After the death of her mother, Emmalin Hammond discovers she is not the heiress she’d always assumed she’d be. The revelation exposes her fiancé’s true intentions when he withdraws his marriage proposal, leaving Emmalin heartbroken and humiliated. When she discovers the father she believed to be dead is still alive and living in the Oregon Territory she decides it is time to meet the man who has … has been hidden from her all of her life.
Accompanied by her Uncle Jonathon, she sets out for the Oregon Territory in search of answers and hoping for a renewed relationship with her father. When tragedy strikes, she confronts the terrifying challenge of completing her quest alone. Faced with few options, she entrusts her life to a mountain man named Jacob Landon who agrees to transport her to a small settlement in Southern Oregon called Deer Creek, a place also known as the Land of One Hundred Valleys.
Emmalin is not prepared for the hardships of life in the Oregon wilderness. Each day presents a new challenge. Newfound friends, including the reserved Jacob Landon, who unexpectedly stirs her heart, come alongside to help her adapt. Yet she feels out of place. Should she brave the arduous journey back to Philadelphia for the life she once knew or remain and hope for something better in the Oregon wilderness?
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Author Bonnie Leon takes us on a journey along the Oregon Trail. This is my first book by her, and I really enjoyed it. It moved along at a good pace and had a good feel. It’s obvious that Leon has done her research.
Although the characters in this story are well developed, I wasn’t sure I like Emmalin at first. She was rather self-centered and seemed to take people for granted. But that changed and I grew to love her. Jacob was a true mountain gentleman who didn’t take any guff from her. It was fun to see how the story line developed.
Along with danger, adventure, and days of driving a wagon, there was suspense, surprises, and romance along the way. If you enjoy historical fiction, you’ll enjoy One Hundred Valleys.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I love Bonnie Leon books. She wrote several set in Alaska that I really enjoyed. This one is set in historical Oregon. Since she lives in Oregon, I knew it would have authentic setting, and it did. I felt like I was right there with the characters. By the way, those characters pulled me into the story and wouldn’t let me go until after the last page. You won’t want to miss reading this book.
The author has written a heart warming story full of action and drama. This is Douglas and Adeline’s story and the character development is excellent. Both Douglas and Adeline must learn to trust each other if they are to ever reach a HEA. You will need to read this story to find out if they are ever able to find a HEA. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend this book.
First of all I love the cover. The colors and the background drew me in and made me want to find out about this novel, and I’m so glad I did. This was a story of adventure and survival for a young woman born into privilege. Looking for her father that she had been told was dead, Emmalin found herself in the Oregon Territory. Her mother had recently passed away and her fiancé had dumped her so leaving Philadelphia seemed like the thing to do. Getting to Deer Creek in southern Oregon tested her will and she learned just how strong she truly was. She met Jacob who grew up among the local Indians. He didn’t have much use for anyone brought up among high society. But he did know her father and introduced them. Emmalin was fun to get to know but my favorite character was Margaret and how she offered her help unselfishly to her.
If you like to read about the settling of the Oregon territory of 1855, with Indians, some friendly and some wild, nature at its fiercest, friendship, hardship, love and adventure, then what are you waiting for? This is your book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This is my first book by Author Bonnie Leon and I thoroughly enjoyed One Hundred Valley’s. And I adore the beautiful book cover. The characters in this story were carefully crafted to play their perfect parts in the story. My heart ached for Emmalin because her loss was so great. And being a lady of means, she had to grow up fast when she decided to look for a father she never knew. Traveling in the late 1800’s was horrific, especially back in the hills and mountains of the Oregon Territory. And life was as hard once Emmalin arrived.
It is clear that Ms. Leon does an amazing job of researching for this book. I love the vivid details of the journey from Philadelphia to Oregon, and the beautiful scenes in Deer Creek. I love Jacob and his quiet and caring spirit. But the fiance, who doesn’t deserve a name, was unbelievable. The good for nothing would do anything for money!! But you need them in every story, right, to make it interesting? I love this story and look forward to reading more from author Bonnie Leon.
This is a beautifully written book that anyone loving historical fiction would love to read. I highly recommend you check out One Hundred Valleys for your enjoyment.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
What I think you should know:
One Hundred Valleys is historical fiction by Bonnie Leon. It is set in Oregon Territory in 1855. When Emmalin Hammond’s life as she knew it is unexpectantly ripped out from under her she undertakes the journey west to find the father she long thought dead.
What you might need to know:
Jacob Landon came to Oregon with his missionary family, however when they tragically died he was raised by local Native Americans. During the book the government has started forcibly moving Native People to reservations. Some of this is shown in the book.
What i thought about this book:
Emmalin was raised as a pampered society lady, but when her parentage is revealed and she loses the people who she thought she was friends with she finds her true worth. I love her spunk and grit, in spite of her upbringing she is will and able to try new things. Yes at times she is selfish and winey, however if I had just lost everything I knew I would be too! Jacob was a wonderful character, I love how he is loyal to both his faith and his Native family. . Leon has written an interesting with captivating characters who I loved and would love to read more about specifically Charity!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
“Her father was her only chance at a new beginning—if she could find him.”
Growing up, I was an avid reader and fan of “Little House on the Prairie” and anything about pioneers, with a special fondness for Oregon Trail stories. Although I’ve broadened my reading horizons since then, the nineteenth century will always be my first love, and I remain on the lookout for opportunities to read and review historical fiction whenever possible. From the first time I glimpsed the cover of “One Hundred Valleys”, I knew I had to read it; I didn’t even read the synopsis, although I was thrilled when I found out it was set in Oregon in the mid-1850s. No matter how many historical fiction books I read, I never grow tired of them, and this book is a great example of diversity within the genre.
From the first page of “One Hundred Valleys”, it became apparent that this was going to be a different kind of pioneer adventure. Author Bonnie Leon creates a unique story by merging common elements in a distinctive way. Rather than an Oregon Trail account, although details of the journey are scattered throughout the narrative, Emmalin Hammonds’ story opens in Oregon City after she and her Uncle Jonathon have made the trek. Moving on from a tragic past in search of the father she had been told was dead, Emmalin ends up making the last leg of the journey alone with a hired guide named Jacob Landon. For Emmalin, the travails of the journey are becoming more and more overwhelming as she finds everything stripped away from her.
Emmalin’s character is interesting in and of itself. I have to admit that initially I found myself unimpressed with her, and at times downright annoyed. However, Leon writes her this way for a reason. Back in Philadelphia, Emmalin was a member of the upper class and led a privileged life, which made her completely unprepared to live in a rather uncivilized wilderness. She seems quick to judge and complain, but then she surprises readers with her strength and determination. As her newfound friend Margaret tells her about courage: “It’s being afraid and trusting God enough to do whatever it is He’s called you to do that shows how brave you are.” She slowly softens her heart toward people and things that seem absurd compared with her old life, including the issue regarding the Indians, whom she has previously considered to be lower class. Her journey demonstrates how we all tend to categorize people, yet to God none of those things matter; He loves us all and yearns for us to enter into a personal relationship with Him. As Emmalin’s time of spiritual deliverance unfolds, it is worth noting that no matter how far away she felt God was, He never left.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
When Emmalin Hammond arrived in Oregon City in August 1885, she was a grief-stricken young woman who believed that “God had deserted her, the way her father had.” One Hundred Valleys is an appealing historical fiction story that chronicles Emmalin’s journey to find the father she has never known as she deeply mourns the mother who has been her whole life. Emmalin endures hardships. disappointments, and misunderstandings to reach Deer Creek, Oregon, and in the process, becomes a stronger and better person. During her time there Emmalin learns that her father is a decent man who deserves to be loved and she realizes that God had never deserted her…He had been with her all of the time.
The author’s description of the beauty of The Land of One Hundred Valleys and the realistic characters who lived there helped me understand Emmalin’s indecision about returning to Philadelphia. Who wouldn’t want to remain with people as special as her father, an older woman who becomes her friend and mentor, and Jacob Landon, the guide who helped her finally get to Deer Creek? Even as she suffers a terrible case of poison ivy and especially when she experiences the joy of delivering a calf, Emmalin realizes that perhaps this was the life that she was meant to live. Could it be that she didn’t want her old life? Did she really want to return to Philadelphia?
Bonnie Leon has filled One Hundred Valleys with hope, encouragement, love, and forgiveness. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and I am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
I enjoyed this historical journey to early Oregon and appreciated the struggles and hardships the people there fought to overcome. Emmalin Hammond, who recently lost her mother, braves the treacherous trail from Philadelphia to Oregon in search of the father she never knew, leaving behind her former life and the fiancé who jilted her. Could she ever return to life among the society that seemed to reject her? Would she want to? How can a young woman raised among the wealthy ever adapt to the life in the rugged wilderness? The author throws in some surprises too, which add to the reading enjoyment. The characters and settings seemed realistic, but I didn’t find the deep connection with the characters I’d hoped to. With all that happened in the novel, the emotional element should have been much deeper. Also, the dialogue sometimes seemed overdone or used as a vehicle to convey information rather than coming across as natural conversation. I think the story would make a good movie—the visual presentation could be stunning. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
Bonnie Leon does it again in her newest book, One Hundred Valleys. I really enjoyed this story. I was engaged with it from start to finish. The author did a great job describing the setting the that made feel as though I was transported back in time and being right there. It was full of action and adventure. I was not sure about Emmalin at first. She had a personality that I did not like, but as she learned about the real world and began to grow on me. I admired her determination, bravery and courage. I loved the chemistry and sweetness between her and Jacob. Jacob was by far my character in this story.
One Hundred Valleys gets four stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy beautifully written books that are clean, inspirational historical romance. I will be looking for more by Bonnie Leon in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
One Hundred Valleys was an enjoyable read from beginning to end. I am partial to historical fiction and this book made the early days of Oregon come alive for me. I was particularly interested in the location because when my daughter and her husband moved from Tennessee to Oregon several years ago their first assignment was in Grants Pass along the Rogue River, the general area of the book.
After her mother’s death and another disappointment, Emmalin Hammond travels to Oregon to find the father she has never known and believed to be dead. After yet another tragedy, Emmalin decides to continue the journey to Deer Creek with Jacob Landon as her guide. Various hardships and encounters with Indians along the way strengthened a friendship between Emmalin and Jacob but they were both aware that they were totally unsuitable for each other. In many ways, despite their obvious differences, Jacob and Emmalin were much alike. Although Emmalin had been raised with abundance, circumstances of her life had left her not knowing exactly where she fit in. Jacob’s loss of family at an early age and life among the Indians had also left him feeling out of place.
Both Emmalin and Jacob were strong characters. Jacob was caring and protective despite his rough upbringing. Emmalin was stronger than she could have ever imagined as a pampered society girl. It was fun observing the growth of their relationship as well as Emmalin’s connection to her father. A steady plot filled with both disaster and blessings and a cautious romance, it also illustrated a believable path back to trust in God.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit.. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Imagine finding out you are not who you thought you were. For Emmalin Hammond, that is exactly what happens. She believes herself to be an heiress, but when her mother dies she finds out otherwise. Her fiancee breaks off their engagement, and she finds out her father is alive rather than dead. With all that has occurred, she sets out to the Oregon Territory to find her father.
She leaves Philadelphia for the Oregon Territory with her uncle, but misfortune befalls them on the trip. She is forced to complete the journey with Jacob Landon, a mountain man. Arriving in the Oregon Territory, Emmalin is forced to decide who she really is and what type of life she really wants.
This historical novel touched my heart and captured my imagination. I loved the relationships Emmalin developed in the Oregon Territory. I also loved seeing her become the person she truly was meant to be.
So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
One Hundred Valleys, by Bonnie Leon, is a novel brimming with gripping adventure, beautiful settings, and interesting characters. This riveting historical romance offers a an intriguing story of courage, loss, faith, love, and perseverance.
Set in the Oregon Territory in the autumn of 1855 through the spring of 1856, this novel is thoroughly enriched by Ms. Leon’s thoughtful descriptions. Written with engaging detail, the settings are very immersive and especially influential. From treacherous roads, to hazardous weather, to unrestrained forests, the settings provide many opportunities for unforgettable scenes that engage and inspire.
The characters in this novel are genuinely special. When faced with disappointments, dangers, hardships, and uncertainties, they display unexpected bravery, determination, and resiliency. They wrestle with forgiveness, search for their purpose, and discover the true value of friends and family. Through peril, fear, and heartache, they persevere, their faith blooms, and hope is found.
Throughout One Hundred Valleys, Ms. Leon’s talent for storytelling is surely evident. She has written a novel that is truly memorable and meaningful. I gladly recommend it to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this novel through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
One Hundred Valleys is the first Bonnie Leon book I’ve read, to my recollection, but I’ve been wanting to try something by her for a while. The cover is initially what drew me to this book in particular – isn’t it gorgeous?
Emmalin has just made an arduous journey from upper class Philadelphia to the wilderness of Oregon, via the Oregon Trail, in search of the father she’s never met. A sudden tragedy leaves her to face the rest of her journey alone, save for the rugged guide her uncle had hired – Jacob Landon. Jacob is white but was mainly raised by Indians, so he wrestles with where he fits in as much as Emmalin does… just for different reasons.
As the trip from Oregon City to where her father lives in Deer Creek is about three weeks, I expected the majority of the book to take place on that leg of Emmalin’s journey – with a sweet father-daughter reunion at the end and a bit of romance between she and Jacob along the way. Instead, we cover the distance in little more than a couple of chapters and the rest of the book is Emmalin adjusting to life in the land of a hundred valleys. The romance is lighter than I expected – but sweet – and the focus of the book is less on characters falling in love and more on characters growing in their relationship with God. (None of this is bad – just not how I predicted it going.)
I confess that, while I wanted to love this book, I really struggled to get into it. It’s a really sweet story, and I loved the supporting character of Margaret in particular. She is a person you just want to hug, and her wisdom is key to the maturing of each of the main characters we meet. But I couldn’t seem to latch onto a plot to keep me engaged in the outcome. The plot points I was invested in from the beginning (except the romance) resolved a bit before the halfway mark of the book and left me sort-of floundering to stay interested in the last half. Still, the lighter pace of the story is a nice change if you’ve had several intense reads in a row and the message of the story – of finding your true belonging in God – is definitely something I can embrace!
Bottom Line: One Hundred Valleys is a sweet story with a message of belonging and faith. A gentle romance between a wilderness-raised hero and a society-raised heroine slowly develops as the plot progresses, but the majority of the story focuses on Emmelin navigating the rigors of life as she matures in heart and soul. While this particular book wasn’t my favorite, I’m sure that many historical fans will love it!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
This was an enjoyable historical fiction romance story. This was taking place during the time just after the gold rush but before the civil war. Emmalin travels from the east coast to Oregon to find her father who had abandoned her family before she was born. This tells a little of how she felt during the trip to Oregon but is mostly about what happens after she makes it to Oregon. I liked hearing about how a spoiled society girl could learn to become a better person. I really liked Jacob and the little bit of romance throughout the story. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
My Thoughts on One Hundred Valleys:
The cover is gorgeous. And the book isn’t half bad either. Okay, so that’s a lie. The book is much better than that implies. I really enjoyed it. Historical fiction books are my cup of tea and this one is excellent.
Such a good storyline. Imagine being an heiress one minute and alone and broke the next. When everyone she loves seems to abandon her Emmalin goes off to find her father that she’s never met. Surely he will want her and accept her for who she is. But what if he doesn’t?
When she has to entrust her life to a stranger and begins to realize just what hardships and how raw life is going to be Emmalin has to make some serious decisions on whether to travel on or go back to the life she left.
Great read. The main characters really draw you in and won’t let you leave. You’re invested and have to keep reading because you just have to know how the book will end up. I loved the descriptions of the wilds and what life was like. And as I mentioned above, the cover is really wonderful. This was a new author to me but I did enjoy how she wrote this book and I will be looking to see what else she might have available.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
MY THOUGHTS:
The cover drew me in. So pretty!
The beginning of the book had potential, a lot of it. And I liked the book, but…
The plot?
It was interesting. Just like every other story following a young woman searching for her father and traveling on the Oregon Trail.
I liked the struggles that the characters went through, I would have preferred that the characters developed more from the beginning of the book.
I liked the story well enough, I just was underwhelmed by the cliche plotline.
I liked Jacob a lot, he was a good addition to One Hundred Valleys, and I loved the meaning of the name I just didn’t love the plot.
Content-wise this was a good book, nothing inappropriate, no sexual suggestions, and a sweet if weak romance. So, if you have nothing else to read and you’re under quartine give it a shot!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“They understood there can be no mountaintops without valleys.”
3.5 stars for this historical romance set near Oregon City in 1855.
This is the first book by Bonnie Leon that I have read and I’ve been wanting to read her books for a while. Set during the time when the west is exploding with miners, the backdrop of the untamed wilderness is stunning and the in-depth look at the Native American’s lifestyle and culture is fascinating and educational. The harshness of making a living in the wilderness is tangible and daunting but the tenacity, faith, and loyalty of the people forging a new life for themselves out in the vastness are admirable and noteworthy.
Jacob has only known the west as his home and is kind, skilled, and guided by faith. He finds himself helpless as the war against the Native Americans intensifies because he spent a good part of his life with kind-hearted and generous group when his biological family perished. Emmalin is a well-bred Philadelphia socialite who finds herself without money and fiance after her mother’s death and feels compelled to go out west looking for a father whom she never knew. Her journey is fraught with danger and trials and even when she arrives at her destination, she is still surrounded by danger and trials.
Though a sweet story, I did not connect fully with the characters and wished Jacob had more of a voice. Some parts of the plot were a bit slow for my taste and other parts seemed to skip a bit too quickly. I am sure those who enjoy historical romance, especially those stories set in the west in mid-1800s, will enjoy the book.
I received a copy of the book from WhiteFire Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Respect and love grow out of a mutual struggle to survive.
There can be no mountaintops without valleys.
A wonderful story of a young lady, Emmalin, who has seen a number of valleys in the last few years. Suddenly alone with an uncle as her only family, she leaves Philadelphia for Deer Creek, Oregon to find the father she never knew she had. The author has done a fabulous job of detailing the gorgeous countryside, the people and even the dust that is everywhere. When she experiences yet another valley, Emmalin heads south with Jacob Landon as her guide, a trip that brings many more unexpected experiences.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, feeling at times like I was right there in the wilderness with her. Through many hardships, she once again realizes that God has been walking with her through it all. New friends, respect for those around her, and even love find her as she tries to decide where her mountaintops are – Deer Creek or Philadelphia.
I received this ARC through WhiteFire Publishing and CelebrateLit. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
One of the things that drew me to this book was the adventure across country in the late 1850’s. I loved how vividly the author describes the terrain and the danger that Emmalin faced. The story reminded me of my grandfather so much. He traveled by wagon to homestead his land in Oklahoma. The stories he told me were very similar to the one in this book with storms, Indians, hunting for food and months on the trail. I fell in love with the way the author writes with such power and emotions.
I have not heard of this author before, but she is now on my list as a favorite of mine. Her writing explodes on the pages as she brings the characters to life. It was easy for me to like a Emmalin. Her desire to reconnect with her father is a journey of reconciliation, forgiveness and trust. She has lost her faith and I enjoyed reading how she was open about being angry at God.
Jacob is a wonderful character with compassion for the Indians. He has lived on his own for awhile but he has deep connection to the Indians . I am always sad when I read how land was taken away from the Indians and forced to live on reservations. I am part Comanche and this part of the story really made me emotional. The author does an outstanding job of showing both sides of this part in history . Jacob also has strong faith and his talks with Emmalin about God were very honest without being pushy.
There were a few times in the story where I tired of Emmalin going back and forth about staying in Deer Creek or returning home. I knew exactly what she needed to do but she wouldn’t listen to me. Yes I hollered at her as she rocked back and forth with her decision. Oh my goodness that girl needed to see what was right in front of her. I loved how the story shows us how important family is and how forgiveness releases joy in your life.
I have enjoyed every minute I spent with Emmalin on her journey to find her father and experience the pioneer days . It is an emotional story that allows readers to see the hardship Indians endured as their land was taken away. Jacob teaches us to look past the color of skin and see the heart of people while showing Emmalin a simpler way of life. Don’t miss this epic tale of the Wild West where God is always there to guide His people.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.