What I think you should know:
One Hundred Valleys is historical fiction by Bonnie Leon. It is set in Oregon Territory in 1855. When Emmalin Hammond’s life as she knew it is unexpectantly ripped out from under her she undertakes the journey west to find the father she long thought dead.

What you might need to know:
Jacob Landon came to Oregon with his missionary family, however when they tragically died he was raised by local Bative Americans. During the book the government has started forcibly moving Native People to reservations. Some of this is shown in the book.

What i thought about this book:
Emmalin was raised as a pampered society lady, but when her parentage is revealed and she loses the people who she thought she was friends with she finds her true worth. I love her spunk and grit, in spite of her upbringing she is will and able to try new things. Yes at times she is selfish and winey, however if I had just lost everything I knew I would be too! Jacob was a wonderful character, I love how he is loyal to both his faith and his Native family. . Leon has written an interesting with captivating characters who I loved and would love to read more about specifically Charity!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

“Her father was her only chance at a new beginning—if she could find him.”

Growing up, I was an avid reader and fan of “Little House on the Prairie” and anything about pioneers, with a special fondness for Oregon Trail stories. Although I’ve broadened my reading horizons since then, the nineteenth century will always be my first love, and I remain on the lookout for opportunities to read and review historical fiction whenever possible. From the first time I glimpsed the cover of “One Hundred Valleys”, I knew I had to read it; I didn’t even read the synopsis, although I was thrilled when I found out it was set in Oregon in the mid-1850s. No matter how many historical fiction books I read, I never grow tired of them, and this book is a great example of diversity within the genre.

From the first page of “One Hundred Valleys”, it became apparent that this was going to be a different kind of pioneer adventure. Author Bonnie Leon creates a unique story by merging common elements in a distinctive way. Rather than an Oregon Trail account, although details of the journey are scattered throughout the narrative, Emmalin Hammonds’ story opens in Oregon City after she and her Uncle Jonathon have made the trek. Moving on from a tragic past in search of the father she had been told was dead, Emmalin ends up making the last leg of the journey alone with a hired guide named Jacob Landon. For Emmalin, the travails of the journey are becoming more and more overwhelming as she finds everything stripped away from her.

Emmalin’s character is interesting in and of itself. I have to admit that initially I found myself unimpressed with her, and at times downright annoyed. However, Leon writes her this way for a reason. Back in Philadelphia, Emmalin was a member of the upper class and led a privileged life, which made her completely unprepared to live in a rather uncivilized wilderness. She seems quick to judge and complain, but then she surprises readers with her strength and determination. As her newfound friend Margaret tells her about courage: “It’s being afraid and trusting God enough to do whatever it is He’s called you to do that shows how brave you are.” She slowly softens her heart toward people and things that seem absurd compared with her old life, including the issue regarding the Indians, whom she has previously considered to be lower class. Her journey demonstrates how we all tend to categorize people, yet to God none of those things matter; He loves us all and yearns for us to enter into a personal relationship with Him. As Emmalin’s time of spiritual deliverance unfolds, it is worth noting that no matter how far away she felt God was, He never left.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )

When Emmalin Hammond arrived in Oregon City in August 1885, she was a grief-stricken young woman who believed that "God had deserted her, the way her father had." One Hundred Valleys is an appealing historical fiction story that chronicles Emmalin's journey to find the father she has never known as she deeply mourns the mother who has been her whole life. Emmalin endures hardships. disappointments, and misunderstandings to reach Deer Creek, Oregon, and in the process, becomes a stronger and better person. During her time there Emmalin learns that her father is a decent man who deserves to be loved and she realizes that God had never deserted her...He had been with her all of the time.

The author's description of the beauty of the land of One Hundred Valleys and the realistic characters who lived there helped me understand Emmalin's indecision about returning to Philadelphia. Who wouldn't want to remain with people as special as her father, an older woman who becomes her friend and mentor, and Jacob Landon, the guide who helped her finally get to Deer Creek? Even as she suffers a terrible case of poison ivy and especially when she experiences the joy of delivering a calf, Emmalin realizes that perhaps this was the life that she was meant to live. Could it be that she didn't want her old life? Did she really want to return to Philadelphia?

Bonnie Leon has filled One Hundred Valleys with hope, encouragement, love, and forgiveness. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and I am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts. ( )

Imagine finding out you are not who you thought you were. For Emmalin Hammond, that is exactly what happens. She believes herself to be an heiress, but when her mother dies she finds out otherwise. Her fiancee breaks off their engagement, and she finds out her father is alive rather than dead. With all that has occurred, she sets out to the Oregon Territory to find her father.

She leaves Philadelphia for the Oregon Territory with her uncle, but misfortune befalls them on the trip. She is forced to complete the journey with Jacob Landon, a mountain man. Arriving in the Oregon Territory, Emmalin is forced to decide who she really is and what type of life she really wants.

This historical novel touched my heart and captured my imagination. I loved the relationships Emmalin developed in the Oregon Territory. I also loved seeing her become the person she truly was meant to be.

So check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review. ( )

This was an enjoyable historical fiction romance story. This was taking place during the time just after the gold rush but before the civil war. Emmalin travels from the east coast to Oregon to find her father who had abandoned her family before she was born. This tells a little of how she felt during the trip to Oregon but is mostly about what happens after she makes it to Oregon. I liked hearing about how a spoiled society girl could learn to become a better person. I really liked Jacob and the little bit of romance throughout the story. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )