Book Review: Trail of Destiny (Hot on the Trail Book 5) - Merry Farmer
Synopsis:
Young widow, Alice Porter, never thought she would fall in love again, and that her family’s journey along the Oregon Trail was the end of her story. Rugged militiaman, Jarvis Flint, never thought he would fall in love in the first place, even though he is determined to be a man of honor and to do his duty. But sometimes the things you never think will happen are the ones that hit you when you aren’t looking. When a routine rest along the trail turns into an opportunity to stop a land war between feuding brother and sister ranch owners, Alice finds herself draw into an adventure her grieving heart isn’t prepared for. More than an adventure, as she and Jarvis work together to resolve the siblings’ dispute, they find themselves battling a passion that neither can deny. In competition with each other and with themselves, they fight to uncover a love that is worth sacrificing for and a life after heartbreak. Only love has the power to heal hearts and mend fences….
My Rating: ★★★★
My Thoughts:
Merry Farmer’s writing flows smoothly and consistently throughout the book. The premise is solid and unique. Each book can be read as a standalone however I recommend reading in order as you get to feel that you are a part of the wagon train and become friends with the characters you read so much about. Some characters you learn to like and some you just don’t like at all. I like that the characters don’t immediately fall in love. It takes days and months for their affection to grow into something beautiful that is perfect for each couple.
This book shows you that you can go through a loss and grieve and yet love can find you when you least expect it. I liked that the book was set “off” the trail on a ranch. I had to laugh at the little things that Franklin kept pulling however in the end he learned a valuable lesson. I think this story had two happy endings, one for the couple and one for the brother and sister. Sometimes good can come from bad things that happen.
Overall I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series to see how what is happening with the other characters.