Heartbreak Trail by Susan K. Marlow takes place in 1880s California. Andrea Carter, her mother, and Andi's older siblings help run Circle C Ranch. In this new installment, 15-year old Andi gets permission from her mom to accompany her older brothers on a tough cattle drive. Andi quickly learns how tough and dangerous this adventure can actually be. Having to deal with a pesky cowhand, Andi is forced to rely on God and her brothers even more. Threaded throughout the novel is the sense of family and trust. As a parent, I just love this theme.

My daughter's (12 years old) words: I feel as if I have grown up with Andrea Carter. She is my favorite character in each book. In Heartbreak Trail, I loved how exciting the story got once the cattle drive members crossed the river. After I finished each chapter I couldn't wait to start the next, and I really can't wait for the next book!

Susan Marlow's books never disappoint! "Heartbreak Trail" is another adventure that even the boys in your life will enjoy. Andrea Carter (Andi) knows her way around the family ranch as well as her brothers and the ranch hands that run it. So, why shouldn't she participate in the adventures of a two week cattle-drive like the guys? There's nothing she wants more!

Andi learns the truth of the saying, "be careful what you wish for" within a few days of being on the trail. Long, sweltering days that begin while it's still nighttime, hordes of biting mosquitoes, and flooding rivers are only the beginning of the woes she will encounter. And who is the mysterious, handsome cowboy that has taken a liking to her? Surely he's not the rogue that everyone suspects him to be. Can Andi gut it out to the end? You'll have to read it to find out! There's not a dull moment along the way.

Even though Mrs. Marlow's books are written for a younger audience, I always enjoy reading them and getting carried along into Andi's adventures. The writing is just that good!

Heartbreak Trail

An Andrea Carter Book

Circle C Milestones 2

By Susan K, Marlow

Andi (Andrea) Carter is determined to take a part in this year's cattle drive. And with her 15th birthday fast approaching this may be her best chance to finally get her wish. But some wishes may be best left unfulfilled.

Cattle drives are not all fun and adventure as Andi and her younger cousin Levi are about to discover after being assigned as Cook's helpers! Andi's dream has been to take part in driving the cattle or managing the horses not gathering wood and washing pans.

Dust, biting mosquitoes, bed rolls on the hard ground, and a hard wagon seat what more could a girl want? But when a dangerous river crossing takes a wrong turn lives are in the balance and the drive is suddenly short-handed. Can Andi and Levi cover this shortage and help get the cattle to Los Angeles?

Heartbreak Trail is just that as the hardships and the dangers of driving cattle to market are experienced through Andi's eyes. Fans of Andi will love her newest adventure as she learns some important lessons about life on the trail and about herself. Andi is about to grow up in ways she never expected.

Tweens and teens will delight in this determined young woman. This book would be an excellent addition to any home or school library, and with school just around the corner this would be a great choice for any historical fiction book reports that may be coming up!

I was provided a copy of this book through Kregel in exchange her my honest review.

It was through book reviewing for Kregel publications that I first discovered author Susan Marlow. Ever since reading my first book of hers I have been pleased by her wholesome books, not to mention her above-the-average writing skill. To me, Susan has an honorable view of literary and holds to a standard which most authors (yes I am including Christian novelists) don't keep in mind at all anymore. The books I have thus read by Susan Marlow remind me of the historical fiction books I practically devoured as a child and teen! It is good to see new books coming out that I can feel right about giving to my younger siblings to read!

Heartbreak Trail is yet another book in the Andrea Carter series and it features a now growing up Andrea! At fifteen, the lively and tomboyish girl experiences many more adventures and learns from her own mistakes. Having just turned the age which made her close friend begin thinking of getting married and settling down, Andrea is determined to continue her adventurous ways and begs to be allowed to join her brothers and their workers on a special herding trip. While on the trip, Andrea stays true to her usual liveliness and outdoor skill but suddenly becomes attracted to a young hired worker. The reader can't help but wonder what will come of that!

As always, the author of these books skillfully weaves an exciting tale while keeping good morals and a Christian foundation.

Your children and teens are bound to love this book!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thanks!

Andrea Carter is growing up in the second book in the Circle C Milestone series, she is about to turn 15, and her mother wants her to have her quinceaera, a Spanish right of age, and a big party for her. Her mother lets her decide what kind of a party she wants, and being a tomboy she decides she wants to go on the trail to deliver the cattle to Los Angeles.

You can imagine how her mother feels; she had helped drive cattle in her youth and knows how much hard work is involved. Andi has a romantic idea of how it will be on the trail, and when her wish is granted, we soon see reality set in.

Come along on the trail with Andi and Levi, her twelve-year-old nephew, and experience with them the ups and downs. There are a few chuckles, some deep sadness, and a lot of hard work ahead.

A wonderful read for a young teen, full of action and adventure, they wont be able to put the book down.

I received this book through Kregel Publications Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.