A Home at Trail's End by Melody Carlson

Where I got this book: Through Netgalley - Harvest House Publishers

Rating: ★★★★☆

Synopsis: 

Bestselling author Melody Carlson (more than 5 million books sold) continues her Homeward on the Oregon Trail series with this third and final adventure.

Elizabeth Martin and her two children have finally reached the Oregon Country. But Eli Kincade, the wagon train scout who captured her heart, has chosen to continue life on the trail. As other pioneer families begin building new homes, Elizabeth has never felt more alone.

However, when Eli unexpectedly returns, confesses his love, and proposes, Elizabeth accepts with her family’s blessing.

A community begins to take shape, but not without growing pains. As an alternative to the local minister’s fiery sermons, Elizabeth’s father begins to preach at home, raising the ire of some. Racial biases arise against Brady, Elizabeth’s African-American hired hand. Eli’s warm sentiments toward Indians also raises concerns.

Can Elizabeth and her family overcome these differences and begin a legacy of reconciliation and love?

About This Series: The Homeward on the Oregon Trail series brings to life the challenges a young widow faces as she journeys west, settles her family in the Pacific Northwest, and helps create a new community among strong-willed and diverse pioneers.  (Netgalley)

Year Published: July 1, 2013

My Review: This book is a hopeful tale of a modern minded heroine living long before her time. I really enjoyed the end of Elizabeth's story. In some ways I did feel a bit late to the party since I haven't read the first two books, but Melody Carlson does a pretty good job of catching the reader up without taking us aside and providing a summary. Instead she weaves it back into the story into a way that feels really natural. I appreciated that and I appreciated a nice story I could immerse myself in.

I love to read pioneer stories because they do a great deal to remind me of how cushy and convenient my life is in comparison to our American ancestors. To read about Elizabeth and her friends being excited over real windows and ovens makes you think of how many windows your own house is, and how many luxuries you enjoy that is above and beyond what is strictly necessary.

I really liked getting to know these characters, and I even really appreciated some of the conflicts that the characters faced - like Miranda and Elizabeth quarreling over wedding dates. One of the reasons I so enjoy reading Christian fiction is because I feel like we often get subtle life lessons that can be both relative and instructive. How does one stay in peace when someone challenges them? How does one stand their ground without being insulting or combative? I like seeing those examples played out because it encourages me to do better with my own trials of life. I don't think there can ever be too much positive reinforcement when it comes to Christian behavior, so while in regular fiction I typically groan and dread when characters quarrel because it usually ends in overreaction and extended periods of anger, like this book, it shows how friends can have their differences and end in kindness without hyperbole.

I appreciated Elizabeth's unbelievable kindness to both African-American and Native American friends in this time period. While other authors typically shy away or even villainize "Indians" I applaud Carlson for incorporating them and doing a good job to construct opposition and tolerance by her characters. I know there's much more story to be had here with the people of Riverside and wouldn't be at all surprised to see this story continued in some fashion.

This was a really good read and it definitely makes me want to pick up the first two books in the series. Thanks as always, for letting me read, I loved it!

-Casey