Cry of the West: Hallie by Verna Clay ~ review

• File Size: 429 KB
• Print Length: 274 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: M.O.I. Publishing (January 3, 2013)

The year is 1866 and Thomas and Hallie Wells are ready to head west. They have sold their farm, and most everything in anticipation of moving to the Willamette Valley in Oregon. When Tom is killed just about a month before the five month trek begins. Hallie is determined that she and her young son Timmy will forge ahead with Tom's plan but she will need someone to drive her wagon west. She decides to ask her neighbor Cooper Jerome whom Tom had said was a just and good man. Cooper recently home from war is fighting his own demons, but decides he will see the Well's safely to Oregon. With many obstacles along the way, they come to rely on one another and soon find themselves drawn to each other, will they follow their hearts or allow the misgivings they feel to keep them apart?
I have always found the stories of the wagon trains heading west to be quite fascinating and "Cry of the West:Hallie" was rich in detail allowing me to visualize the obstacles the travelers faced. I thought that Hallie was such a strong female lead, but Ms. Clay also allows us to glimpse a more vulnerable side of her as well. Cooper was a perfect match for her, and I kept my fingers crossed hoping that he and Hallie would realize that as well. I found the snippets of his past to be quite intriguing, allowing me to understand why he felt the way he did. I could understand why they fought their feelings, but in a rugged time and setting hearts don't always follow protocol. The character of Timmy was another great character, he was protective of his mother. We got glimpses of the boy he was but the man that he would someday be.The secondary characters in the story really kept the plot interesting. The author provided a few laughs but also some very heart touching moments as well. While there was a few minor instances of strong language, I also felt an inspirational slant as well, which made for a good balance. Overall, it was easy to see that Ms.Clay really did her research when it came to the Oregon Trail, she brings the trip west to life, making me feel as if I was actually on the journey myself.  I really look forward to reading more from this talented author!

reviewed for Readersfavorite.com