Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

The Chinese thinker Lao Tzu once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” and that sentiment is echoed in Kaci Curtis's Along the Trail. Winnifred “Winnie” Hayes and her family take that first step as they leave their home and begin the long journey west along the Oregon Trail. She is traveling with her parents, her younger brother Elijah, her newly married sister, Lenora (or Nora), her brother-in-law Jeb, and a larger group of settlers heading toward new land and opportunity. Early on, she walks beside the wagons and livestock, adjusting to the steady rhythm and unexpected hardships this long trip has thrust upon her. The wagon train also faces changing weather, moments of loss, and dangerous situations, such as crossing rivers. Along the way, Winnie becomes close to Mae, the daughter of the man leading them. She also begins to notice the cowhand, Hal, who is developing an interest in her, too. Will their relationship blossom into something more? Will the family make it to their destination?

I really enjoyed Along the Trail by Kaci Curtis. It is set during one of my favorite historical eras. There’s something about the Oregon Trail setting that always pulls me in, and this story made it feel real. I appreciated the balance between small details, like meals, and the bigger challenges, like deciding whether to follow the shortcut the Donner party took. Every new experience tests both their endurance and their sense of security. The steady pace made the characters easier to relate to. I liked the way Winnie handles most of the changes she encounters with an open mind. I also appreciated that her sister doesn’t always feel the same way she does. Those differences helped even things out in the story. Readers who enjoy historical fiction and frontier stories will adore this book. It’s a thoughtful, character-driven read that’s both engaging and easy to settle into.