A Trail So Lonesome by Lacy Williams is a work of Christian Historical Fiction. Family secrets and danger to another family force two families to head west. Leo Spencer knows his family needs a fresh start, so he heads west with his two brothers and one sister. Evangeline carries a secret that sends herself, her father, and someone everyone believes is Evangeline’s sister heading west as well. Initially, sparks of an unpleasant variety fly between Leo and Evangeline. But when Evangeline’s father is injured, they form an unlikely alliance. From there, the relationship develops further.

I loved seeing the way Lacy Williams developed the characters and the storyline. The other characters, including a man named Steven Fairbanks and Leo’s two half-brothers, really add to the story. It shows how, through time, faith, and situations, relationships can change and improve.

As I read this book, I believe the author has the opportunity to continue this story by telling the stories of others traveling on the wagon train and to further develop the story of Evangeline and Leo’s relationship. So if you enjoy sweet historical fiction with a dash of sweet romance thrown in, check out this book for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

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

What I think you should know:
A Trail so Lonesome by Lacy Williams is the first book in the Wagon Train Matches Series. The story starts in Independence, Missouri as a wagon train prepares to travel. This story features Leo Spencer who is traveling with his sister and brothers and Evangeline who is traveling with her father and little sister.

What you might need to know:
This book gives closure on some issues but leaves an overall cliffhanger for other characters.

What I think about this book:
I have been a sucker for the Western trails since I played Oregon Trail as a young girl and I have enjoyed several of Williams' past works so I was very excited to read this book. Evangeline reminds me of myself, I can imagine lugging a bunch of books across the country. Leo was a very interesting character, I really appreciated how he cared for Alice and his brothers. This was a very fun, quick paced adventure. I can’t wait to read the next in the series/

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

This is my first book by Ms Williams and also her first book in the Wagon Train Matches series. I found it interesting to see and feel what it was like to be a part of a wagon train and what all it entailed. It is hard to keep secrets and keep your guard up at all times and both Evangeline and Spencer are doing this. It makes for an interesting combination that has sparks flying not just with butting heads but with attraction. It’s easy to become engrossed in these families lives and figure it all out but you are given teasers into what will be storylines in the sequels and I can’t wait. An enjoyable book experience that held my attention from the beautiful cover to the last page.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. ( )

I loved how the author wrote a story that captures a realistic look at what it may have been like on a wagon train . The long hours, restless nights and weather conditions all play a part in this incredible story. Whenever I read a story like this it reminds me of my grandfather. He traveled by wagon to Oklahoma to homestead his land. The stories he told about his travels were very intriguing.

Evangeline convinced her father to join the wagon train to find a better life. She wants to get away from all the gossip that is surrounding her and make a fresh start. She is hiding a secret that she thinks will cause others to turn their back on her. I thought her father was an honorable man who supported his daughter and wanted a good life for her. Her decision to move will cost more than she realizes as danger soon follows.

Leo is a great character who has a soft spot for Evangeline’s “little sister.” I loved how caring he was and soon was agreeing to help Evangeline on the trail. Their arrangement was interesting and I wondered how long it would last. Leo also has his hands full trying to help keep everyone in line while still keeping an eye on Evangeline.

The story is emotional and lets us get to know Leo and Evangeline better. Their interaction is tense at first because Evangeline is very stubborn and prideful. She is so worried that her secret will be discovered that she keeps everyone especially Leo at arms length. I loved watching these two slowly start to trust each other even though it does take Evangeline a bit longer. I’m excited that there will be more books coming in this exciting series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )