IS OFTEN THE ONE THAT MEANS THE MOST.
Though it means saying good-bye to the beloved friends and spiritual mentors of her St. Charles, Missouri, quilting circle, Anna Goben is certain that she needs to enlist her family in the Boone's Lick Company Wagon Train. The loss of her beloved brother in the Civil War has paralyzed her mother and grandfather in a malaise of grief and depressionm and Anna is convinced that only a fresh start in the Promised Land of California can bring her family back to her. Although unknown perils of the trail west loom, Anna's commitment to caring for her loved ones leaves no room for fear – or even loving someone new.
During the five-month journey, trail hand Caleb Reger plans to keep a low profile as he watches over the the band of travelers. Guarding secrets about his past and ignoring God's call on his life, Caleb wants to steer as far from Anna as she does him, but she proves to be just as he assessed from the beginning – independent, beautiful, and trouble.
Led by a pillar of hope, the group faces rough terrain that begins to take a toll on their spirits. Will the wilderness of suffering lead them astray, or will the gentle song of love that echoes across the prairie turn their hearts towards God's grace and the promise of a new home?
It's been awhile since the last wagon train story I read, kind of got tired of fluffy stories with no more trouble than a rainstorm. Prairie Song was far from it! The characters have real lives and real problems. Accidents happen, illness, and arguing between different families. There are trials and joys, heartache and hope.
When I first started the story I was expecting the book to be all about Anna and Caleb but I was pleasantly surprised to find several other members of the wagon train get their 'screen time'. There are even a couple of more romances budding as the wagon wheels roll westward.
Difficult issues are dealt with in Prairie Song, ones that many readers will find hit close to home. The growing confusion and sometimes antagonism reminded me in some ways of my own Grandpa's struggles before his stroke. Mona Hodgson deals with people's problems in a realistic but gentle manner.
A completely enjoyable book with likable characters, real situations, interesting history, and some nice scenery/geography. This is one historical novel that you won't want to put down, but if you do, it is like an old friend when you pick it back up.
Prairie Song is a story not to miss this summer. Take the time to read it, you will be glad you did.
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson a 4 Bark rating.
Note: I read an ARC (Advance Reading Copy) so there will be some editing changes before the official release.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful review of Prairie Song. Can't wait for you to read the next installment of the Boone's Lick Wagon Train Company's journey. Blessings!