Classic Kathleen YBarbo...Well written. Believable characters. A beautiful story. This novel will capture your attention from the simple cover art...and will not let go until the last chapter. Five stars.

This was my first book by Kathleen Y'Barbo but it definitely won't be my last! Once I started this book, I truly could not put it down. Breath-taking, toe-curling, squeal out loud! This book has it all and with twists and turns that hold the reader from the first page!

I recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction!

A big thank you to the author Kathleen Y'Barbo, the publisher Barbour, and NetGalley for permitting me an ARC in exchange for my candid review.

This is a very entertaining and interesting story which originates in a cattle drive along the Chisolm Trail. It was a fascinating insight into how Texans took their cattle to market in Kansas. The story line follows a young woman who is born into a family of cattle barons in Texas and who and how she chooses to pick a husband. It is of course at its heart, a romance novel, but the look into the historic times surrounding the Chisolm Trail make it a fascinating read.

The Chisholm Trail Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo is a seriously fun read. I started it Saturday night and by 1:00 AM Sunday morning I had 80% of the book completed. I just could not put this book down! I enjoyed the historical details and learned quite a bit, but I LOVED the fictional details the most! This story is more an experience than a simple good read. Simply put, I was transported to Texas and New Orleans of 1889. When the characters were on the Chisholm Trail, I could feel the dust in the air, smell the cattle moving across the range, and hear the cowboys at night as they relaxed around the campfire while Eliza laid out under the stars dreaming of one day becoming an astronomer. And, when Eliza was in New Orleans, I was right there with her at the masquerade ball. I could hear the swish of the elegant ballgowns as women danced the night away with handsome masked men, and feel the claustrophobia as bodies upon bodies pressed into the glamorous dance hall. It was fun to feel like part of the story!

The characters in this story are the best. Eliza is a hoot! She is feisty and sassy, and when she verbally spars with someone — watch out! I very much enjoyed the fact that Eliza doesn’t let anyone control her, but she isn’t above listening to reason. She sticks to her guns when she is in the right, but isn’t afraid to concede when someone else has the better/safer/smarter idea. Eliza’s cousin, Justine, is one of the cutest fictional little girls ever, and she is hilarious. The chapters she is in are some of the best. And, Wyatt Creed is awesome. He’s loyal, noble, and self-sacrificing. He’s also incredibly smart and strong. And, he’s definitely swoon-worthy! I recommend reading this novel for Wyatt alone. LOL!

The Chisholm Trail Bride is a highly engaging, fast-paced Western Romance. I highly recommend this novel. If you are a fan of well-written, well-researched Westerns with sweet romance, adventure, and timely themes then The Chisholm Trail Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo is the book for you!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Barbour Books, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A historical whirlwind romantic suspense!

This fast paced story with a horrific beginning is one I am glad to say, I love.


I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Always love a great book from Kathleen Y'Barbo. Her stories keeps my attention from the first page to the last paragraph. Thank you for giving us stories from such wonderful authors.

Wyatt Creed and Eliza Gentry’s lives changed one night while travelling the Chisholm Trail on her family’s cattle drive. She will realize too late how she really feels about her best friend until he’s gone. He’ll get a chance to have a different life. When an obsessive suitor puts Eliza in danger, her father will hire private investigator to protect her. There is something familiar about James Brady. Will she figure out what is familiar about the man? Can they survive the danger? A woman who is destined to become The Chisholm Trail Bride.

A last trip with her family’s cattle drive has unseen consequences when best friends Eliza Gentry and Wyatt Creed lives change forever. She doesn’t want to marry when she grows up, and would rather go to college to study astronomy. A rich family friend who is along as a favor to the boy’s father. When the young man declares that Eliza will be his wife in the future. The trail cook gives her advice about the boy. Wyatt has been thinking he’s too old to be friends with Eliza anymore. His father an ex Texas ranger and a drunk is also along on the cattle drive. When Wyatt goes off, he’s followed by the other young man where he’s taunted. His father shows up and is laid into and the other boy fires Wyatt’s rifle killing his father. When the rest of the cowboys come to see what happened, the other boy puts the blame on Wyatt. Wyatt’s not believed with his version of what happened and it’s determined that he must die. An upset Eliza is taken away from the scene. A gunshot makes her realize just how she really felt about Wyatt.

Nine years later, Eliza while being hidden away by her father from the family’s enemy. The boy from the trail drive who declared he’d marry Eliza one day and who she has rebelliously said she’d marry. She’s disappointed that he hasn’t shown up to come get her. The more time she’s spent away from him the more she’s realized that she really doesn’t want to have anything to do with him. Eliza isn’t thrilled to have protection looking out for her. Eliza and her mother attend a ball and after a run in with the ex-fiancé sends her wanting to head home, only try to be stopped by James Brady who is in charge of their protection. She’s determined to head home and gets her way. Eliza doesn’t know why James seems familiar and that she has these feelings coming to out. A letter from another woman about her ex-fiancé has Eliza determined to not go through with the engagement. They all head back from New Orleans to the family ranch where they take her nine year old cousin with them. The cousin has attached herself to Eliza and they go to the pond she and Wyatt always used to play. When a scream brings James to their supposed rescue it brings back a lot of memories. He’s there for a meeting with her father. A trip to look at the stars has Eliza being abducted and the ranch foreman collapsing. The ex-fiancé is behind it and the reason to keep her by his side is a lie and about one of her 3 bothers. An ultimatum is made by Eliza’s father that if she picks the man she said she wants to marry then she’ll not be welcomed as part of the family any more. Eliza’s father makes sure that she has a way out. James’s true identity as Wyatt is revealed and he is threatened with being turned in for killing his father. Eliza’s father makes sure the enemy’s son knows what will happen that Eliza married him. Eliza runs away when she realizes that the fiancé has been lying to her. She makes her way to Galveston, Texas looking for James and his help. Eliza and James must hide out and go to the police when a man breaks into his house. A slip up has Eliza wondering about what James means. Eliza is taken to a hotel for safekeeping while James is looking into her ex-fiancé. The man finds her and kidnaps her and reveals James’s real name to Eliza. She’s angry and upset but realizes why James seemed to be so familiar to her. When she thought about it she understood about the deception. The obsessed fiancé takes her back home and makes her take part in a celebration and his announcement of his political career. The other woman who he asked to marry him shows up and makes a scene and then later puts an end to Eliza’s problem. A train trip back home to the ranch brings a surprise and a wedding with her family present. Explanations are made on how her brother had been brought into the ex-fiancé plans. Eliza and Wyatt make plans for the future.

The twelfth book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series brings the reader to one of the most well-known trails in the west. Kathleen Y’Barbo takes you along on a cattle drive where danger can happen at any time. A trip that doesn’t go as planned and a young girl who realizes too late her feelings for her best friend. The danger continues into her adult hood when an obsessed suitor won’t give up and gives her the surprise that just may change her life forever and turn her into The Chisholm Trail Bride. I’m hoping that this isn’t the last book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series will continue to follow the descendants of The Mayflower Bride..

I liked the basic storyline though it seems like the author switched from her original plot. I felt that the Chisholm trail was a memory referenced repeatedly but very little of the story took place on it. Eliza made some really unreasonable decisions and was repeatedly referred to as spoiled. While I didn't seem to feel that, it definitely affected my opinion of her. I would normally give a read like this 3 stars but the history placed inside was so fun to read. I loved hearing various individuals and their own personal trials they went through in history.

One of my favorite books in this series! As a young girl, Eliza shares her her love of star-gazing with Wyatt. As they accompany Eliza’s father on a cattle drive on the Chisholm Trail, they have a friendly competition to see who can spot the most “shooting stars”. But tragedy lies ahead for them, and although Eliza retains her love of the stars, she never forgets Wyatt, her best friend in childhood. When Eliza grows up to become an attractive young woman, her heart is at first torn between marrying Ben Barnhart and helping him further his political career, or going to school to study astronomy. However, things take a major, troubling turn in Eliza’s life. She becomes unsure as to who is telling her the truth about the tragedy long ago. This story moves smoothly between the rugged ranch in Texas and the beautiful ballrooms of New Orleans. I enjoyed the historical details the author added into the story about both the Chisholm Trail and the city of New Orleans.

I liked Eliza’s parents in this story. I thought their differences complimented each other and added depth to the story. This story takes some unexpected twists and turns that makes it seem as if Eliza’s story cannot have a happy ending. But there’s a beautiful romance that blooms for Eliza, and a determined hero who would give his life to protect her. I truly enjoyed this book and know I’ll be reading it again.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The book starts with one night on the beginning of the trail and ends nine years later on the same spot on the trail. It also starts with two fourteen year old boys interested in the same spoiled girl and picks up nine years later with the same rivalry. What I have enjoyed about the series is the history interspersed, but this book only gives us a glimpse of the trail. It wasn't believable for me that one boy would be so obsessed with the girl that he was still insisting that they would marry for nine years. I have enjoyed other books in this series, including ones by this author, but this book is not as good.

This was a beautiful novel. The author writes of love with compassion and conviction. The characters are so alive and realistic.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I liked this book. I would have liked it more if I had not read the back cover. The existing summary makes it appear that the story will happen on the trail. In actuality, the several-chapter prelude happened on the trail. The remainder of the book takes place years later. This is the summary I believe should be there: “An incident on the Chisholm Trail during their childhood changed the course of three lives. Now adults, Eliza Gentry and her two childhood friends try to build lives and love while dealing with the aftermath of that fatal night.”

I enjoyed the writing and story. I was just confused while reading because I expected the bulk of the story to happen on the trail. This is not the fault of the author. Buy this book and enjoy it—just know that the summary/back cover is not accurate.

I am enjoying the entire Daughters of the Mayflower series. Each book builds my knowledge of history and appreciation for our country. While each book stands alone, I eagerly look forward to each new installment.

I follow the GoodReads rating system. Please note that this means even the 3-star books are ones I liked.
1 star – didn’t like it
2 stars – it was OK
3 stars – liked it
4 stars – really liked it
5 stars – it was amazing; I’ll read it over and over and/or it will impact my daily life.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

A 3.5 stars read for me. Overall I was able to stay engaged in the story. I became invested in the story of the h & H and so was hoping for happily ever after. I did find I liked the characters with the villian being easy to dislike. I've watched a lot of westerns with my husband and the book read to me like a good western movie. This is part of a series but this is my 1st title with the series and that didn't diminsh enjoying the story. A few things that did drop it from solid 4 star for me was there were a few times in the story that I went back to reread because a detail or plot point was put in the story in a way that didn't seem to flow or not given context. I would have liked to know more of the H's past years. The h was an intelligent woman with spirit and that was nice. A couple of times she acted counter to her character. For example, she has a long past with the villian yet didn't recognize the persons voice through a door. I think these points are a "your mileage may vary" type of thing as this has gotten several higher ratings. I would try this author again. I think this is very nice for a quick, relaxing, fun read. I appreciate the history lesson of the trail and life in those times. That was not boring.

TEXAS! The stars...big and bright! Oh, my. Be still my heart. Kathleen Y'Barbo writes about Texas in a way that makes me feel like I am back in my adopted home state.

The Chisholm Trail Bride introduces us to the main characters, who are all in their early teen years. There is Eliza Gentry, daughter of a prosperous cattleman; Wyatt Creed, son of a retired Texas Ranger, who is also an alcoholic; and Ben “Benjy” Barnhart, son of a Texas judge. The narrative begins as they are about to set out on the Chisholm Trail to deliver cattle to buyers in Kansas.

The trail ride brings joy and deep heartbreak along the way, and this ride becomes the three’s last trail ride. Ben, unlike Eliza and Wyatt, creates his own problems due to his selfish and wantonly cruel ways.
Years later, we find Eliza living in Louisiana with her mother. Life has not been the same for her since the trail ride, and it looks like it never will be.

Y’Barbo writes a mesmerizing and captivating tale, melding mystery, murder and kidnapping, along with love and forgiveness. Her portrayal of the trail leaves you wishing you were under the stars, too, etching the story in your memory. She draws such wonderful pictures of Texas, Louisiana and all the happenings between the two states that I was often left breathless. (I also never guessed the ending, which is something that almost never happens to me. It is stunning and surprising!)

The Author’s Note at the end is a do not miss portion of the novel, as there is a plethora of fascinating information about the Chisholm Trail.

I received this book from NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.

#Netgalley

My favorite part of this series is that I get to learn a little bit of American history in each book. This time I got to learn about the Chisholm Trail which was used for cattle drives in the 1800's. The plot opens up with 12 year old Eliza Gentry being on one of these cattle drives with her father and brothers. A man is killed in the group's party and the truth about what really occured is hidden from Eliza. Nine years later, Eliza's father is determined to keep her from marrying the son of one of his enemies. He hires John Brady to keep her safe. The stubborn and determined Eliza isn't one to have others tell her what she can or cannot do. Unfortunately, her independence leads her straight into the path of danger. Will she be able to escape her current situation and how will the events of the past help to determine her future?

I've often said in my reviews that I like strong female leads in the books that I read, but I think Eliza almost was too much for me. I felt like her actions were reckless at times. She didn't really think things out which put her in situations that she didn't really need to be in. Some of Eliza's dad's actions don't make sense to me either. He tells Wyatt to stay away from his daughter, yet later he hires him to be her bodyguard. I wish more time had been spent developing the romantic story line of this book so the ending wouldn't seem so rushed to me between the two main characters. I felt like Eliza had barely been with the guy before they were talking about marriage. Maybe people didn't have as long of engagements back then as they do today! This is the tenth book I've read of this 12 part series (as of right now). You can definitely read all of these books as stand alones and can jump into the series at any time. Thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. '

Eliza Gentry has had trouble finding the right man to marry. Each man she falls for betrays her trust, runs away, or unacceptable to her parents. Enjoy a story set on the Chisolm Trail filled with danger, past secrets, and long-lost love! This book perfect for a light read with an escape back to the past!

Book #12 in the MAYFLOWER BRIDES series. each book is a stand alone, set in a different era, written by a different author, but the series has several things in common. First, they are very good reads. I've read all of them and recommended each to my reading circle, who all loved them too. The stories all center on a woman of character who finds herself in a situation she must work through to survive. The back stories are all well defined, you'll feel as if you could see the towns and scenery while the history is accurate. The romance in each enriches the story without taking anything away from the strength shown by the main characters. No weeping willows here. A great read all around.

I adored the newest addition to The Daughters of the Mayflower series, The Chisolm Trail Bride. I loved Eliza from the start. It was wonderful watching her grow throughout the story. She was forced into an adventure she never thought she would ever experience. I enjoyed reading her interactions with Wyatt. They made the tale quite fun and entertaining.
I am giving The Chisolm Trail Bride five stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy a quick and clean historical fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

The Chisholm Trail Bride, by Kathleen Y’Barbo, is the 12th book in Barbour Publishing’s The Daughter’s of the Mayflower series. While this is a series, this is also a great stand alone story. None of the previous characters are in this story and there is just a mention of a couple ancestors. The story takes place in Texas during the late 1800’s.
Eliza Gentry is the only daughter of parents with different opinions. Her mother thinks she should be in the company of fine young women and gentlemen. Her father feels she should be along on cattle drives and learning to be a strong woman. Her father win’s the discussion and Eliza goes on the cattle drive. Also on the drive is her good friend Wyatt, that she enjoyed star gazing with, and Ben, the son of her father’s friend. The two both have an interest in Eliza. A shooting takes place and Wyatt is not seen again.
Fast forward 10 years, Eliza is at an age she should be considering marriage. Ben is very persistent and Eliza’s father does not approve. Her father hires a detective, John Brady, to keep an eye on Eliza. Eliza feels there is something familiar about him and he says things she is puzzled about.
This is an easy, quick to read story. It is a feel good story with a touch of humor and suspense. The characters are well defined and introduced nicely, so they are easy to follow along with. My favorite character in the story is Eliza’s father. He works hard, is well liked and cares deeply for his family. Even when Eliza appears to go against his wishes, he leaves her with the ability to seek help and independence.
I also enjoyed reading the bit of history the author includes at the end of the story.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

A cattle drive gone horribly wrong is the before and after of Eliza Gentry’s life in Kathleen Y’Barbo‘s historical novel The Chisholm Trail Bride, the latest installment of The Daughters of the Mayflower. Before, Eliza enjoyed watching the stars with her best friend, Wyatt Creed. Afterward, nothing was ever the same.

I loved The Chisholm Trail Bride. It’s the type of story that forces you to keep reading in order to find out what happens. Because there’s no way the current circumstances could stay the way they were, right? Maybe.

Because of that, I’ll skip a more detailed summary except to say that the characters seem like very real people in that you like them, want to boot them, and then comfort them all at once. The story itself has many twists and turns, most unexpected but never out of the blue.

If you like historical romance mixed with cowboys and gunslingers and politicians, then this story is for you. It’s a quick, easy read that will stay with you for days afterward. I know I want to read it again, more slowly, since the first time through was all about hoping for a happy ending.

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I received this book free from NetGalley and Barbour Books in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”