A few years ago I read a book completely out of my typical historical fiction time period, Where the Lost Wander. I absolutely LOVED this book for so many reasons and I have since been looking for ‘the right’ book to read next that might fit within that time period. There aren’t a lot of popular historical fiction books set in the American West that draw me in. Don’t get me wrong I love the American West from a historical standpoint and I grew up watching all the cowboy TV shows (Dr Quinn and Young Riders I am looking at you!) but it’s typically not a genre of book that I go in search of.
When this book came across my desk I was so excited because it features a love story, an adventure, and the Oregon Trail as a backdrop! I live in Oregon and growing up The Oregon Trail video game was super popular and I was always so proud to share my state history with friends. But the Oregon Trail from a historical standpoint doesn’t really lend itself to a backdrop for romances in books. But after reading Where the Lost Wander I had hope that other books would come from its popularity that would include romance and adventure in the same way that that book did.
That was why I was onboard with reading this book! I loved the mix which was promised in the summary, plus I know Bethany House Publishing consistently has solid historical romances that aren’t bodice rippers etc. I was looking for something with a little more substance that would transport me to a different time in a rugged location with interesting characters and great storytelling and I got just that.
Summary
Upon uncovering her tyrannical father’s plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own–she will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum by her father, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother join forces with other travelers and hope they can make it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions.
Wagon train scout Jake Holt senses that the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him and he learns something much more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives–and their hearts–with danger threatening their every step?
From bestselling author Mary Connealy comes a gripping and adventurous historical novel of survival, sacrifice, and romance on the Oregon Trail. (summary from Goodreads)
Review
First of all, I have not heard of Mary Connealy before. I don’t know any of her other books and honestly I thought this was a debut series/book before I started reading. Right away I noticed that it was well written with clear purpose and intent, and I went in search of more about the author and discovered that she had written a number of other Western books/romances. Instantly I downloaded a few more of her books. I really enjoyed her storytelling style and history that she added within the book and am excited to see this particular series is going to be a new series so that means more to enjoy from this world but I also wanted to explore other books by her.
This time of year I always start to feel the travel bug in my soul, so I always tend to look for books that offer a little ‘vacation’ for me in their pages from Feb to March. This book did a wonderful job incorporating the landscape of the Oregon Trail and all the beautiful landmarks along the way. Not to mention she really highlighted the spirit of adventure which I LOVED and was looking for in this book. The setting and history really came to life and I feel a Western kick coming on in my reading world! As well developed and written this book was, the beginning had me a little confused and it did take me a couple of chapters to sort out what was going on and track the characters but once I got the lay of the land I felt immersed in the story and the setting/history within the book.
As I mentioned this book is part of a new series and I think this series is going to want to be read in order. There were some loose ends that set up for the next book in the series and the stories of those characters but there is certainly going to be carry over from this book to the next in the series. I think this book (and hopefully the rest of the series) will give readers a lot to escape into—-an exciting story of adventure rich in history, a charming romance, a well drawn villain, and great characters that we will get to meet in upcoming books. I am so glad that I said yes to this book, it was really great and I can’t wait for the next book—-in the meantime don’t mind me while I read all the Western books from Connealy!
Book Info and Rating
Format 296 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 13, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers
ISBN 9781493445158 (ISBN10: 1493445154)
Free review copy provided by publisher, Bethany House Publishers in partnership with Austen Prose Book tours, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: historical fiction, romance, westerns
PRAISE FOR CHASING THE HORIZON
- “Mary Connealy’s Inspirational Western Romances have long been on my radar to try, but the new Western Lights series opener, Chasing the Horizon, was my first opportunity. Imagine my chagrin when I started reading and didn’t want to stop. Oh yes, dear friends, I’d waited too long to discover a gem of a writer.”— Sophia Rose, The Reading Frenzy
- 5 STARS “What an incredible book! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it.” — Camille Dayton, Fostering Literacy
- 5 STARS “Loved this story! I was intrigued right from the beginning.”— Melissa Goss, Christian Books and Coffee
PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS
AUTHOR BIO
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie’s daughters, and has many other books.
She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.
The Lit Bitch 