Eliza Gentry was a young girl growing up on a ranch in Texas and all she wanted was to join her father on the Chisholm trail. She wanted to follow the cattle and sleep under the stars. She could not see enough of the sky at night. Learning about the universe was her passion.
Eliza’s mother had different plans for her this year. She wanted to take Eliza to New Orleans so she could learn how to become a lady. After much negotiations Eliza is allowed to go on the drive for the last time.
Eliza’s childhood friend Wyatt and his father are also on the drive. He and Eliza are good friends enjoying the drive when one evening they are confronted by Benjy Barnhart and a fight ensues and a pistol goes off. Benjy is sent home and Wyatt is presumed dead.
Heartbroken Eliza is sent away to study her stars and grow into a lady. She meets up again with Ben and he convinces her to marry him although Eliza doesn’t remember saying yes. She is desperately trying to get out of this union and her father gives her the name of a detective he has used. This John Brady proves to be of great help. She can’t help but feel like she has known him before. She is desperate to get away from Ben.
“The Chisholm Trail Bride” is a good look at pioneer life and a heartwarming saga.

"The boy she imagined rode on the tail of every falling star… "

"The Chisholm Trail Bride" (2020, Barbour) by Kathleen Y'Barbo, twelfth in the "Daughters of the Mayflower" series, is a historical romance mostly set in May of 1889 in New Orleans. The novel is standalone, with the only connection to prior books consisting of the heroines all being ancestors of the heroine from the first book. "The Chisholm Trail Bride" is the final book in the series, but can be read out of order without a problem. I have enjoyed reading this multi-author series released over a two-year period.

Rating: 5 stars

Is it clean/chaste? Yes! This author's books are consistently clean.
Other content issues: Some violence, but nothing that felt over the top. I let my daughter, who was 14 at the time, read the books in this series.
Christian elements: This book is Christian fiction, so expect some mention of God and prayers.

In 1880:

Wyatt Creed is a young hired hand on a cattle drive. He had a difficult life due to an abusive father, who was all Wyatt had. [Wyatt's dad]: "That's how he [Wyatt] got that scar across his neck. If I'd been aiming to kill him, I would've, but I was just looking to get his attention." Wyatt's life was further traumatized by the tragic death of his father, who tells Wyatt with his last breath, "Just remember, you ain't me, but you could be, so watch yourself. Your mama's heart is in there, not mine."

Eliza Gentry loves going on cattle drives on the Chisholm Trail with her father, who was the trail boss. She dreams of "studying the stars and discovering new galaxies," and finds a kindred spirit in Wyatt. With the loss of Wyatt after his father's death, "She wondered how she would ever manage without him."

In 1889:

Nine years later, Eliza Gentry, now an adult at 21 years old, recently promised to marry Ben Barnhart. She has backtracked on her intentions since then. Interestingly, Ben was another youngster on Eliza's last cattle drive in 1880. He is now a rising political star, who is thought to be a viable candidate for president of the United States someday. Eliza's father was previously not in favor of the engagement, and is still concerned, as Ben continues to try to persuade Eliza.

Something I liked:

*Cookie, a secondary character: "Not only did he require the men to stand still and wait until he prayed before each meal, Cookie also insisted on a thank-you from each cowboy once his plate had been filled."

Something I didn’t like:

*There is an underlying mysterious element to this story that frustrated me. I wanted the explanation long before the author granted it to me! It was very well done, though - it's just not what I prefer in my romances. I don't remember any of the other books in this series having this kind of undertone. It's not so much that the mysterious part made the book scary or unsettling, but that certain details were confusing because the reader is missing some information. Not to worry. All is revealed eventually.

***********

Some of the previous books in the series are listed below. Books 2 and 7 were also written by Ms. Y'Barbo.

Book 1: The Mayflower Bride
Book 2: The Pirate Bride
Book 3: The Captured Bride
Book 4: The Patriot Bride
Book 5: The Cumberland Bride
Book 6: The Liberty Bride
Book 7: The Alamo Bride
Book 11: The Blizzard Bride

The bottom line: This book would be a good fit for anyone who would enjoy a clean historical romance with just a hint of mystery about events in the past. As always, I look forward to reading more by this author.

I loved this wonderful historical romance novel!

The three main characters Eliza, Wyatt/John, and Ben are very well developed. I was able to connect with Eliza especially, very quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed the tidbits of star gazing and astronomy that were a thread throughout the book.

The information about how the members of a cattle drive would work together were wonderful. I enjoyed seeing what both Eliza and Wyatt were assigned to help with. I liked seeing Cookie’s attitude toward proper manners and requiring them of all of the men.

The plot of the story was great. I was definitely caught up in it and pushing to see a happy ending for Eliza. She went through some very difficult challenges along the way. I was glad to see each and every person who stepped up to help her get through them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

While I wouldn't adopt this book for part of my curriculum, I still believe it could serve as a great example of historical fiction that could give readers a realistic glimpse of early Texas. As a Texas native and history buff in general, I really appreciated the book! Thank you.

I had put off reading Kathleen Y'Barbo's The Chisholm Trail Bride, book 12 of the multi-author Daughters of the Mayflower series from Barbour Books, in good part due to it being the last of the series. From the first generation traveling across the Atlantic Ocean to this last adventure mainly set in Texas, this has been an enjoyable series to read and to explore the different time periods with each new generation of this family. And The Chisholm Trail Bride brings the series to a close with a good dose of adventure.

Beginning with a cattle drive along the Chisholm Trail with fateful consequences for Eliza Gentry and two young boys, the story picks up when Eliza is an adult - engaged to one of those boys and still fondly remembering looking at the stars with the other. With her father vehemently opposed to the match, she is unaware that one of the detectives he has hired to follow her is none other than her childhood best friend, whom she believes dead.

What follows is a wonderful blend of adventure, romance, clever plotting of the perilous sort, and touches of faith along with some interesting history. A highly enjoyable work of Historical Inspiration Fiction, this is a quick read that can be read as a stand-alone novel.

This review refers to a digital galley read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and this contains only my own, honest opinions.

Great and unique book. The author developed the characters well and the research was spot on! Great addition to the series.

I enjoyed reading all 12 books in the Daughters of the Mayflower Series. Each book was connected in ways but I felt could be stand alone. They were written by 1 of 6 authors. Each had their own style.

The Chisholm Trail Bride had a good storyline that kept me interested. I loved Wyatt! Eliza drove me crazy and made me frustrated! This was a one day read for me because I wanted to know the ending and be done. I highly recommend all 12 books in The Daughters of the Mayflower.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Satisfying Western story about Eliza who grew up in a wealthy Ranch, going on a cattle drive with her father, brothers and two of her friends. The boys get into a fight that changes all their lives. Interesting tale of Texas prestigious families and their lives. A wild and spoiled girl who grows up, learning lessons as she goes. Mix in a murder mystery, kidnapping and betrayal. Great read!
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I was so happy to read this series, The Daughters of the Mayflower series.
Sadly this is the last book in the series and I've read every one of them.
I have had so much fun reading and learning about different times in history. All stories though fictional are based on events happening in history and the back of each book gives us a summary of the events the book is based on.
I loved the plot of each book and how easy it was to follow along and the characters you really feel as though you are listening to a private conversation with them.
The books are not romance heavy and concentrate more on the historical aspect which I enjoyed a lot.
I can always count on clean,sweet,inspirational books which is just what I enjoy reading.

I loved this series idea Barbour Books came up with and look forward to more series such as this.

Paperback, 256 pages
Published April 1st 2020 by Barbour Books
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

this was another great entry in the Daughters of Mayflower series, I always enjoy reading this series and am glad I was able to read it.

Sadly i DNF this hole series , because i couldn't get in to it all . And i tried which is why i haven't post any reviews for it. But unfortunately this series is not for me.

I love everything that this author writes. I always try to make sure that I read her new releases. This is another wonderful book in the Daughter of Mayflower series. I have not read all of them - but they all can be read as a standalone.
Eliza wants to go on the cattle drive - however, her life changes in just an instant. Her best friend and partner in crime, Wyatt is along with his family - and an accident changes the course of their lives. His arch nemisis, Ben, has a huge interest in Eliza - and states that he will marry her someday -- Eliza does not want that

This book then picks up 10 years later. It's fun to see them down the road.
Heartwarming romance and a clean read.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley - all thoughts are my own.

Review to be completed shortly and posted. This was an amazing series. And it was a great introduction to some fantastic authors.

The Chisholm Trail Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo. I enjoyed seeing how this played out with the young man who was supposed to be dead.. but was not! I enjoyed riding along the Chisholm trail and enjoyed the trip full of surprises, danger and hard work.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishers my review is voluntary.

Well written. Enjoyed the characters. Stand alone story written by this author.
Thankful for the chance to read one of her books. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

This is book twelve from the Daughters of the Mayflower series. However I feel it is a stand alone book. I have read some but not all in this series, so I may have missed some history but I was not lost.
If you enjoy reading historical romance with mystery and lots of sparks you will love this one. Eliza Gentry is full of spunk. She is strong willed and loyal. When tragedy happens on the Chisholm trail life changes for Eliza. As she grows up she must live with consequences of decisions she has made and try to make right a wrong.

Probably my favorite story so far in this series. The history between Eliza and Wyatt was heartfelt and poignant with the bloom of young love while their current reality lent a harshness to the story and begged me to delve deeper into the book.
The author created truly despicable antagonists who I loved to hate so that the cheers of justice were long and noteworthy. Just when it seemed as though nothing would go right, there is a shimmer of hope as God makes a way.
Great story with wonderful characters and all the angsty trouble of the Old West that I love.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. This review is my opinion.

I must say I feel unsure about this book, I have read several books by Kathleen Y’Barbo and like them enormously. At the beginning of the book, we go to the Chilsom trail and were a tragic event to determine the next events. We then go years and we can see how the characters have changed, All though well written, I didn’t like this story. In my opinion, the elements and characters of this story didn't fit and in the end, it was too obvious.

This was an action packed and intriguing historical romance! It truly kept me engaged!
I have to say I had a little struggle to relate to the heroine during the first part of the story, but she did some maturing along the way, and the hero just made up for her shortcomings with his heart of gold, honor and total devotion to her, that I kept rooting for this couple to find their Happily Ever After until the end! And it was quite satisfying!
Eliza Gentry and Wyatt Creed had been best friends during childhood in her father’s ranch in Texas until a tragedy at an unfortunate cattle drive sends Wyatt away. Now, ten years later, Eliza is very heard strong, and rebels against her family and wants to elope with Ben, the son of her father’s enemy. That’s how it ends in her father sending her off with the cattle drive heading to Forth Worth and the Barnhart ranch, under the protection of Wyatt, now a Pinkerton Agent.
This cattle drive seems the least convenient place to fall in love, with danger and death lurking at every turn at the hands of cattle thieves, but Wyatt can’t help his heart that has always belonged to Eliza. Can Eliza forgive his mistakes in the past? Can Wyatt protect her and, more important, will they both survive their adventure to have a chance at true love?
I was totally engaged with the story, that was fast paced and full of action. The villain, Ben, was truly awful and that made it more exciting and dangerous.
Wyatt was a true hero and I loved how he melts Eliza’s defenses with his actions, more than his words. The romance was really sweet and tender in spite of the action and danger amidst.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it to all historical romance lovers! It has a mix of everything: adventure, drama, a bit of humor, intrigue, and the sweetest romance!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest and unbiased review

This is the first novel I’ve read by Kathleen Y’Barbo, and I can see why she’s a bestselling author – she’s a good storyteller. Each of her characters is drawn with descriptive detail, and she has a deft way of weaving romance and adventure together. I loved the author’s style. In the main characters’ viewpoints, the rhythm and language often read like a first-person perspective, a technique that lent a ‘looking through the eyes of the beholder’ quality to the narrative that was immediate and powerful. In the second half of the book, it was occasionally unclear who was speaking and, combined with some inconsistency in identifying to whom a character might be referring, was enough to drop me out of the story momentarily – but it was a relatively small bump in the writing flow. The faith element in the book is offered with a gentle touch. In the lives of Eliza and her friends and family, God is close at hand. For THE CHISHOLM TRAIL BRIDE I can say saddle up your favorite e-reader or pack the paperback. Find a comfy chair and get ready for a Western romance full of adventure, history, and faith with an intriguing cast of characters. It’s going to be a good ride. For the complete review see AllAboutRomance.com.