Forgive, and you’ll be forgiven.
How can death, betrayal, a rash proposal, and revenge lead to romance? An abusive controller—ex-brother-in-law, new husband, uncle-stepfather—compels reluctant travelers—his brother’s widow and daughter–westward. To escape his abuse, Lilah proposes marriage to the wagon train scout, which only leaves Padraig thinking she’s a bit soft in the head. It’s 1855. Come … Come join the journey along the Oregon Trail with Lilah. Wagon Ho!
2019 PRAIRIE ROSES COLLECTION ONE
Book One SADIE bt Patricia PACJAC Carroll
Book Two REMI by Caryl McAdoo
Book Three HOPE by Barbara Goss
Book Four JULIA by Vickie McDonough
2020 PRAIRIE ROSES COLLECTION TWO
Book Five LILAH by Caryl McAdoo
Book Six SUSAN by Patricia PACJAC Carroll
Book Seven KATE by Donna Schlachter
Book Eight MINT by Rose Ashly
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Love, forgiveness and second chances
Imagine leaving all you know and following a covered wagon, on foot, with no real knowledge of where you will land up. Add to that the fact that you are leaving with a step-father that has much more than your safety in mind.
Lilah, at almost 16 years of age, is very forthright and outspoken. Deciding she will marry young Padrig, the wagon train scout, she pursues him to that end. What follows is a story of danger, second chances, love and the opportunity to renew a relationship with God and man.
The author has given us a look at what it must have been like to walk the trail that headed west to a new life. For some, the endeavor ended very differently than it began. Would they find it was worth it all?
A digital copy of this book was received through the author and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Lilah Eklund is stuck traveling to the West with her family after the passing of her father. Her Uncle Lud takes over the role of male of the family and leads them West. He’s an unsavory character that Lilah can’t wait to be away from. Lilah sets her sights on getting married after meeting Padraig(Paddy) O’Sullivan on the wagon train. True historical romance with trials and tribulations of wagon train travels to the west.
A unique Oregon Trail story. With a strong Christian message that I appreciated. I was glad that I got this book.
What a sweet story! Though there were some bad times, God’s grace and mercy came through. There were a lot of adventures on the trip to Oregon and beyond. I love reading about the travels on the Oregon trail. I can’t imagine the strength and fortitude it took to make a trip like that. I’ve driven coast to coast several times and that was arduous! Loved this story
What I think you should know:
Lilah is a historical fiction story by Carly McAdoo. It is the fifth story in the Prairie Roses Collection, however each story is standalone so it can be ready in any order. The storys starts on the Oregon Trail in 1855 and continues as they travel west.
What you might need to know:
Rape and kidnapping are mentioned in the story, but it is covered in a way that is as sensitive as possible.
What I think about this book:
Everytime I think that I have found my favorite McAdoo book I read her newest and am swept up in the story, Lilah was no exception. I would happily recommend this book to all of my friends. Lilah was spunky and determined, she is everything I have come to expect in a historical fiction heroine. Padraig was a unique character, I appreciated how McAdoo represented him and showed us what had made him the man that he is today. I love that the story contained a twist. I love how Emilia demonstrated how fierce the love of a mother could be. I also love how a wife’s gentle love and persistent Faith brought her Husband to Christ. If you love historical fiction and want to feel like you are part of the story look no further and take this journey west with Lilah.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Whenever I read a book by Caryl McAdoo, I know the characters will come to life and I will become caught up in their world. I love reading her historical novels, especially when they are set on wagon trains going west. In this book, I found myself liking Lilah from the moment I met her. I truly wanted her to escape from her uncle’s reach. Padraig finds himself shocked when she proposes marriage to him as the wagon train begins its journey west.
This book illustrates the power of forgiveness and prayers. It also illustrates the need to forgive those who have wronged us or that we perceive have wronged someone we love.
I think one of my favorite characters in the book is the wagon train master. He comes into Lilah and her mother’s life and finds more than he expected. This story has all the important things like love, babies being born, adventure, and more.
So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
I absolutely love this author’s books simply because they are each filled with God’s love, wonderful characters and adventures that roll across the pages. This story is very dear to me for several reasons. The first one is because it reminds me so much of my grandmother and grandfather. They were young and traveled by covered wagon to homestead their land. Lilah is much like my grandmother who was fierce, determined and in love.
The second reason this story is dear to me is because the author goes into detail about the land and how difficult it was to travel in those days. The trails were hot, dusty and treacherous. The people on the trail helped each other out and I loved how they became like a family. I laughed when Lilah so boldly told Padraig that she wanted to marry him. He was not expecting that I’m sure. Someone like Lilah grows on you with her thirst for life and her unconditional love. I couldn’t wait to read about their adventure and where God would have them call home.
The third reason this story is so dear to me is because of Lilah’s ma. Oh how my heart ached for her being married to someone she hated. Her sacrifice to stay with this man reminds me of the scripture about laying your life down for another. There is a part in the story where Lilah defends her daughter with no thought for her own safety. There are some hard subjects in the book which the author handles with honesty and grace. I know Lilah is the main focus of the story but I can’t overlook the bravery her mother showed.
The last reason this story is so dear to me is the author has reminded me to let go of the past, hatred is not of God and forgiveness sets you free. I loved the illustration used about revenge. Lilah’s continued prayers for her husband gives readers a look at what a Godly helpmate she is. She never gave up hope that her husband would turn to God. I’m thankful that every time I read a story from this author I draw a little closer to God.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I greatly admire the people who crossed our land heading west. I know I would have started out with Lilah’s attitude, leave me here! I can only hope that I would rise to the occasion as she did. Caryl McAdoo always gives us strong characters. Her descriptions let you picture the conditions they lived under. This is a good study of grit and determination.
Caryl McAdoo has done it again by taking her author’s pen and giving us a story rife with almost every human emotion imaginable. This is Lilah and Padraig’s story and deals with wagon train travel, death, revenge, abusive control, and desperation that leads Lilah to propose to Padraig in order to escape her situation and God’s love and grace. There is no way I can adequately give the credit due to this story except to encourage you to read it to find out if a HEA is ever reached. Grab a few tissues, find a comfy chair and settle in to read this outstanding story. I highly recommend this book and know you will enjoy it.
What a beautifully written story! It grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go. The author made the story come to life with her words. You can feel all the emotions and see the scenery. I can’t put into words how good this book was. I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes historical christian fiction. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed reading about Lilah and her story. I loved how this story is approached and the way the story unfolds. Definitely worth reading and I love that this is a clean read. This book is hard to put down and a good installment to the Prairie Roses Collection.
Some of my favorite stories are those set in wagon trains going west. I loved Lilah and Padraig’s story. I could understand the reasons for Lilah wanting to get away from her stepfather as well as Padraig’s quest for revenge/justice. I loved Emilia’s story as well. I don’t want to give anything away, but I really liked how it ended. This was a great story and I would recommend it.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
Loved this book!!! Paddy and Lilah are a great match, and it doesn’t hurt that we get a bonus story within this story!! Lilah knows what she wants, and wastes no time going after it!! Paddy’s a tad slower coming around, but once he does, watch out!! Love that he was more than willing to come to Lilah’s defense, and on more than one occasion. This is a really good read, made better by the fact that Paddy finally realizes just how much he needs God, too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
As a greatly privileged ARC reader I am almost incapable of giving you the feelings of power, love, hate, evil and blessings found in this story. Caryl has outdone herself! I was so drawn into this story. I felt I was part of the wagon train. I was there when evil was delt with. I was there when love and God’s grace took over. Believe me you will not be disappointed in this book. From my perspective this book is highly recommend!