Book Blurb:
Venture deep into the uncharted wilderness and crest the continental divide.
Stay with the Wagons is the enthralling third chapter in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series. Dorcas Moon has discarded her mourning dress and yearns for freedom and independence amidst the vast frontier. But a perilous world and a commanding wagon master keep her tethered. Ultimately, it's a brutal bout of fever and ague that confine her to camp.
Relentless disasters and beguiling challenges unfold in this installment. A young man is crushed beneath a wagon wheel. Dorcas' son breaks an arm, a grizzly bear attacks the wagon train, and the looming threat of attacking outlaws whips the emigrants into a worried frenzy. How many must perish before they reach the end of the trail?
As chaos reigns, her troubled daughter, Rose, disappears once again, leading Dorcas on a perilous quest. Tracking Rose to a sacred site, they encounter a blind seer and a legendary leader, Chief Washakie. Rose's enchantment with Native American adornments sparks Dorcas' concern about an unexpected suitor and raises worries about Rose's age.
Stay with the Wagons is bursting with action, adventure, and survival. It is a story of resilience and empowerment on the Oregon Trail.
Claim your copy now and re-immerse yourself in a tale of high-stakes survival, unexpected alliances, and the indomitable spirit of Dorcas Moon.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/UoIgZQe
Author Bio:
David Fitz-Gerald writes westerns and historical fiction. He is the author of twelve books, including the brand-new series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail set in 1850. Dave is a multiple Laramie Award, first place, best in category winner; a Blue Ribbon Chanticleerian; a member of Western Writers of America; and a member of the Historical Novel Society.
Alpine landscapes and flashy horses always catch Dave’s eye and turn his head. He is also an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked to the summit of the range’s highest peaks. As a mountaineer, he’s happiest at an elevation of over four thousand feet above sea level.
Dave is a lifelong fan of western fiction, landscapes, movies, and music. It should be no surprise that Dave delights in placing memorable characters on treacherous trails, mountain tops, and on the backs of wild horses.
Editorial Review:
Editorial Review: “Stay with the Wagons”
Author: David Fitz-Gerald
Book 3 of 5: “Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail” Series
“Last night I hardly slept before being roused to stand watch. At four in the morning, my tired legs carried me back to camp in time to prepare breakfast. Sleepy children gather around, as I stir mush into a froth.”
Those readers who are addicted to David Fitz-Gerald’s “Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail” series may identify with the above excerpt of “Stay with the Wagons”, describing a night of no rest. This reviewer counts herself among them, and is now paying the price for a night of uninterrupted reading. Coffee is essential, but such is the life of a reviewer. This third instalment of the series continues the story of the unstoppable Dorcas Moon and her family, together with other pioneers traveling west on the Oregon trail.
From the early pages of the novel the author emphasizes the raw danger of the frontier and of wagon life, where Dorcas’s conflicted personal relationships are set against a backdrop of the unforgiving natural environment, where people are only guests at the whim of nature. The first two books in this memorable series focus on the characters; relationships and family life, as well as the stark challenges faced by the pioneers in their bid for a new life. Now, added to this, “Stay with the Wagons” allows the reader a further glimpse of the devastating power of nature, sometimes latent but always present. Dorcas – and the reader – is humbled by the mountains and rivers, by the geology, by the horses and bears, by the lifestyle that is as far removed from city life as possible. As if all that wasn’t enough to contend with, there are also scorpions.
“I enjoy standing in the cool shade of a long overhang. It crosses my mind that it could let loose and fall on our heads. I’m amazed that after carving names and initials in so many different places along the way, the men and boys still find the need to carve their names here, along the four hundred feet of stone. Perhaps there are other places along the way where men have also left their marks. Instead of scratching names into stone, most names are written in globby tar from the wagons’ grease buckets.”
Dorcas continues to delight (and frustrate) the dedicated reader, but Fitz-Gerald has certainly not created a boring lead character, and we now see Dorcas in a different phase, more confident, and less caring of the strictures of society (or society such as it is while traveling through such places and times). Dorcas is also confronting problems in the community as she tries to deal with the reality of thieves, outlaws and domestic violence, as well as men who judge her harshly for her unconventionality – and her competence. If, like this reviewer, the reader has now committed to immersion in the reading experience that is “Stay with the Wagons”, it will come as no surprise that Dorcas remains keenly conscious of the men around her, but at this stage and three books in, all this reviewer will say is: such is life on the frontier!
“Loving someone means you try to help make their dreams come true. Couldn’t I do that? Couldn’t I try to make someone’s dreams come true? My conclusion is that falling in love is easy. Finding someone who falls equally in love with you at the same time is impossible.”
This instalment of the series also touches on serious subjects which still have tentacles in modern life. The references to racism, to bias, to prejudice have surfaced in this novel. Dorcas holding a “dark-skinned baby” starts an internal monologue about slavery, and is an uncomfortable reminder that with this series being set in 1850, the Civil War and an end to slavery is still many years in the future. On a personal level, Dorcas suffers from serious illness, and this signals a realignment for her personally as she has to rely on others to help her. The significant and unpredictable impact of illness is highlighted throughout each of the first three novels in the series, but Dorcas falling ill fully engages the reader in the dangers and doubts that such sicknesses cause.
“In the morning, I feel like an old woman. I wish the children would leave me alone, but they insist on helping me down from the wagon. With my feet on the ground, I slowly stretch my limbs, assessing the full extent of my aches and pains. I can feel my ribs whenever I take a deep breath.”
The author continues the development and addition of secondary characters, with an increased focus on indigenous perspectives and inclusion in the storyline. When Rose Moon’s personal troubles continue, Dorcas and Rose seek solace and assistance in these perspectives in different ways, and this adds a very welcome and authentic dimension to the story.
As with the second book in the series, the final paragraphs of “Stay with the Wagons” may be seen by many as more of a pause in the narrative rather than a definitive ending.
“Stay with the Wagons” by David Fitz-Gerald is an adventure story that also incorporates gritty social themes and a harsh sense of realism. The author’s gift for descriptive language will continue to enchant the reader. As the third instalment in a five book series, this novel more than holds its own, with the narrative having an independent storyline rather than merely being “the middle” of the series. “As night descends upon us, I pray for a sleep devoid of dreams.” Some readers may share Dorcas’s hope for sleep. Others, including this reviewer, will be clicking through to Book Four.
*****
"Stay with the Wagons" by David Fitz-Gerald receives 4 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
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