Linda K. Hubalek

It is amazing how much detail Hubalek packs in her narrative, and this wealth paints a clear picture of what travel was like at the time. Deborah Pieratt had no voice in the decision to move from Kentucky to Kansas; it was a "done deal" when the menfolk in her family told her what was going to happen. In her letters back home to family members, Deborah tells us how difficult it was to pack the wagons for the journey, how heartbreaking it sometimes was to make one choice after another: should show more it stay or can it go?

She tells of the hazards of crossing rivers and streams, of how fraught with danger stopping in towns along the way could be when the question of slavery was already in the process of ripping the country apart. If any reader has romantic notions of traveling in a covered wagon, Deborah Pieratt dispels them in her letters-- especially when talking about trying to get clothes clean and personal hygiene. Never-ending dirt and danger, uncooperative weather, trying to get meals cooked, sick children cared for, and waves of homesickness and longing for family and friends whom she would never see again-- all these things and many more comprise Deborah's journey west. Once in Kansas and finding the land they would call home, Deborah and her family have no time to rest. They immediately have to build some sort of shelter and get crops planted so they will be able to eat.

Trail of Thread is a fascinating little volume that sheds so much light on this period of expansion in America. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in pioneer life and women's history, and I'll be keeping an eye peeled for other books in the series. show less

I liked that one of the main characters was a photographer and seeing how different photography was in 1886 (even though the photography wasn't discussed much). It was interesting to see that there were black and white photographs and tinted photographs (oils on the black and white). It was also interesting to see what people thought needed to be in a photo. (Not just family but sometimes livestock or heirlooms or prized possessions as well). I also liked reading how Fergus got interested in show more photography.

I thought the way Fergus and Iris met was different from the norm seen in the sweet romance genre. There's also a reminder that the freedoms enjoyed today were not always the case. Iris was a slave--more educated than some. She was also treated as property, even though she should not have been, and given away to pay a debt. The man she was given to abused her to the point that she attempted suicide to get away from him. There's also societal taboos such as a man and woman spending time together if not married.

Fergus is an honorable man--almost too good to be true in our culture today, though maybe less so in the time period this is set. I enjoyed this book and hope I get the chance to read others in the series. show less

Moses Brenner has come to the Gellen ranch to find out information about his biological family in 1893. His family was killed when an a Cheyenne party attacked their wagon train and he and his sister were kidnapped. When they were recovered from the tribe they were adopted by a soldier and his wife. But Moses has always wanted to more about his family and the Gellen ranch is the burial ground for the people who died during the attack. Faith Geller is busy caring for a father who is slowly show more suffering from dementia and a neighbor's baby, who's mother has run off. This is a sweet story of finding the truth about your past and deciding on a future. show less

STORY-LINE ANGUS TRUST BY LINDA HUBALEK:

Angus Trust is book 1 in the Groorms of Honor Series. Having followed Nolan and Elof in earlier books as they found their happy ever after, Hubalek takes us back to Clear Creek. Angus is the eldest of Pastor and Kaitlyn Reagan's sons. Raised in Clear Creek, Kansas along with five other brothers, he was the only one to take up with the railroad train depot manager; where he developed a love of trains and the rails. He has been a railroad detective for show more many years following after his love of anything railroad. After years of detective work for the railroad, he's beginning to wish for a stationary home with a wife and family.

Daisy Clancy, raised in Clear Creek by her grandparents, owners of the local café, found herself side by side with Angus until the day he left Clear Creek for adventure on the railroad. Daisy left Clear Creek to get an education and work after Angus left. To say Angus and Daisy grew up together would be an understatement; they also fell in puppy love; or was it?

Fate has placed Angus and Daisy on the same railroad train headed to Clear Creek when a robbery occurs. Finding themselves alone at the side of the tracks will memories of old loves return? My reviews of romance novel, Angus Trust, follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Firstly, let me say what a wonderful cast of characters Hubalek's imagination created for the Grooms of Honor Series. As I began reading Angus Trust, I felt I was returning to a beloved town filled with my friends, with everyone waiting to tell me the latest gossip and goings-on. A close-knit town, the Reagan family, although not of blood relation except two of the six, are examples of family love and unconditional support found in Clear Creek. Clear Creek's a place of community love and support. I wondered how many of these small towns dotted the prairie and west.

Angus and Daisy's romance is sweet but not without its trials as Angus tarried in staking his claim on Daisy. Angus, a man of principles, raised by a loving mother and a gentle yet firm preacher father, is also a moral man. He stands for what he believes regardless of the consequences. Daisy's character is perfect for Angus. She's an independent young woman, fierce when defending the ones she loves, yet still willing to follow the guidance of her man.

The plot's steady and the story-line progressed smoothly as the story evolved. I loved meeting characters from earlier books again and catching up with their lives. Hubalek interwove the secondary characters into the story-line skillfully. In concluding my reviews for romance novel, Angus Trust, I found a solid well-written book filled with believable characters. I have come to love each one of them; except for the villains of course. Watching the town develop as the stories progress through each book is wonderful. I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend. show less