February 1, 2024
In 1869 Chicago, Elizabeth Rutledge's father, Thaddeus, wrongfully committed her mother, Eugenia, to an asylum. Thaddeus will stop at nothing until he gains their inheritance from Eugenia's parents as well as their obedience. It has taken Elizabeth three years to find a way to free her mother, with the help of Oscar Collins, their former driver who is now leading wagon trains on the Oregon Trail. The two women plan to go to Independence, Missouri, and meet a wagon train, pretending to be Oscar's sisters. They end up bringing along the mysterious, fellow asylum inmate Kat, who helped Eugenia escape. They face many complications and hardships. Elizabeth becomes close to wagon scout Jake Holt, but doesn't know if she can trust him, or if there's anywhere she and her mother can be safe from her father and his henchmen; he has even hired Pinkerton investigators. Can Elizabeth keep her faith alive? Connealy dramatizes the struggles women faced when they had few rights. With a vivid setting, compelling characters, and a suspenseful, thought-provoking story, this will please fans of inspirational historical romance.
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