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
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.
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | X | INSTAGRAM |
BOOKBUB | GOODREADS
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