I struggled to really get to grips with this book. The way the dialog was written was hard to read. However I found the material and subject matter fascinating and challenging. We have such physically easy lives in comparison and the role of women in society, although still not perhaps as it should be, has come a long way in the right direction as shown by how poorly they were treated over a century ago. Well done to Jane for all her research and ability to shape it into a story to share.

When I finished reading this book by Jane Kirkpatrick I couldn't stop thinking about it, all the trials and tribulations they endured on this long journey traveling across America.  All the dangerous rivers were part of trying to survive but also the weather hazards of lots of snow, rain, mud, bitter cold added to the misery.  I read how lonely many of them felt.  Injuries occurred.  Hunger was real.   Heroic acts happened. 
So very much transpires in every chapter, it seems overwhelming but I believe even though this book is fiction, many of the characters were real in history.
It makes a person appreciate the luxurious life we have, even taking a shower, heating up food on the stove or in a microwave, having food in the house.

It's a really good book!

They started out together: the Murphy, Townsend, Montgomery, Sullivan, and Patterson families and those accompanying them, following Captain Elisha Stephens on their way westward to California. Meeting hardships and harsh conditions, the group broke apart piece by piece, some taking a different route, others left behind with the hope of being rescued come spring. None knowing whether they would reach their final destination or what awaited them there.

As usual Kirkpatrick's story focuses on the strong women who helped mold our nation. As is frequently the case in her stories, this story is set within the westward movement. The matriarchs of the families whose story is told in One More River to Cross were women often left to feel powerless as their fates and the fates of their children were left to the decisions made by the men in their lives. When left on their own, Kirkpatrick shows them to be women of strength, courage, and determination.

Kirkpatrick's books are not your typical historical romance, but are more aptly described as historical drama filled with perseverance and true grit. Her books would not be described as fast-paced, but her chosen pace allows for deep character development. I must say that while this story was very interesting, it is not among my favorites of her books. I think that is because, although Mary and Sarah did get a bit more attention than the other women, there really didn't seem to be a main character among the women. I did enjoy the story though, and would choose it to read again. I appreciate having received a copy of One More River to Cross from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

An enthralling, heart pounding, heartbreaking and ultimately triumphant story of the first successful journey to settle California in the mid 1840’s. With each step guided by their faith in God the women in this story experience every difficulty with strength and fortitude that left me in awe and woefully lacking in their courage to withstand the elements and their pig-headed menfolk, some of who treat them like chattel. This author has become a favorite of mine because she weaves historical facts embellished with a little fiction that enhances the story and illuminates the time time period for history fans like me. I especially appreciate Ms. Kirkpatrick’s impeccable research and her updates on what happens to these remarkable people after the book ends which also provides titles of non fiction resources that I find particularly fascinating. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this wonderful book. I real an early copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

Based on the historical journey of one of the first parties to journey over the Sierra Nevadas, this novel portrays the hardships endured by this group. The author's note shows the extensive research on writing this book. I loved the strength and courage of the women although was not impressed by the actions of some of the men. This was rather a tedious read with many characters so I was happy the author listed the characters, their descriptions and which party they were in at the beginning of the book. History lovers will enjoy this book. Recommended!