Where the Trail Ends...Review

About the book:
A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart?

For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water.

Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her-Alex-is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support herself and her brother in the wilderness alone? Then Micah disappears into the wilderness one rainy night, and Samantha must rely on the man she loves-the man she’s trying desperately to forget-to rescue her brother before it’s too late.

The Oregon Trail was beyond rugged and many a pioneer life was lost along the way.  For a young woman to survive it alone, is almost unthinkable.  Samantha Waldron is a remarkable, driven young woman who is devoted to her family and a promise she made to care for her younger brother.  As they make their way along the Oregon Trail, they weather storms and tragedy, but always together.

Melanie Dobson has created a terrific story set against a familiar backdrop.  The story is realistic and thrilling and the characters are likeable.  Although billed as a romance, we don't see the hero and heroine together until nearer the end of the story, which actually worked.  The story became, instead of a sappy romance, a tribute to the strong men and women who braved the Oregon Trail.  Completely enjoyable and easily recommended.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more about Melanie Dobson here.  You can see other reviews and tour stops here.

Read 10/12

* * * *
4/5 Stars

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