Hardships & Blessings

Summerside's American Tapestries

 

Melanie Dobson's Where the Trail Ends

This is a story of one small family as they traveled the Oregon Trail.  The hardships of this trail are nearly unbearable to read, and I cannot fathom how those who traveled this path continued to put one foot in front of the other.   Yet they did, and through this book we are given a glimpse of what it might have been like to travel this trail, filled with the hope of starting a new life and to learn that when we have hope we can endure anything.

Have you ever considered how people traveled from the Eastern part of the country to settle in the West? Before there were roads and vehicles, or towns and hotels, or all the other luxuries we all take for granted.  A journey that would bring you to the place much like the main character who "Never in her life would she again take for granted the life-giving power of a cup of water."  That one sentence brought me to tears as I looked over to my ice cold cup of water and realized how much I take for granted.

This is book that brings you deep into the suffering of the journey over the Oregon Trail and gives you an appreciation for all we have.  You cannot read this book without appreciating the cold drink sitting beside you, or the comfortable place you have to sleep, or the beautiful blessing of the precious loved ones around you. 

Disclosure: Litfuse Publicity Group provided me with a complimentary copy of this book as part of their blog tours program. Buy the book here and read other reviews here

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.
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!