Beyond The Cherokee Trail

by Lisa Carter

When Linden Birchfield arrives in the Snowbird Cherokee community to organize the 180th commemoration of the Trail of Tears, she runs head on—literally—into arrogant former army sniper Walker Crowe. A descendant of the Cherokee who evaded deportation by hiding in the rugged Snowbird Mountains, Walker believes no good can result from stirring up the animosity with the white Appalachian residents whose ancestors looted the tribal lands so long ago.

Though at odds over the commemoration, Linden and Walker must unite against an unseen threat to derail the festival. Together they face an enemy whose implacable hatred can be traced to the events of the Trail, a dark chapter in America’s westward expansion. When called to resurrect his sniper abilities, Walker must thwart the enemy who threatens the modern-day inhabitants of tiny Cartridge Cove—and targets the woman who has captured his heart.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Writer. Book Lover. Avid Gardener. World Traveler.

Lisa Carter is the Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author of more than thirty books. She writes the contemporary Truelove Matchmaker romance series with Love Inspired. She also writes romantic suspense—best described as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” When not hard at work on her next fictional adventure, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. www.lisacarterauthor.com

Follow Lisa on BookBub for the latest book news at https://bit.ly/3G2iWGv.

Join her newsletter mailing list for book happenings at https://rb.gy/2ilkh7.

Reviews

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took an undergraduate course at the university and really loved reading books in the Native American Culture. I have found some new writers, such as Louise Edrich, Sherman Alexie, Leslie Marmon Silko, to add to my shelf. It was one of the hardest classes I took, besides Shakespeare, but Dr. Baker’s love for the Native American culture shone in her lectures. This class has spurn my love of my heritage and using examples from the Native American culture in other classes. As a direct descendent of the Cherokee Indians, I was fascinated by reading and learning more about other tribes that formed our great nation.

I knew Lisa Carter had written a couple of other books that feature different Native American tribes, but my local library doesn’t have them, and I haven’t seen them anywhere to purchase them. When I found out Netgalley had her newest release up for grabs, I jumped at the chance to get a copy.

I enjoyed how Carter draws a connection to the famous Trial of Tears to the modern story. The story is told from two different perspectives. We have Sarah Jane’s who lived in 1838 and took the horrible journey with the Cherokee Indians, and Linden Birchfield who lives in the future. 2018 to be exact. Carter does a good job at intertwining the historical aspect with the modern story. I really enjoyed how Sarah Jane kept reminding Pierce that the Cherokee’s rituals to their god was really the same thing as modern Christians did to our God. I think a lot of people forget that aspect of the Cherokee’s culture.

While the conflict centers around the Cherokee’ removal, the story does have a number of love stories for the romance fans. There is a love story in the past between Sarah Jane and Pierce and Touch the Clouds and another woman. In the future story, Linden falls in love with a fallen sniper named Walker. There is no violence or sexual content, so the story is safe for fans of any age.

I had a couple of issues with the story. While the historical background was deeply researched, which is proven with the historical timeline, I wondered why Carter allowed the present part of the story to take place in 2018, which is three years from now. Why not just title it the present day? I’m sure Carter wanted to stay with the seventy years from the movement, but it was odd for me. Second, as an avid fan of Native American writings from someone on the inside of the Native American culture, this story did not really ring true to that genre. I could tell this story was written by someone on the outside looking into their culture and trying to tell a story about the past. Not that it ruined the story. It was different than what I was expecting.

I received a complimentary copy of Beyond the Cherokee Trail from Abingdon Press and the opinions stated are all my own.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

What about this book is Romantic Suspense? there is only one mention of vandalism to the center and the evil who's stalking the festival, according to the blurb, shows up maybe twice? Once because Linden had to go see the ancient site, and I think the author finally remember there's suppose to be an antagonist. and Second at the end of the book. There wasn't even much of a showdown. Dude got fried by the fire he started in the first place. The rest of the book was a typical romance story from haters to lovers. (I get really tired of those)

Okay there are two sections to this book. I'll review them briefly separately
First the past. Introduced when we find Sarah's diary. I didn't expect the time jump. And I wasn't sure I liked it at first but in the end. I find I enjoyed Sarah's part a lot more. I wish the entire book had been about her I think it might have been a bit more impactful. Especially since the Modern day part had absolute no suspense in it that justifies it Romantic Suspense as labeled on the spine. What I didn't like was that Sarah married Pierce in the end. I get why the author went that way, but I wanted her to tell him no, especially after the way he treated her. And when the day after their wedding day he's having a sobbing fit because she wasn't Leila. But she made her choice and stuck with it. Which I actually admired. But at the end when Pierce finally pulled his head out of his butt, she was happy because he'd finally become that man she'd seen he could be. So basically Sarah married Pierce for his potential. She loved what he could be. And I don't like that message, because generally if you marry someone you are marrying that person, not their potential. If you're marrying someone because of who or what they could be then likely you'll be unhappy because there is no guarantee that person will become the person you hope they will be. Sarah loved Pierce, and I think it really only worked because the author made it work. He was in love with another woman his entire marriage. And all of a sudden he decides he's loved Sarah all along? I think it was only because he had competition. Otherwise, he would have continued to lust after Leila.
The Modern Portion. Yeah, I tended to skim through those chapters. I didn't care for Lindin. and Once again I was subjected to a forced Haters to Lovers trope. Walker took a minute to grow on me, but Lindin, she never really did. And honestly, I really wanted to focus more on her Grandmother and Ross than her and Walker. Those two were far more interesting.
American Indian culture fascinates me, but I am not a scholar. So I can't say how accurate the information is but for such a heavy topic I was able to read through it fairly quickly. Which can be a con for some readers, since I don't know if this story will stick with you in the long run.
So recommended? Possibly. It wasn't bad
Buy/Borrow? Borrow

[Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Excellent

If it's possible for a book to be beyond excellent, Beyond the Cherokee Trail is just that, beyond excellent! From high prose to gripping plot to believable, relatable characters, to heroism and faith in the face of nearly insurmountable obstacles, to multiple timelines and storylines seamlessly interwoven, Beyond the Cherokee Trail soars. Filled with historical details that bring to life the tragic journey of the Cherokee nation along the Trail of Tears juxtaposed with a fictional examination of its effect upon modernity, it causes the reader to assess our own response to the depth of bigotry that leads one culture to commit genocide against a less powerful culture. Beyond the Cherokee Trail achieves this by telling the history through the developing relationship between publicist Linden and native born Walker. As Caucasian Linden learns the People's history through the eyes of Walker, the reader is led to understand the impact of that history on the present day. Not to mention, the ah ha moment this reader experienced as old family stories leapt to life. What an excellent read this was!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2
Linden Birchfield is organizing the 180th commemoration of the Trail of Tears in the Cherokee community of Cartridge Cove. That's where she runs into Walker Crowe. Walker is an ex-army sniper whose ancestors hid in the Snowbird Mountains to avoid deportation. Walker doesn't think any good will come out this commemorative festival but will only dredge up the past. Even though they seem to be like oil and water, they have an undeniable chemistry. Walker is strong in his faith but not really looking for love, until Linden. Linden's past has caused her to lose faith and give up what her heart desires. She and her Grandma find the diary of a woman who lived during that period and Linden is captivated by her story. As the festival draws closer so do Walker and Linden. Linden is finding solace in the Snowbird Mountains but the quiet community is disrupted when they find some don't want to festival to take place. Will Walker and Linden discover who they are before it’s too late?

I loved this story. It's really two stories in one. The author alternates between the modern day story and the diary, which is the historical account of the Trail of Tears. At first, I wasn't sure if I would like that but I found myself fascinated by both stories. I loved getting to know all the characters in both stories but especially Sarah Jane (in the diary). Wow. I was reminded throughout the story of the strength of the human spirit and the faithfulness of God in the darkest of times. There was so much emotion, especially in the last half of the book that I found myself grabbing for the tissues. Linden was a bit frustrating to me the way she kept wallowing in her past but I know any one of us could probably be that way about something. I loved Walker Crowe. He was one of those heroes that you just can't get enough of, you know, the swoon-worthy type! This is one of those stories that just keeps you turning pages because you have to know what happens. The only thing that would have made this story better for me was an epilogue. I loved the ending but just wished it would have been carried out a little further. The author's dedication lets you know that though the story is fiction the historical events are not. That really elevated this book to another level. You'll understand why it's called The Trail of Tears. Beyond the Cherokee Trail is a story that will stay with you long after you close the book. It's a keeper and one I would definitely recommend.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Abingdon Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Some Favorite quotes:
She made a conscious effort to peel her eyes off Walker Crowe. And Failed. Because despite the red flannel shirt and cell phone affixed to the pocket of his blue jeans - all of which he filled out so well - there was something wild and untamed about him. Exciting and scary, all at the same instant.

"You are all he talked about when he picked me up for our rotation at the dinner - and believe me when I tell you Walker uses words like he has to pay for each one."

"...I discovered my faith had been misplaced." "What do you mean?" "My faith in these mountains. In myself. In everything that had no power in and of itself to cleanse and heal."

For more information about this book or other books by Lisa Carter, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.lisacarterauthor.com/

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite hands down of Lisa Carter's books so far. I have a few reasons for this, such as for the story, which is present day blended every chapter or so with an 1800's storyline telling first hand the story of the Trail of Tears. This is a method I often find irritating but it was done top notch here and I was equally invested in both stories. I really appreciated the deeper themes woven in dealing with grief and fear, and finding your home not in a place or family but ultimately in God who is the only one who will never fail you.

Linden Birchfield is attempting to run away from her troubled past and has landed in Cartridge Cove to live with her Gran who is turning an old family home into a B&B and she has also been hired to organized the 180th anniversary of Trail Where We Cried. I didn't know what the Trail of Tears was or about the Cherokee being forced from their homes and land in the 1800s in vast numbers and forcibly marched west so I learned a lot from reading the historic side of this.

Walker Crowe has come home to Cartridge Cove after an overseas stint as an Army sniper. He's finding it difficult to readjust to society and finds it easier to hide away at his tree farm. He is opposed to the commemoration, not wanting to dredge up old prejudices and hurts between the white Appalachians and the Cherokee who descended from those who escaped the forced march and returned home. As a leader in the community however, he is appointed to liaison with Linden, and help her win over some of the older generation.

Beyond The Cherokee Trail is a well written story, rich with history and makes you think deeper than you may have expected to, but it is not slow nor does it drag at any point. I was not tempted to skip ahead a few pages, or breeze over the sermon (there are none), you know how that can be. It's fantastic, add this one to your reading list!

I received this ebook from Abingdon Press and Netgalley for the purpose of an honest review. My opinion is my own. Thank you Abingdon Press!

[Honeybee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is another great story by Lisa Carter about American Indians and whites--this time featuring the Snowbird Cherokee of the Appalachians in North Carolina. As always in her novels, the author weaves in plenty of the culture and history of the early residents of the area. I especially love the way she shifts back and forth from modern-day characters, Linden and Walker, and former residents, Sarah Jane, Pierce, Leila and Touch the Clouds. It makes the novel a great two-for-one combination of historical and contemporary fiction.

Through an old diary found in a trunk in her grandmother's attic, Linden Birchfield learns about her forebear, Sarah Jane Hopkins--daughter of a medical missionary to the Cherokee--and how her life intertwined with the fate of the Indians forced to travel west on the Trail of Tears. Meanwhile, sparks fly as Linden works reluctantly with Walker Crowe to coordinate a festival to reunite Western Cherokee with their Snowbird relatives on the 180th anniversary of the relocation of the Cherokee. Tearing down walls of pride, shame and fear, while learning to focus on God and trust Him with their past, present and future, all the characters grow in love and grace instead.

Lisa Carter challenges not only her readers' hearts with her Christian message, but she challenges our heads, too, with a robust vocabulary. I looked up over a dozen words through the course of this novel--most of which were derived from French. She must have had a fantastic editorial team, too, as I found only two typos in the entire book (most unusual for a professional proofreader)!

If you love a good, clean romance or historical fiction, then you will find some of the best of both worlds in this book. Not only that, but you will learn about the Trail of Tears and a bit of Civil War history from the region. If you struggle with guilt, shame or grief, this story may prove a catalyst for healing. And if you simply love the American Indians, as I do, you will not be disappointed. This book is a page-turner you won't want to put down!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 180 years the wounds are not healed and prejudices still run deep.

Description
When Linden Birchfield arrives in the Snowbird Cherokee community to organize the 180th commemoration of the Trail of Tears, she runs head on—literally—into arrogant former army sniper Walker Crowe. A descendant of the Cherokee who evaded deportation by hiding in the rugged Snowbird Mountains, Walker believes no good can result from stirring up the animosity with the white Appalachian residents whose ancestors looted the tribal lands so long ago.

Though at odds over the commemoration, Linden and Walker must unite against an unseen threat to derail the festival. Together they face an enemy whose implacable hatred can be traced to the events of the Trail, a dark chapter in America’s westward expansion. When called to resurrect his sniper abilities, Walker must thwart the enemy who threatens the modern-day inhabitants of tiny Cartridge Cove—and targets the woman who has captured his heart.

I was hooked from the first page. I couldn’t put it down so read it in one afternoon. I love books that have a fiction story-line but are based on historical fact. This is one of the best. The atrocities the Cherokee faced during deportation will bring tears to your eyes and their triumphs will bring joy to your heart. This book is filled with a little mystery, romance and forgiveness. I highly recommend this book…just be sure to have the tissues near by.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the publisher, Abingdon Press, through NetGalley blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting multi-layered story that brings together the lives of two groups of people from 1838 and their descendants in 2018. The focal point is a large commemorative festival that will include a group of the Western Band of Cherokee in Oklahoma meeting with the Eastern Band in a small community in the Snowbird Mountains of North Carolina. Linden Birchfield, a descendant of the early white settlers of the community, has been hired to handle the public relations work. Her grandmother has an old trunk that was passed down from her ancestors and contains the diary of one of the early settlers. The author slowly reveals the historical events of the removal of the Cherokees from North Carolina and surrounding states in 1838 as the various aspects of the festival are being planned. There is great suspense to learn what happened to the Cherokee Indians and the settlers during that time in history and to watch as events unfold for the festival that's being planned. Just as tensions ran very high during the removal, tensions seem to run high during the preparation for the festival. I especially enjoyed reading the historical events because the author states at the outset that the characters are fictional but the events are historical. I learned some things about the Cherokee Indians, western North Carolina, and the Trail of Tears as I read. For example, I have heard of the Great Smoky Mountains most of my life and thought all of the Eastern Band of Cherokee lived around Cherokee, N.C. in the Smoky Mountains. I did not know the Snowbird Mountains existed. Anyone who likes U.S. history, suspense, romance, and drama will enjoy this book.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything I love in a novel. It is well crafted. The characters grabbed me. I learned something about a heartbreaking time in our nation's history. Carter interweaves a contemporary story involving the Snowbird Cherokee in North Carolina with that of their ancestors' removal from that territory in 1838. I found the present day story intriguing and the historical one captivating. I had read about the Trail of Tears in school but had thought little about it. Carter brings that historical event to life. The present day story is good too, a troubled romance between two flawed people. It really showed the reality of God healing people of their past. I don't know how Carter packed so much into a novel. The extensive discussion questions are great.
You can read my complete review at http://bit.ly/1Xg7psJ.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been...I don't know how long since a book so thoroughly wrung me out emotionally! Seriously. I had to take a break and walk away to compose myself at one point! The back cover blurb doesn't really give an accurate synopsis, but it also doesn't do the other half of the story justice. So...don't judge this one by it's cover. Please. While I loved both the modern and historical stories, I have to say Sarah Jane's side of the tale is the one that made this book for me. The hope, disappointment, agony, love, and sacrifice were woven together so beautifully, I was very nearly brought to tears in between mood swings and scowling at several characters in particular -_- oi. Linden's story was enjoyable as well, but one I recommend for mature readers due to several "swoony" scenes. Altogether another gripping read from Carter. Have a tissue handy.

[Terri Wangard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linden Birchfield finds a diary in an old trunk in her grandmother’s attic which leads her to learn more about her ancestor Sarah Jane Hopkins, the writer, and the people she mentions 180 years ago. Sarah Jane helped her physician father, who ministered to the Cherokee when they were evicted from their homes and forced to Oklahoma. The Hopkins journeyed with the Cherokee along the tragic Trail of Tears.

Linden has her own troubles that inhibit her from pursuing a tantalizing relationship with Walker Crowe.

I enjoy the two story threads that Lisa Carter skillfully weaves together. The lives of those who’ve gone before us can help us learn how to live our lives to the fullest by following their lead or avoiding their mistakes.

Another winner from Lisa Carter.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly interesting read. My attention was really caught once the second narrative, told through the diary found by Linden, comes into play. The alternating story lines, showing how the past's influence can be felt in the present, really made the story for me. I'm not sure that the synopsis is really accurate, as the 'unseen threat' doesn't affect the novel until about eighty percent in. I particularly enjoyed the attention to historic details.

I was provided with a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Vickie T · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up because of the title and it sounded like a mystery. The description on the back of the book was misleading. The chapters alternated between present day and 1838. I really wasn't in the mood to read about the Trail of Tears, one if the most wretched chapters of history. It was also Christian fiction. Christianity and Indians? Not a good history there either. But I gave it a try. The story from 1838 was much more interesting than the contemporary story which turned out to be a typical romance and not much mystery at all. Considering the topic it was a light easy read. When you consider the Trail of Tears it should not have been.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice, Christian, romantic suspense story with a long-ago story--about the Cherokee people on the Trail of Tears--threaded through it.

*I really think the difference here between three and four stars for me is that I've read several of Carter's books in a row. I think if I'd put more time between reading each one, then I won't have noticed the similarities between/among the books. This is more a case of similarity fatigue than a poor book. Well, and I also don't enjoy AS much books that flip between today and long ago.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning and middle enthralled me. But towards the end the story (for me) ran out of steam and I found myself skimming more often than not. This book was not a romantic suspense as it says on the spine. More contemporary romance. That said, I did enjoy it overall and will read more by this author!

[Fanny May]

Very much enjoyed!

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fell in love with a Under a Turquoise Sky and Beneath a Navajo Moon so I was very excited about this one. This one was ok, but it just didn't reach my heart like the others.

[Candy 2FRIENDSTALKBOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Lisa Carter and I couldn't put it down!

[Donna Parker]

This book was so amazing! Loved the romance and mystery. Plus all the history! Really enjoyed it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the culture in this book. It opened my eyes to the Cherokee culture and experience.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9