This was a very good historical book. I enjoyed learning about the trail and the hardships that people faced. It did move a little slow for me, hence the 4 stars. ( )

Tabby is a strong-willed woman and knows her own mind. When her family decides to head to Oregon, she is not about to sit back and wave good-bye! But the trail west is a hard one by wagon train in 1845, for even young men, and Tabby is 66 years old. Still, through many hardships and disasters, she and her family perseveres. Her story is one of faith in God and love of her fellow man. Based on real people, this work of historical fiction is one of strength of character and belief that one can survive the hardest of tasks, if God so wills. ( )

This is my first time reading a book by this author, but now I'm going to look for more by her. It has been a while since I've read a book about the Oregon Trail, but I think this is my favorite. ( )

I haven't finished this book yet, but I'm really enjoying it. The author has thoroughly researched her subject, so she writes knowledgeably about life on the Oregon Trial. Her characters are well drawn out, and their strengths and weaknesses enable me to get to know them better. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book. ( )

Another enriching masterpiece by Jane Kirkpatrick full of life’s wisdom told from a rich Christian view. Based on the true story of Tabitha (Tabby) Moffat Brown, in her 60’s, who traveled to Oregon. Her children had decided to go, but decided that Tabby was too old and lame to be able to make the journey. She determined to go anyway, funding her own wagon.

Tabitha is known as “The Mother of Oregon”, who established an orphanage, school and university in the Tualatin Plains following the tragedy at Whitman Mission in 1847. She was among the first to travel the Scott-Applegate Trail in 1846 – an alternate trail to Oregon that didn’t follow the Columbia River. They decided to split off from most of the group and try this new trail, later finding that it had not been cut yet for wagons to pass. Most wagon trail stories tell of the difficulty and tragedy emigrants experienced – this also includes starvation. A widow, she traveled with her brother in law, who was 18 years older than she. At one point the two of them barely survived a three-day journey they traveled alone. It’s amazing that anyone survived it, let alone this elderly malnourished couple, each with disabilities.

There are always so many things to learn from Jane’s books. A perspective on life’s trials, a way to view our situations - not with a pity party but with great wisdom. I’d like to share some examples that inspired me, interspersed within the story. At one point Tabby wished they had taken “the more established route, but it was too late now. Regrets must be treated like wounds, remembered only for how well they healed. Or didn’t.” “We gather facts, then listen to our hearts.” “Think of all the discoveries about life and living and myself that I’ll enjoy.” “We must leap on a cloud of faith, believing that we won’t fall through. Not only that we won’t fall through, but that we will thrive on that cloud of faith, draw new energy each time we need it, knowing that God is an unending source of hope no matter the trial. That’s what journeys are about, you know. It’s not just the destination. “

I truly hope you’ll read this and other books that Jane has written. You’ll find your views expanded and greatly enriched, with perspectives that will help lift and support you through life.

I have been blessed with strong women who were/are wonderful role models. My Grandmother who was my best friend, my Sister In Law Paula who died of complications from Lupus. I am blessed to still have my Mother and Mother In Law. I have learned and gathered strength from each of them. I believe that Jane Kirkpatrick’s book All Together in One Place should be required reading for all women. This book would be my next choice.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Author and Revell/Baker Publishing Group - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html. ( )