One More River to Cross, (Paperback)

People have different opinions about what makes a great book. For me, it is when an author can take readers right to the place where the story is set and can vividly feel part of the action. The characters are easy to relate to and the story flows at a pace that doesn't overwhelm readers with unnecessary facts. This book is exactly all the things above and more. It takes place during 1844 where travelers take off in wagons across unforgiving weather and terrain to make a better life for themselves. We can understand their struggles as the author carefully shows the danger that our characters faced. There is a large group that make a decision to branch off and take different routes. This is where the meat of the story is for me. One decision will change the lives of these men, women and children. The unknown is scary and I loved how they faced their trails with a steadfast faith. It is hard to read at times the many challenges they faced but with each step they became closer to their dream of a better life. I did like that the women were depicted as strong and capable of looking out for themselves and making wise decisions. I loved the historical facts that the author includes which makes the story intriguing to read. I love this time period but I'm sure I couldn't have done some of the things they had to do to survive. Overall the book is very good and gives us a look at people who traveled by wagon and overcame hardships with hope and faith of promising opportunities. I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

** “ … I trust God is with us whatever choice we make. It's what I draw on in the hard times. That I'm not alone and that God wants good things for us at the end.” ** Jane Kirkpatrick brings a story straight from true life to the page with “One More River to Cross,” a harrowing tale of a courageous group of people who make their way across the country in a wagon train, and the battles they face on the way. Taking place from 1844-1845, “One More River to Cross” follows the story of several families that race against time and Mother Nature to make it to California, a land filled with promise for new beginnings and happy endings. But when weather conditions force the group to break into several parties — some pressing on via horseback, some via wagon and some forced to stay behind — each member is forced to be the strongest they have ever been. And in a male dominated world, the women especially are forced to step up into roles that will allow for their very survival. Kirkpatrick does an amazing job of delving into these characters — sharing their hopes, joys, sorrows and fears. She develops strong, inspirational women like 17-year-old Mary Sullivan who'd rather be taking care of the animals than cooking dinner; Sarah Armstrong Montgomery, who struggles with the fact she's never learned to read; 20-year-old widow Ellen Murphy who yearns to get out from her father's and brother's interference; and Beth Townsend, the sickly wife of the party's overbearing and pompous doctor. The author writes so descriptively that the readers feels they're right there on the wagon trail, experiencing the trauma and trials of the wagon party. You can tell she deeply researched this topic. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end as it goes into detail about this true-to-life story. Besides being a fantastic historical fiction novel, “One More River to Cross” also teaches several incredible lessons, like finding a bridge between grief and new beginnings; finding the courage to overcome major trials; we should feast on joy and not anger; spreading kindness is a gift; and we never know each other's demons, but sharing them kills their power. Obviously a major theme in this novel is weathering storms, and the fact that anything is possible with God (“Don't seem humanly possibly to do such a thing, but all things are possible through him that trusts the Lord”). Anyone who loves historical fiction or inspirational novels in general will love “One More River to Cross.” Five stars out of five. Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.