Recently, I was searching the Kindle free books and came across a book that looked good, but I had never heard of the author and I wasn't sure if it was Christian fiction or not... but it appeared to be. I looked the author up on Amazon and then found her on Goodreads.com. I decided to email her and tell her that I would be interested in reading one of her other books, which was a historical fiction, and write a review. Mrs. Baney was very gracious and offered to send me the book and let me read and review it, so here it is:
Hannah Anderson and her husband, Dr. Drew Anderson have a wonderful life in Ohio. He is a prominent doctor and she helps him in his surgery when necessary and keeps a great home when not helping him out. Hannah loves Drew and their life together... they've only been married just over a year and completely in love. Then, one morning, the misbehavior of a family member changes their lives forever. They end up heading west to start a new life with no stain on Dr. Anderson's reputation. Hannah resents the decision while Drew is excited about the prospects of a new life in a new place.
As most wagon train trips west in the 1800s, there are hardships, loss and learning. Drew struggles to lead his team of oxen while Hannah struggles to learn to cook over an open fire. As they travel further west, a chasm divides them. God uses a medical emergency, where Hannah must "doctor" while Drew guides her verbally, to bring them back together. After this, their love is rekindled and things start to get better. By the end of the trip Hannah is left to wonder why God has left her... without a home, without a family and without hope. With the help of some wonderful neighbors, Betty and her son, Paul, Hannah makes it to their final destination. What does God have in store for her now? Will she ever have her dream of a husband and children??
On another trail, is Will Colter, rancher, son, and brother. When Will's father dies unexpectedly, he is left with half the herd and other animals by his father and given two weeks to get off the ranch by his older brother. Will must find hands, supplies, and horses to move west to find his own home and build his own ranch. Sadly, he leaves his younger sister (at the will of his father) and heads out on his own with too few hands and horses, praying against the odds of him making it to new territory. How will God guide? Will he survive Indian attacks? Will he keep most of his herd? What happens to his dream of a wife and family?
This was a wonderful story that kept me drawn in. At times I was frustrated with the characters and their attitudes and choices, and at other times I was sad for them and glad for them. While frustrating, the characters were very realistic and the dialog flowed easily...even when talking about God.
I definitely encourage you to pick up A Dream Unfolding by Karen Baney and read it!! While you're at it, you may want to go ahead and pick up A Heart Renewed and A Love Restored -- I know I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!
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