Daughters of the Mayflower: The Chisholm Trail Bride (Paperback)

This book was so much fun to read. Y'Barbo kept me on the edge of my seat dying to see what would happen next. I enjoyed seeing a character from when she was a little girl to when she became a young woman. One Chisholm Trail ride changed the course of her life forever. Eliza wanted nothing more than to be out on the trail with her father and brothers. She somehow seemed to find a way to get into trouble, whether it be from her brothers ideas, or her friend Wyatts'. According to her mother, no refined young ladies would do half the things Eliza got caught doing. But she doesn't stay little forever. Deciding she wants to get married Eliza embarks on another journey that will alter the course of her life forever. I loved watching the chemistry between Eliza and her guard. They were both so fun to watch, and I couldn't guess what they would get into next. Eliza loved her family and would do anything for them. Can she look beyond the obvious and see the truth before it's too late? I couldn't imagine how she would get out of the mess she found herself in, and I enjoyed every moment of the fight with her. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction. I received a copy of this book from Barbour House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

TEXAS! The stars...big and bright! Oh, my. Be still my heart. Kathleen Y'Barbo writes about Texas in a way that makes me feel like I am back in my adopted home state.\n\nThe Chisholm Trail Bride introduces us to the main characters, who are all in their early teen years. There is Eliza Gentry, daughter of a prosperous cattleman; Wyatt Creed, son of a retired Texas Ranger, who is also an alcoholic; and Ben ?Benjy? Barnhart, son of a Texas judge. The narrative begins as they are about to set out on the Chisholm Trail to deliver cattle to buyers in Kansas. \n\nThe trail ride brings joy and deep heartbreak along the way, and this ride becomes the three?s last trail ride. Ben, unlike Eliza and Wyatt, creates his own problems due to his selfish and wantonly cruel ways. \n\nYears later, we find Eliza living in Louisiana with her mother. Life has not been the same for her since the trail ride, and it looks like it never will be.\n\nY?Barbo writes a mesmerizing and captivating tale, melding mystery, murder and kidnapping, along with love and forgiveness. Her portrayal of the trail leaves you wishing you were under the stars, too, etching the story in your memory. She draws such wonderful pictures of Texas, Louisiana and all the happenings between the two states that I was often left breathless. (I also never guessed the ending, which is something that almost never happens to me. It is stunning and surprising!) \n\nThe Author?s Note at the end is a do not miss portion of the novel, as there is a plethora of fascinating information about the Chisholm Trail.\n\nI received this book from NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.