What do you think?
Ribbons West #1
Westward the Dream
As the U.S. descends into the Civil War, photographer Brenton Baldwin travels west with his sister Jordana, taking pictures of the developing lands and in search of their sister. Along for the trip is young Caitlan O'Connor, who has just arrived from Ireland. Will they make it to California to find their family despite the danger that looms ahead? And can early romance grow into love in the face of trials and tragedy?
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Judith Pella
102 books242 followersJudith Pella is a bestselling, award-winning author whose writing career spans two decades. Her in-depth historical and geographical research combines with her skillful storytelling to provide readers with dramatic, thought-provoking novels. She and her husband make their home in Scapoose, Oregon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 3, 2013
I feel that I have been cheated. The book ends, and nothing is resolved, the ribbons are still not in a bow, they are flying free. Which leaves me dissatisfied. I liked Jordana, she was a free spirit. I even liked G.W. yes, he did behave like a child when disappointed. But his pride was dealt a hard blow and who doesn't act like a kid now and then? I also liked a minor character Captain Richard O'brien. I would like to hear more of these characters. Unfortunately, since there was five points of view I don't feel that the individual stories where fleshed out.
And though I liked the writing, every time I got excited about a "to be had "conversation The conversation was missed out! Not just to be heard in a later chapter but left to your imagination. I don't mind imaging what happens, I Just mind having to imagine encounters that might or might not have gone well. I'm not sure that I will bother to read the others in the series.
Once again I judged a book by it's cover. At leased I have a pretty book cover on my self! I wish the book had left me feeling the same way.
And though I liked the writing, every time I got excited about a "to be had "conversation The conversation was missed out! Not just to be heard in a later chapter but left to your imagination. I don't mind imaging what happens, I Just mind having to imagine encounters that might or might not have gone well. I'm not sure that I will bother to read the others in the series.
Once again I judged a book by it's cover. At leased I have a pretty book cover on my self! I wish the book had left me feeling the same way.
July 3, 2016
I just finished Westward the Dream. I gave it 3 stars though I wanted to give 2 in the middle (most of the time.) Interesting main idea and everything, but it was SO long, slow, boring! I thought the book was less than 400 pages, but it seemed over 500!
Okay, some places I wanted to give 5 stars (like in the action parts) and I loved everyone's thoughts and feelings. They seem so real, but the problem was there were like half a dozen perspectives. Was kind of hard to follow sometimes. Also it irritated me a lot when I know both perspectives on a problem and I know the solution to it, but they don't talk (Kieran and Victoria.) Augh!
Well, I'm not sure if it was worth the time I spent on it, but it was fine overall, I guess.
Okay, some places I wanted to give 5 stars (like in the action parts) and I loved everyone's thoughts and feelings. They seem so real, but the problem was there were like half a dozen perspectives. Was kind of hard to follow sometimes. Also it irritated me a lot when I know both perspectives on a problem and I know the solution to it, but they don't talk (Kieran and Victoria.) Augh!
Well, I'm not sure if it was worth the time I spent on it, but it was fine overall, I guess.
October 5, 2016
Traveling West!
Very enjoyable reading. Definitely a part of a series, but also complete as a stand alone book. Clean, well written, interesting!
Very enjoyable reading. Definitely a part of a series, but also complete as a stand alone book. Clean, well written, interesting!
September 8, 2022
Fun read
March 22, 2016
There were two major stories in this book...
1) Caitlan, an 18 year old Irish girl is sent away from a potentially dangerous situation to America where her much older brother is living. A letter to Brenton and Jordana Baldwin (brother and sister, who's parents are in Russia for an extended work related stay) let them know she will be arriving by ship soon, to NYC, where they live. This was such a surprise, but they soon become fast friends, even though the difference in their social status is huge. It makes no difference to the wealthy brother and sister, but Caitlan, of the very poor working class feels the difference and will not take their offerings of lodging, so sets out to work as a chamber maid at another home. Eventually they all set off for a trek across America to find her brother in California. Now, mind you, it's during the Civil war and the three of them are 19, 16, and 18. Yikes. So that's the first story, the three young folk making their way through cities where there are railroads, to take them and their photography gear until there are no more rails, where at that point a wagon and horses are purchased to make their way across the plains and mountains. Again, yikes.
The second story is of Caitlan's brother, Kiernan and his wife Victoria, who is Brenton and Jordana's older sister. Kiernan, a handsome charming, hard working Irish lad, lost Victoria's fortune after they married when they went to California to mine gold. They move from place to place, barely scraping by, eating meagerly, but are very much in love. Little do they know (it is the 1860’s and it's not like they can just view an email) his sister is escaping a bad situation and headed their way. They have no idea where she is, nor how to reach her, nor when she might get there, nor where they think she might even go, since she doesn't even know where they are. Um, yikes!
Lots of exciting stories and events happen in both stories.
I think this may be my favorite Judith Pella/Tracie Peterson book so far. I'd almost given up on their books because many were blah, in my estimation. But the writing is good, and it truly keeps your interest. Although all the talk about railroads was boring to me, it was easy to skip a few paragraphs at a time to pick back up on the story a bit later.
The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is the fact that this is not a full book. I may not have picked it up if I had known that, because now I don't know what happens to the three young people who have been traveling for over a year and are only about half way across the country. But it was a good book and well written, and you will want to find out what happens to the groups, which is the point isn't it?
1) Caitlan, an 18 year old Irish girl is sent away from a potentially dangerous situation to America where her much older brother is living. A letter to Brenton and Jordana Baldwin (brother and sister, who's parents are in Russia for an extended work related stay) let them know she will be arriving by ship soon, to NYC, where they live. This was such a surprise, but they soon become fast friends, even though the difference in their social status is huge. It makes no difference to the wealthy brother and sister, but Caitlan, of the very poor working class feels the difference and will not take their offerings of lodging, so sets out to work as a chamber maid at another home. Eventually they all set off for a trek across America to find her brother in California. Now, mind you, it's during the Civil war and the three of them are 19, 16, and 18. Yikes. So that's the first story, the three young folk making their way through cities where there are railroads, to take them and their photography gear until there are no more rails, where at that point a wagon and horses are purchased to make their way across the plains and mountains. Again, yikes.
The second story is of Caitlan's brother, Kiernan and his wife Victoria, who is Brenton and Jordana's older sister. Kiernan, a handsome charming, hard working Irish lad, lost Victoria's fortune after they married when they went to California to mine gold. They move from place to place, barely scraping by, eating meagerly, but are very much in love. Little do they know (it is the 1860’s and it's not like they can just view an email) his sister is escaping a bad situation and headed their way. They have no idea where she is, nor how to reach her, nor when she might get there, nor where they think she might even go, since she doesn't even know where they are. Um, yikes!
Lots of exciting stories and events happen in both stories.
I think this may be my favorite Judith Pella/Tracie Peterson book so far. I'd almost given up on their books because many were blah, in my estimation. But the writing is good, and it truly keeps your interest. Although all the talk about railroads was boring to me, it was easy to skip a few paragraphs at a time to pick back up on the story a bit later.
The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is the fact that this is not a full book. I may not have picked it up if I had known that, because now I don't know what happens to the three young people who have been traveling for over a year and are only about half way across the country. But it was a good book and well written, and you will want to find out what happens to the groups, which is the point isn't it?
August 15, 2017
From what I recall, this book follows an independent and daring woman, her sensible brother, and their sister-law (from Ireland) across the states from the east coast of the states, toward California - so that the sister-in-law can reunite with her sister.
It was clean and wholesome, but I was disappointed that it came to an abrupt conclusion with multiple unanswered questions.
In my opinion, each book in a series should be able to stand alone and contain some type of HEA. This book does neither.
It was clean and wholesome, but I was disappointed that it came to an abrupt conclusion with multiple unanswered questions.
In my opinion, each book in a series should be able to stand alone and contain some type of HEA. This book does neither.
September 21, 2011
I was on a Tracie Peterson feast, reading all I could with her name on it. Although I did enjoy this story and will probably read the rest of the series, it took a lot longer to read and I didn't enjoy it quite so much as some of her other novels/series
March 27, 2016
Awesome
I couldn't come up with a better word for this story than awesome. Once again I was swept away in the world that was related. I'm looking forward to reading the next book :-)
I couldn't come up with a better word for this story than awesome. Once again I was swept away in the world that was related. I'm looking forward to reading the next book :-)
May 30, 2018
This book was SO hard for me to rate because I have so many conflicting reactions. I was eager to give this book 5 stars because it contains the single most important thing to me: Christian content that is real, vibrant, and points the reader toward our heavenly Father.
The writing is good, though I suspect I know which of the two authors wrote which story line and strongly prefer one over the other. She showed a keen understanding of men, which is important if an author desires to portray realistic relationships that are helpful to their readers. Sadly, during the last half of this story line, the plotline plummeted so sharply I wondered if the author's deadline was fast approaching, and hence the lowering to four stars. This rating was underscored by the other story line which boasted one particularly bright section but featured a female protagonist and family whose attitudes and behavior would have been better suited to a forward-thinking family half a century beyond the 1860s.
Lastly, I almost deducted another star because I found out belatedly (as I read the last page!) this was part one of an interdependent series. The book starts off with three basic questions (no spoilers here. They are found on the book cover or first few chapters): 1. Will a loving and engaging couple (storyline 1) thrive despite the hardships of life in the old west? 2. What will become of an energetic young girl who holds her own judgment in too high esteem? 3. Will an Irish immigrant ever be re-united with her family? The first and second were somewhat answered, and the third shrugged off as no longer important to the character, leaving me surprised when I saw I'd read the book's last page. Clearly, though, this was my problem (for neglecting to notice it was part of an interdependent series), and not the authors', so I would definitely recommend this book for those who enjoy an on-going sagas.
The writing is good, though I suspect I know which of the two authors wrote which story line and strongly prefer one over the other. She showed a keen understanding of men, which is important if an author desires to portray realistic relationships that are helpful to their readers. Sadly, during the last half of this story line, the plotline plummeted so sharply I wondered if the author's deadline was fast approaching, and hence the lowering to four stars. This rating was underscored by the other story line which boasted one particularly bright section but featured a female protagonist and family whose attitudes and behavior would have been better suited to a forward-thinking family half a century beyond the 1860s.
Lastly, I almost deducted another star because I found out belatedly (as I read the last page!) this was part one of an interdependent series. The book starts off with three basic questions (no spoilers here. They are found on the book cover or first few chapters): 1. Will a loving and engaging couple (storyline 1) thrive despite the hardships of life in the old west? 2. What will become of an energetic young girl who holds her own judgment in too high esteem? 3. Will an Irish immigrant ever be re-united with her family? The first and second were somewhat answered, and the third shrugged off as no longer important to the character, leaving me surprised when I saw I'd read the book's last page. Clearly, though, this was my problem (for neglecting to notice it was part of an interdependent series), and not the authors', so I would definitely recommend this book for those who enjoy an on-going sagas.
November 6, 2019
I always know when a book is good if I want to read the sequels in the series. Not only do I want to read the sequels, I also want to read the "Ribbons of Steel" series that preceded this.
(Editing oversights found in Westward The Dream, Kindle version:
Page 34, Well, most everything / Well, ALMOST everything ; 59, as he sunk his teeth / as he SANK his teeth ; 75, brought with her a lovely broach / brought with her a lovely BROOCH (brooch = ornamental pin) ; 87, a brain in that pretty l'le head / a brain in that pretty LI'L head (short form of little, as in Li'l Abner) ; 105, It's a necessary vantage point according to the Union / It's a necessary vantage point, according to the Union ; 147, and especailly because, things seemed so dark / and ESPECIALLY because, things seemed so dark (misspelled) ;
Page 163, Don't you just love it! / Don't you just love it? (phrased as a question) ; 191, a mixed blessing they were yet unable / a mixed blessing THAT they were yet unable ; 194, don't mean to cast dispersions / don't mean to cast ASPERSIONS ; 202, Oh yes he could / Oh yes, he could ; 217, the conclusion there was some truth / the conclusion THAT there was some truth ; 219, Opening the lid she found / Opening the lid, she found ; 242, but I'd get the job down / but I'd get the job DONE ;
Page 265, put one hand to his nose to staunch the flow / put one hand to his nose to STANCH the flow ; 279, Brenton, what have they done to you! / Brenton, what have they done to you? (phrased as a question) ; 293, What was Victoria thinking leaving it open / What was Victoria thinking, leaving it open ; 317, one could have most anything / one could have ALMOST anything ; 330, ground breaking on the Union Pacific she notified us / ground breaking on the Union Pacific, she notified us .)
(Editing oversights found in Westward The Dream, Kindle version:
Page 34, Well, most everything / Well, ALMOST everything ; 59, as he sunk his teeth / as he SANK his teeth ; 75, brought with her a lovely broach / brought with her a lovely BROOCH (brooch = ornamental pin) ; 87, a brain in that pretty l'le head / a brain in that pretty LI'L head (short form of little, as in Li'l Abner) ; 105, It's a necessary vantage point according to the Union / It's a necessary vantage point, according to the Union ; 147, and especailly because, things seemed so dark / and ESPECIALLY because, things seemed so dark (misspelled) ;
Page 163, Don't you just love it! / Don't you just love it? (phrased as a question) ; 191, a mixed blessing they were yet unable / a mixed blessing THAT they were yet unable ; 194, don't mean to cast dispersions / don't mean to cast ASPERSIONS ; 202, Oh yes he could / Oh yes, he could ; 217, the conclusion there was some truth / the conclusion THAT there was some truth ; 219, Opening the lid she found / Opening the lid, she found ; 242, but I'd get the job down / but I'd get the job DONE ;
Page 265, put one hand to his nose to staunch the flow / put one hand to his nose to STANCH the flow ; 279, Brenton, what have they done to you! / Brenton, what have they done to you? (phrased as a question) ; 293, What was Victoria thinking leaving it open / What was Victoria thinking, leaving it open ; 317, one could have most anything / one could have ALMOST anything ; 330, ground breaking on the Union Pacific she notified us / ground breaking on the Union Pacific, she notified us .)
March 14, 2018
This is the first
Volume of a trilogy written about the railroad system being built from east to west. It is centered around an expansive family full if colorful characters. There is much history interspersed throughout the book alongside enjoyable romantic musings. The story is told from two different POV’s: a young brother and sister (late teens -20) plus Irish sister-in-law from the east AND an older married couple (but still young - late 20’s/early 30’s) already in California. As the story bounces back and forth, it does so quite easily and the reader begins to see the need for additional volumes...I’m off to start #2 right now!
Volume of a trilogy written about the railroad system being built from east to west. It is centered around an expansive family full if colorful characters. There is much history interspersed throughout the book alongside enjoyable romantic musings. The story is told from two different POV’s: a young brother and sister (late teens -20) plus Irish sister-in-law from the east AND an older married couple (but still young - late 20’s/early 30’s) already in California. As the story bounces back and forth, it does so quite easily and the reader begins to see the need for additional volumes...I’m off to start #2 right now!
April 30, 2020
This book is the first book in the series that continues the story of Ms. Pella's Ribbons of Steel series. It's not necessary to read the first series to get into this book, but it really helps to understand the characters and the history. This is a dramatic family saga set during the time of the Civil War and also the building of the transcontinental railroad. There is plenty of angst and romance as the story follows members of the Baldwin family from one coast to the other. As with the previous series, this book leaves on a cliff hanger and so I'm anxiously waiting to read the next book!
April 14, 2021
I have always enjoyed reading books by Tracie Petersen but have not read any books by Judith Pella before. I liked the two of them as a writing team. I will continue to read more books in this series and by both authors. I liked that there was a little drama but it wasn't over powering. I liked most of the characters and their stories. There were some misunderstandings that had to be worked out and that helped the characters grow. I enjoy historical fiction and think that others who enjoy that genre will also enjoy this book. It is a Christian historical fiction so it is not going to be in everyone's taste but I found it a delightful read.
Read
November 18, 2023meh Jordana is in a boarding school being "chaperoned" by her older brother as the civil war begins; Their parents are in Europe. They own a railroad so they have plenty of money. A distant relative comes to America from Ireland. She needs to get to California. The brother decides not to take sides in the Civil War since they own land in the south but don't believe in slavery. But they have family fighting on both sides. The 3 of them decide to go to California. They slowly make their way across the county.
At the same time, there's a side storyline about their older sister in California.
Meh
At the same time, there's a side storyline about their older sister in California.
Meh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2018
Great Read
I really enjoyed the historical content around the time of the civil war, what was happening in the West, and the progress of trying to get a transcontinental railroad going. The characters were intriguing and I didn't want to put the book down at times. :) I want to read the next one.
I really enjoyed the historical content around the time of the civil war, what was happening in the West, and the progress of trying to get a transcontinental railroad going. The characters were intriguing and I didn't want to put the book down at times. :) I want to read the next one.
September 13, 2017
Good book but
Such a cliffhanger! Clean book, a little predictable, but overall a nice light read. I got this as a free book and it was worth my time to read it. Not sure if I'll purchase the next one yet...
Such a cliffhanger! Clean book, a little predictable, but overall a nice light read. I got this as a free book and it was worth my time to read it. Not sure if I'll purchase the next one yet...
March 8, 2019
This was a very good book. My reason for only three stars is it was a slow paced story that I personally found hard to get into.
Then about halfway through it picked up and towards the end I couldn’t put it down!
A good story with a great message.
Then about halfway through it picked up and towards the end I couldn’t put it down!
A good story with a great message.
October 11, 2019
A PLEASANT TRIP!
Chose this for a rainy day. Entertaining good light reading. Could visualize each person in a fairly well developed adventure. Storyline well developed & balanced
& needed boring!
Chose this for a rainy day. Entertaining good light reading. Could visualize each person in a fairly well developed adventure. Storyline well developed & balanced
& needed boring!
July 13, 2020
Adventures
The three young characters in this book have quite an adventure. Love the historical side of the story. Looking forward the reading book two, hope the characters continue.
The three young characters in this book have quite an adventure. Love the historical side of the story. Looking forward the reading book two, hope the characters continue.
February 25, 2023
Good read about early America.
Interesting to read some about early railroad development and the struggles of traveling west. There were some good references to God's timing in life and how we have to remember that when there are unexpected hardships.
Interesting to read some about early railroad development and the struggles of traveling west. There were some good references to God's timing in life and how we have to remember that when there are unexpected hardships.
July 29, 2023
This is the start of a great series I’m looking forward to reading the next book. Interesting how things turned out admist the war with Jordana, Caitlin and Benton. I loved hearing about their adventures but felt sorry for Benton at times having responsibility of Jordana.
February 11, 2025
Brother Brendan and sister Jordana are living during the civil war and need to go west. Brendan is helping his sister in law Caitlyn to find her brother in California. Brendan is working as a photographer as they travel west.
May 13, 2017
I loved it!
October 7, 2017
Was a good read
November 17, 2018
Good Book
I enjoyed the book, but don't like books that come to a sudden end. There were a lot of questions left unanswered. It is still a nice story
I enjoyed the book, but don't like books that come to a sudden end. There were a lot of questions left unanswered. It is still a nice story
July 9, 2019
First in ribbons west book
What a wonderful book. Can't wait to follow more. I love this time period and the writers make you feel a part of the story
What a wonderful book. Can't wait to follow more. I love this time period and the writers make you feel a part of the story
May 11, 2020
Great Read
I love historical fiction. These ladies put me there. It is never smutty and always alludes to the power of God and how faith works
I love historical fiction. These ladies put me there. It is never smutty and always alludes to the power of God and how faith works
May 11, 2020
It was just ok, didn’t like the ending. Should have a sequel.
July 16, 2020
Dangling
To many loose ends. No closure on many of the story lines. Just didn't hold my interest. Kept waiting for the story to develop.
To many loose ends. No closure on many of the story lines. Just didn't hold my interest. Kept waiting for the story to develop.
July 25, 2020
Good clean historical based novel. Very good flavor of the times. I borrowed this book from Amazon as a Prime reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews