Book 5: The Owen Family Saga. Jessie Bingham put heartbreak away to tend to her sister's needs, but when she settled for second best in love, she didn't foresee that James Owen would come back into her life.
The aftermath of the Civil War creates cruel circumstances for the Bingham family. A brutal attack on Jessie's sister, Hannah Fletcher, drives the extended family to flee to the West. They are soon joined by Heppie Bingham's beau George and his brother, Ned, who bring news that the Binghams are being pursued by cronies of Hannah's attacker. Even after they fight off that onslaught, poverty, bad weather, and Hannah's frightful secret plague their journey. Nursing her battered heart when she hears James Owen took a wife, Jessie accepts Ned's offer of marriage, but puts off the wedding until they reach Albuquerque. Then a stop on the trail holds surprises that launch Jessie into a bewildering tangle of values, emotions, and high adventure. Includes rape scene and Mormon beliefs.
Marsha Ward has the uncanny ability to transport readers back in time. You feel the characters' sorrows, hate the villains, cheer the heroes, and sit on the edge of your seat as one adventure after another unfolds. What a satisfying story this is, with real, believable trials and heart-warming conclusions. I recommend it to everyone, from history buffs to adventure lovers to romance readers.
~Shirley Bahlmann, author of the "Odds" pioneer series
Marshaling adept storytelling with an intimate understanding of her subject matter, Marsha Ward delivers loyal fans an exciting continuation of her Owen Family series, while new readers will rate Trail of Storms a satisfying stand-alone read that will send them back for more. Prepare to be transported to another time . . . another place. Ward's grasp of western dialect and culture is like a set of old leather reins in her skilled hands, driving her story's authenticity. The book opens with Jesse Bingham and her sisters on a tense Virginia day, under the brutal occupation of Yankee forces. High drama begins on page three and you're already invested up to your elbows.
~L.C. Lewis, author of the "Free Man and Dreamers" series
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 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!
~K. Darrach, Reader Review
