The Scout

I've read all of Ms Banning's books, each with increasing pleasure, and this story of two honorable people, one torn by guilt and the other by a promise taken to extremes, is vivid, compelling, funny, and exceptionally moving.Constance Weldon and her younger sister, Nettie, a spoiled brat if ever there was one, are part of a wagon train bound for Oregon when Major John Montgomery and his long-time companion, Billy West, are assigned escort duty. John and Constance are soul mates, but thanks to Nettie, seem destined to live apart - and frustrated. The tale of these four characters is deftly interwoven, adding to the vibrancy and complexity of the novel. Ms Banning has a gift for writing that appears simple on the surface, but resonates deeply with true human emotions, frailties and virtues. Her characters are richly drawn, not merely with words, but with dialogue and action. The difficulties of the Oregon Trail are a background to human endurance and the aching need to love and be loved.The Scout is definitely a keeper, a book I'll reread with pleasure. Well done, Lynna!

It's been weeks since I've finished reading this book, and the fact I'm still thinking about it prompted me to write in my two cents. Banning has the knack for creating believable, vibrant characters that I feel worth spending the time getting to know. I read many novels where the characters are over-the-top perfections cut from a stereotypical mold that is more reminiscent of a Hollywood blockbuster than real life. The action was swift, the description vivid, the love story sweet and endearing and emotional. These are the things that make a great book, in my opinion. I look forward to Banning's future releases.

The Scout shows us how tough it was to travel into unknown territory, Indian territory, being a young woman who not only had to drive a Conestoga Wagon, but had to do all the chores and take care of her younger sister who refused to lift a hand to do anything. Through it all she found true love with a man who thought he had died inside and would never love again. But when it's meant to be, it's meant to be. Lynna Banning did an incredible job honoring those women who did travel out west, leaving behind their friends and families and any sense of civility to find something new in life. While it was difficult they persevered so we could have all we have today.

These are hallmarks of talented Lynna Banning, along with outstanding attention to detail and beautifully written stories. The Scout is no exception. When courageous Constance Weldon joins a wagon train with her willful, spoiled sister, she never dreams she'll find the one thing she cannot have.Major John Montgomery shields his heart but cannot deny his feelings for the quiet, beautiful woman who must sacrifice her happiness yet again. During the Oregon Trail journey, these star-crossed lovers will find love and courage. Can they deny their happiness for a greater cause?Readers will find a true hero in Major John, a proud, compassionate heroine in lovely Constance. This is a story to be savored.

Romance on the Oregon Trail in 1860 comes alive through grasshoppers, blue skies, and, of course, those sweet stolen kisses in the midst of a dust storm. Constance Weldon and John Montgomery, the military escort assigned to the wagon train, circle each other while holding tight to their own thoughts. Constance's diary entries and John's gossipy sidekick Billy reveal the true feelings involved although the arrow of love has to dodge Constance's sister . A fun, engrossing read with cross-currents of passion!