Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy (Austenprose PR Tour)

 

Did you ever play the game, Oregon Trail?  I loved playing it on computers when I was in middle school, even though I always seemed to die of dysentery on the way.  Maybe this is why I became an environmental engineer concerned with water quality.  We have a card game version that my kids like to play.

Beth Rutledge has worked for years putting together a plan to rescue her mother, Ginny, from the insane asylum.  Her father committed her mother to get rid of her since she did not follow his commands or allow him access to her and her daughter’s trust funds.  Beth spirits her mother away from Chicago and onto the Orgon Trail.  On the trail, guide Jake is attracted to Beth and wonders why she is running.  Will Beth and Ginny be able to escape?  Will love find Jake and Beth on the trail?

What I enjoyed in this novel:

·       It was action packed right from the first chapter and the suspense continued throughout the novel as Beth’s father continued his pursuit.

·       The characters were all well drawn and interesting.

·       It is a very good look at how dangerous and hard it was for pioneers as they made their way west.  There is a horrifying accident that results in the loss of life.

·       I also like how it showed the melting pot that America was at the time with various immigrants joining American raised pioneers heading west looking for a better life.

·       This novel was also a good look into how few rights women had at the time.  Men could just declare a woman insane for any reason and have her locked up. 

·       I loved how Beth’s father had Pinkerton agents after her and he slowly figures out how she has been working for years to learn the skills required for her escape.  I loved her very detailed plan.

·       The romance in this novel was sweet and included one of my favorite tropes, a marriage of convenience.

·       It was a clean read, and it was faith based.  There was a prayer and service after the wagon accident and other discussions of faith.  “The morning service was full of Bible services about strength and hope and loss.  God’s love was woven generously through it all.”

·       I also love how Beth was able to put together so many people to be a “family” to help with the escape and to settle together in Idaho.

·       This is Book 1 of the new A Western Light book series.  The story will continue in book two which will be out this summer.  The first chapter was included at the end of this book, and I am ready to read it!  The ending of Chasing the Horizon did not feel complete, and I am ready to read more about these characters.

Overall, I enjoyed this pioneer suspense and adventure on the Oregon Trail.  I loved the characters and can’t wait to read more about them. 

Book Source:  Review copy from author Bethany House Publishing as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

QUICK FACTS

·       Title: Chasing the Horizon

·       Series: A Western Light (Book 1)

·       Author: Mary Connealy

·       Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Western & Frontier Romance

·       Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 13, 2024)

·       Length: (304) pages

·       Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 

·       ISBN: ‎ 978-0764242656

·       Tour Dates: February 12 – 26, 2024

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Her only chance at freedom waits across the horizon

Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's malevolent 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, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother travel with the pioneers in hopes of making 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 more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives--and their hearts--when danger threatens their every step?

 

 

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

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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.

 

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