For readers of this series, I’m sure this will be an apt conclusion to the myriad storylines written about previously. This is the only book of the series I have personally read, and it took a while to reconcile everything going on through the snippets of history presented throughout. I did eventually catch up and I enjoyed reading about the various family members and how they came to be in Oregon. The first half of the book seemed to take place over a few months and told the wedding stories of Elizabeth and her sister-in-law. The second half was a speed read of the next year, which was a little fast for me. The pacing could have been a little more polished. Overall, however, I did enjoy the read. It was a sweet story that seemed to wrap up all the loose ends quite nicely, and reverently. I especially enjoyed the faith expressed by most of the characters and appreciated their outlook on life as some of God’s children.

Rating: 4

HEAT Rating: Sweet

Reviewed By: Daysie W.

Review Courtesy of: My Book Addictions and More ( )

A Home at Trail’s End by Melody Carlson was a most enjoyable historical romance that took place in the mid-nineteenth century in the area that would soon become the state of Oregon. Elizabeth Martin fell in love with Eli Kincade, the wagon train scout, but he did not stop in Oregon but continued south. Even though Elizabeth had a twelve year old son and an eight year old daughter, she was fighting extreme loneliness. Eli returned and proposed marriage and Elizabeth accepted with the approval of her family. The local minister gave such depressing sermons that many of the congregation asked Elizabeth’s father to hold services at his home and be the preacher. There were problems in the community caused by the racial prejudices of some of the settlers and Elizabeth and her family worked hard to bring peace to the community. At the end of the book, the settlers received a great surprise.

The author did an outstanding job in developing all the elements of the story. All the characters were so real that they seemed to come to life on the pages of the book. The action was fast paced and so well written that one could almost feel they were right in the center of what was happening. Descriptions of the scenery in the area greatly added to the enjoyment of the book. Several times there were plot twists that made the story even more interesting and kept one guessing as to what would happen next. It was refreshing to read a book in which most of the people treated the Indians and freed slaves with respect. I was impressed with the way the author included God in the lives of the characters and the way they worked to have a peaceful, loving,and forgiving community.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes an historical romance with lots of action and enough suspense to keep one guessing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers at Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )