Round the Bend (Oregon Historicals Book 1) - Teaser Tuesday and First Chapter / First Paragraph

     Rain Trueax is a terrific storyteller. In Round the Bend she takes her readers on a journey from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon's Willamette Valley via the Oregon Trail. Along the way the wagon train experiences runaway horses, treacherous river crossings, and violent storms, and as well as human adversaries and conflicts. 
     The author's attention to detail adds realism and depth to the story. She vividly portrays the challenges for women in caring for their families while crossing the plains, the dangers to children, the camaraderie and conflicts among the pioneers, the wagon master's absolute authority over his charges, and so much more. We get to know the book's characters well and come to understand their motivations and fears. Rain Trueax's research must have been extensive. 
     Round the Bend is the first of four books in the Oregon Historical series, and it stands alone. I'm looking forward to reading them all.
FYI: I've featured excerpts from Rose's Gift (here), by this same author, on my blog earlier.

First Paragraph:
Independence, Missouri - Spring 1851
     "You don't seem at all excited that finally we're on our way!"
     "You think that, do you?"
     "Matt, don't you feel it? Like we're geese and heading north or the first who came to this land. Finally it's us heading for adventure and excitement." Amy tugged on the rough cotton of his rolled up sleeve, demanding his attention, which seemed to be wandering to a robin calling from a nearby oak.

Teaser (from 39% on my Kindle):
First had been the darkening sky, then lightning striking on all sides of the column, forcing women and children to ride in the wagons. Canvas covers were no protection as the bolts slashed down - multiple prongs slamming into the earth and leaving behind burnt sage or blackened earth - visible reminders of nature's arbitrary and deadly force.

Genre: Historical Romance
Book Length: 308 Pages
Amazon Link: Round the Bend
More Info: Rain Trueax's Blog

Rather than post a synopsis, here's Rain Trueax talking about Round the Bend:




    This is the first of four books, which follow the Stevens family through four romances as it tells some of the story of the founding of Oregon. Each of the romances stands alone, no cliff hangers. Heat level, with 1 least and 5 highest, is ♥♥♥♥. Some strong language and mild profanity.

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Miz B of A Daily Rhythm. Post two sentences from somewhere in a book you're reading. No spoilers, please!

Link at ADailyRhythm.com

First Chapter/First Paragraph/Tuesday Intros is hosted by Bibliophile By The Sea. To participate, share the first paragraph (or a few) from a book you're reading or thinking about reading soon.

Link at BibliophileByTheSea

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Rose's Gift - The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday

  

     I enjoy books that feature mature women, and Rose's Gift definitely falls into that category since Rose is a sixty-year-old widow. The book's tagline says: "Some say life is a cycle, but it’s really a spiral. Seasons come and go, but when they return, it’s to a new place." I like the way the author takes us inside Rose's head, revealing her thoughts and feelings as she contemplates romance late in life. She really brings the character to life.
     Rose's Gift takes place at the turn of the last century and brings together characters from Rain Trueax's other Arizona historical books.

Book Beginning:
It was the year of our Lord, 1900, a year that Rose had begun without any feeling it would be different than the years before it, all the years since her husband had died in 1896. An old woman, Rose had thought she would end her life sooner than she had. What was with that? Can't a body even die when it's the right time? At sixty, she was feeling far less old than she'd been expecting. She shook her head. Silly old woman.

Friday 56 (from 56% on my Kindle):
Rose had seen people die, too many through her lifetime. She wished she believed it would be otherwise for Alexa. In her heart, she knew the young woman had come to them to find a place for her son. She was now ready to release her hold on life.

Genre: Women's Fiction / Western Romance
Book Length: 66 Pages
Amazon Link: Rose's Gift
Other Books by Rain Trueax: Rain Trueax Blog

Rather than post a synopsis, I'm including a video where Rain Trueax talks about Rose's Gift.

                            

Anyone can participate in Book Beginnings on Friday and The Friday 56.
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