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Independence! (Wagons West #1)
In 1837, a fiery young widow, Claudia Humphries, and a bold wagon master, Sam Brentwood, discover that it is their destiny to command the first leg of the remarkable journey to Independence, Missouri. Traveling under secret orders from President Andrew Jackson, Brentwood's task is to win a desperate race against England and Russia in order to bring the promised land of the...more
Published
(first published January 1st 1979)
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This is the beginning of a big series of books, telling a story about people who settled the west and then went on to settle other areas, and serve our country in its early days. The struggles and triumphs in this book are well written, with an infusion of American history and how areas were settled, and some of the challenges between the "New Americans" and the "Old Americans" and how there were good relations and bad relations involved in the settling of America. The reading is wonderful and I...more
I read the first nine books in HS and have had them in boxes for years. I found them about a month ago and remembered how I had enjoyed them and since it had been so long, thought it would be like reading new books. And it is, sort of, after I start reading then I start remembering, some what ;-)
Oh, and there are 24 books in the Wagon's West series, not nine, ha I thought I had them all. Not sure if I will finish all, seems overwhelming.
I really loved reading Independence again, the characters...more
Oh, and there are 24 books in the Wagon's West series, not nine, ha I thought I had them all. Not sure if I will finish all, seems overwhelming.
I really loved reading Independence again, the characters...more
Despite the fact that the cover reminds me of some romance-saga (and I had every expectation that this would be overwrought with ridiculousness) I was actually quite entertained by this book. I have a fascination with Westward expansion, so I thought I'd give it a go. I'm not quite sure about the accuracy of all the information. I'd be curious to look some of it us to see if it is in reality based on historical accuracies. There was a bit of romance, but well placed and not overdone to ruin the...more
I enjoyed this book on CD. The narrator is quite good. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. The story follows the creation of the wagon train to Oregon and follows their path as far as Independence, Missouri. It includes some intrigue from Russian and British saboteurs--a point which I wonder if is really historically accurate--I certainly had never heard of it. The romantic relationships are very predictable and feel stereotypical of the 1970s--when this book was written. They...more
I usually try to avoid reading series for a couple of reasons. One, I'm afraid I'll lose interest or become disappointed somewhere down the line, thereby discrediting the original passion that I had for the initial book. Another reason is, I just hate the thought of waiting and waiting and waiting for a new installment only to find that, for whatever reason, the author can't or won't be writing more of the series. I stumbled across what I thought was a relatively new series and since it was writ...more
I originally read this book series as a teenager and I decided to re-read them now that I'm 40. It took me forever to remember the author name or even the series beyond "Wyoming."
It's mostly as I remember it. A little bit Western, a little bit romance, and lot of pioneer gumption. I was so in love with Whip and Cathy; still am. :)
I believe I read the entire series before. Not sure if I'll make it through all of them again, but I'm going to see where it takes me...
It's mostly as I remember it. A little bit Western, a little bit romance, and lot of pioneer gumption. I was so in love with Whip and Cathy; still am. :)
I believe I read the entire series before. Not sure if I'll make it through all of them again, but I'm going to see where it takes me...
Audiobook: I read this series about 20 years ago and liked it then. Decided to listen to them again and share this series with John. I'm lovin that he is lovin the audiobooks! This book started out a little slow, but it was laying the base for the whole series. By the second half I couldn't wait until the next book in the series! For those of you who are interested in the west and how it all started, this series is for you! Even though it is fiction, I'm sure it's based somewhat on fact.
I love books about the west - both American and Canadian. Indepence! is the first book in a long series about eastern Americans moving into the lands beyond the Mississippi. An enjoyable read, fast and mostly historically accurate. The characters are too many to get a good handle on each in one book. I hope to see more character development as the series goes along.
I'm a bit late in finding this series but I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one. I love American history. I am amazed at the courage folks showed in venturing off into the unknown with all their possessions in a covered wagon. It's a pretty easy read but still, interesting to be reminding of the importance we put on material possessions now.
I think I was in high school when one of my uncles recommended this series to me. I loved it then, and when I found the books in a closet last week, I had to pick up the first installment and read a bit. Now I'm on Book 3. I love the recounting of what day-to-day existence might be like on a wagon train headed out west.
A good, light read to revisit, hopefully based on some historic accuracy. I like the whole pioneer/wagon train thing. Maybe I should read some non-fiction about this period sometime. Years ago, I read this whole serious, which seriously declined as the volumes went on. I don't think I'll read anymore this time.
I ran across this book in a used book store and picked it up because I love westerns. Turns out it is the first of a dozen or so books Ross wrote about the settling of the mid and western states. The books can be read as stand alones but they do follow the same few families across the country so if you have the luxury of reading them in order, do. Am now having trouble finding some of them since some are out of print. Good western fare!
i read a bunch of the books from this series a long time ago and while i don't remember the writing style as being anything special, they stand out in my memory as books that made the pioneer experience come to life and become more real to me.
First in a series. Style was clumsy and it was a little "girlie" for a "western". Will probably pass on the remaining books in the series. The premise of the series held interest that went unfulfilled.
Ross fills her books with interesting characters, action and history. There are about a million books in the Wagons West series. I don't think I"ll read them back to back as there are too many other books on my "to read" list, but they will be great fillers when I need something completely fun.
I had no idea how the Oregon Trail began and it is fascinating to read about the people who became such brave pioneers.
I had no idea how the Oregon Trail began and it is fascinating to read about the people who became such brave pioneers.
This is a fun series, combining fiction and history in a way that made me want to read every one. Although I read the series over the years, I'm just rating the first book.
After driving coast to coast I felt a need to read some "pioneer stories" this did the trick and I am moving on to book 2. Just good storytelling nothing fancy.
I never caught this series years ago, but ran across this in a used book store. Great, fast, fun read. Looking forward to the next one, Nebraska.
I enjoyed this book and its snapshot of history and the brave families who were willing to risk everything for a shot at a better life. Where is that spunk today? Where are those opportunities?
Loved to read about how the wagon trains got started and the significance of a town named Independence. I love reading about American history.
I have read the entire series (50 books/50 states) of these. They are fun if you are in a western mood!
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Read the entire Wagons West series 1-24.
Loved these books, couldn't wait for the next one to come out!
Loved these books, couldn't wait for the next one to come out!
Love this series..taking me forever to read because a few of the books are harder to track down..
This is one of my favorite series. I've read it at least 3 times and it never disappoints.
I liked this book, but I kept wondering really could all this happen to ONE wagon train? This is a series and I was thinking I wanted to know what happened to a couple of the characters. :) You know I am a sucker for reading the whole series. Our library doesn't have it so I will have to look for it at the 1/2 price book store. :)
I love westerns... I wish I could have ridden in a wagon train and seen America like it was then!
May 25, 2011
Barbara
added it
Really enjoyed this and looking forward to the rest of the series!
Ugh. I'm not sure it qualifies as an historical fiction - lucky if there are six pages of any historical setting/description/explanation. The dialogue is blathering romance novel without the good stuff.
I really enjoyed this book. I had a tough time putting it down.
Feb 18, 2013
Laurie
added it
Read this in high school and wanted to read again.
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Pen name for James Reasoner.
American author James Reasoner specializes in historical military novels, westerns, and mysteries. He also writes under the pseudonyms "Mike Jameson" and "Dana Fuller Ross." He has written more than 40 novels. His spouse, Livia Washburn Reasoner, is also a prolific writer of westerns, mysteries, and romances. The Reasoners were each raised in Texas, and currently live n...more
More about Dana Fuller Ross...
American author James Reasoner specializes in historical military novels, westerns, and mysteries. He also writes under the pseudonyms "Mike Jameson" and "Dana Fuller Ross." He has written more than 40 novels. His spouse, Livia Washburn Reasoner, is also a prolific writer of westerns, mysteries, and romances. The Reasoners were each raised in Texas, and currently live n...more
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