Wednesday, October 3, 2012

"Where the Trail Ends" Blog Tour

Where the Trail Ends

by Melanie Dobson

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.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/e0YC2
 
 
About the Author:
 
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.

Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.
 
My Take:
 
As I have said before on my blog, I am a sucker for Oregon Trail stories. There is just something about the pioneer spirit that gets to me every time.

Where the Trail Ends is one of the better Oregon Trail stories that I have read. I connected with the characters and their hardships even though I have never experienced the kinds of things that they encountered. This novel was realistic, even gritty at times, but it was never without hope. I did wish that the story had focused more on the Bible and what it had to say about faith in Christ rather than what the characters in The Pilgrim’s Progress experienced, but I do understand the parallel there.
The one thing that kept me enjoy this book to the fullest was that the summary on the back was way too revealing. The events that were described in the description told practically the entire story. There were a few twists and turns along the way when it was told how things happened or ended up the way they did. But I just felt as if I already knew all of plot points before I even started reading. The last event that is mentioned in the summary is that Samantha’s brother, Micah disappears into the wilderness and that Samantha must rely on Alex to rescue him. This happens on page 277 out of 326. To me, that is entirely too much information to give in the summary.

Even though I anticipated everything that happened in the book before it happened, I still enjoyed the story. The romance between Samantha and Alex developed quickly, but it was true to the times and the circumstances. The novel was well-written and seemed to give an accurate portrayal of what those Oregon Trail pioneers – especially the women and children – experienced.
I will give Where the Trail Ends … 3 ½ BookWorms.

 
 
 
See what other reviewers are saying by clicking here.
 
 

 
About the Contest:
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 todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

 
 
 
 
 
 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Summerside Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this is accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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