“The Chisholm Trail Bride” by Kathleen Y’Barbo was an entertaining historical romance. The story opens with young Eliza, a headstrong and slightly spoiled daughter of a successful Texas Rancher and her best friend Wyatt Creed. Wyatt is the son of a Texas Ranger and family friend. The friendship they share at such a young age is a deep one and you just know that they’re destined for love in the future. He supports her dreams and encourages them. She is lively and up to his challenges.

As a wealthy rancher, Eliza’s dad believes his children should learn to work hard and has each of them join on the annual Chisholm trail to bring the herd to market. Eliza helps the cook. She loves the trail, especially for the opportunities to star gaze. When tragedy happens that season, it changes their lives forever. Eliza goes on and from her heartbreak, becomes a strong young woman bent on her pursuit of an education vs a marriage her parents would arrange. And if she can’t get that, maybe she’ll just accept the man her father has forbade. Adventure and drama follow. I won’t say more because I am so very against spoilers!

While I was often irritated with her poor decision skills whenever faced conflict or disappointment, I did thoroughly enjoy this book. None of the characters are perfect which lends to a realism in them.

I was given a free copy if the book for my honest review. And here it is! I read it quickly. Enjoyed it and was drawn in to the story. I recommend it. Good story!

The Chisholm Trail Bride has numerous twists and turns in the story. Wyatt Creed and Ben Barnhart both wanted to impress Eliza Gentry even in their young teens. Eliza's best friend, Wyatt Creed, was a strong caring character but was reported to have killed his abusive father while they were all on a cattle drive. Ben is the spoiled son of an important judge who wants his son to be president. Eliza's father knows the truth about Ben's character and tries to protect Eliza but Ben is devious. You will admire Eliza who wants to go to school and learn more about astronomy but her parents want to see her married--to someone other than Ben! I recommend The Chisholm Trail Bride to anyone who enjoys Texas historical fiction. I received a complimentary book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

I've always been fascinated by the Chisholm Trail, which is why this book first caught my eye. The description also caught my attention, though after reading the book, I've discovered it's a little misleading... They are only on a cattle drive in the very beginning and ending of the book, not the whole time like the description led me to believe. No cattle thieves. Dad doesn't send his daughter on the cattle drive to thwart her ideas of marriage.

Actually, I found the real story to be even more interesting than the faulty description. A tragic incident on a ride on the Chisholm Trail causes Eliza's dad to split apart her teenage friendship with Wyatt Creed forever and forbid her from having any contact with Ben Barnhart. Also, no more trail rides. However, years later the three are all grown up and neither man can seem to stay away from Eliza. (That's all I'm going to say so I don't accidentally spoil anything).

It's a little cheesy and a bit far-fetched at times, but I enjoyed this story. Trying to figure out how their vast problems were going to be solved kept my mind guessing and my fingers flipping pages. My favorite part of the book is actually the beginning when Eliza rides the trail with her dad and brothers.

This book is part of the Daughters of the Mayflower series. There are ancestors/characters mentioned that will have meaning for people who've read others in the series. I haven't read any of the previous books, and it didn't lessen my enjoyment or understanding of this one.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own and are unbiased.

I liked the idea behind the story, but honestly, I had a hard time getting through this one. I think it was mainly that I felt the characters missed the obvious. A lot.
If this doesn't bother you as a reader and you love history and intrigue, then this book may be for you.
I was provided a copy from the publisher, but as always, my opinions are my own.

What a sweet story. While I was frustrated that Wyatt had to live in hiding for so long (it seems obvious to the reader that miscommunication could have easily been resolved).i love that his life comes full circle and he is reunited with his childhood love and friend. The love between Eliza and Wyatt was so sweet and genuine. I do feel the ending was a bit rushed though.

Kathleen Y'Barbo's, "The Chisholm Trail Bride" is another Wonderful Story, in the multiauthor, Action/Adventure, Christian, Romantic Suspense, "Daughters of the Mayflower" Series!

What Won't Wealthy, Entitled, Politically Ambitious Ben do to make/keep Eliza his Wife?

Eliza's Father is a wealthy Texas Rancher. Her parents works hard to keep her away from Ben. They hire Wyatt's Detective Agency to keep Eliza "safe". But they're also keeping a secret from Eliza, that leaves them vulnerable to Ben's Schemes.

Wyatt has 💗ed Eliza since she was a 👧, but his secret, keep him from being able to act on it. He does his best, to protect her from Ben. Yet Ben is able to trick Eliza into a supposed marriage!

Will Eliza be able to prove that she "never" married Ben? How does Wyatt help her do this? Will Eliza grow to 💗 Wyatt? Will Ben use Wyatt's and Eliza's Parent's Secret against them? How does God bring Eliza & Wyatt to their HEA 💞? I Highly Recommend You Read this, Exciting, Engrossing, Entertaining, and Inspirational Story to find out! ❤️📖 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another great book in Brides of the Mayflower series. As most of the others were of a different time in history, this one is a western. This book has all the romance, adventure, action with strong characters that held my attention, making this a very enjoyable read for me. The author did her research well as there really was a Chisholm trail and I am sure there were many romances and marriages associated with it and murders also as this book details. It was used for cattle drives on their way to market. Usually only men were on these trail rides but on this particular one the boss brought his daughter along. Get the book and read of Wyatt and Eliza's love story and the Chisholm trail.......I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Barbour Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

The stars at night were big and bright.
[Opening line of The Chisholm Trail Bride]

The Chisholm Trail Bride is part of the Daughters of the Mayflower series and such an enjoyable addition. I really enjoyed Eliza and Wyatt—especially Wyatt. They are both easy to connect with, and I rooted for both of them and hoped they’d overcome the past. The romance is delightful, but not overdone, and it doesn’t feel rushed or forced.

The pacing of this story works. I was pulled in and didn’t ever lose interest, even when the pacing slowed here and there.

I sank into this story quickly and enjoyed the cattle drive and western setting. I’ve read most (if not all) of the previous Mayflower books, but this story works well as a standalone. Some of my favorite types of historical romances are the friends-to-more relationships, so I found this one delightful.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Today’s Review: The Chisholm Trail Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower Series) by Kathleen Y’Barbo

I love discovering new authors and series so finding the Daughters of the Mayflower series has been a real delight. Over time, I have randomly collected several books in the series but honestly didn’t know they were connected until recently. You may be thinking, “Why wouldn’t I of known that?” Well, the interesting thing about this series, of the 12 books, most of them are written by different authors. One unifying quality of each is they are centered around women during monumental events in history.

The Chisholm Trail Bride is the first book that I have read in the series and is actually the most recent, having been released just a few days ago. I started the book at midnight and finished reading at 4:30 am. I honestly find reading books at night when the house is quiet and there’s nothing else to do but read (well, I guess except sleep) one of the greatest joys.

The Chisholm Trail Bride is a quick and fun read at just 256 pages. I greatly enjoyed the mystery behind the characters and watching as the story unfolded with its many twists and turns. Similar to Wyatt Creek, my father was in love with my mother when they met in 7th grade, and I imagine his steadfast and long-lasting love to that of Wyatt. I enjoyed Wyatt’s strong and protective character as well as his bravery. I felt a little annoyed at times with Eliza Gentry with her decision making, but I did appreciate her boldness and sense of freedom.

Now, I feel at odds with myself. I greatly enjoyed the book and would recommend it. However, there were just a few flaws that after I finished reading, made me question many things in the book. I won’t give them away (as I don’t want to spoil the book for you), but I felt a little like, “well, why didn’t they do this?”, or “why would they do that?”

With that being said, I did enjoy the book and look forward to diving into more of the series!

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️💔(.5)
***3.5 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written (.5), Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop

Twelfth in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, I enjoyed visiting Texas and the Chisolm Trail in 1880 and 1889. This is an excellent read that only gets better throughout. The characters are well-defined, the drama and intrigue keep my attention, and thinking about being a teen on a cattle drive in the old west was exhilarating. This continuation of the Gentry family I met in The Alamo Bride was a nice addition to this family descended from Spanish nobility, Texas pioneers, a pirate – and a Mayflower passenger!

Eliza was twelve when she was allowed to go on her last cattle drive; Papa insisted she have one more year before she has to become the young lady her mother expects. Little did she know that it would be the one to change her life. She lost her best friend, Wyatt, in a tragedy that should have never occurred to any 14-year old. Only Papa knew the whole truth of that long-ago night. I like who Eliza was, almost a teen and a tomboy who loved being on the ranch, riding horses, watching the stars and looking for comets.

Life for women in the late 19th century seemed to break many spirits and force them to fit into the mold of fine society. Eliza grew into a young woman who still loved the ranch, riding horses, and watching the stars. She wanted to go to college and be an astronomer, and her parents told her the priority was to get married and start at family. Eliza was still headstrong, at least when it came to avoiding parties, riding horses, and watching the skies. At 21, however, Eliza agreed to marry Ben Barnhart, whose father was an influential judge in Texas. They knew each other since childhood; she always she said she would never marry him. So why did she agree, at least until her father hired security detectives to keep Ben away from her while she and Mama went to visit family in New Orleans? One detective rescued her from Ben when he slipped into the masked ball and tried to take her with him.

Just when it seemed she came to her senses and they returned to Texas, Eliza disappeared one night, only to claim to be married to Ben the next morning. Ben showed a marriage license to her father, who said she could never return home again. When Ben showed Eliza the marriage license that she had never signed and told her the reason he used to get her to pretend to be married to him was a trick to get the deed done, she was horrified. Something had to break this sham marriage. Only one man might be able to help her now.

At times she was careless with her own safety, but overall, I liked Eliza. Her pa spoiled her, but he amended that after the tragic cattle drive. Were she in another part of the country, I could see her as a suffragist or even the astronomer discovering a new comet. She had a loving heart and was creative with getting her young cousin Justine to go on an adventure. There is great heartache and joy, intrigue, and breathtaking suspense. The ending in some ways was not a surprise as there was much that I guessed along the way, but it was still very satisfying. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys western historical fiction that sweeps from the Chisolm Trail to the finest homes in New Orleans, with faith in the Lord and the potential for romance.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

This was another great addition to this series. I loved how the book started with teenager Eliza and her friendship with Wyatt. A lot happened in the first few pages of this book.

Ben was a great villain and the author did a great job of showing the reader his true colours but hiding it from Eliza. At one point I did thought she was a bit naive in trusting Ben and he was efficient in using her vulnerable moments. I think between 30-70% I flew through the pages because I could just not believe what was happening.

I loved Wyatt as a hero. He was strong and bold but still had his own vulnerable points as well.

Really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

Pack your bags for some time on the Chisholm Trail! While you may be quarantined at home with extra time on your hands right now, why not take advantage of that free time and read a book. Just pack your literary bags and jump into a book that will take you away from home to other times and places. In fact why not pack your bags for some time on the Chisholm Trail in Kathleen Y'Barbo's The Chisholm Trail Bride? Not only will you escape more coronavirus news for some time, but you'll also get involved with moving cattle along the Chisholm Trail, a political scheme, and a murderer. You'll encounter danger, mystery, excitement and romance all in the couple of hours it takes you to read this book. I really enjoyed the story and think you might too! I recommend this book for those who enjoy historical fiction. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Kathleen Y’Barbo’s The Chisholm Trail Bride is the latest installment in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This series is a unique one, as each book is written by a different author and covers a new aspect of American history. In this particular book, we find ourselves on the rugged Chisholm Trail well over a hundred years ago. And it is in this setting that our characters take center stage. In a series of twists and turns, our hero and heroine must fight for justice, search for truth amid seemingly insurmountable odds, and reach a point of peace with their pasts. A sense of mystery tugs you from beginning to end as tension rises and falls in perfect harmony.

This book is a quick and enjoyable read, full of vivid descriptions, emotional tug of war, and memorable characters. Lovers of American history will be delighted in this one!

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This one was so good! Knowing that it’s the last book in this series made it a little bit harder for me to read. While I was loving the story and wanted to read it all right away, I did end up pacing myself so it would last longer. It was very bittersweet finishing it. I really did love this book! This storyline was so unique. I loved Eliza and Wyatt! I can only hope that there will be more.


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

A cattle ride to remember

This lovely story takes us to Texas, far from the shores where the Mayflower landed. Someday I am going to start back at the beginning of the Daughters of the Mayflower series and enjoy reading how the stories all go together. The Gentry Ranch is home to Eliza, her parents and several brothers, plenty of cowboys and a great number of cattle. Spring finds many ranchers moving their cattle to market along the Chisholm Trail. The mystery begins and eventually ends on this trail, but what happens in between is not to be missed.

Not known for her decorous actions, Eliza is just a treat to follow and enjoy. A sham marriage, kidnapping and danger do not deter her from what she believes is right. I highly recommend this well written story in the ongoing saga of the families that arrived those many years earlier.

A copy of this book was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. My impressions and comments were in no way solicited.

Justine was, by far, my favorite character. She was hilarious and impish and delightful. Young Wyatt and Eliza were cute and I loved their star-gazing. The weird "romance" with Ben seemed out of place, and he was more than a little bit crazy. Over all, I enjoyed this story and the interesting historical facts I picked up along the way.

This story certainly took on a different tone than most of the others in this series, but it was no less wonderful to read. I really enjoyed the heroine, Eliza, even if she can be her own worst enemy sometimes. Being caught in one impossible situation after another, she none-the-less is not willing to give up the fight to do what she believes to be right. Then there’s John Brady, her father’s hired protector, and a man who challenges her in quite a lot of ways. But, when someone else’s plans become a little too controlling, they have to learn to trust each other to discover the truth. All together, this was a great addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series, and I’m looking forward to the next.

Eliza Gentry is the headstrong youngest child of a rancher, and she's frustrated by her family's opposition to the young man who has been courting her. Her father has been enemies with Ben's family since Eliza was a young girl. She soon realizes that her interest in Ben is more about her own bid for freedom than any fondness for the man himself, and that knowledge is certain the evening one of the bodyguards her father has hired must step in to protect her when Ben threatens.

Wyatt Creed is the Pinkerton detective hired by Mr. Gentry to watch over and protect Eliza - and he'd do anything for her, except act on his feelings for her or tell her who he really is. She knows him as John Brady and doesn't recognize him as the childhood friend she thinks is dead. Wyatt and his men are looking for evidence of the criminal activity they believe Ben is involved in, but Wyatt is also determined to keep Eliza safe and keep his own promise to Mr. Gentry - a promise that he won't reveal his true identity.

As the dangers increase, and as Eliza finds herself trapped and manipulated by Ben, she turns to Wyatt for help for herself and for her family. How will Wyatt keep her from harm and bring Ben to justice, all while keeping his word? Or will Eliza figure it out on her own, as the two of them become closer?

I enjoyed this book and its characters right from the start. Eliza has a thirst for adventure and learning, but doesn't always make the best choices, so she is a realistic heroine. Wyatt's huge success as a detective at such a young age isn't quite as realistic, but he makes a great leading man. The blurb from the publisher is a little misleading, in my opinion, because it makes it sound like Mr Gentry sends a grown Eliza on the cattle drive along with Wyatt, In fact, the story begins on the Chisholm Trail when Eliza is just a young girl, and it does circle around to wrap up on the Trail as well.

**I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of this review.

What a fantastic story to dive into! At a time when I had been struggling to concentrate enough to loose myself in a story, this was just the book that I needed to pick up. In no time I found myself fully pulled into the dynamics of this story and carried away, back in time for a cattle drive that I won’t soon forget. I enjoyed the witty banter between the characters, and the lush scenery along the way.

Wyatt Creed had a rough upbringing, yet he managed to surround himself with positive role models and though he may have made mistakes, he admitted it, and made recompense where he could. He stuck to his word and was a loyal friend.

Eliza Gentry may seem like she has stars in her eyes, but her feet are firmly planted on the ground. She struggles at times to find her own identity, as we all have done at one time or another. When the chips are down, she shows that she’s not afraid to fight for what she truly knows is right.

With a perfect balance of mystery and romance you are sure to fall in love with these characters! This is the perfect book to pick up and get lost in!

Each of the books in this collection stand on their own. Each story takes place during different event in American History. I have enjoyed each and every book, and I really hope there are a few more to come!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

A cattle family, used to doing things their own way. The only Daughter, also used to doing things her own way, headstrong and bull headed. Things happen on the trail that no one could have foreseen and they change the future forever. Eliza Gentry and Wyatt Creed don't know that in one night on the trail, their lives will be changed forever. Can God really be sure things are happening for a reason? Can they still have faith in their futures?