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.
ISBN-13: 9781609366858
Pages: 336
Published: October 1, 2012
Meet Melanie:
Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside’s Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).
Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.
Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.
When Melanie isn’t writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.
American Tapestries Kindle Fire Giveaway
and {10/18} Facebook Party!
Celebrate with Melanie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
- Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Where the Trail Ends and Queen of the Waves and join Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!
Tour Schedule on the Author's landing page below.
My Thoughts
In the year 1842, Samantha Waldron could never have imagined the perils her family would face on their journey to Oregon. She pushed herself for the sake of her little brother Micah and a new life in Oregon. They must make it to the trails end of Williamette Valley, Oregon. Her father has a dream that it is the Land of Milk and Honey and will where they build their home.
Samantha has crossed rivers on this the trail to Oregon but not like this last river the Columbia River which they must cross. She just wasn't expecting to cross in a storm. She was having a difficult time keeping the canoe on course especially with the rain filling the canoe up with water and then the canoe capsizes dumping her and Micah into the freezing cold waters of the raging river.
Lord Alexander Clarke notices a canoe trying to cross the river from the opposite side. He can tell they are in trouble row out to them. As he nears their canoe it capsizes and he pulls a small boy out of the water then he grabs the woman by her dress and manages to get them to shore.
Samantha takes several days to get her strength back. During this time Micah plays with the children at the Fort under Alex's supervision.
Alex felt as if he needed to protect Samantha and Micah. When she got her strength back Alex offers her a job as a teacher for the children that live within the Fort. Since she has lost everything she was grateful for the offer. But she will only have this job until the next ship arrives with the new teacher. Come to find out Alex will be leaving on that same ship to return to England. He is promised to be married back in England due to an arranged marriage.
Alex has fallen in love with this land and if it were not for his obligations in England he would stay and build a life in Oregon. As he prepares to return to England young Micah sneaks out of the Fort, to find his dog, while Samantha was sleeping and she came straight to Alex for help. Alex promises he will not return to the Fort until he finds Micah.
Will Alex find Micah? Can Samantha make it on her own without the teaching position? How does she feel about Alex leaving for England? Will Alex really be happy living with his betrothed in England?
While reading this book you will need a supply of tissues. Also I want to warn you that as your anxiety builds while reading this book it may cause you to snap at loved ones if they interrupt your reading. You will not want to put this book down until the end of the trail. I meant end of the book.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse/Summerside Press for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
