In dusty Fort Laramie on the trail west to California, Faith Beal finally realizes what a monumental mess she's gotten herself into. When her mother lay dying after a terrible storm, Faith promised to take her (unbearably silly) younger sister to find their prospecting father. But as two young women alone with little protection, they are at the mercy of their underhanded wagon train leader, Captain Ramsey Tucker. That is, until plainsman Connell McClain offers them his assistance.

Connell has his own reasons for joining Tucker's wagon train. He suspects that his childhood sweetheart may have fallen victim to one of his evil schemes. By tagging along, he hopes to be able to help the feisty Miss Beal and to discover the whereabouts of his fiancee. And neither Connell nor Faith expect their budding romantic feelings for each other.

The relationship between Connell and Faith was nice to see. He grew to respect her capabilities and be charmed by her vivacity. But their budding romance was significantly complicated by his promise to his childhood sweetheart. I liked that Connell was dedicated to fulfilling his promise, but he seemed painfully oblivious to the feelings of the women surrounding him. Faith's (relatively) innocent physical attraction to Connell was charming. That said, the entire story was a bit too innocent for me. The story never went beyond a few chaste kisses.

There were certainly Christian elements as both characters discussed their faith, but it was only done in very general terms that seemed entirely appropriate to the period. I didn't feel that either character truly explored their beliefs, which struck me as particularly odd given Connell's background of anger and resentment. While this made the book easier for me, it might be less satisfying to someone looking for a more inspirational story.

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FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy through the Tell Harlequin program. ( )

Nineteen-year-old Faith Ann Beal promised her dying mother that she would take her younger sister Charity and head west to find their father, who had gone to California in hopes of striking it rich in the goldfields. And with nothing left of the small Ohio farm where she grew up, Faith had no choice but to keep that promise. But she didn't expect how hard the journey would be, especially for two young women on their own.

Connell McClain is traveling the trail in search of his fiancée, Irene, whom he sent for a year ago. Connell and Irene grew up together back east, and now she has agreed to come west to marry him after the death of her parents. However, Irene never made it west, and now Connell is terrified something may have happened to her. When he encounters Faith at Fort Laramie and saves her from a drunken brawl, he agrees to help the young woman and her sister, in order to protect them from an unscrupulous wagon train master as he continues his search for Irene. Neither Faith nor Connell expect the romantic feelings they begin to have for one another, but can they fulfill their obligations to others and still find happiness together?

This was an excellent romance that fans of western historicals and inspirational romances are sure to enjoy. Faith and Connell are wonderful characters, and I loved the setting of a covered wagon train traveling west. I'd high recommend this book and I look forward to the author's next Love Inspired Historical, coming out in summer 2008. ( )