August is a loner and prefers it that way. He only took the marriage wager to gain breathing room from his overbearing older brother. Besides, the wagon train still has a long journey before it reaches Oregon. Maybe he’ll meet someone who turns his head.
Felicity longs for love and family, someone to choose her above all. After a wagon train accident robs her of her voice and leaves her dependent on the kindness of strangers, she finds herself in August’s care. And she can’t help falling the spell of a man who shows a deep well of kindness and anticipates her every need.
But August only sees her as a friend. Can a mousy, shy spinster like her win the heart of a man like August?
Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .
A Trail Untamed is book three in the Wagon Train Matches series. You could probably jump in and enjoy it even if you haven’t read the first two books in the series. However, I am thoroughly enjoying this entire series and definitely recommend it to fans of western or trail ride romances.
August was a character who, in previous novels, seemed to be good at whatever he set his mind to. Even as this book opened and August was scouting ahead of the wagon train for dangers, his thoughts about how to keep everyone safe seemed spot on. So, I was surprised that he allowed his brother, Owen, to consistently ignore his suggestions and tell him repeatedly that he makes bad decisions. Owen ended up being a character that I did not enjoy in this story, however, I have liked him in the previous novels and I do look forward to following his path to happiness in a future book.
Felicity had such a sad past, with a family who treated her poorly and used her as a servant. I really felt for her and all that she had gone through. She had a caring heart, yet was constantly feeling overlooked and left out. She had quite a bit to deal with in this book and a lot of issues to work through.
Both of these characters had a lot to learn about how to stand up for themselves and not allow others to push them around. I was very happy when they finally grew strong enough to follow their own minds and hearts and choose each other.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"What's this?" "Nothing." "Your tears are not nothing. Did I hurt you?" "No. It's just been a long time since someone has taken care of me like this. Or maybe this is the first time."
Adventure, danger, faith, and a sweet romance take center stage. Danger comes at the wagon train from all directions, nature as well as the four-legged and two-legged kind.
Felicity longs to be loved and accepted. She works hard and faces many physical and emotional trials. She was so loving, kind, and determined. I enjoyed her relationship with sweet Ben. August is the strong, silent man. He is a fierce protector and brilliant tracker/scout. His struggle to trust his instincts and believe that he could possibly know better than his brother was intense. I really enjoyed the growth in his relationship with his siblings. His interactions with Ben were heart-melting. Felicity and August’s growing friendship that budded into a sweet romance was delightful.
A few more quotes: “Did you really want to kiss me?” She glanced down shyly. “Yes. I—I think so.”
"I need some help. You wanna do something stupid?"
Note: This is book 3 in the Wagon Train Matches series. While it can be enjoyed as a stand alone, the characters and wagon train trip build from book to book. I’m excited to start Owen and Rachel’s story soon!
TROPES 🐎Friends to Lovers 🐎Mute FMC 🐎Oregon Trail 🐎Sweet, No-Spice Romance 🐎Protective MMC 🐎Found Family
--💟💟--
A Trail Untamed is a sweet, heartwarming story with determined characters fighting for the chance to start a new life while braving the Oregon Trail. This story follows August, the lone-wolf brother of Commander Owen, and Felicity, a sweet woman escaping a life that was thrust upon her. At the start of the story, an accident has taken Felicity's voice, further hindering her quest for independence. I loved this story and DEVOURED it in one day, so I would highly suggest everyone pick up this series to enjoy on a nice cozy afternoon!
I'll admit, took me a while to grow fond of Felicity. Her plight deserved sympathy - she had been forced to take care of her half and stepsiblings while her stepmother treated her poorly and her father ignored her. She had my empathy, but when she and August discover Ben, a child left in the destruction of a raid on her caravan, I expected Felicity to understand Ben's plight more than anyone. She was described by everyone as sweet and kind, so I was surprised to read her inner thoughts of resentment. While it made sense, I felt so bad for Ben, because children can be perceptive. Although I understand that this is a character development pin for Felicity, it sort of rubbed me the wrong way. It didn't feel like Felicity's character, and I kind of wish that it would have been through Ben, not because of Ben, that she learned to put herself first. I think it would have been a great bonding moment for her and Ben too.
Because she read as an entirely resentful person, so even though I warmed up to her later, I felt like that fondness was stagnated by Felicity's reactions toward Ben.
This is NOT to say that I didn't love Felicity though - this girl is a surefire and a part of my heart and I WILL fight for her 💗I loved how Felicity already had a trickle of a bond with Ben, much like an older and younger sister bond. Felicity went through numerous hardships yet continued to persevere, and after reading what her stepmother had done to her, I was rooting for Felicity to have the happy ending she deserved. I'm curious what age she is, because it's mentioned she is a spinster, but also left home at sixteen. I was hoping for Felicity's voice to return so she could convey her feelings, and even then, I felt like her voice was stronger than anyone else's even when she wasn't speaking. Later in the novel, she risks herself numerous times for the people she loves, proving her bravery that I really admired in her.
August, our MMC, was immediately my favorite character when I started reading this book. He's described as quiet and lonesome, but he actually talks quite a bit, and there weren't many scenes where he was on his own (I think there was only one instance). August is a downright protective MMC who's willing to do anything for the people he loves (especially Felicity and Ben 😉) and I was blown away by how sweet August was with Ben, like a big brother and little sister dynamic!
August was the kind of person who would go around helping anybody and everybody that needed help, but it was his bond with Felicity and Ben that endeared me to him. He wasn't afraid to risk his life for either of them, and the way he would hold Felicity when danger approached just made my heart swoon 🥰And that kiss? The moment where it all locks in place? Oh, that was a beautiful scene from August!
I do wish we had more character development for him, because his antagonist is supposed to be Owen, his older brother who's supposed to dictate everything that August does, but Owen actually rarely does this. He's described as one of the leaders of the caravan, so when he tells August to do things, they're usually tasks that will benefit the caravan, which August does without any internal complaint. I felt Owen was just being a protective older brother, not overbearing in any way, and his reasons made sense because he was the leader - it's his job to give orders. All of them were reasonable, too. So, I did find it strange when Owen and August were said to have a tense relationship but actually seemed to get on very well. I did love how their bond strengthened later in the story, but I wish we'd gotten more tension in the beginning.
Regardless, Owen was just 🥵I love August, but Owen is *chef's kiss*. I mean, you can't expect me to NOT like a commanding man who's older and surefooted. August is a sweetheart, don't get me wrong, and he's a protective MMC that we LOVE to see, but there's something about Owen's commanding aura that just makes me swoon 😂his banter with Rachel is honestly incredible, and from the moment they started interacting, I knew they had instant chemistry!
And Ben! Oh, I can't forget about Ben! She's the sweetest child who was in the abandoned, ravaged caravan, and I loved how she was the perfect foil to Felicity - open with her wants and emotions, not afraid to be her authentic self, and the bond she formed with Felicity was just the sweetest! I wanted to cry when we saw the scene with Ben and her father, because honestly, Ben stole the show, and her relationship with our protagonists made me want a whole book about Ben!
--> Lacy Williams if you're reading this...will we get a Ben story 👀
As for the other characters, I felt like there were too many. I understand Rachel was needed to set up the next book, but her side plotline with her pregnancy and issues with older brother Daniel felt unnecessary, since she and Ben came from the same caravan, I think just having Ben be a survivor would be fine. Having Rachel and Daniel added scenes that I didn't quite find necessary. I also thought Rachel was a little unfair to Owen at times; while I understood why she was angry (I mean, who wouldn't be angry at what he'd done?), I felt like her anger was often misplaced, especially since the event was an accident. However, I can't defend Owen too much - it took him a while to apologize tooo. The subplot of Rachel and August marrying felt like it came and went in the blink of an eye.
Additionally, we had an influx of characters and info dumping right at the get-go, and it was a lot of information and characters to remember at once, which made me repeatedly have to go back and remember what I was reading. I even forgot, at one point, who Leo and Coop and Collin were, and in the beginning, because we learned about Leo and August's relationship, I thought HE would be the antagonist 😅so I was thrown in for a loop because of all the information dumping and influx of characters that later on didn't feel necessary to the plot.
In that vein, I do wish the plot had more action. I loved the end, when everything started heating up and there was an entire confrontation and battle (no spoilers 😉) but I felt for the beginning and middle of the book, the plot traversed slowly. I wish we got more scenes of August and Felicity together! I wanted to see some more caravan action, maybe sleepless nights where they confessed their pasts to each other, or action-packed days chasing after Ben, eating dinner, singing songs, or in general, anything to strengthen their bond. In the brief moments where Owen and Rachel spoke, I felt like they had more chemistry than August and Felicity. There was also a lot of telling and not enough showing, and I wish I'd gotten to understand HOW the characters felt, on more than a surface level.
But the confession scene 👀Oh, my poor heart 😂I was already down for August, Williams didn't need any more of a reason for me to fall for him. That moment where their lips meet so gently, when they're beneath the glimmering stars, when they finally say the "I love you..." I was MELTED! I tell you, I MELTED!
I rooted so hard for Felicity in that moment, because she deserved that kiss, that wedding, that confession - everything! I wish there could have been some kind of retribution to her stepmom and dad where it would have been a 'suck it!' moment when they realized just what an amazing woman they'd lost. Felicity never would have - she's the sweetest and has such a tender heart - but honestly, I kind of want Ben or even Abigail (Felicity's friend) to give it to Felicity's family, like a middle finger but in a 'see what you lost' kind of way 😂😂I'm not sure they had the middle finger back then in these times.
I think the scenes with the mysterious caravan raid was my favorite! It served not only as bonding for our protagonists but also a mystery beneath the romance! (Also I hated Daniel with a passion and he deserved what he got 😅- like Rachel, girl, I get it. He's your brother. But nobody should treat someone cruelly in grief. Is it wrong I wish Rachel had tossed him 😂). I loved the twist at the end and I was sooo rooting for Ben and her father - no spoilers here, you just HAVE to read it.
Overall, while the story felt lengthy and dragged at times, and even though it took me a little bit of time to grow close to our FMC, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to read the rest in the series, particularly Owen and Rachel! I loved Felicity's strength and she deserved her happy ending! August as well! They are a sweet couple that will hold my heart and I hope we see glimpses of them in future books!
A Trail Untamed by Lacy Williams is the third book in the lovely Wagon Train Matches Series. This is by far my most favorite series by Ms. Williams, with this being my favorite couple so far. This time it is August’s story which was hinted to be next at the end of book two. The characters are authentic, while their struggles are not sugar coated nor the unknown dangers on the trail.
Felicity longs for a love that is one that chooses her. She is a Christian, but her childhood left much to make her feel unworthy and unwanted. Her story is sad at times, but God does give her strength and determination. She grows in her faith and her perspective as the story progresses. August is a people pleaser, hardworking, honest but full of self-doubt. I was more than ready for him to stand up to his well-meaning if overbearing brother. Together they encourage the best from each other to shine. What a charming couple. No other conclusion would have worked for these two, no matter how much it seemed to never be going to happen. I breathed a joyful sigh of relief when it did.
If new to the series, this was a story that could be read even if you had not read the previous two books. Any backstory needed is given. However, like that old potato chip ad, you can’t just eat one. You will want to read all the stories in this Westward Movement historical fiction series. Readers were pointed to the next story which I eagerly await.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary digital ARC of the book which I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
My review today is on the Christian Western Romance, A Trai Untamed. This is book three in the series Wagon Train Matches. I'm a big fan of Lacy's work. She brings the Wild West right into your living room. Her characters seem so real they become your friends. This story is well-written, action-packed, and full of faith. I know you are going to love it.
Felicity was injured in a tornado in book two. She is struggling with her injuries and is still unable to speak. She has had to depend on the others on the train as she has lost everything. August was the one who found her and has been there to care for her. She longs for love and can't help but come to care for him. He is so gentle and good to her. He seems to see her only as a friend.
August has come on the train with his brother. They came East to find a half-brother they didn't know about. They are now returning to their home in the west. August is a loner and is trying to get out from under his overbearing brother. He takes a marriage wager with his brother so he can own their ranch. He finds himself drawn to Felicity but his brother has someone else in mind.
A harrowing journey across the Midwest. Can these two find the love they both crave? God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.
I have enjoyed this series very much. I think this is my favorite book in the series so far but I have loved all the books! I just loved the characters in this one so much and the perils that they and the entire wagon train faced. There was truly a lot of action and it showed the scary times that wagon trains faced while making their way West. Many of my ancestors were pioneers and went on wagon trains to the West so I have been fascinated with this series. I enjoyed getting to know more about August. He is quieter than his brother, Owen, and very responsible. He's been chosen as one of the scouts and leaders but he doesn't enjoy it. He just does what needs to be done. He helped Felicity in the previous book when she got injured by a tornado. She has been unable to speak since then. I liked how he always checks on her to see how she is! Felicity has had a hard life and during the book you can see why she came on this wagon train. There were so many trials that happened to the group and for them to keep going was a miracle! You had to have a lot of faith, bravery and courage to continue on in the face of tribulations back then! A great read!
A Trail Untamed, by Lacy Williams is book three in the Wagon Train Matches series. This story follows after the second in the series with the same characters and references incidents from the previous stories. The author does a good job of filling in background information. The couple featured in this story are August and Felicity. August is a very caring person and looks out for others. His brother wants him to marry a newcomer to the wagon train, but he's not sure. Felicity is still struggling with healing from the injuries from the storm that hit the trail earlier. Yet, she is there to help others and care for a young girl they find along the way. I enjoyed the growing friendship between the two and enjoyed how they interacted with the young girl.
This is a well written, easy to read story. I enjoyed reading of Felicity's sewing talent and how she makes things for others. I also enjoyed the suspense and mystery surrounding the danger on the trail. This story shows the dangers that some of the wagon trains had to deal with. This is a fun story to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, this is my honest review.
Lacy Williams continues to enthrall readers with her gripping Wagon Train Matches series. A Trail Untamed kept me on the edge of my seat.
This is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone as the author fills in important details from previous books.
I loved the progression of the wagon train journey with amazingly creative crises that felt true to life.
The romance that unfolds between August and Felicity is sweet and beautiful. I love how both characters dealt with their insecurities and learned to stand up for what they wanted before it was too late.
I strongly recommend this book (and the whole series) for fans of Christian Historical Romance. Another great story from Lacy Williams!
Genre: Christian Historical Romance Series: Can be stand alone (But the whole series is great!) Location: Oregon Trail Time Period: estimated 1860s / 1870s Romance: Very clean. Light kissing. Faith: Mention of prayer and seeking God.
Disclaimer: I requested and received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
I loved August and Felicity's story as well as the continuing Oregon trail trip. Felicity's story was so sad but she learned a lot from others on this trip and taking care of sweet Ben helped her also. I loved the antics of the kitten and the purpose it gave to Ben. August has a sad history and has always done what his brother, Owen, told him to do. There comes a point in the story that August realizes he needs to make his own life decisions. Coop helped him see that. I would love to see a story for Coop also. I look forward to reading Owen and Rachel's story and how they fall in love. The author did a great job keeping the story clean with no intimate scenes. I so appreciate that in an author. I highly recommend all the books in this series.
Wow! What a great story. It's characters face emotional challenges, both from their pasts and from their current circumstances. Plus there's all the action you'd expect from an old-fashioned western movie. It was so much fun to read. BUT, do keep tissues handy.
August is insecure about his decision making process. He only sees where *his* choices didn't turn out the way he thought they should. We see him finally stand up boldly in this area and it felt so good to see/read the change that it brought to him.
Felicity has her own struggles with her worth, but watching her get blown away by the thanks and praise from her fellow travelers for just doing things that needed doing—her realizing that she's seen and valued, wow! Yeah, I cried.
An exciting adventure with many surprises on the way. From the weather, to buffalos, to bandits, this story moves quickly. There is deep sadness with loss of family but deep love as hearts open to care for others. Good decisions verses bad decisions at every turn.
Felicity and August both battle their past and heartaches they have faced. They both must overcome their fears and step up to take hold of their future; the past molds us but shouldn’t hold us captive. Little Ben adds a little spice to things also.
I enjoyed the story and would definitely re-read it. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions.
A great historical story of a wagon train headed to Oregon. August has been serving as a scout for the trip since their leader was injured during a tornado earlier. His brother is one of the captains who helps keep order of the group. Making a marriage wager with that same brother seemed to be the only way to get relief from him. Felicity lost use of her vocal chords and injured a few ribs in the same tornado as the wagon master. August had been the one to find her. She has relied on the kindness of August and others to be able to continue the journey. His kindness and care has caused her to have feelings for him but his brother has other ideas for him.
Each book in this series gets better than the last one. This was great. I feel part of this wagon train family and the adventure west is almost like taking it with them. Lacy has a way of drawing you into their lives and causing you to feel their every emotion. She’s an outstanding author. Never a boring moment. Can’t put these books down once you start. Such excellent research. Learn so much about what the early settlers of our great country endured. They are what made our country great — their persistence, their determination, their courage , their faith and their dreams of a better life — and willing to pay the price to obtain their goal.
How is it that I find myself loving each book in this series even more than the last? I'll admit I almost put this book down 3/4 of the way through when the author ripped out my heart and stomped it into the dirt. I'm so glad I kept reading! This was such a sweet story, and you just can't help but love August and Felicity on their journey of learning to trust each other and themselves. I am so excited for Owen's story next. That cliffhanger at the end! You'll find yourself as excited to continue the series as I am!
This is the third book in Lacy Williams’ series, Wagon Train Matches. It is well titled, dealing with dangers along the way west – buffalo, bandits, storms. More characters are introduced to add interest, tension, and more personal stories to learn about. Themes of expectations vs reality, dealing with difficult pasts, trusting one’s decisions, and family/personal relationships are handled well. I had a hard time putting the book down, and once again, I’m eager for the next installment.
A Trail Untamed is a sweet love story. The character are faced with many hazards along the Oregon Trail. Lacy Williams depicts accurate daily life during this time period. The reading experience will be enhanced as you read it as part of the series instead of stand-alone as there are many carry over characters from the first two stories. This is a fun series you won't want to miss.
~ While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.
A Trail Untamed is the exciting third addition to the wonderful Wagon Train Matches series. Once again, we join the trek of the Oregon Trail wagon train reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones. I love August and Felicity and how they helped each other overcome the struggles with old hurts in their individual lives. A fast-paced plot, an authentic western setting, richly created characters, sweet romance, and inspiring faith lessons combine to make an entertaining, uplifting read. I highly recommend this book and series especially for fans of inspirational western romance. Note: This book can easily be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the books in order to gain background information and just because they are all so good! I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August and Felicity are drawn together after he rescued her from a crushed wagon. His kindness draws her in and he sees her kind spirit as she takes care of others. Each of them have wounds from their past, but they find healing together. They face danger and almost lose their future, but in the end love wins out. I can't wait to read Owen's and Rachel's story. I hope Coop finds redemption as well.
This is the third in this series of tale about their travels on the Oregon Trail.August is one of the two step brothers and they always seem to be at odds and with their step siblings too. Danger has found them again and is taking a terrible tole on the whole train. You will enjoy the way they handle the adventure, the danger, the murders that are trying to kill them all so they can loot their train.
What an exceptional clean, Christian romance! I love wagon train romances and this one checked every one of the boxes!! It was exciting, intense, teasing, flirty, tragic, aggravating, apprehensive, and finally, at its conclusion, it was absolutely blissful! I so enjoy a book like this and you will, too! I received an advanced copy from the author and this review is my own opinion. 🙏♥️🙏♥️
August and Felicity had me from the first page. My favorite couple from this collection. There is so much going on in this story. You will charmed by August and relate to Felicity. The continuing and additional cast of characters keep you entertained while staying involved in their lives. I just wish they came out closer together because I love the series so much.
I loved reading this book. I picked it up and could not put it down. This is the third book in this series and just as good as the first ones. This is about August and Felicity and there travel on the Oregon trail. This one is about a outlaw attacking the wagon train. It is ver good. Such an enjoyable read.
August can't seem to do anything to suit his brother Owen. And Felicity seems to have a similar problem. However, they both have a penchant for helping others and that brings them together at a crucial time. Another good story of the trials settlers faced on the Oregon Trail.
Choices matter, but one mistake doesn't have to make the man
Thieves and buffalo stampede keep the wagon train on its toes and makes our hero realize he is not a little boy anymore. The heroine also comes out of her shell and fights for the love she has always wanted. Highly recommended for all readers. Great series, can't wait for the next to be done.
I started reading book four, I enjoyed it so much that I'm reading the series now. It's amazing the hardships that the families went through to better their life's. Reading Lace William's book on the Oregon trail showed the dangers every day, she made her book come alive and I was there riding and walking with the pioneers.
If you like romance on the wagon train, this is the series for you. In book #3, August has a wager with his brother to sign over his land if he doesn't marry. He doesn't expect to actually fall in love, but then he sees Felicity. There is lots of drama and excitement in this book. I loved it and all the characters. Good read!
From friends to soul mates on the American praire.
Loved being with this author again. August and Felicity story was sweet. Both had awful pasts to get through. But their love for each other helped to put the past to rest. They were a help to each other. They became parents early to little Ben. Enjoyed the bonus story too to this story. Looking forward to more in this series.
I’m hooked on this series and this book didn’t disappoint. Lacy Williams does a great job of keeping the story line moving along, and you get a bit of idea of how hard it must have been for those traveling west in a wagon train. Love, danger, and loss are experienced by the travelers as they navigate relationships and daily trials.
Felicity always feels like shes never been the chosen one. Shes had trials and tribulations her entire life and life on the trail is no different. When August, a loner, rescues her after a tornado hits the wagon train they strike a friendship. This story can be a stand alone read but I've read the first three and can't put down these stories. I can't wait to complete the set I'm so immersed in!
Another exciting saga in this Oregon Trail series! This story definitely has its ahare of tragedies and adventures, but all set around the growing romance of August and Felicity! I loved Coop's part in saving the day, and I hated Ben's heartache! But, nothing surprised me about the ending, I thought they should be together from the first time she bothered him! Lol!