I thought this book was very sweet! I love Missie! She showed some real depth on this journey, and I got a much better sense of who she was compared to the previous two books in the series. In this book Missie and her new husband ride West to start their new life, but for someone with such a happy home and doting parents, it's a sacrifice for her. That's what I loved about her. Throughout her journey, she had to reconcile herself to her new situation and the reality that she might never see the rest of her family again. That's heavy, and I applaud her for persevering. Some people might call her wishy-washy because she misses home one minute but is gun-ho the next, but I think that simplifies her character. Normal humans have doubts, and those pesky doubts resurface in times of stress. And she had plenty to be stressed about.

Not only does Missie have to make it through the wagon journey, she also has to get used to life on the ranch where living there isn't quite as romantic as she pictured it would be. She makes and loses friends. Her first couple years are difficult ones, and at every turn, there comes the old doubt that maybe this was a mistake and she should just go home. In spite of that, she finds ways to keep busy, learns from the past, and make a place for herself in this new world. That takes real courage.

So why am I only giving this three stars? While it was sweet, it didn't really grip me or pull at my heartstrings. There was no new romance to cheer for and no big bad to overcome. This kind of literature is more like popcorn for me. It's chill and enjoyable, but it doesn't really stick with you or really pull you into the story. If you're looking for something peaceful to read in a short span of time, I'd recommend this. ( )

56125

Love's Long Journey, the third in Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series, Missie and Willie LaHaye journey west and find many hardships on the trail. Missie must learn to live her faith on the trail and when they finally arrive, she is pushed to the limits.

very good ( )

The oldest daughter marries and moves west. ( )