Missouri mules were the best. Alda grew to love the creatures working side by side with her pa on their farm along the banks of the Missouri River. He would be hopping mad when he realized his wife and daughter colluded behind his back to sell a pack string. It wouldn’t matter that they were trying to save the farm.Alda struck out on her own to drive the team over fifteen hundred miles. By day … three, her lead mule Bessie refused to take one more step. It was a good thing the handsome cowboy Cord stopped by to lend a hand or Alda might still be sitting in the dust.Now, Alda needed the man to move on so she could continue her journey. Judging by the spark in Cord’s eye … it just might take some convincing.
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Well Howdy Folks. Welcome to a trip to the 1880s. The land is rugged at times, the weather unforgiving and dreams of settling down whispers in the clouds. If there has ever been a fiery, independent, outspoken young woman it has to be Alda. She may not be tall or look like she can take care of herself, but let me tell you, don’t ever underestimate a young woman on a mission to save her family home. What was she thinking taking mules across country by herself from Missouri to California? Mules aren’t exactly easy to give directions to, but Alda has something to prove.
I loved the description the author gave of the land and I felt as if I was right beside Alda cheering her own as dust filtered into our mouths. Cord is one of those men who is attractive, strong and has a dangerous job. He comes upon Alda when she is in need of help. There is definitely a trust issue between the two but maybe Colt can help her get to her destination safely. Can two strangers work together or will one of them turn their back on the other? I know if I was out in the wilderness I wouldn’t be to trusting when a stranger wanted to join up with me.
The story is a great historical story that is filled with danger, secrets, and a deep faith in God. The author delivers good characters and an array of adventure that makes you feel like you are in a western movie. I loved how Alda and Colt each had a secret that could change the way they feel about each other. Colt to me was the one who had the most to worry about, but I won’t say why. They meet wagon trains on the way that seem to be a blessing as they are now not alone if trouble was to start. The rumors of robbers could really stop a wagon train of hardworking people in their tracks.
I liked the story and found it to be a well written saga of the western life. There is one character in the story that I didn’t like. He was rude, arrogant and unkind to women. I was cheering for Colt to let him know how to treat women with respect. This part of the story was interesting and I liked how the author handled it with grace. Be sure you don’t miss this great story set during a time were surviving was hard and people worked together to build a future.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
She was as stubborn as her mules and Alda thought she could drive a team of mules over fifteen hundred miles.. to save her home.. Alone! She thought she was strong enough but the story gets interesting when handsome cowboy Cord arrives out of nowhere. Plenty of action as we ride along the fifteen hundred mile trail to California. I really enjoyed this trip!
I was gifted a copy and no review was required. My review is voluntary.
A Fool’s Notion by Lisa J. Flickinger first caught my eye with its unusual and intriguing cover. A redheaded woman in a beautiful period dress is watching a mule train trek across barren land. I knew there had to be a great story there.
In 1883, Alda Lealand of Kansas has decided to take the California trail as a single lady. Unusual enough, but she is also driving a pack of mules 1500 miles cross-country to be sold following her mother’s death and father’s disappearance. Cord is the bounty hunter who can’t settle down, but can’t keep himself from coming to Alda’s rescue more times than she would like.
I really enjoyed this light-hearted western. I often found myself laughing at situations in which the characters found themselves. The romance is sweet, albeit not smooth, due to the personalities and baggage both Alda and Cord have.
Alda has to learn that God is a “God who cared about His family, not like a fickle earthly father-like her father-but a God whose love was deep and wide.”
I found the perfect phrase for me to remember when I act like a stubborn mule, dig in my heels, and hold on like I’m right and no one better challenge me…
“You’re not above forgiving, are you?…”
All in all, just a great, fun book that I learned a few lessons from as I had a great time getting to know the characters. Highly recommended.
I gratefully received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. This in no way influenced my opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
Fool’s Notion
This was a very interesting and enjoyable book. Alda is traveling by herself with the mules to sell them to her uncle. She is trying to save her family farm but her father ends up charging her with stealing the mules.
Cord who is a bounty hunter comes upon her and decides to make sure she stays safe. They meet other families along the way. But he cannot always be around.
This is historical so there is lots of wildernesses and different type of adventure we would have today since traveling by horse, wagon, mule, etc. The story has a good flow to it and you never knew what would happen next.
I received an complementary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review.
Wonderful! Strong faithfilled story!
I’m addicted! I think Lisa is one of my new favorite authors!! I sure hope there’s lots more coming!!! I was especially fond of the growth in God both characters experienced!!