The Overland Trail

Women of the West

by Wendi Lee

She is called America, named for the young country whose manifest destiny is greatness. When she begins her journey west in 1846, taking the Overland Trail, America expects hardship and deprivation. But she's not prepared to lose her husband and all her earthly goods during a storm early in her journey. Pregnant and alone, America is taken in by another family in the wagon train. But when she gives birth, they leave her for dead at the side of the trail and take her newborn daughter for their own. America is saved by a young Paiute woman named Dancing Feather. When America recovers she has only one thought: to find her stolen child. Aided by Dancing Feather and Dancing Feather's friend, Black Wolf, America sets out to recover her daughter - and to forge a bridge between two worlds.

Genres: Westerns, Historical Fiction, Fiction

317 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1996

Reviews

[Glenda Kinard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Wonderful page turning saga of what emigrants went thru on wagon trains out West. A lot of people want to blame the Native Americans for the atrocities that plagued the Wagon Trains going West when most of the time it was weather, sickness and their own kind traveling with them that tormented the travelers most. Very few authors tell the true side of the Native American how they helped and often rescued these poor souls trying to make it West. Wendi Lee told this side and for this I am thankful and grateful. This book was one I immensely enjoyed for it did tell the truths of the road west. This was my first book by Wendi Lee and if she has more Western Historical books I will be reading them also. Thankful for my best friend gifting me with this book. A wonderful read that I will read again!! America, Sierra and Black Wolf will always have a place in my heart

[Bob Lafary · Rating 4 out of 5]

As in "Snow Mountain Passage," I went back 22 years in my library, to finally read a book about
"The Overland Trail." This book also takes place in 1846, the same year as the Donner Party set out for the "Land of Milk and Honey" of California. It is written from a woman's perspective, and describes the hell she had to go through on the trip: unbearable heat, waves of dust, frigid cold, being pregnant on the trail, unscrupulous people in her own party, Indians, (Yes, I still call them Indians--always have, always will,) and the daily dangers of trail life. Her name is America Hollis. She came from a wealthy family in Philadelphia. Almost disowned when she marries Will, and as a woman should do, when Will wants to head west--she follows along. (That ought to get some attention.) America is a strong woman. She does what she has to do. She stands up to nefarious turds. Fights for her life. And gives us a wonderful story. Read and travel back to those thrilling says of yesteryear.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I've got to admit the ending of this book was a bit on the order of everything fell into place too neatly--it was still a REALLY good book. A lot of the going West theme books are rather cookie cutter with common events, this one had some interesting twists.

[JennanneJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a Nebraskan, and I’ve read a lot of Oregon Trail books. This one started interestingly and with a lot of research built in. I really enjoyed it until the final section when it got really soap-opera-y. Overall I enjoyed it and sped right through it.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but not interesting enough.

[Kdmcnurse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book...stumbled across this in a used book store. It is, for the most, part historically accurate and a great read for people who want to learn more about women who traveled out west and what they had to endure.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this book five stars but the ending was too far fetched. Still a wonderful read. If you enjoy reading about pioneer life, I highly recommend this book.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good. It was based on the diaries of women who crossed the country in the late 1840s.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. America Hollis is a likable heroine who faces prejudices, along with the many dangers of a frontier woman on a wagon train heading West.