One of the More Intriguing Historical Fiction Novels I’ve Ever Read. The title says it all. In this story of a legendary train ride from coast to coast – just a year after doing so was even possible – Daynard manages to put some aspects into this tale that were very much unexpected, but does so in a way that is at least possible. Indeed, for much of the back half of the book the reader constantly expects something to happen – whether or not it does is up to you to read and find out. 😉 Very much recommended.

Sit back and enjoy this long train tour in 1870. The first of its kind!
This is a new journey from The Northeast and ended in California.
The characters here all had their own motives for being in the seats of this exquisite train.
It had everything from gourmet meals, a smoking car, and a bar car. It was truly spectacular and the descriptions by Jodi Daynard gave me the feeling of traveling along.
This is a detailed and at times intense voyage.
What comes- is friendship, a unique and new love and many, many other things.
Definitely an enjoyable trip!

This lovely novel takes readers on a journey that features the most advanced train travel of the day, but also on an exploration of the human spirit, courage, and heart. Daynard not only creates great characters, she paints them with vivid colors and light. Each one is unique and fully developed, and you will yearn to know the outcomes all along the way.

Daynard also shows evidence of impeccable research, and I felt I was taking the journey along with the characters. The love story in this novel surprised me and yet unrolled naturally and believably. I also didn't see many of the plot twists coming.

I highly recommend this unique work of historical fiction.