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Thursday, May 10, 2018

New Release -- Walk the Promise Road: A Novel of the Oregon Trail by Anne Schroeder

Mary Rodgers has lost everything—or so she believes. Her entire family has been struck down with influenza, leaving her alone in the world—except for her cousin Philip. But Philip is bound for Oregon to meet up with Laurel, his fiancée, who’s waiting for him. Though Mary begs him to take her with him on the Oregon Trail, he resists. What would people think?

Mary’s plan is simple. They already share a last name. They will pose as husband and wife. The wagonmaster is a firm man—and if he finds out the truth, he’ll force them to marry, dashing Philip’s dreams of a life with Laurel. But Mary promises it will be their secret, and Philip can’t leave her behind after all she’s lost. 

When Luke Sayer, their half-Indian trail scout, begins to spend evenings at their fireside, other travelers notice the obvious mutual attraction between him and Mary. Though Mary denies it, she struggles to keep her promise without bringing harm to either her dear cousin, Philip, who has risked everything for her—or to Luke, the love of her life.

Mary's grit and determination will see her through the hardships and sorrows she encounters, but Luke’s love will give her hope for the future as they WALK THE PROMISE ROAD…

“With exquisite details of wagon trains, women and the West, Anne Schroeder takes us on an authentic journey of love and hope giving us characters to cheer for and moments of meaning to cherish.”

 — Jane Kirkpatrick, Award-winning author of ALL SHE LEFT BEHIND.

"The most accurate novel I've ever read on the Trail." 
— Michael Smith, Oregon Trail Preservation Committee

EXCERPT

    MARY SAW A familiar dun horse approaching. The sight of the tall stallion seemed to quicken her blood, but she dis-missed the idea as merely anticipation of riding astride in-stead of the bone-jarring pace set by clumsy oxen that moved with the grace of pigs.
     “Morning, ma’am. Ready for that ride?”
Luke formed a slow smile that made Mary forget his question. His shirt was not the familiar red flannel of the other men, but a dusky cream doeskin, fringed at the arms and laced up the front with rawhide cords. He seemed dif-ferent today, rugged and dangerous in a way that she couldn’t define, but he looked as if he lived in the type of garb he was wearing; hadn’t chosen it to enhance his mascu-linity, but rather the other way around.
     “Ready and looking forward to it, Mr. Sayer.” She felt suddenly shy in his company and found herself studying his moccasins where they rested in his stirrups.
     Her formality brought a chuckle. “Better get used to call-ing me Luke. Everyone else will by the time the trip is through.”
     “I’m not sure I should do that, Mr. Sayer. My mother would heartily disapprove.” Her smile belied her words.

          

15 comments:

  1. Anne, I really enjoyed this story so much! I learned a lot, too. I've never read that much about the Oregon Trail, and this was a great story that both taught and entertained me as I read. So glad to have you here with us at PRP! Congratulations on your new release!

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    1. Thank you, Cheryl and Livia. Your professionalism has made this book very special for me. Hopefully readers will love it, too. It's definitely a story that fans of western women's history will enjoy.

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  2. Congratulations, Anne. It's so exciting seeing one's book in print. Livia created a beautiful cover, giving the reader a sense of setting. I'm eager to read this story as I've heard a lot about the rigors of the Oregon Trail. It's on my TBR pile and I'll try to get a review out soon.

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth for the warm welcome. I will reciprocate as soon as the launch winds calm.

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  3. Congratulations of your release. Great excerpt. Very tempting. What a great review from the Oregon Trail Preservation Committee too. To get that sort of accuracy in while tell a great tale is impressive.

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    1. Thank you. My B.S. was in Social Science. I love painting the broad picture of people, their times and the details that define them.

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  4. Congratulations on your new book!

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  5. Anne, I'm so happy you found home here at Prairie Rose. You tell amazing stories and we the readers are the beneficiaries. Here's to many additional stories in the future. Congratulations. Doris

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    1. Doris, I think my Oregon Trail romance is a perfect fit for Prairie Rose. And if I connect with an online readership, after that, there's my character-driven Amish romance. Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. Anne, congratulations on your release. I'm so looking forward to reading this as the Oregon Trail has always been on my bucket list to see. When I first started writing--way back when--one of the well known authors at a RWA conference told me about actually being able to ride a wagon on part of the trail--it's still on my list and I still have the info she gave me. Oregon is a long way from NYS--but I intend to get there one day. Your blurb and excerpt pulled me right in. And Luke already gave me goosies, oh my! Welcome to PRP. I have Walk on the Promise Road on my TBR list for sure and will also do a review. So nice to meet you. Wishing you much success. And keep them coming.

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  7. Thank you Beverly. And my condolances for living where the wagons don't roll. Actually, I thought you wrote NYC, but I'm holding out hope that you're in beautiful upstate. Looking forward to reading yours soon, as well. We're PRP sisters.

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    1. Anne, yes we are all sister roses here and it's so much fun and everyone is more than helpful. I live on Keuka Lake one of the beautiful Finger Lakes--very rural, yet only a bit more than 1 hr. from a big city (Rochester). We have lots of horse and buggies of the Mennonites and Amish, plus hillsides of hundreds of vineyards and crop farms with lots of horses, cows and cattle, and all sorts of farm animals. but of course nothing like out west. Last year I finally visited MT, SD and WY and loved every second. Must go back. Yep, I'm an eastern but my heart lies in the Old West. Again, am looking forward to reading Walk on the Promis Road.

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  8. Congratulations on your new release, Anne. I want to wish you every success with WALK THE PROMISE ROAD.

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  9. The Oregon Trail offers so many story opportunities. Do you have more stories in mind?

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