Great, historical fiction, fast read from Wanda E Brunstetter. Cynthia and her widowed mother head west with Cynthia's fiance. They join 2 other wagons headed to California. As they travel west and face hardships and danger along the way, friendships and romances develop along the route. Cynthia and her fiance have to determine whether or not their courtship will continue. Likeable characters, sweet kids, and wonderful friendships in this novel.

This was a typical Christmas book, where everything comes out alright. In spite of this, I really liked the story and the characters.

The year of 1850,being destitute, with no funds to take care of her mother and herself. The only option was marriage, not for love, for security. Walter was wanting to make money and thought heading west was the answer, and opening a business. When on the trail, causing the wagon train to wait out a storm. Gave Cynthia, time to notice two other men were interested in her. One was a widower with two small children and a gold prospector. With the age of fifteen years difference, I would of thought Walter would have shown interest in the mother first. Enjoyable story of life in 1850, not easy in those days, and with few choices for woman. Given ARC by Net Galley and Barbour for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

The storyline was enjoyable but the book lacked emotion. It felt that character relations were established between the wrong characters. The author has talent but I think the development was lacking.

This is a short sweet story about how God is in control, I enjoyed this book, just wish it had been longer. Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc Shiloh Run Press for the ARC copy of this book,This review is my honest opinion.