Anna Schmidt is a new to me author and I can't wait to read more not only in the Cowboys & Harvey Girls series but many of her other books too!  I'm looking forward to reading Renegade and catching up with the Harvey Girls and the other characters we've met.

<a href="https://amzn.to/2BZLnpy"><em>Trailblazers</em> </a>is the first book in this series and I loved getting to know Grace, Emma, Lily, Jake, Nick and many of the other characters.  There was not only a depth to the characters but also a feeling of caring among them.  We get to know them a little at a time and see their vulnerabilities even when they are trying to be strong  Grace leaves her family farm in Missouri first to train in Kansas City but then to live in New Mexico for her assignment.  The train ride west is full of adventure especially when she meets Nick and he becomes protective of her.  They form a special bond that progresses nicely and I loved their treatment of each other and how they always seemed to be able to read each other so well.  Grace also meets Emma and Lily on the same train and they form a fast bond especially when they find out they will be Harvey girls together..   The Harvey Girls was all Grace was led to believe and more.  The story starts out sweetly but there's heat added along the way and not just because they're in the desert!  The story is set in the late 1800's and was a quick paced read.

I loved getting to know the town of Juniper, New Mexico along with the businesses, the people who lived and worked there and the ranch where Nick was the foreman.  The story flowed nicely but there was a darkness thrown in which caused me to cry several times.  There were vivid descriptions of the land and the travels that made me feel that I was there.  I loved how the characters supported one another and how we were able to see another side of the management of the hotel,  Mr. Campbell, the manager of the hotel and eating establishment and Miss Kaufmann, the head waitress and dining room manager.  They along with Jake, the kitchen manager, are woven throughout the story both as bosses, mentors and friends.  I liked that we also get to know Grace's family through her letters she and her mother exchanged.

There were a few twists and turns to the story and a happily ever after in the end which was wonderfully written but an epilogue would have been nice to tie up some of the loose ends.  I loved the recipes in the back of the book and may even try two of them.  The cover gave a hint of what was to come.

I’m going to be honest, I was a little hesitant with this book. I love historical western romances, but I worry when an author bases their book off an actual historical event or group of people, they will be more concerned about historical accuracy and details rather than the plot. Luckily, Anna Schmidt put my fears to rest. Trailblazer is about a young woman, Grace, who takes a job as one of Mr. Harvey’s famous Harvey Girls. Harvey Girls are waitresses who make a good wage but have strict rules, including that they are prohibited to get married.

On the train to her new post in New Mexico, Grace meets ranch foreman Nick. The romance between Nick and Grace was intriguing. It was almost insta-love. Nick realizes he has a great affinity for Grace immediately and while they do court, their romance blossoms quickly. The romance was expertly interwoven with several subplots that kept me turning the pages. I had no idea where the book was going to go, especially after the young couple runs into what seems like insurmountable obstacles, more than once.

I have to say, the villain in this novel made me feel physically ill. He was truly awful and Ms. Schmidt did a great job portraying how difficult it was for single women when confronted with men in power. While the bad guy was terrible, there were many wonderful and caring characters to balance out the story. I found myself enjoying the little tidbits about New Mexico in 1889.

The only real sticking points that kept this from being a five star read were a slow beginning and a lack of time between Nick and Grace. The reader knows that they love each other, but a little too much of their time connecting happened off screen.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. I didn’t expect to be excited for the next book in the series, but I am! Lily is going to tie that sweet sheriff up in knots, I can’t wait!

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

I am normally not a reader of historical romance, but when I read the description of this book my interest was piqued and so I requested it for review. Trailblazer by Anna Schmidt is the first book in her series about the Harvey Girls; if you don’t know about the Harvey Girls then Google is your friend. I happened up on a display about them while staying at the La Posada hotel in Winslow, Arizona which at one time was a Harvey property, so I was interested in seeing what an author would do with these girls and the strict guidelines of their employment. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for the history, the spirit in which it was written, and for the romance of a young girl who is drawn to a cowboy while traveling to her first assignment with the Fred Harvey Company.

With her family’s farm struggling, Grace Rogers applies to be a Harvey Girl and is on her way to her first assignment in New Mexico when she meets handsome cowboy Nick Hopkins on the train. Determined to follow all of the rules set by the Harvey Company for their girls, Grace works hard and tries to resist the charms of Nick. She also captures the eye of an older married man who is only interested in one thing. I enjoyed watching Nick pursue Grace and their courtship which led to more and the hardships they faced. While I have no doubt the incident with the wealthy man was commonplace, I did feel like the outcome for what happened was a bit far fetched considering the times.

The storytelling was very vivid and it was easy to imagine the area having traveled the southwest numerous times. I enjoyed the characters both primary and secondary and feel there are many more stories to be told over the course of this series.

While not a lover of historical romance, I still loved the history behind this story and the romance between two people who were destined to be together.

If you have never heard of the Harvey Girls, this book – the first in a series – will send you down a rabbit hole of research, and may even lead you to the 1946 Judy Garland musical of that name. The Harvey Girls are waitresses expected to be both unmarried and unsullied in order to keep their jobs. In return for their circumspect behavior, they will be protected from the west’s more lawless elements. Hoping to help out her family by sending money home, Grace is excited to be hired on as a Harvey Girl, but on the way there she meets cowboy Nick Hopkins, and since their passion will not be denied, her new career can only be saved through subterfuge and a secret wedding. Grace and Nick are partners in the best sense of the term, and the wild west is brought vividly to life in this sweet, but still quite sexy, American historical. – Clara Shipman

This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #4.

This was my first book by Anna Schmidt, and I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to review one that was the first in a new series. I had heard of Harvey Girls, but had no clue as to what they were. I figured it was some sort of fashion style. I had no idea they were actually waitresses at Harvey Houses, restaurants and hotels built by The Fred Harvey Company to serve patrons along railway routes to the western U.S. in the latter part of the 19th century. It's great to learn a bit of history alongside my romance!

This book started off rather slow for me, but finally took off halfway through the story. I was glad I didn't give up on it, because it ended up being a very enjoyable book. Grace was a Missouri farm girl who headed to New Mexico for a job as a Harvey Girl. Her family's farm was in financial straits, and she wanted to make money to assist them. On the train she meets handsome Nick, a ranch foreman. The two are instantly attracted, and the beginning of their romance is very sweet. They fall in love and decide to make a life together, but someone steps in to take away their happiness. That's when things really rev up and get exciting.

Beside Grace and Nick are a great bunch of supporting characters. Grace has two great friends in calm Emma and feisty Lily. I also enjoyed co-workers Bonnie, Aidan and Jake, and the rancher and his wife who employ Nick. I'm most interested in the good looking sheriff with the cute dimple. Might we see him and Lily starring in a book together? I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

~~Reviewed by AnnMarie~~

Trailblazer is the first book in the Cowboys & Harvey Girls series by Anna Schmidt.

Grace Rogers’ family is barely making ends meet. Wanting adventure, but also wanting to help her family, Grace decides to apply for a job in New Mexico working as a Harvey Girl. Fred Harvey owns a chain of food houses which are known for their quality food and service. Their waitresses are perfect young ladies, unmarried, with spotless reputations. When Grace passes her interview and is offered a job she is thrilled. She will be able to send money home to her family plus enjoy her new life away from home.

Nick Hopkins works as a foreman on a Ranch owned by people who have pretty much brought him up from a teenager. His dream is to buy some land near them, build his own home, marry, have children and be a rancher. He first meets Grace on the train taking her for her interview and from that moment he is captivated.

A romance between them develops quickly despite the fact that Grace wants to concentrate on her job and being able to send money back home. She can’t battle her heart though and when passions come to a melting point they decide that they must get married. They love each other and although they will have to keep their marriage a secret in order for Grace to keep her job, they do marry. Are things good for them from then? Far from it. Trials and tribulations are plenty, not least a man of importance setting his sights on Grace and not wanting to take no for an answer!

I loved this book, the setting was wonderful and I loved how the Harvey establishments operated. It sounds like the kind of place I would have wanted to work if I was there back then! This book had everything, romance, suspense, hardships to be overcome, a horrid villain, a misunderstood woman, and of course Nick and Grace the hero and heroine of the story. I loved reading how their love developed and how wonderful Nick was when it came to looking after Grace and her family. It was truly a wonderful read. It was also a pleasure to read their passionate moments without the scenes going too in-depth. It was titillation rather than being just a sweet romance, or an explicit one. It was just right.

I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series which will be Lily’s story. Lily is a friend of Grace’s and also a Harvey Girl. If it’s anything as good as this book then I will be in for a treat. I definitely 100% recommend this book and hope that you will enjoy just as much as I did.

The explosive denouement highlighted the major problem I had overall with the book. There are lots of small conflicts and issues but after introducing them and building them, they are mostly anticlimactically resolved or left hanging. Will Grace get caught meeting Nick? Is the money she’s sending home getting there? Will she become proficient in her new job? How will a potential rival for Nick’s affections affect things? What will happen when one of her friends becomes heartbroken when a beau leaves for the Rough Riders? Will these issues show up in future books? There are few if any hints.

With the most important event – Grace has more to face than just a sexual predator – a big question remains unanswered at the end. I’m not sure if it will be revisited in the next book or if it was just left as in this book it’s handled off stage – so to speak. There’s also a situation with Grace’s parents that is begun but left unfinished. I liked the story and the characters but can’t help wishing that there had been more – more tension, more risk, more to keep me on the edge of my seat. C+

“Trailblazer” begins Anna Schmidt’s new series, Cowboys & Harvey Girls with a delightful look into not only the Harvey Girls concept but of their life trying to maintain that concept when love comes along to change everything.

Grace’s family is in dire straits and she’s made the decision to apply to become a Harvey Girl with the hopes that she can send money home to help out her family. And if she gets a bit of independence away from her family, all the better. Excited to begin her new job Grace has no idea that her future awaits her on the train… or the complications that will arise from loving this honorable man.

Nick has a good life, but his dreams are of an extension of that life to include land of his own, a wife, maybe some children and a ranch of his own. He’s not afraid of hard work to get to that dream, and it helps that his job as ranch foreman is with a family he respects as they practically raised him during his formative years. He had no idea that his future would meet him on the train, or that loving this lovely woman would bring him such joy… or that they both would face such dangers in order to keep Grace safe.

Grace and Nick are such a unique couple. I fell in love with one handsome man with a heart as wide as the range and would have loved to call one special lady a friend. They are realistic in their reactions and following their romance was an adventure. I had heard of the Harvey Girls before but didn’t know many details about them. “Trailblazer” filled in those details and set up the premise for some intriguing stories to come in this series.

I had fun with this story. A loving couple, one nasty villain, new adventures, danger to be faced and true love to be found. What’s not to enjoy about all that? If you love Western Historical Romance then you’ll want to get started on this new series. I would not hesitate to recommend it, you’ll find interesting characters, intriguing situations, and an enjoyable story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Some historical Westerns, whose rolling cadence mimics the countryside, have a way of worming their way into my heart and making a home there. This is one such tale. Trailblazer by Anna Schmidt puts the ‘R’ in romance. It is a tender, gentle tale of love blossoming between two people who’re not searching for it. Someday… oh, sure, someday, they want that special someone in their lives who will bring them joy and companionship, someone with whom they will walk side-by-side on the road of life. But at this moment in time, they are not looking for marriage. They are not even looking for love. And yet… love catches them by surprise.

In this book, Schmidt shows us how two people, who are capable of such kindness and consideration to everyone around them, fall in love. Watching that growing awareness of each other, the care and respect they show, and the honesty and maturity with which they acknowledge their feelings tugged at my heart and mind. This story is why I read romance. I hope you will pick this book up and share in the wonder.

https://frolic.media/conversations-over-coffee-trailblazer-by-anna-schmidt/

This was a sweet western story. If you are not familiar with Anna Schmidt, read this book. Grace and Nick were very likeable. This is very fast pace story. Through their journey, there are troubles and tribulations but they got it there at the end. The writing was superb with just the correct amount of Heat.
I voluntarily review this ARC and the opinions here are all my own.

A lovely historic cowboy story about putting yourself before family if it is for your own happiness.

Grace Rogers family is struggling and in an attempt to help them out she becomes a Harvey Girl these women work in the Fred Harvey Company in their restaurants that are springing up all over the west along the rail lines. When she finished her training she is sent to Juniper New Mexico. On the train she meets Nick Hopkins he is heading west in the hopes of buying some land he hopes to eventually build a house and get a wife and family He is instantly attracted to the young woman he meets on the train and when they discover they are both heading to Juniper it seems like fate. The contract for Grace says she cannot marry without leaving the company so taking away the money her family needs Will she put her family before her and Nicks happiness You will have to read to see

This is a very new author to me and I must say I will defiantly be checking out her others books after reading this lovely historical romance. I found the writing style to be great with the story flowing well to keep me interested and glued to each chapter. The characters had enough interesting personality that worked well with each other, and as this is book one of a new series it has me wanting to read more about some of these characters and possibly meet some new ones. I had the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and this is my honest personal view of this book.
Pioneering Grace Rogers sets off on an adventure to help her family and the family farm by taking a job with the Fred Harvey Company. The company has many restaurants around the country with the growing railroad. After her one-month training Grace finds herself on the way to Juniper, New Mexico to start her job.
Nick Hopkins is travelling home on the train when he meets a very interesting young woman that catches his eye. But meeting someone knows is not in Nick’s plan to buy some land, build a house, find a wife and have a family. He soon finds out she is moving to the same town near the ranch where he works and he finds himself unable to stay away from her.
As a Harvey Girl Grace is unable to marry and keep her job, a job that is so important to help her family out. But the growing feelings for Nick has them both wanting to keep a secret from the world.
We do what we must to help the ones we love even if that puts us in danger or in a place we would not like to be in.

Trailblazer has an interesting premise, so when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net Galley, to read and review, I took the opportunity. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Trailblazer is an engaging romance with endearing characters and a unique plot. The pacing is good and kept me enmeshed in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical details involving the Harvey Girls.

Grace Rogers’ character is extremely likable. I became vested right away and remained so until the last page. She is hard working, determined, and loyal. She wants to follow through on the commitments she made to her family.

Nick Hopkins is a great hero. He has all the qualities I love most. His determination to earn Grace’s love and respect melted my heart. I truly wanted him to find his happy ending. He also doesn’t let adversity stand in his way either.

The romance between Nick and Grace is sweet and heartwarming. The sexual tension between them is strong. I loved the romantic setting Nick puts together for Grace, making sure she can not only feel his love but to see it as well. This is a lovely part of the story.

If you are a fan of western romance that takes you back to days gone by, then you will enjoy Trailblazer as much as I did. I found the Harvey Girls fascinating and can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Happy reading!