Synopsis:

In 1847, Winnie and her family are traveling west to start a new life in the Oregon territory. While many in their wagon train fret over river crossings, disease, and encounters with Native tribes, she relishes the unexpected freedom of life on the trail. Threatened by storms, wild animals, and outlaws, Winnie must rely on the bonds she s made and all she s learned in order for them to make it to Oregon alive. She also must decide if she is ready to risk forming an attachment to Hal, the cowhand who has a knack for showing up just when help is needed, or whether she will emulate Mae, the free-spirited daughter of their trail guide.

Review:

Along the Trail easily became one of my favorite books!  This story reached into my heart and owned every last piece of me.  What unfolded was a journey that was truly unforgettable.  If you love stories that have romance, peril, will make you cry, and have a beautiful happily ever after, then definitely add this one to your tbr!  This historical romance is one I’ll be recommending to everyone I know!

You’re living any explorers’ dream, right here, right now.

Leaving behind a life that was leading them to debt and ruin, Winnie and her family put all their cards traveling with others on the Oregon Trail.  As their adventure unfolded, there was a richness and depth to this story that made it impossible to put down.  I had to know what happened next!  And these characters became so real to me.  The story was told from Winnie’s pov, and she was someone who was so easy to adore.  Her love for her family ran deep.  But their future was uncertain.  There was fear of the unknown, and mistakes were made along the way.

His body would lie here, all alone. Beneath a giant prairie sky.
The thought made Winnie sad, and she held Elijah’s hand tighter as everyone walked somberly back to their wagons.

With emotions that were raw and real, and tensions that ran high, this book held me in the palm of its hand. The obstacles that they faced shattered my heart time and again.  I didn’t realize how horrific something as hail could be.  Or how gutting it was leaving loved ones buried along the trail.  To even how broken bones could be so detrimental.  Yet through their countless struggles, I loved each and every moment of happiness.  Whether it was music and dancing, or having a heart to heart with your sister, every last one of them was priceless. 

She was not who she had been when they left Independence, and she wouldn’t be who she was now when they arrived in Oregon territory.

Winnie was surrounded by amazing women.  I loved the deep sisterly bond she had with Nora.  And I loved that her best friend and her always had each other’s backs.  Plus her little brother Elijah was the cutest!  But watching those around them become like family was beautiful.  They came to care deeply for one another as they faced this perilous journey together.  But from the moment Hal stepped on the pages, you could just tell.  He was a kind man whose intentions were sweet and breathtaking.  But the further we got into this story, the more scared I got.  There was so much loss and hurt.  And I became attached to too many.  I was uncertain if they would all be there by the time they touched Oregon land.

Each footprint in the dust, every broken blister and itching mosquito bite they had suffered…it had all been a part of getting to this point, together. Every cross that had been hammered into the dirt, every laugh that had been silenced forever…it couldn’t all have been for nothing.
She would not allow it to be for nothing.

Along the Trail was the perfect combination of joy and heartache.  And it was an instant favorite!  The journey was unfathomable.  I cried so many tears.  From moments where I was afraid to breathe, to others that left me smiling and laughing, this was such a remarkable and memorable story!  If you’re looking for a book that has romance, family, friendship, and will keep you glued to the pages, definitely choose this one!  Curtis has made a fan for life, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

A few other favorite quotes…..

There would be no going back from this. She was forever altered.
Together, they would chart a new course.

Winnie knew she was breathing, because she was standing and not flat on her back, but she couldn’t feel it. All she could feel was her heartbeat, racing as though it had been trying to outpace the river itself.

It was like they’d created their own corner of the world.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*