A Journey for Jillian

The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride, Book 15

By: Janice Cole Hopkins

Narrated by: Jared Walters

Jillian Barker's father and brothers were harsh drunks, so when the older brother closest to her age decides to run away to the West, she talks him into taking her with him since he’s the most responsible brother. However, when they get to St. Louis he decides to stay there. The wagon master refuses to take an unmarried woman with him, and she doesn't want to remain with her brother who is working in a saloon. Her only option is to wed. The wagon master assures her he can find someone who will agree to an annulment in Oregon, but can she risk another man lording it over her?

©2024 Janice Cole Hopkins (P)2024 Janice Cole Hopkins

Just enough twists and turns

I love books by JCH, they are so realistic and could be based on true stories. I love how detailed she is to give you an idea of what it really was like back in the 1800s/early 1900s. While most all of her books have a happy ending, it’s. Or easily obtained. The characters go through their own trials and heartaches, making the story very plausible.

Wonderful

Loved this book from the first word! Absolutely one of her best. Just waiting and hoping for a continuation.

Christian Historical Romance

I absolutely loved how they turned to God so freely! Depending on Him for life's trials and concerns, makes like more meaningful too! Watching Jillian fight her feelings for her husband was so realistic! She had every reason to doubt and mistrust, but God has wonderful plans for His children!
I would have liked an epilogue that gave an update on her brother though!
The narration for the different characters was great! I especially loved the mountain lady that acted as the wagon train's doctor, and the preacher. Their voices were absolutely perfect!
I think this duo of author and narrator make a perfect combination too, and I hope to enjoy many more of their combined works in the future!!

A Long Journey

Interesting story, A Journey for Jillian. Jillian was being abused by her father and brothers. Ever since her mom died, it has gotten worse. When she discovers that her older brother is sneaking away to go West, she begs him to take her too. They leave in the night, but in St. Louis, her brother stays behind. When she gets to the wagon train, they will not let her in unless she is married. So she agreed to marry Vance in name only, until they reach Oregon. Their journey is long and hard and their love grows. Loved it!
I was given an audiobook copy of this book by the author for an honest review.

A beautiful love story!

I love this book! It hits all the feels, from fear and frustration to hesitation and love. Jillian finally gets away from her toxic home with her brother. Since the death of her mother, she has been abused mentally and physically, basically a slave to her father and brothers. Now is her chance to break away and start over. Then she is told by her brother to go west without him. FInding the wagon train, the leader will not take her unless she is married. Luckily, Vance is willing to marry her in name only. But what happens on a long journey? Things being as they are from good times to bad, these two are together. And Jillian does her best to hold on to the fact that she does not want a man. But Vance is slowly getting under her skin. Will he finally win her heart? This is fabulous as a slow burn, inspirational story. I loved how they spend time together, from laying out laundry to reading the bible. I also love the journey of the wagon train as Janice Cole Hopkins tells it. She has a way of giving all the different things that can happen on such a laborious journey.

Jared Walters narrates this gem and he brings Cole's story to life. He finds the best voice for each character and creates the personality just as she perceives it to be. The journey is full of all kinds of adventures and tragedies and Walters adds the right amount of emotion to make the story feel real. This is a fun listen and should not be missed!