Kathleen Y’Barbo has produced one of the best installments of The Daughters of the Mayflower. I loved almost everything about #12, The Chisholm Trail Bride. We first meet Eliza Gentry on a trail ride with her beloved father, William, and brothers. At fourteen, Eliza should be at finishing school, but she is much more interested in things of the Texas ranch, including the yearly cattle drive. When a trail skirmish ends in disaster, Eliza loses
more than she can imagine.
Nine years later, in 1889, Eliza is still bucking her parents’ ideas of what is best for her. Will she marry Ben Barnhart; rich, ambitious, and headed for the presidency? Or will her father’s security guard protect her heart from ruin?
Any romance reader that has ever laid on the grass at night and located different star constellations or watched meteor showers is sure to enjoy this book. Especially as Y’Barbo’s Eliza is both so strong-headed and yet loves her father so fiercely. I love this quote that explains much of the two main tensions of the book:
‘“Eliza, you are me in female form, and that confounds the daylights out of me...
But there is one thing we do that is sometimes our downfall.” “What is that, Papa?” she asked. “We love too easily and too hard.”
William Gentry seems very unbending at times, yet at others, is wound around his daughter’s little finger. Even when it seems like he has drawn a definite line for her behavior, he makes provision for how he knows his daughter will act.
This, in turn, reminds me of the Heavenly Father. He knows what is best for us but ultimately allows us to make our own choice, just as Gentry does for Eliza. And, the Father also makes a provision for the choices we may make.
Another element of the novel I loved was the ability Y’Barbo has to make me identify with the characters. I felt every emotion Eliza and Wyatt felt, and I sure hated a few characters!
As a reader, I was happy to be engrossed by action that continued until the end of the novel. I liked some of the “little” odd twists that turned out to be important.
Definitely a book I recommend if you like westerns.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.

I absolutely loved this book!! Kept me interested from beginning to end with wonderful characters. This book had me in tears almost from the beginning. Its a love story but there is so much more to it than that. Sorry, I will not go into detail because that would ruin the story for you. I guarantee you will not be able to put it down. I will read it again I loved it so much!

Well written, intriguing story that pulled me in from the very beginning. Fast-paced, suspenseful read full of action and drama. I had trouble liking the heroine as she seemed awfully immature for a 21 year old woman in a day and hour when most folks were forced to mature rather quickly. She was determined to have her own way, even going against her parents to do so. By her own admittance she would pursue a bad man romantically, only because her father forbade her. That doesn’t seem very loving or Christ-like, so I wasn’t very sympathetic to her when she found herself in trouble.
I also didn’t like the fact that she never recognized the hero’s identity. I understand this was for storytelling purposes but I feel that if they truly had a deep connection long ago, she would’ve recognized those eyes anywhere. I did enjoy the book-I read it straight through yesterday and I couldn’t put it down but those two things left me wishing things had played out differently. I will be reading more books by this author and other books in this series.
This copy was given to me in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts or ideas expressed herein are completely my own.

Loved this book! It was a unique story that I thoroughly enjoyed and could not put down. Although it does take a little while for the plot to take off, the background info in the first part of the story was still interesting, and once the plot does take off, it takes off! My heart pounded and my stomach clenched as misunderstandings and obstacles were thrown in the path of our heroine and hero. Speaking of those two, their romance was a sweet one, if a wee bit underdeveloped. I would have liked to see a bit more banter between them, but it was good to know that they had a solid base from their childhood friendship. Overall, this book is a good, sweet, clean read.

Once I finally got into this book it was over! I couldn’t believe it! That was such a fast reading book! I loved Wyatt and Eliza. I was endeared especially to Wyatt. It was a wonderful read. Another great installment of Daughters of the Mayflower. I have thoroughly enjoyed that series. I was eagerly awaiting this one. Thank you for the preview copy. This installment won’t disappoint Daughters of the Mayflower fans.

I have really enjoyed this series, but this book just didn't do it for me. My first problem was that I really disliked the female main character's father and found his actions throughout the book inexcusable, but he wasn't really presented as a bad guy in the book. I felt like I was supposed to like him, but I found him just awful. Secondly, I can understand a rebellious daughter, but I could not get into the head of this main character at all. Her actions were bizarre and illogical to me. As such, I felt like she kind of deserved all the trouble she ended up in and didn't really deserve the devotion and affection of the male main character. He was the only one I liked in the book, but I can't even say I loved his character. But the bad guy was the worst of all - he came across to me as a complete psychopath but the book was supposed to be lighthearted. The best I can say about this book is that I enjoyed learning about the Chisholm Trail and this part of Texas history. That part was well done and made me want to visit some of the Texas sites it mentioned. I have enjoyed this series despite not really enjoying this last book.

I enjoyed this latest and I believe last book in the Mayflower Brides series. Although it was harder to connect to the earlier books because of how far apart in time these stories are placed, this book was enjoyable all on its own. Previous characters are mentioned, but are not essential to the plot The characters were well developed on their own and I really enjoyed the setting of the Chisolm Trail. I felt like the romance could have been a little better developed, but all-in-all I really enjoyed this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Stubborn Hearts Clash on a Cattle Drive Eliza Gentry’s pursuit of marriage to the son of her family’s sworn enemy has cost her greatly. Furious at his daughter’s choices, her father sends her off with the cattle drive heading toward Fort Worth and the Barnhart ranch, but under the watchful eye of Wyatt Creed, a Pinkerton man he has hired to see to her safety. With danger at every turn—not the least of which to his heart—can Wyatt Creed keep his focus with Eliza Gentry around? Is the Chisholm Trail a place for falling in love or a place to die at the hands of cattle thieves?

This book begins when Eliza is twelve. What happens on the Chisholm Trail when she's 12 affects the rest of her life. Wyatt has been in love with Eliza all his life. Eliza is very strong willed and determines that she is going to marry someone her dad disapproves of. Her dad sends her away from the ranch and hires a private security firm to keep her safe and her boyfriend away. This is the adventures of Eliza as she discovers what true love is. Also, the dangers that she encounters along the way.

I was given this book by Barbour Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

I never know what to expect with this series. Each story is so different, mainly because the authors are different. I've hated a couple and enjoyed others. This topic is so different and unique I enjoyed learning about the Chisholm trail. I hadn't even heard about it before this book, and I knew nothing about cattle or Texas really. For some reason I was expecting it to be like the Trail of Tears, but it was not at all. Shows how much I know. Thanks Y'Barbo for teaching me some history!

#netgalley #thechisholmtrailbride

This was another great book in the series, Daughters of the Mayflower. It was a well written historical romance. I liked the plot and the characters. Fans of historical romance will enjoy this book.

The Chisholm Trail Bride by Kathleen Y’Bardo

I loved this book!

I loved the main characters Eliza and Wyatt and seeing them grow up.

This is the first novel I have read in the Daughter’s of the Mayflower Series.

I especially enjoyed learning about history as I read the story, I know Kathleen Y’Bardo likes to do lots of research before she writes her book and it makes her stories so much richer.

I would like to thank Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

So, I’m just going to be honest and say that this book wasn’t really my cup of tea. First off, I’m not a big fan Westerns. There have been a few exceptions, but generally, this isn’t my genre. I think you’re someone who loves Western romances, then you’ll probably enjoy this novel.

One part of this novel that I did like was the heroine. Eliza’s bold personality and her interest in astronomy gave her depth and I like how the author wove this into the storyline.

Overall, while this book wasn’t for me, I’m certain there are readers out there who would truly enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book was so much fun to read. Y’Barbo kept me on the edge of my seat dying to see what would happen next. I enjoyed seeing a character from when she was a little girl to when she became a young woman. One Chisholm Trail ride changed the course of her life forever. Eliza wanted nothing more than to be out on the trail with her father and brothers. She somehow seemed to find a way to get into trouble, whether it be from her brothers ideas, or her friend Wyatts’. According to her mother, no refined young ladies would do half the things Eliza got caught doing. But she doesn’t stay little forever. Deciding she wants to get married Eliza embarks on another journey that will alter the course of her life forever.

I loved watching the chemistry between Eliza and her guard. They were both so fun to watch, and I couldn’t guess what they would get into next. Eliza loved her family and would do anything for them. Can she look beyond the obvious and see the truth before it’s too late? I couldn’t imagine how she would get out of the mess she found herself in, and I enjoyed every moment of the fight with her. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction. I received a copy of this book from Barbour House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book was enjoyable and I was really hooked on the story for 75% of the book. The last bit went off the rails. It felt random, unrealistic and just plain chaotic. I wanted the motivations for the crimes to be more substantial and I felt like Eliza acted pretty ridiculous by getting mad in the end. Her rationalization that Ben was the only one who hadn’t lied to her really was beyond comprehension. I wanted to love this book but the conclusion really ruined it for me.

The Chisholm Trail Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower, #12)
by Kathleen Y'Barbo
The Chisholm trail is a historical part of Texas history. The cattle industry was dependent on getting their cattle to market, and the trails linked the ranches to the Train hubs that allowed them to send their cattle east to market. Many times and many years were spent trying to transverse this divide. this love story is set on the end of that time. When Texas was still wild, and the view of the stars still outstanding. The ideas of an independent woman were still foreign and strange. The book sets on the love story of a young woman and her best friend, whom are separated by tragedy, and political aspirations. The two have to find their truth, find the value of honesty, and find value in each other. Its a heart warming tale of love.

Barbour Publishing provided a free digital copy of The Chisholm Trail Bride, by Kathleen Y'Barbo, in exchange for an honest review. Beautifully written, it is the twelfth book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. As with all the books I’ve read in the series (I’ve read all but two) this one is historically accurate with only a little “poetic license”.

It is 1889, and Eliza Gentry is on a cattle drive with her father, William, which causes her very proper mother much frustration. The daughter of a wealthy Texas rancher, 16-year-old Eliza is more interested in cattle ranching and horseback riding than in becoming a “polished young lady” limited to tea parties, gossip, and climbing the ladder of high society.

Along on the drive are Wyatt Creed and Ben Barnhardt, two of Eliza’s childhood friends. In love with Wyatt, and disgusted by Ben, Eliza is content to be “just friends” with Wyatt – at least for now. Wyatt has not yet admitted to himself that he loves her, too.

The corrupt rich kid, Ben, on the other hand is determined to marry Eliza whether she agrees or not. Planning to run for a state office, and eventually the presidency, Ben wants a respectable wife, and will stop at nothing to have her. After being kidnapped and tricked into a phony marriage complete with a forged marriage license, Eliza is able to get away from Ben, thanks to another woman who also thought she was married to Ben. Never underestimate the power of a woman scorned, right? After being hired by William to guard Eliza’s safety incognito, Wyatt’s true identity is revealed. You know the rest. They live happily ever after.

The Chisholm Trail Bride is a great book in a wonderful series for those who love history, adventure, and romance. The characters of the series make up the ancestral family tree of the fictional Lytton family who came here on the Mayflower. I have especially enjoyed these books as I am currently researching my own family history, so thank you, Barbour Publishing for sending me these wonderful books.

What made The Grumpy Book Reviewer grumpy?

Actually, very little. The frequent mistake of saying “bring” in place of “take”, and “brought” instead of “took”. A few missing commas, and a couple of misplaced words. Nothing serious.

This was an interesting read for me, hence my delay in reviewing. On the one hand, I was really intrigued by the mystery behind what happened to Wyatt and how that whole debacle would unveil later on in the story. However, I found the book started to take a turn for the worse around 60% in, when Eliza finds herself in a predicament that didn't really make any sense to me. I went back and reread that portion of the story a few times, to try to make sense of what exactly happened that could result in her father essentially turning his back on her. And nope, it just doesn't work. It felt like a conflict that wasn't really needed and was hastily thrown together to provide an excuse for bringing Wyatt and Eliza together again. But it felt so AWKWARD. Eliza goes to tell her father that she's been tricked, but he's left and told his foreman that she's not welcome in his home. Then when she goes to Wyatt, even Wyatt is telling her that she made her bed and now has to lie in it. Was she an idiot? Yes. But their reactions were so casual, like it made no difference to them that she was wronged. And then there are a bunch of secondary characters that are a bunch of weirdos, for literally no reason. Wyatt's neighbor would rather Eliza be harmed than help her, all because her daughter keeps house for Wyatt and likes to pretend she's his wife. She literally pretends to be his wife, folks. And is that ever addressed in the story? Nope. It didn't flow well from the 60% mark to the end of the book, and I found myself wanting it to just wrap up so I could move on to the next book. Was not my cup of tea.

The cow trail comes alive in this mystery/romance. Kathleen Y'Barbo did her homework, the details of historic events brought this story to life. It all starts with a girl on the edge of childhood, wanting to join her father and brothers one last time on a cattle drive. That cattle drive changes the path of multiple lives. Eliza wants to ride horses and drive cattle. But her mother wants to her attend finishing school in New Orleans, where she grew up. But her father will give into anything his little girl wants. That is until she makes a choice for a husband. Now Eliza's parents are united in keeping her away from her own terrible choice. But the groom's desire for the marriage is stronger than anyone else realizes. Wyatt was Eliza's best friend during childhood. But God had different plans for the future and they must both walk a different path. Now that he is in charge of his own business and is called to protect Eliza, their paths must meet again. But the fallout could be catastrophic, driving them even farther apart for good.
The characters come to life, pulling the reader into the story. Why is he hiding who he really is? Does she see the danger hunting her down? How will the right answer present itself with so many hurdles to clear? Kathleen Y'Barbo weaves just enough questions and misdirections into the story to keep the pages flying by. This story definitely ended too fast, but perfectly. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When I first started this book I thought I had read it before but knew that couldn't be true. But, that only lasted a couple of pages and then I knew for sure this was a new book and that I was going to really enjoy it. It was a book that I finished quickly because I enjoyed it.
Kathleen YBarbo is an excellent writer and this book was no exception. The story started with a bang and it kept my interest throughout. It is a continuation of Daughter's of the Mayflower series and I highly recommend this. That may be why the beginning seemed familiar, it may just be her style. If so, I do enjoy her writing.
The characters were believable, the story was also. The flow was good and the characters were well developed.
The editing and proof reading were well done also, even though it was an ARC book and converted to a Kindle edition I didn't have trouble reading it.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating and would recommend it to my friends. I am thankful to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for giving me a chance to read and review this book. The thoughts and review are my own opinion and not required, freely given.

4.5 Stars

Kathleen Y’Barbo wrote one of my favorite books in the Daughters of the Mayflower series way back when it started (The Pirate Bride), so it’s fitting that the series ends with another book from Y’Barbo that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Wyatt and Eliza are childhood frenemies but one night on the Chisholm Trail ended their friendship rather abruptly. Nine years later, Eliza is pursued (romantically speaking) by one of the instigators of the events that happened on the trail.

I’m a huge fan of friends first romances and the elements of family, danger, and intrigue just added more aspects to like about The Chisholm Trail Bride. If you’ve missed out on the series (or if you were waiting for it to be completed before picking up the first book), now is the time to dive in and discover a little history along with the great stories told in each of these books.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.