THIS ROAD WE TRAVELED by Jane Kirkpatrick is an inspirational story of strength and determination. Tabby, Virgilia, and Pherne are the three women the story's point of view is told from, and based on real people. Kirkpatrick makes sure to give readers enough details with well-rounded characters for each woman to have her own personality and be remembered. Readers will easily be able to connect to all three women. Tabby is strength and determination personified, and though she has her vulnerabilities and struggles, she preservers and eventually helps to start Pacific University in Oregon. Pherne, Tabby's daughter, seems like the weakest of the women, but becomes the glue that holds her family together as they struggle to get themselves across the country on the Oregon Trail. Virgilia, Pherne's daughter, is sweet, compassionate, and her hopeful personality is contagious. Kirkpatrick creates three strong women who are determined to make their own decisions to keep their families safe and together.

One of the best parts of Kirkpatrick's stories has always been her settings, and THIS ROAD WE TRAVELED is no exception. The details of the prairies, mountains, and deserts are so well done the reader will feel as if they too are on the Oregon Trail. The horrors of the Scott-Applegate Trail will tug at readers' heartstrings, and Nellie Louise's story is both heartbreaking and inspirational. Kirkpatrick does a wonderful job capturing the lives of three women who helped shaped Oregon history, and has made sure their stories are not forgotten. THIS ROAD WE TRAVELED is a must read historical fiction giving a voice to women of the past.

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