"3 out of 5 stars. Callie (an adopted daughter who is actually treated like a servant instead of family) follows her family on a wagon train from Tennessee to California. Throughout the journey, Callie comes into her own and becomes independent, learning that she is stronger than she thought.

I liked the beginning and its steady buildup. However, I found that while the ending might have been more historically accurate in regards to the toughness of the trip, I just wasn't happy with how it turned out, even though I appreciated the HEA."

Read more of this review and a teaser here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/03/made-grade-wagon-train-cindere... ( )

Book Description...

"Love can lead you out of the wilderness…

1851, Overland Trail to California. As a baby, Callie was left on the doorstep of an isolated farmhouse in Tennessee. The Whitaker family took her in, but have always considered her more a servant than a daughter. Scorned by her two stepsisters, Callie is forced to work long hours and denied an education. But a new world opens to her when the Whitakers join a wagon train to California—guided by rugged Indian, Luke McGraw…

A loner, haunted by a painful past, Luke plans to return to the wilderness once his work is done. But he can’t help noticing how poorly Callie is treated—or how unaware she is of her beauty and intelligence. As the two become closer over the long trek west, Callie’s confidence grows. And when disaster strikes, Callie emerges as the strong one—and the woman Luke may find the courage to love at last…"

Title: Wagon Train Cinderella
Author: Shirley Kennedy
Publisher: Kensington Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Wagon Train Cinderella" by Shirley Kennedy

What I enjoyed from this read...

This was definitely one of those 'Cinderella Fairy Tales' that really was very similar to the original story only a different spin on it. This Cinderella is on her way to California on the Overland Trail.

This Whitaker family were some horrible people and t I liked how this author was able to bring into Callie's life some very interesting people like (Luke and Florida) to mention a few that indeed did aid her on this wagon train journey to California. I loved how this author gets Callie to open her eyes as she begins to see life very differently than she had ever seen it. There will be lessons learned, friendship made and even some forgiveness. I was sorry to see that Callie who was step person in this Whitaker family was not able to get the forgiveness from one special person who had put her through so much. Now, who was that? Well, you will have to pick up this well written read to see for yourself just who that was. There will be a lots of twist and turns in the good and bad in this read and the readers attention will be their front and center turning the pages to see what will be coming next in this enlightening as well as entertaining read. Truly, in the end it will be good to see how this all turns out and if this 'Cinderella.gets her Prince Charming.' ( )

This enjoyable romance set on the wagon train to California and Oregon made for quite the engaging read. The terrible treatment meted out to Callie by her family has turned her into a quiet shadow, but watching her blossom on the trail felt real, as she vacillated between spreading her wings and retreating back into herself. I was also glad to see that her sisters also eventually grew and matured as their circumstances changed. Luke and his family were also great characters, sharing knowledge and a friendly hand to help Callie learn her worth. I wasn't too caught up with the subplot revolving around Magnus the train leader- parts of that did seem a little overdone. Still, all in all, a good read and a decent reworking of a classic tale. ( )

Callie is on a wagon train with her so called family. Her step family as she was dropped off at their door step. They have treated her like a slave but this trip across the the states might be a good thing to happen to her.

Luke is helping his widowed sister on the wagon train. As time goes by He sees right through the family and sees how bad they treat Callie. He starts to protect her a bit on the way and keeps her company some times. Her sisters are always wanting to go off to parties that they have when they stop and Callie stays behind to take care of the chores her mother wants done.

Callie misses out some on this activities but Luke's sister tries to help the two get together.

The story is wonderful on the telling of the journey to the west. You can picture yourself watching these people and the tough times that they have along the way. Some die, get sick etc. You see that is wasn't a bed of roses. The romance is in the back of the story but was a nice touch and clean.

I enjoyed this book and will find others by this author. ( )

Callie stepparents decided to sell all their stuff and properties and start an amazing journey to California. Of course this journey, to Callie, will be an immersion to herself and an improvement to who she will want to be at the end of their trip.
Callie is treated like a slave from her parents and sisters, but during the trip she will start feeling brave and more selfconfident, so all the family will have to change their perception about her and start treating her with more respect.
Shirley Kennedy guides us to an introspective journey where the most dangerous perils are inside ourselves and the only way to won is not to be afraid of the change. This doesn't mean that she will not only face herself during the journey, but she will also have to fight against snow, fear or hunger. Because this trip will have indians, fire and murders.
For Callie the most important thing in her life is her family, but seems that she doesn't see how bad they threaten her.
I was amazed that after all the painful things the family made to Callie she still wants to help them arrive to California, no matter what. For me this is the bravest thing she makes, because she knows that they will not appreciate her help, but she knows that, without her, they will die, and she risks her life for them. This is a beautiful reminder of Cinderella; one way or other she will stand for herself, and fight back. And the prince, of course, will never doubt her!
So, will the shoe fit for Callie? ( )