inc. and a natural redhead living with her husband on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jenna has recently increased her sunblock to SPF 50.
Jenna offers a FREE BOOK as a welcome gift to new VIP Readers. Subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/jennakernan/grippi...
Visit Jenna at www.jennakernan.com
Follow Jenna here ...
BookBub: jenna-kernan
Twitter: @jennakernan
Instagram: jenna-kernan
Facebook: AuthorJennaKernan or join her newsletter at www.jennakernan.com
Find my social media links here: https://linktr.ee/jennakernan
Here's a bit more about me...
Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Jenna Kernan has written over forty novels, most recently penning domestic thrillers. Her debut thriller, A Killer's Daughter, won the bronze medal in popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards in 2021. Jenna’s 2022 domestic thriller, The Ex-Wives, won the gold medal in the same category. The Nurse, was released in 2023, The Patient's Daughter released in 2024, and The Fake Mother in 2025. Her thrillers are intense, unsettling, and gripping with unexpected twists and turns.
Jenna began her writing journey penning historical romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Find them here: https://www.jennakernan.com/books-1
A member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Florida Mystery Writers and Novelists, Inc. and a natural redhead living with her husband on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jenna has recently increased her sunblock to SPF 50.
Jenna offers a FREE BOOK as a welcome gift to new VIP Readers. Subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/jennakernan/grippi...
Visit Jenna at www.jennakernan.com
Follow Jenna here ...
BookBub: jenna-kernan
Twitter: @jennakernan
Instagram: jenna-kernan
Facebook: AuthorJennaKernan or join her newsletter at www.jennakernan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 16, 2010
So if you pay attention to all the bookshelves I used to label this book, you'll probably end up mightily confused if I don't mention that they pertain to two main characters -- Lucie and Sarah both. Each gets almost half of the storyline to themselves, and so I felt it appropriate to label accordingly.
I loved the romance between Sarah and Tom. There was understandable bitterness on both sides, and it was heartbreaking to think of all the lies and misconceptions that caused them to be apart for so long.
However, my reasoning for not giving it a higher rating is that I didn't care for how Lucie's story ended up.
I admit it. I liked Eagle Dancer. I realize that Lucie'd been kidnapped, and I realize that horrid things were done to her by various members of the tribe, but I was so hoping that they'd find a HEA together... Yes, the age difference squicked me (he was "nearly twenty" and she was 14 almost 15), and yes I wish he'd waited to marry her and therefore delaying their consummation (which, for the record, is done completely "off-camera" so to speak -- they're married in a tribal ceremony then a while later someone mentions that they'd lain together, but there's no kiddie porn in here so nobody freak okay?). However, I do think it's important to remember, as even Lucie notes in the story, that it wasn't uncommon for girls to wed that young in those days. Nowadays, uber creepy. Those days, barely raised eyebrows.
Unfortunately, theirs was not a true "secondary romance", despite the fact that Eagle Dancer obviously cared for and treasured Lucie (possibly even loved her? His reaction to the bread thing kind of hints to that you know..).
In light of that fact, while I know it was necessary to detail Lucie's experiences with the tribe, it made the book feel cluttered. There were several times, I admit, that I read very quickly over the portions relating to Tom and Sarah (whom are the main characters here, mind you) just to find out what was going to happen next with Lucie and Eagle Dancer. I almost felt like Kernan needed to choose one couple or the other, especially since it wasn't a situation where both couples ended up in a romantically HEA...
Because of that, my final rating is going to be 3.75 Stars.
I loved the romance between Sarah and Tom. There was understandable bitterness on both sides, and it was heartbreaking to think of all the lies and misconceptions that caused them to be apart for so long.
However, my reasoning for not giving it a higher rating is that I didn't care for how Lucie's story ended up.
I admit it. I liked Eagle Dancer. I realize that Lucie'd been kidnapped, and I realize that horrid things were done to her by various members of the tribe, but I was so hoping that they'd find a HEA together... Yes, the age difference squicked me (he was "nearly twenty" and she was 14 almost 15), and yes I wish he'd waited to marry her and therefore delaying their consummation (which, for the record, is done completely "off-camera" so to speak -- they're married in a tribal ceremony then a while later someone mentions that they'd lain together, but there's no kiddie porn in here so nobody freak okay?). However, I do think it's important to remember, as even Lucie notes in the story, that it wasn't uncommon for girls to wed that young in those days. Nowadays, uber creepy. Those days, barely raised eyebrows.
Unfortunately, theirs was not a true "secondary romance", despite the fact that Eagle Dancer obviously cared for and treasured Lucie (possibly even loved her? His reaction to the bread thing kind of hints to that you know..).
In light of that fact, while I know it was necessary to detail Lucie's experiences with the tribe, it made the book feel cluttered. There were several times, I admit, that I read very quickly over the portions relating to Tom and Sarah (whom are the main characters here, mind you) just to find out what was going to happen next with Lucie and Eagle Dancer. I almost felt like Kernan needed to choose one couple or the other, especially since it wasn't a situation where both couples ended up in a romantically HEA...
Because of that, my final rating is going to be 3.75 Stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2019
Thomas was in love with Sarah and took in her innocence before he left in pursuit of gold. He took his brother with him and the Indians killed him and left him blind. Later, Thomas discovered from his other brother he had wed Sarah and they were expecting a child. Fast forward 13 years later and Sarah has found Thomas. The Sioux stole her daughter…HIS daughter and she wants her back. They spend months looking for her with no help from the army. Meanwhile, Lucie has endured a lot of abuse at the hands of the women in the tribe. They sell her to Dancing Eagle who makes her his wife. Now, Thomas and Sarah will rescue her but at what cost? Will they survive? Will they get to her in time? What has occurred since they took her? Will they have a second chance to be together? If they save Lucie, how will others treat her? These answers and more are available in this book! I received this book via Booksprout and am leaving a voluntary review.
July 1, 2020
I LOVED THIS EXCITING, ROMANTIC WESTERN ADVENTURE! FIVE SHINING STARS!
To be honest, I struggled through the first two chapters, which deal with the rather complicated backstory between our hero (Thomas) and heroine (Sarah). But when I got to Chapter 3, OMG! This exciting, romantic western adventure took off at a breathtaking pace! I SIMPLY COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!
Here's a bit of the plot (I'll skip the backstory). In 1864, ex-lovers Thomas and Sarah set off on a long journey to rescue their 13-year-old daughter (Lucie), who's been captured by the Sioux. The narrative weaves smoothly between the dangers of their search and the challenges of Lucie's life with the Indians. The author's vivid descriptions pull the reader into each scene, from Sacramento to Fort Laramie to the Indian camps. You'll experience Indian attacks, a daring rescue and a deadly blizzard as Thomas and Sarah fight man and nature to rescue their daughter.
I especially appreciated that the white folks are not all "good" and the Indians are not all "bad." I liked Water Blossom, an Indian woman who befriends Sarah. And I admired Eagle Dancer, the young Indian warrior who falls in love with Lucie. (You'll find more of their story in His Dakota Bride, Book 5 in this series.)
Above all else, High Plains Bride is a passionate, heartwarming second chance romance between Thomas and Sarah, who rekindle their love after fourteen years apart. It's a back and forth process with plenty of doubts (and some steamy sex) along the way, but it ends with a perfect HEA.
The book contains very little foul language, which I appreciated. It could use another round of proofreading to correct some punctuation errors, especially in the second half. A special thanks to the author for her extensive historical research--it shows in every word. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
To be honest, I struggled through the first two chapters, which deal with the rather complicated backstory between our hero (Thomas) and heroine (Sarah). But when I got to Chapter 3, OMG! This exciting, romantic western adventure took off at a breathtaking pace! I SIMPLY COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!
Here's a bit of the plot (I'll skip the backstory). In 1864, ex-lovers Thomas and Sarah set off on a long journey to rescue their 13-year-old daughter (Lucie), who's been captured by the Sioux. The narrative weaves smoothly between the dangers of their search and the challenges of Lucie's life with the Indians. The author's vivid descriptions pull the reader into each scene, from Sacramento to Fort Laramie to the Indian camps. You'll experience Indian attacks, a daring rescue and a deadly blizzard as Thomas and Sarah fight man and nature to rescue their daughter.
I especially appreciated that the white folks are not all "good" and the Indians are not all "bad." I liked Water Blossom, an Indian woman who befriends Sarah. And I admired Eagle Dancer, the young Indian warrior who falls in love with Lucie. (You'll find more of their story in His Dakota Bride, Book 5 in this series.)
Above all else, High Plains Bride is a passionate, heartwarming second chance romance between Thomas and Sarah, who rekindle their love after fourteen years apart. It's a back and forth process with plenty of doubts (and some steamy sex) along the way, but it ends with a perfect HEA.
The book contains very little foul language, which I appreciated. It could use another round of proofreading to correct some punctuation errors, especially in the second half. A special thanks to the author for her extensive historical research--it shows in every word. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
October 31, 2019
Way More than the Typical Western Romance
Only recently have I gotten into reading historical Western romance. I'm more of a Regency kind of girl. But one does sometimes get tired of the same old same old, so I ventured out into Old West romances by authors like Kathleen Lawless and Jacqui Nelson. I was surprised how much I enjoyed a subgenre so different from my favorite! How fun it is to discover new reading delights. When I first saw the cover of this book, I thought it would be a typical Western romance. I am pleasantly surprised that it was so much more than that. The first scene is gripping in the way that all first scenes should be. It starts with a literal bang, almost. Then the author gives relevant backstory in a way that is actually dramatic and fascinating to follow as we watch two people who have been separated by 14 years, lies, and misunderstandings start to try to sort the truth out between them. The characters are truly drawn in a uniquely individual way. And the plot has so much tension you can cut it with a knife. Even broader themes are looked at in this book. The novel had surprising depth for what could have easily been a simple, typical Western Romance. This far exceeds the norm and is everything that a Western romance should be.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Only recently have I gotten into reading historical Western romance. I'm more of a Regency kind of girl. But one does sometimes get tired of the same old same old, so I ventured out into Old West romances by authors like Kathleen Lawless and Jacqui Nelson. I was surprised how much I enjoyed a subgenre so different from my favorite! How fun it is to discover new reading delights. When I first saw the cover of this book, I thought it would be a typical Western romance. I am pleasantly surprised that it was so much more than that. The first scene is gripping in the way that all first scenes should be. It starts with a literal bang, almost. Then the author gives relevant backstory in a way that is actually dramatic and fascinating to follow as we watch two people who have been separated by 14 years, lies, and misunderstandings start to try to sort the truth out between them. The characters are truly drawn in a uniquely individual way. And the plot has so much tension you can cut it with a knife. Even broader themes are looked at in this book. The novel had surprising depth for what could have easily been a simple, typical Western Romance. This far exceeds the norm and is everything that a Western romance should be.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
November 16, 2023
Seriously amazing stuff when I'm reading about Lucy and her fight to survive as a Sioux slave. The parts involving her parents were simply not good for me. When they (the parents) banded together, and when the h was determined to find her daughter it was good, but their romance was a doomer for me. First, their romantic conflict was based entirely upon misunderstandings and miscommunication. Bzzzzt, NO THANK YOU. I cannot abide misunderstandings as a plot device, it's just frustrating and tedious to slog through. And second, I found it really *really* hard to get behind their lusty looks and rough kissing behind closed doors when their child has literally been kidnapped and they've been told the probability of their little girl being tortured and raped at that very moment is high to certain. 'You would be better of thinking she's dead than the alternative' they are informed by an authority. Who in their right mind even has the emotional or physical capability to get it on in that scenario?
June 21, 2020
A Better Class Western Romance
This story is by far more, superior to many Western 'Bride' stories. Not only is it superbly written, but the storyline evokes many feelings in the reader. Your heart goes out to each character and you can see their perspective on events.
It is a story of mistakes made, lies told and truths revealed. If there is a moral, it is that trust and communication are the key to a successful relationship.
Sarah West's twelve year old daughter Lucie was taken by Apache warriors after they attacked a wagon train. Determined to seek her out and having run out of options for help, she turns to the last person she believes will be of aid.
Thomas West last saw Sarah when he rode out to make his fortune in the gold fields, promising to return. Mistakes and lies ensured they did not meet again until Sarah turns up demanding he rescue HIS daughter.
This book is definitely well worth a read and I will be looking for more by this author.
This story is by far more, superior to many Western 'Bride' stories. Not only is it superbly written, but the storyline evokes many feelings in the reader. Your heart goes out to each character and you can see their perspective on events.
It is a story of mistakes made, lies told and truths revealed. If there is a moral, it is that trust and communication are the key to a successful relationship.
Sarah West's twelve year old daughter Lucie was taken by Apache warriors after they attacked a wagon train. Determined to seek her out and having run out of options for help, she turns to the last person she believes will be of aid.
Thomas West last saw Sarah when he rode out to make his fortune in the gold fields, promising to return. Mistakes and lies ensured they did not meet again until Sarah turns up demanding he rescue HIS daughter.
This book is definitely well worth a read and I will be looking for more by this author.
June 26, 2020
Thomas and sarah
Well written and a good read Thomas and Sarah have known each other since they were 10 and have loved each other that long but when Thomas left Togo to California many changes happened along the way as Sarah was pregnant with his child thinking that Tomas was killed so she married his older brother and later finding out that Thomas was alive these past fourteen years such heartache when Sarah approaches him about finding their daughter who was kidnapped by the Sioux don't want to spoil it for you but a great story worth reading a d would highly recommend they did get their HEA
Well written and a good read Thomas and Sarah have known each other since they were 10 and have loved each other that long but when Thomas left Togo to California many changes happened along the way as Sarah was pregnant with his child thinking that Tomas was killed so she married his older brother and later finding out that Thomas was alive these past fourteen years such heartache when Sarah approaches him about finding their daughter who was kidnapped by the Sioux don't want to spoil it for you but a great story worth reading a d would highly recommend they did get their HEA
November 10, 2019
Interesting and very engaging story . The characters were great and the events showed the life could be at this times.
Could be brutal and horrible . It was also second chance romance for Sarah andThomas
Lucie ,Sarah daughter has been kidnapped by Indians and Sara seeks help from Thomas.
Will they find Lucie? Will the reconnect?
There was so much issues in the book . I highly recommend this exceptional story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Could be brutal and horrible . It was also second chance romance for Sarah andThomas
Lucie ,Sarah daughter has been kidnapped by Indians and Sara seeks help from Thomas.
Will they find Lucie? Will the reconnect?
There was so much issues in the book . I highly recommend this exceptional story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2021
This story was actually pretty good. I started reading this to my grandmother but with certain descriptions of the Indians it spooked my 92 year old dementia grandmother. So I stopped reading and planned to finish myself but I can't say I'm a lover of these second chance books along with western.
I enjoyed it though and the ending was one I approve of, and worth the read, though I also did like Lucie along with the Indian, but I'm all for people getting together in strange situations.
Thank you for the lovely book.
I enjoyed it though and the ending was one I approve of, and worth the read, though I also did like Lucie along with the Indian, but I'm all for people getting together in strange situations.
Thank you for the lovely book.
September 14, 2020
This is a fairly well written story that depicts life in the Dakotas in the 1860’s. Twelve year old Lucie West is taken by hostile Indians. Her mother reaches out to Lucie’s father to help her rescue the girl. The book graphically describes how the Indians treated hostages and the ordeal her parents went through to gain Lucies freedom. While the book has a decent ending, this is not a feel good book until the ending.
June 15, 2020
Exceptional story
This is such a good book. I read it in one sitting. The tale of Sarah and Thomas and their daughter is compelling. It is like you are there with them experiencing all the things they are. Cannot wait to read about further adventures of Lucy and her Indian mate.
This is such a good book. I read it in one sitting. The tale of Sarah and Thomas and their daughter is compelling. It is like you are there with them experiencing all the things they are. Cannot wait to read about further adventures of Lucy and her Indian mate.
June 21, 2020
True to life story
The best historical research and descriptions I have read in years. Truly believable storyline. Written with timeless explanations of life in general, either 200 years ago or today. Wonderfully talented author, who I will read again. Thank you Ms Kernan for a wonderful time.
The best historical research and descriptions I have read in years. Truly believable storyline. Written with timeless explanations of life in general, either 200 years ago or today. Wonderfully talented author, who I will read again. Thank you Ms Kernan for a wonderful time.
June 14, 2020
Capture, struggle, dispair, courage
A love thought lost. Trials through understanding the past and forgiveness all abound in this tale. The horrors and hardship of captivity. A mother and fathers love that know no bounds.
I could not put this story down. An excellent read.
A love thought lost. Trials through understanding the past and forgiveness all abound in this tale. The horrors and hardship of captivity. A mother and fathers love that know no bounds.
I could not put this story down. An excellent read.
June 14, 2020
An all consuming read
Despair, perseverance, and desperation envelope the characters and the reader of this thrilling saga to recover a captured child and stolen love. Could not out this book down from page one to the end.
Despair, perseverance, and desperation envelope the characters and the reader of this thrilling saga to recover a captured child and stolen love. Could not out this book down from page one to the end.
June 24, 2020
Thomas left home fourteen years ago searching for gold. He left Sarah behind promising he would be back. When he didn’t return she married his brother. Now Sarah has tracked him to California demanding that he help her find their daughter Lucie who was captured by the Indians.
September 1, 2020
Western excitement
Wagon trains split only to be attacked by Indians. Lucie is captured and her mother, Sarah, survives. Sarah is determined to retrieve her daughter at all costs including finding Lucie's real father to track her down.
Wagon trains split only to be attacked by Indians. Lucie is captured and her mother, Sarah, survives. Sarah is determined to retrieve her daughter at all costs including finding Lucie's real father to track her down.
December 21, 2020
Amazing Story
What a remarkable story of Indian raids and captives. I liked how white women were slaves until a brave married them. And I see possessive mothers come in all races and vicious too.
What a remarkable story of Indian raids and captives. I liked how white women were slaves until a brave married them. And I see possessive mothers come in all races and vicious too.
April 23, 2021
Very exciting book to read, all that Lucie went through just to .survive
How Sarah & Thomas had to work through the past in order to make a future together. The rescue of Lucie brought a lot of tension between Sarah & Thomas.
How Sarah & Thomas had to work through the past in order to make a future together. The rescue of Lucie brought a lot of tension between Sarah & Thomas.
November 9, 2023
Nicely done!
This book kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning. The attention to detail was interwoven throughout the story. The characters were well fleshed out and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of the chair. I expect the series I be the same type of energy.
This book kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning. The attention to detail was interwoven throughout the story. The characters were well fleshed out and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of the chair. I expect the series I be the same type of energy.
Want to read
June 12, 2020Got this free on kindle.
June 21, 2020
Good Read!
The book starts much differently than most, but grabs you from the start. Many twists and turns, leading you to believe she will never catch her man.
The book starts much differently than most, but grabs you from the start. Many twists and turns, leading you to believe she will never catch her man.
July 10, 2020
Loved it!
This was one of those great stories that are hard to put down. I will definitely look for more by this author.
This was one of those great stories that are hard to put down. I will definitely look for more by this author.
July 28, 2020
Wonderful
Eagle Dancer and Lucie..... A sweet romance. Such sadness to the American plains indian ...Such sorrow that they endured. This was a story worth reading.
Eagle Dancer and Lucie..... A sweet romance. Such sadness to the American plains indian ...Such sorrow that they endured. This was a story worth reading.
August 18, 2020
High Plains Bride
Sarah goes on a search to find Thomas, Samuel brother who dies. She now needs Thomas' help to find her daughter.
Sarah goes on a search to find Thomas, Samuel brother who dies. She now needs Thomas' help to find her daughter.
April 11, 2021
A unique plot to this western romance novel. HEA.
July 26, 2021
Another good one in this series - full review coming soon at TheZestQuest.com for last week's TBR Challenge and reposted here.
May 2, 2024
The Best
All the books by author Jenna Kernan hold on to the reader and won't let go! Good story line and great characters. What more could a reader ask for from a book.
All the books by author Jenna Kernan hold on to the reader and won't let go! Good story line and great characters. What more could a reader ask for from a book.
November 6, 2019
This is the second novel I’ve read recently about the relations between the Sioux and the white in the 1860s in the Minnesota/Dakota territory.
I appreciated the authenticity that the author strive for. The regaling of a harrowing experience and the story of two people with a second chance at Love if they can overcome the past.
This was a very serious book, an historical book, and I think it lends great insight to our world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I appreciated the authenticity that the author strive for. The regaling of a harrowing experience and the story of two people with a second chance at Love if they can overcome the past.
This was a very serious book, an historical book, and I think it lends great insight to our world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2019
Book four of the Trail Blazers series a well written story of what life was like in the old west. This is Thomas West who is part of the army, Sarah a widow and the woman he has loved and lost fourteen years ago and their daughter Lucie who was captured by the Sioux. A story that kept me turning pages. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2011
What a powerful and brutal story set in American frontier during the Indian wars. I was so engrossed and could just feel the emotions of the characters in this action packed fast paced tale. After 14 years of separation, Sarah forced Thomas to help her rescue their daughter from the Sioux.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews