Leaving Independence

This was a wonderful book. The author did a great job developing the characters and the story line. I read the book 3 times and each time I found something I missed. There is very little profanity. I hope the author will write many sequels and carry on the same character's. I didn't want the book to end.

I was blessed with an advance copy of this book for an honest review, and honestly I would recommend this book to anyone. If you like historical fiction, a bit of romance, and some suspense please pick this book up! It has everything a great story needs to be successful, and it keeps you grasping for more. The vocabulary used as well as the way the story develops lets you place yourself right beside Abigail and her family. Take the journey across the Oregon trail with Smith, and I promise you will not be disappointed!

This was absolutely an EXCELLENT read! I just could not put the book down. Loved Hoke & Abigale's characters. I don't have time to write a lengthy review -at work. Nevertheless, you will NOT be disappointed!!!

I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review. Wow. What an adventure! Smith takes you on a journey filled with fun, humor, friendship, and romance. I do not normally read historical fiction, but I could not put this book down. I was engaged by the story, felt a connection to the characters, and had a great time along the way. All in all, it is a fantastic read and one you should not miss out on. I really hope Smith has a sequel on the horizon!

While reading (an advance review copy of this book for an honest review) “Leaving Independence”, I fell in love with Abigail Baldwyn and her children. Abigail’s gentle strength drew me in. Leanne W. Smith’s thoughtful details led me on a journey from Tennessee on the Oregon Trail where I felt as if I was apart of the wagon train. This page turner has suspense, excitement, romance, adventure and history. I put the book down with anticipation of the next book from Leanne Smith.

I loved the flow of this book. Gave a good description of life on moving across country by covered wagon. The different ways people acted when things were the same day after day reminded me that people are no different today.loved the way they interact with each other and fell in love

I was so honored to receive an advance review copy of this book for an honest review. I was gripped by the story from the first page. The characters were complicated and real, and I couldn't put it down, anxious to see where the journey would lead them, not just on the trail but more importantly in their hearts and souls. I immediately wanted there to be the next book the minute this one was over. I truly hope this becomes a series.

I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review and truly loved it! Fantastic read! Great historical context and interwoven story line. Themes of courage and hope abound. I had a hard time putting this book down. I've always been a fan of Leanne and her ability to write, teach and lead others, now I'm a fan of Leanne the novelist! You won't be disappointed with this book.

This was a very good read. It shows a women's faith in both God and herself. I couldn't put the book down. The trip that these wagon trains took was amazing. I don't think we could handle things this well today.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this novel as well as learning more about the adventures of traveling to unknown territory during the 1800's. The plot was easy to follow and , at times, predictable but I always looked forward to the next chapter. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction novels.

The title of this book caught my attention because I've lived in Independence, MO for over 56 years. I downloaded a sample and quickly got hooked on the story, historical aspect, and characters. Fell head over heels in love with Hoke! Enjoyed the novel immensely and really appreciated the satisfying ending.

I found the story touching, others had written that the story wasn't Christian based. But my question for them, is when did God not give us trials and choices?
My Lord does,
Oh and it helps that I graduated from Baker High school. My memories of the old timers brought these folks to life.

I really liked the 2 main characters and the story around them. I liked reading the details of everyday life on the trail. My only complaint is I wished there was an epilogue so we could glimpse how it all turned out.

I received an advance review copy of this book for an honest review. I could not put this book down from start to finish! The characters, plot twists, and beautiful writing quickly pulled me in as a reader and kept compelling me to read just one more chapter!

If you love to read historic books and are also looking for a romance that's not incredibly cheesy and unbelievable then this is it for you. At least it was for me , I really enjoyed the story and all of the characters. Good read

I downloaded this because it is free on Prime and has good reviews. Yikes, it's hard to believe so many people enjoyed this book. The writing is simply awful. I'm not going to stick around for the rest of the story. One of the main reasons I enjoy reading is to savor and enjoy creative and interesting use of language. With so many excellent choices, why waste time on pedestrian literature? Remove From Device.

Lovely historical fiction that manages to work in some romance without anything raunchy. I started and had it finished within 24 hours, it's that good! The story sucks you in and you can walk away with a feeling of resolve.

What a fun and engaging story! Like most fiction, half the fun is in the setting, but Leanne Smith drives a great plot, fun dialogue, and big questions for the reader. I received an advance review copy of the book for an honest review.

I received an advance review copy of this book for an honest review. I could not put this book down from start to finish! The characters, plot twists, and beautiful writing quickly pulled me in as a reader and kept compelling me to read just one more chapter!

I received an advance review copy of this book for an honest review. I was captivated by the characters in this story! I could't put the book down and often dreamt of wagons and the dusty trail. I hope Leanne W. Smith is already planning a sequel!

Leaving Independence by Leanne W. Smith is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in late May while on vacation in Telluride, Colorado.

During the preface, when the author speaks of chaining a series of characters and plot into one book, this is invariably what will happen. Condensed chapters, divided narration, day by day descriptions, and people that are loosely described and fleshed out with difficulty. It is, in fact, difficult to care about characters that you have so little invested in and a plotline that seems too extended and fanciful to be believed.

I received an advanced copy of this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! A must read for all historical fiction lovers! The characters were so strong and believable. I liked it because it was a realistic account of things that happened to people settling the west. Everything was not always wonderful-the characters had fun together, but there was also heartbreak and hard work involved during their travel. There was also a little mystery, and a wonderful romance between the two main characters. I loved this story, and read it in two settings. I hope Mrs. Smith continues to write more historical fiction. Highly recommended!

This book had everything I look for. There was Adventure excitement and believability. The characters were true to form and were easy to fall in love with. I definitely Look forward to reading more from Leanne W. Smith.

What a debut!!! I loved this first book by Leanne Smith! What wonderful characters and a great plot. Great historical Christian fiction that felt real and without added fluff! I'll be looking for more so, please write another book!

“Dear Mrs. Baldwyn, it is my duty to inform you that your husband, Captain Robert Baldwyn, is not deceased as previously reported.”

When Abigail Baldwyn receives this letter that her 5-years dead husband Robert wasn’t killed in the Civil War after all and that he had no plans to return to her, she decides to head west to find him and resolve why he never came home. She is out of money, her home to be foreclosed and her children’s future at risk so what does she have to lose. Abigail leaves her life in Tennessee to travel westward with her 4 children. Enter swoon-worthy Hoke Matthews, a handsome, handy hunk of a man who after catching sight of beautiful Abigail, signs on with the company leading her westbound wagon ride via the Oregon Trail. Ah hah! I think I see where this is going.

Although the burgeoning relationship between Hoke and Abigail was predictable, it was an enjoyable ride watching it unfold. Hoke, the dream I suspected, every good trait imaginable rolled into one charming man who happens to also love children and Abigail, the courageous and spunky mother who caught his eye. Their story captivated me even if the romance was a bit quieter than I usually prefer. But this is Waterfall Press, an the store Christian publishing imprint, so was completely understandable.

The author did her research giving me a real sense of time and what life was like for the pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail via wagon train. Historical tidbits, sense of community, obstacles, and resourcefulness made me appreciate my current comforts.

I couldn't put this book down from the beginning of the book. The author gave such vivid detail that I could actually picture the characters and beautiful scenery she was describing. She obviously did her research for the period it took place. If you like westerns, adventure and romance, you'll love this well written touching book!