Trail of Storms

I found a few scenes in the beginning of this book a little disturbing, and the romance between James and Jessie felt a little too rushed for me towards the end, but I'm giving this book 5 stars because the overall storytelling and writing were so superior to many other books I've read this year. No overdose on adjectives or annoying eye rollings or head bobbings when a simple "she nodded her head" would do. Marsha Ward knows how to write smoothly and well in a style that enhances, rather than detracts from the story she is trying to tell. The reader is completely caught up in the story and never jerked out of the world she's created by awkward or repetitive phrases. She spins an authentic yarn of a good ol' Western tale. Despite my personal quibbles in a few instances, I highly recommend ALL of Marsha Ward's books! Note: This book is self-published, but in my opinion, contains higher quality writing and plotting than several traditionally published books I've read. Moral? Don't judge a book by the publisher. You may be disappointed on the one hand and missing out on a gem on the other!

From the western wagons pictured on the cover to the last line of this fascinating book, Marsha Ward has nailed the pioneer push from Virginia to New Mexico. She must hear the voices of the immigrants of the mid-1800s because the dialog rings so true. Thanks, Marsha, for giving us such a realistic peek at the trials and tribulations of the wagon trains of pioneers struggling to find a better life "out west."

Trail of Storms by Marsha Ward In this 3rd installment of Marsha's excellent Western series, we find Jessie Bingham and her family fleeing post- Civil War Virginia after her sister is brutally attacked. Since hearing of James being lost to her, she agrees to marry her childhood friend, Ned Heizer, injured from the war and traveling with his brother to catch up with their friends, heading to Albuquerque. When Jessie and James reconnect, Jessie feels beholden to her promise to Ned, though she can't stop thinking of James, even with knowing he'd been married. While encountering a Mormon wagon train on their journey, James, Robert and Hannah are overjoyed at hearing about this new religion. And Ned is wondering why he's having feelings for someone other than Jessie. I hope there is another vol. in this series, as I hate to see it end, as I've come to love these characters so very much. Forever Friends Rating 5 Stars by Teri Until Next Time, See You Around The Book Nook Publisher: iUniverse, Incorporated Pub. Date: March 2009 ISBN-13: 9781440126048 264pp

OMG I really really liked this book. I liked the first two books in the series too, but this book seemed to flow beautifully and connect with me. I must admit I usually have difficulty getting "into" a book. I think it's just me, sometimes it's hard to keep track of all the people right off the bat. Not this book, I was right there, submerged in 1867 and could even smell the hay in the barn!!! This book starts with a BANG...(I was shocked and extremely impressed!)not to mention throughly entertained ALL the way through. It was intense, touching and heartwarming. So, great Job Marsha Ward! And to everyone who hasn't read this book- GO GET IT!