About the Book

Book: Train to Laramie

Author: Andrew Roth

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: August 30

Runaway! Tess flees her lecherous stepfather but takes the wrong train, arriving in Laramie. This end of tracks town bursts with workers building the Transcontinental Railroad, striving to lay the rails that will connect a nation. Threatened by outlaws, Tess is helped by Brett Calloway, a tie cutter for the Union Pacific. But when her stepfather locates her and joins the outlaws terrorizing the region, will her newfound faith in Christ be enough to guide Tess through the danger?

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About the Author

Author of Wildfire For Rose, Andrew Roth joined the U.S. Army before attending California State University, Bakersfield. He taught American History for twenty-two years at the middle school level before beginning his literary career. Married for over thirty years to his wife, Laurie, Andrew has two married adult children and is a proud grandfather. A native of Kansas, Andrew was raised with a deep love and appreciation for history, particularly the Old West. Andrew’s hope is to glorify God and encourage readers through his writing.

More from Andrew

The American West has always fascinated me with ruggedly beautiful landscapes and the indomitable spirit of the pioneers. When building the Transcontinental Railroad, nothing could stop the people from their goal. This innovation and tenacity has shaped our soul, our character as a nation. This deep sense of perseverance encourages me through the tough times we face today.

Dedication

To our God and Creator, able to transform lives and redirect paths. Thank you, Savior.

“. . . And I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt.” –Jeremiah 31:4

My Thoughts

Train to Laramie by Andrew Roth is the first book that I have read by this author. I hope to read more of his work soon. This book will draw you in as soon as you start reading it. The author has done a great job in ensuring that his work is as historical accurate as it can be.

In this book, we meet Tess. In the opening of the book, we see Tess preparing for her birthday celebration. Tess, her mother and her stepfather live in what appears to be a small shack. Tess and her stepfather do not get along. There is hinting that he wants to have his way with her. The author handles this with grace. Tess feels like her mother and her could have done ok on their own. I feel bad for Tess in the opening chapters of this book. Her father did not come back from war, her mother seems to only go for men who are not nice, and she has to deal with the gossip of her elderly neighbor about how her stepfather feels towards her. Frank is NOT a nice man. The way he treats Tess and her mother made me want to jump through the book and punch him in the nose. Tess has stashed stuff away to make her break for it.

One of the many things that I loved about this book is how the author focused on the plan of God vs our plan. When Tess gets on the wrong train - it was no accident. God had a greater plan. When she landed in the wrong town in her eyes - yet God was not surprised by his. Then Brett and Tess cross paths. He was so different from everyone else in the town. He was not trying to rob, kill, or harm anyone. He becomes Tess' protector. The author did a wonderful job weaving them together. My heart leapt for joy here.

Well written characters, intriguing storyline that has romance, mystery and suspense. Historically accurate. I enjoyed this book very much.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program. All thoughts are my own.