Maggie Blackbird

Today, I’m hosting author Kaci Curtis’ latest release, Along the Trail, a young adult historical fiction title. Be sure to read my review. And don’t forget to enter the King Sumo giveaway.

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Title: Kaci Curtis
Series: N/A
Author: Kaci Curtis
Genre(s): Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Length: 332 pages
Release Date: October 22, 2025
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Blurb: In 1847, Winnie and her family are traveling west to start a new life in the Oregon territory. While many in their wagon train fret over river crossings, disease, and encounters with Native tribes, she relishes the unexpected freedom of life on the trail.

Threatened by storms, wild animals, and outlaws, Winnie must rely on the bonds she’s made and all she’s learned in order for them to make it to Oregon alive. She also must decide if she is ready to risk forming an attachment to Hal, the cowhand who has a knack for showing up just when help is needed, or whether she will emulate Mae, the free-spirited daughter of their trail guide.

Goodreads | The Wild Rose Press | Amazon

Winnie had gotten used to the relative quiet of the prairie. It was a lonely place, seemingly devoid of life in some parts, even when one thought they knew where to look. The only sounds were usually human ones: conversation, turning wagon wheels that jostled the many possessions within, and the vocalizations of the livestock.

Aside from thunder, wind, and the cries of carrion birds, there hadn’t been much to disturb the isolating peace of the prairie.

In comparison, this forest was blaringly alive.

Birds called to one another, as if announcing the rising of the sun and the start of a new day, full of new opportunities. The breeze made branches scrape and clack together, occasionally sending dead limbs crashing down to the dense bed of pine needles and other fallen debris. Squirrels raced up trees to avoid the horses, barking at them from the safety of their perches.

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I enjoy a good historical romance, and I also enjoy historical romance, so when this came up for reading and reviewing, I was in.  Especially since it takes place on the Oregon Trail.

Young Winnie is an adventurer at heart, unlike her sister Norma, who is the exact opposite.  Sure, travelling west sounds scary, and Winnie will miss her home in Missouri, but she is ready to move with her family (mom, dad, and little brother) without protesting.  Plus, Hal is making the trip, a man Winnie finds attractive, but who she finds fascinating is the trail master’s daughter, Mae, a single woman of 22 years who is living a life Winnie can only dream about.  And Mae gives Winnie the courage to step out of her shell and start living more independently.

I must say I really liked the research the author did for this book.  I have read many romances about the Oregon Trail, and the author described the settings as if she’d visited these places.  I really felt like I was travelling the trail with Winnie and her family, seeing what they saw.

As for Winnie, she starts out naïve, and the longer she witnesses the trials and tribulations on the trail, the faster she matures.  Very fast.  And anyone would when they are out there, fighting for their lives.

There is also a romance between Winnie and Hal.  She has a big decision to make:  live a life like Mae or settle down and marry Hal.  Her heart is tugging in two different directions, and I liked this internal conflict happening within her, because I must admit, Mae was my favourite character.  I can understand why Winnie was drawn to this woman and found her fascinating.

The author covers the deaths, diseases, encounters, and dangers on the trail.  And not everyone gets there alive.  Yes, I felt so bad for one character who didn’t make it.

The dialogue is realistic for the time period, and so are the decisions and culture.  To me, it reads like women’s historical fiction since the author kept the focus on the women in the group.  Everything is told from Winnie’s POV in third person.

I do hope the author gives Mae a story.  Fingers crossed.  Will she lead a wagon train of her own or settle in Oregon?

Anyhoo, it’s a great read.  Do yourself a favour and get a copy.

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Kaci Curtis is a military spouse, and mom of two. She was raised in Kansas City, MO, only minutes away from the town of Independence, where the Westward Trails began. She loves hiking, camping, reading while sipping coffee, all things National Parks, thunderstorms, gardening, and book club.

Follow Kaci: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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