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A Secret Refuge #2
Sisters of the Confederacy
After fleeing Kentucky, Jesselynn finds her destination has been burned. Where will she go now? Riveting Civil War fiction! A Secret Refuge book 2.
349 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2000
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
148 books1,879 followersAward-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling has over 80 books published with sales of over 4.5 million. Her original dream was to write horse books for children. Today, she writes adult novels about real issues centered on forgiveness, loss, domestic violence and cancer in her inspirational contemporary women’s fiction titles and historical series, including the favorite, Blessing books about Ingeborg Bjorklund and family.
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 23, 2023
The ending!🥹
4.5⭐️
4.5⭐️
January 22, 2022
Two sisters Jesse and Louisa, each has a journey, a destiny.
The year 1863.
Louisa, smuggling medical supplies to aid Confederate soldiers.
Jesse taking what is left of her family to start a fresh in Oregon. Jesse has the greater task, posing as a man to buy wagons and supplies and traveling with her Aunt, freed slaves and her younger brothers.
She gains the respect of fellow travelers as she removed a bullet from a man and stitches up the wounded.
The half Indian Guide Wolf, only takes the group as far as Fort Laramie. Jesse hopes she will see him again.
The year 1863.
Louisa, smuggling medical supplies to aid Confederate soldiers.
Jesse taking what is left of her family to start a fresh in Oregon. Jesse has the greater task, posing as a man to buy wagons and supplies and traveling with her Aunt, freed slaves and her younger brothers.
She gains the respect of fellow travelers as she removed a bullet from a man and stitches up the wounded.
The half Indian Guide Wolf, only takes the group as far as Fort Laramie. Jesse hopes she will see him again.
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February 5, 2016
I had a difficult time finishing Sisters of the Confederacy; not because it was badly written but because of the subject matter which became rather monotonous along the way. And without any romance to smooth things over........ *sigh* But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. I got hooked in Lauraine Snelling's A Secret Refuge series when I accidentally stumbled upon book 1, Daughter of Twin Oaks, which is now a freebie. The story narrates the arduous journey of Jesselyn Highwood, from her home Twin Oaks to different parts of Civil war-torn America, in search of safer grounds.
In book 1, Jesselyn, masquerading as a boy, was journeying with 3 of her freedmen, a freedwoman and her youngest brother, barely 3 yrs. old Thaddeus. Being the eldest daughter of plantation owner Joshua Highwood, who died of war injury, left Jesselyn with loads of responsibility on her 18yrs. old shoulders. Her mother Miriam had already passed away giving birth to Thaddeus some times before that. The wretched war took Adam, her eldest brother, the next Zachary being MIA for sometimes. Their biggest pride and joy were the thoroughbreds they reared in their stud farm, for which Twin Oaks was famous in the area. Joshua wanted his horses safe from the marauding army and Jesselyn had to take them somewhere safer, far away from Twin Oaks.
Before starting her journey, Jesselyn send her two younger sisters, Louisa and Carrie Mae, to Richmond to their Aunt Sylvania, so we get to see their stories simultaneously. Jesselyn journeys pretty much into the unknown, not knowing if her Aunt Agatha and Uncle Hiram, who lived somewhere in Missouri, were even alive or not.
Along the way Jesselyn, now called "Marse Jesse" to fit her masquerade, saw more destruction, pain and misery of the war that she ever hoped to lay eyes on. It shakes her strong religious foundation that their mother instilled in them very badly. She questions God's wishes, feels angry at His apparent whimsy at the suffering of His children. She feels that it shows He doesn't care much by letting the suffering going on for so long. Only Meshach, one of her freedman and friend, would tell her otherwise; that she shouldn't lose faith and continue to hope for a better day.
The Highwoods' story continues in this installment as it was left quite hanging in book 1. Jesselyn found nothing but distraction in Missouri too. Agatha has been left destitute after Hiram's death; one of the first casualties of war in that area. Jesselyn now had one more mouth to feed in her little mishmash band of people, which now included an orphan girl named Jane Ellen and an orphaned infant named Sammy, both casualties of war. It seemed Meshach and Ophelia married sometimes in between the books, which was never mentioned, with Ophelia now in the family way. They'd also adopted little Sammy as their own.
On their journey, they had taken in soldiers as they found them, buried people after people and dodged several dangerous situations. One of those soldiers, before he went home, showed an interest in Jesselyn after finding out her sex quite accidentally. He promised he'd join them again in near future. However, after months of separation, Jesselyn had to come to the decision that it will never work. Sgt. White's last letter confirming him unable to keep the promise only solidifies that.
In the meantime, Carrie Mae had gotten married in Richmond and has found herself in the family way. Poor Louisa on the other hand continues her work as a volunteer nurse at Aunt Sylvania's, where they were keeping recuperating soldiers. When she was working in the hospital, she met a soldier, forming an instant attraction to him. Lt. Lessling seemed like the man she'd like to spend her life with. But he also had to go away on an urgent summon from home. At the same time, Louisa stumbled upon Zachary, unrecognizable with his severe head and other injuries. Even though he survives, he's not the same man anymore.
Zachary has lost a lot both physically and emotionally, yet Louisa, Carrie Mae and Jesselyn when she learns of it in one of Louisa's letters, are all too thankful to God that their brother was alive! By now, little by little Jesselyn's faith was being restored after months of counseling from Meshach. She was now in search of a wagon train which would take her to Oregon to start anew. They've received heartbreaking news of Twin Oaks being burned by the soldiers. After months spending in different caves to keep her people safe from the war, Jesselyn was a little desperate for a home and a hearth of her own. And she wanted her friends Meshach, Ophelia, Daniel and Benjamin to be as free as God made them. Oregon promised all that and more, including their own lands. They plan to load wagons full with supplies, then start searching for a wagon train to take them there.
In Richmond, Louisa receives bad news about her Lieutenant. It broke my heart to know that her dream of settling down would forever remain a dream as it was confirmed that a train wreck has killed Lt. Lessling. Even though I was quite sad, Louisa decides to fight hers by trying to become more helpful to the wounded soldiers, however much she could to keep her own demons at bay. Her heart would cry out for Gilbert but there was nothing to be done about it. Oh how I wish it wasn't true! I kept hoping for some good news as she did, until the last moment. :(
I was also losing hope for Jesselyn because the story in this installment is mostly centered around day to day activities detailing their living condition in different Missouri caves, among other things, which made the story a little monotonous. There were plenty of heartbreaking scenes, as here too, they had to bury people more often they'd like. Jesselyn's only dream was now to find that wagon train...
Fortunately, they find what they were looking for soon enough and meets the mixed-blooded wagon master, Gray Wolf Torstead. Wolf is part Sioux Indian, part Norwegian and probably got the best of both sides in his looks. :p Both takes a dislike to each-other on their first meeting; Wolf thinking Jesse a weakling for "his" young age and slight built, while Jesse thought him grumpy and presumptuous. :D Of course, sparks fly but not in the way you'd think. At least, not at first... until he got to know the truth about Jesselyn's sex. I knew they were attracted to each-other but the story ended before that had a chance of transforming into something solid.
Sisters of the Confederacy also ends in a cliffhanger as the wagon train is on their way to Oregon. On the way, they can't avoid tragedies from happening. But it was also a time for self-discovery for everyone involved. Thaddeus remains the ever happy bundle of joy and energy who brings the necessary breath of fresh air in the story with his antics. I'd so love to see the siblings having a chance to be together again! Louisa keeps missing Thaddy. Her faith in God remains as strong as ever, though the war has taken it's toll. Knowing where Jesselyn is heading, Louisa keeps hoping she'd see her little brother and her sister someday; that God won't be so cruel as to separate them forever. They remain hopeful about returning to Twin Oaks someday, to bring it back to it's former glory. After all, all of Jesselyn's ordeal was for that one dream only. Only time will if their dream will ever come to pass. I feel really sad for both Louisa and Zachary; they deserve their HEA too.
As I stated in my review of book 1, this series is clean cut, Christian-themed so don't expect any steamy moments. There were a few kissing scenes but nothing close to a strong romance, let alone intimate scenes. But either way, Lauraine Snelling writes really good, wholesome historical fiction that'll surely touch your heart. I can't wait to dive into book 3 and the final installment, The Long Way Home, in hopes of finding some closure for myself, just as much -- I wish -- for the Highwood siblings. 4 stars.
In book 1, Jesselyn, masquerading as a boy, was journeying with 3 of her freedmen, a freedwoman and her youngest brother, barely 3 yrs. old Thaddeus. Being the eldest daughter of plantation owner Joshua Highwood, who died of war injury, left Jesselyn with loads of responsibility on her 18yrs. old shoulders. Her mother Miriam had already passed away giving birth to Thaddeus some times before that. The wretched war took Adam, her eldest brother, the next Zachary being MIA for sometimes. Their biggest pride and joy were the thoroughbreds they reared in their stud farm, for which Twin Oaks was famous in the area. Joshua wanted his horses safe from the marauding army and Jesselyn had to take them somewhere safer, far away from Twin Oaks.
Before starting her journey, Jesselyn send her two younger sisters, Louisa and Carrie Mae, to Richmond to their Aunt Sylvania, so we get to see their stories simultaneously. Jesselyn journeys pretty much into the unknown, not knowing if her Aunt Agatha and Uncle Hiram, who lived somewhere in Missouri, were even alive or not.
Along the way Jesselyn, now called "Marse Jesse" to fit her masquerade, saw more destruction, pain and misery of the war that she ever hoped to lay eyes on. It shakes her strong religious foundation that their mother instilled in them very badly. She questions God's wishes, feels angry at His apparent whimsy at the suffering of His children. She feels that it shows He doesn't care much by letting the suffering going on for so long. Only Meshach, one of her freedman and friend, would tell her otherwise; that she shouldn't lose faith and continue to hope for a better day.
The Highwoods' story continues in this installment as it was left quite hanging in book 1. Jesselyn found nothing but distraction in Missouri too. Agatha has been left destitute after Hiram's death; one of the first casualties of war in that area. Jesselyn now had one more mouth to feed in her little mishmash band of people, which now included an orphan girl named Jane Ellen and an orphaned infant named Sammy, both casualties of war. It seemed Meshach and Ophelia married sometimes in between the books, which was never mentioned, with Ophelia now in the family way. They'd also adopted little Sammy as their own.
On their journey, they had taken in soldiers as they found them, buried people after people and dodged several dangerous situations. One of those soldiers, before he went home, showed an interest in Jesselyn after finding out her sex quite accidentally. He promised he'd join them again in near future. However, after months of separation, Jesselyn had to come to the decision that it will never work. Sgt. White's last letter confirming him unable to keep the promise only solidifies that.
In the meantime, Carrie Mae had gotten married in Richmond and has found herself in the family way. Poor Louisa on the other hand continues her work as a volunteer nurse at Aunt Sylvania's, where they were keeping recuperating soldiers. When she was working in the hospital, she met a soldier, forming an instant attraction to him. Lt. Lessling seemed like the man she'd like to spend her life with. But he also had to go away on an urgent summon from home. At the same time, Louisa stumbled upon Zachary, unrecognizable with his severe head and other injuries. Even though he survives, he's not the same man anymore.
Zachary has lost a lot both physically and emotionally, yet Louisa, Carrie Mae and Jesselyn when she learns of it in one of Louisa's letters, are all too thankful to God that their brother was alive! By now, little by little Jesselyn's faith was being restored after months of counseling from Meshach. She was now in search of a wagon train which would take her to Oregon to start anew. They've received heartbreaking news of Twin Oaks being burned by the soldiers. After months spending in different caves to keep her people safe from the war, Jesselyn was a little desperate for a home and a hearth of her own. And she wanted her friends Meshach, Ophelia, Daniel and Benjamin to be as free as God made them. Oregon promised all that and more, including their own lands. They plan to load wagons full with supplies, then start searching for a wagon train to take them there.
In Richmond, Louisa receives bad news about her Lieutenant. It broke my heart to know that her dream of settling down would forever remain a dream as it was confirmed that a train wreck has killed Lt. Lessling. Even though I was quite sad, Louisa decides to fight hers by trying to become more helpful to the wounded soldiers, however much she could to keep her own demons at bay. Her heart would cry out for Gilbert but there was nothing to be done about it. Oh how I wish it wasn't true! I kept hoping for some good news as she did, until the last moment. :(
I was also losing hope for Jesselyn because the story in this installment is mostly centered around day to day activities detailing their living condition in different Missouri caves, among other things, which made the story a little monotonous. There were plenty of heartbreaking scenes, as here too, they had to bury people more often they'd like. Jesselyn's only dream was now to find that wagon train...
Fortunately, they find what they were looking for soon enough and meets the mixed-blooded wagon master, Gray Wolf Torstead. Wolf is part Sioux Indian, part Norwegian and probably got the best of both sides in his looks. :p Both takes a dislike to each-other on their first meeting; Wolf thinking Jesse a weakling for "his" young age and slight built, while Jesse thought him grumpy and presumptuous. :D Of course, sparks fly but not in the way you'd think. At least, not at first... until he got to know the truth about Jesselyn's sex. I knew they were attracted to each-other but the story ended before that had a chance of transforming into something solid.
Sisters of the Confederacy also ends in a cliffhanger as the wagon train is on their way to Oregon. On the way, they can't avoid tragedies from happening. But it was also a time for self-discovery for everyone involved. Thaddeus remains the ever happy bundle of joy and energy who brings the necessary breath of fresh air in the story with his antics. I'd so love to see the siblings having a chance to be together again! Louisa keeps missing Thaddy. Her faith in God remains as strong as ever, though the war has taken it's toll. Knowing where Jesselyn is heading, Louisa keeps hoping she'd see her little brother and her sister someday; that God won't be so cruel as to separate them forever. They remain hopeful about returning to Twin Oaks someday, to bring it back to it's former glory. After all, all of Jesselyn's ordeal was for that one dream only. Only time will if their dream will ever come to pass. I feel really sad for both Louisa and Zachary; they deserve their HEA too.
As I stated in my review of book 1, this series is clean cut, Christian-themed so don't expect any steamy moments. There were a few kissing scenes but nothing close to a strong romance, let alone intimate scenes. But either way, Lauraine Snelling writes really good, wholesome historical fiction that'll surely touch your heart. I can't wait to dive into book 3 and the final installment, The Long Way Home, in hopes of finding some closure for myself, just as much -- I wish -- for the Highwood siblings. 4 stars.
July 15, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Another Phenomenally Enjoyable Book in this Christian Historical Fiction Series Set during The Civil War.
The Characters are still so interesting and intriguing to read about. Jesselynn is still my favorite in this series.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was a actually in the book while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall Another Good and Enjoyable Book in this Christian Historical Fiction Series!! Can't wait to read more in this series soon!!
Review:
Another Phenomenally Enjoyable Book in this Christian Historical Fiction Series Set during The Civil War.
The Characters are still so interesting and intriguing to read about. Jesselynn is still my favorite in this series.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was a actually in the book while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall Another Good and Enjoyable Book in this Christian Historical Fiction Series!! Can't wait to read more in this series soon!!
Read
September 3, 2014This one was better than the first one in the series, and I enjoyed that one.
June 14, 2020
Pretty boring, not as good as the first. Had information that probably wasn't needed in the series, but still entertaining.
March 30, 2019
In book 2, the dual narrative of sisters separated by war continues, with Jesselyn joining forces with her Aunt Agathe, a tense trial for one of the group accused of murder, and joining a wagon train for the west. The book contained a few minor historical errors, but not enough to pull you out of the story. One was the idea of Meshach going on to Oregon and claiming land, which was not legal for African Americans in Oregon during this period - so why would he even attempt it? Ditto Jesselyn - she could only have claimed land if she were married. Most folks won't have any idea of this - so no big deal. The tension with the Jones brothers hits just the right note, as well as its resolution. The segue of Zachary and Louisa into medical missions of mercies is quite believable, and generally well done. I think the character of Meschach and Ophelia could have been a bit more developed, as it tends toward a stereotype, but I concede it would have diverted attention from the main story with Wolf/Jesselyn, Zachary/Louisa. Overall an enjoyable if slightly predictable story that fans of period Christian romance will enjoy.
March 31, 2018
Another book that I read to Diana. We can't do much anymore after her stroke, so I read to her to spend time together. Diana has always loved to have someone to read to her - and I like to do just that.
A young lady masquerades as a boy to lead a group of freed slaves and a few of her plantations remaining horses west to an uncle's plantation near Springfield, MO for safety. Upon reaching Springfield, she found that her Uncle's plantation was destroyed and that her uncle had been killed in the war.
From there, with some drama, her band, along with her aunt from Springfield started west to Oregon. The remainder of the book was about that trip. Diana liked the story, but after a while, it became much the same over and over - thus the three stars.
A young lady masquerades as a boy to lead a group of freed slaves and a few of her plantations remaining horses west to an uncle's plantation near Springfield, MO for safety. Upon reaching Springfield, she found that her Uncle's plantation was destroyed and that her uncle had been killed in the war.
From there, with some drama, her band, along with her aunt from Springfield started west to Oregon. The remainder of the book was about that trip. Diana liked the story, but after a while, it became much the same over and over - thus the three stars.
October 18, 2018
Sisters of the Confederacy was an excellent continuation of Jesselynn and Louisa's stories. I was definitely more entertained by Jesselynn's story in this book because of her change in attitude, the Oregon Trail journey, and the budding romance. Louisa's story was still dramatic and intriguing, but it paled in comparison to life on the trail and all of the additional struggles the Highwood's had getting there. Once again this short novel was written with the next one in mind, and I was ready to pick up the third book as soon as the second ended. There are many bits - the journey, the romance, Louisa's story - that are left unresolved. But since I love the Oregon Trail aspect of this book so much, I can't wait to read more about their travels, struggles, and triumphs.
July 16, 2019
This is a good book, very entertaining. I do enjoy the Christian aspect, and scripture being included, and the characters trying to follow the bible's guidelines. There were several different story lines within this story - the mares having colts, Daniel's being arrested, the new character of Wolf and westward journey. I love that I can pick up the book, lose myself and just relax.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2019
I did not read the first book beforehand and I did not find that it was necessary. The author does a good job explaining what previously happened without over doing it.
I did enjoy this story and looked forward to reading it everyday. However, the story of Jesse is much more interesting. It felt like the story of the other sister was more of an afterthought and it was not needed.
I did enjoy this story and looked forward to reading it everyday. However, the story of Jesse is much more interesting. It felt like the story of the other sister was more of an afterthought and it was not needed.
March 23, 2024
This series has me hooked. I gotta say that it's been annoying though, where you think you're going to get some romance and boom the couple has to separate for some reason. Happened twice in the first one, then in the end of the second. Hoping the third will have something that will last. 🤣 But overall I am loving this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2019
Such fun to read about the continuation of the lives of Jesselynn and Lousia. Both are always into many things. Jesselynn is on her way along the Oregon Trail while Lousia is still worried about the confederate soldiers in the hospital.
February 11, 2020
Number 2 of this trilogy documents the story of these two sisters during the civil war. One remains in Kentucky and the other migrates to Wyoming. Their lives so changed but yes with the common. Bond of love of home and family
June 22, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed
I throughly enjoyed reading this book. The plot held many twists and turns. It was exciting and informative about the Civil War and settlers traveling in Wagon Trains.
I throughly enjoyed reading this book. The plot held many twists and turns. It was exciting and informative about the Civil War and settlers traveling in Wagon Trains.
August 3, 2017
I need to know what happens! Good thing I have the next book.
August 4, 2017
Again, the author leaves us having to read the final book to find out what happens.
June 25, 2018
Clean romance
I loved the clean romance of this story, but the author ended the story in such a way that I will have to buy the next book in order to know how it will end.
I loved the clean romance of this story, but the author ended the story in such a way that I will have to buy the next book in order to know how it will end.
November 7, 2019
I'm a fan of books by Lauraine Snelling.
February 6, 2020
As I read the last word in this book # 2, without moving, I started page 1 of book #3.........
I love this series.
I love this series.
May 5, 2020
I usually don't care for Trilogies, because they can be addictive. I loved this one though. loved the characters. Very fast read. Historical Christian fiction.
May 9, 2020
So far this series has been a sweet read.
July 19, 2020
Usually sequels lack what the original book had but this is not the case with this series. I feel what the characters feel as if I’m living it myself. I’m on to the third one!
April 3, 2021
This was a riveting read for me. I strongly recommend this book.
May 13, 2021
Second book in this trilogy. As with the first book, it was excellent. Easy to read and hard to put down. Lauraine Snelling writes wonderful books.
September 18, 2021
Quit in middle of story.
Very good but disappointed when it ended in the middle of the story. Didn't like the way it jumped back and forth.
Very good but disappointed when it ended in the middle of the story. Didn't like the way it jumped back and forth.
April 30, 2023
Another good read
January 25, 2024
Not a favorite..
May 12, 2020
This book is great. Danger, history, love, it's got it all!
January 11, 2021
This is book #2 in this series; although you 'can' read it independently I wouldn't recommend it as it starts right where book #1 left off at. And although Ms Snelling does fill the reader in somewhat you still wouldn't get the full effect of the story without book 1.
This story gives the reader a different outlook on the Civil War; one I never thought about. A family torn apart due to having to be sent away to fight some members killed, some missing and the women all wondering about them. All the while the oldest daughter has to do what she has promised her dieing father she'd save the Thoroughbred horses that has made their ranch. So after the war they can start over. She has sent her two younger sisters to live in a different town to be protected from the war again dividing what family is left. She goes against all her mother taught her to be and dressed in britches and cut her hair to live life as a man. She frees her slaves and a handful of them go with her as she crosses over in to the mist of the war with what few horses she has left to rescue them from the war; and her now freed slaves that are more family to her than her 'old slaves' trying to keep them alive from being hanged or beaten up if found. All the while finding people in need in the mist of her own worries of survival. She begins to loose Faith and starts to believe that God doesn't exists anymore. But the main gentleman she took with her his Faith is strong and that is how he survives with daily prayers and thanksgiving among all the strife they have to deal with. She turns to him on many occasions; when she feels she can no longer manage on her own. And when the group band together they do survive through...to do what they need to do next... Book 2 includes history on the Oregon Trail, as Jesse and her family have to join.
Also in the book (about a quarter of the way in the book every other chapter talks about Jesse and their travels and ever other takes you back to the town of her younger sisters and their survival with their aunt.) Again because of the war Louisa has to say a few lies to be able to go and volunteer at the hospital where "ladies" aren't allowed. Seeing things they shouldn't see of the men coming in and needing treatment. But widowed ladies are allowed. So she lives a lie to be able to do what she feels her heart is telling her to do and making a difference in many of the men's lives and helping the doctors all she can. In the meantime happiness does come to her in forms she never would imagine.
At the end of this book you WILL want to have book #3 on hand; as when it ends you want to read on to see about the various lives within this book. Will all the families get reunited? Or will the war continue beyond Spring when everyone is hoping it will end?
This book for me started out slow and I wasn't real sure I liked it at first but by a quarter of the way in I was rating it 3 stars but about half way in I couldn't hardly put the story down and looked forward to having time to be able to read more about what was happening. Thus the four star rating. If you would like something 'different' and something to remind you that people do have to endure trials and it's okay to doubt your Faith as that is when God is carrying and protecting you. And He will bring the people in your life that you need at the time
This story gives the reader a different outlook on the Civil War; one I never thought about. A family torn apart due to having to be sent away to fight some members killed, some missing and the women all wondering about them. All the while the oldest daughter has to do what she has promised her dieing father she'd save the Thoroughbred horses that has made their ranch. So after the war they can start over. She has sent her two younger sisters to live in a different town to be protected from the war again dividing what family is left. She goes against all her mother taught her to be and dressed in britches and cut her hair to live life as a man. She frees her slaves and a handful of them go with her as she crosses over in to the mist of the war with what few horses she has left to rescue them from the war; and her now freed slaves that are more family to her than her 'old slaves' trying to keep them alive from being hanged or beaten up if found. All the while finding people in need in the mist of her own worries of survival. She begins to loose Faith and starts to believe that God doesn't exists anymore. But the main gentleman she took with her his Faith is strong and that is how he survives with daily prayers and thanksgiving among all the strife they have to deal with. She turns to him on many occasions; when she feels she can no longer manage on her own. And when the group band together they do survive through...to do what they need to do next... Book 2 includes history on the Oregon Trail, as Jesse and her family have to join.
Also in the book (about a quarter of the way in the book every other chapter talks about Jesse and their travels and ever other takes you back to the town of her younger sisters and their survival with their aunt.) Again because of the war Louisa has to say a few lies to be able to go and volunteer at the hospital where "ladies" aren't allowed. Seeing things they shouldn't see of the men coming in and needing treatment. But widowed ladies are allowed. So she lives a lie to be able to do what she feels her heart is telling her to do and making a difference in many of the men's lives and helping the doctors all she can. In the meantime happiness does come to her in forms she never would imagine.
At the end of this book you WILL want to have book #3 on hand; as when it ends you want to read on to see about the various lives within this book. Will all the families get reunited? Or will the war continue beyond Spring when everyone is hoping it will end?
This book for me started out slow and I wasn't real sure I liked it at first but by a quarter of the way in I was rating it 3 stars but about half way in I couldn't hardly put the story down and looked forward to having time to be able to read more about what was happening. Thus the four star rating. If you would like something 'different' and something to remind you that people do have to endure trials and it's okay to doubt your Faith as that is when God is carrying and protecting you. And He will bring the people in your life that you need at the time
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews