Cry of the West: Hallie

Finding Home Series, Book 1

By: Verna Clay

Narrated by: Crystal Sershen

Sweet romance, with some profanity.

In Cry of the West , recently widowed Hallie Wells is facing a difficult situation. The sudden demise of her husband after selling their farm and just about everything they owned to travel west on the Oregon Trail, has left her stranded with an eight year old son. Dare she ask Cooper Jerome, recently returned from the War of the States, if he would put his life on hold for, say, five months to drive her wagon; and that doesn't include his return trip. At this point, she's out of options.

Excerpt: "Mr. Jerome, would you be interested in driving my wagon to Oregon? I would pay you well."Cooper blinked, forcing himself to look away from the pleading in her eyes. "Uh, well, ma'am..." He glanced back. She looked like she was about to cry."Uh, ma'am, now that would take me away from my place through planting season and harvest, and longer." He dreaded her expression if he flat out refused."I would pay you whatever you would make during harvest and more." She blinked and brushed at a tear that kept welling up in one eye. "Mr. Jerome, I'm desperate. I have no home. I have no husband. I have no family to turn to. I have a young son to care for. And I have very little time to prepare before departure. The wagon train leaves the end of April. Believe me, if I were capable of driving the oxen myself, I would do so. But, as you can see, I am neither large, nor strong. I fear I would kill myself and my child. Besides, I doubt the train master would even allow me near the team after he saw me crack a whip." She gave a pathetic smile at her attempt at a joke.Cooper forced his eyes away from hers and glanced down the street at the big "saloon" sign. He wanted that drink. Stalling for time, he removed his Stetson, slapped it against his thigh, replaced it, scratched his neck, and finally met her gaze again. "Give me some time to think about it."

©2013 Verna Clay (P)2013 Verna Clay

Wagons Ho!

"Cry of the West" is a refreshing story of amazing pioneer spirit, and there is enough romance for the genre.

If you have the pioneer spirit or have ever wondered what life was like for people in 1866 traveling the Oregon Trail you should enjoy "Cry of the West". The journey begins in Missouri and crosses Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, to reach their destination in Oregon.

Verna Clay is a wonderful story teller, she really did her research when it came to the Oregon Trail, she brings the trip west to life creating in our minds a reality of joining a Wagon Train and experiencing the beauty and hardships of a five month journey. With the reading talent of Crystal Sershen you're made to feel like you are riding in the wagon with Halle and Tim or riding along side Cooper, the main characters in the story, while interacting with other families in the wagon train with the same hopes and dreams: the pious preacher's wife and her followers, the painted ladies, etc.

I recommend Cry of the West if you're looking for wholesome romantic entertainment.

excellent book

the author has done an excellent job researching the early settlers, the hardships they faced...some of my family settled in the midwest, some suffered cholera and were buried along the platte river with stones the only marker as the ground was too rocky to bury them at a normal depth...and a few went on to oregon territory. it's amazing to think how hardy these pioneers were and to realize I'm related to these folks. I give this author many kudoos for her research of this book. and to think these women basicly walked clear across the united states...wow, how sometimes we gripe over such petty things in our lives!

It's a great story.....

What made the experience of listening to Cry of the West: Hallie the most enjoyable?

The audible gave the story greater "feeling" than just reading. I confess, I read while I listen and get the full value of the story-line. The storyteller made the book even better. I felt like crying when Cooper left Hallie behind.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cry of the West: Hallie?

After long enduring months of travel, the Wagon Train finally reached Oregon City. The cabin is built for Hallie and Tim but Cooper left them and I felt heartsick. The trials of the trail were difficult but made that little group a family. Now Hallie and Tim were alone.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the little Indian child. When Hallie found him hiding in the wagon, it was such a sweet moment. She cared for him; he ate, dressed in little Tim's clothes and she hugged him as if he belonged to her.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I loved it that Hallie helped little Walking Tall escape the Wagon Train to find his own way home to his family. Well written!

Any additional comments?

The narration gave the author's words further meaning and I loved it.

Cry of the west- Hallie

This is an interesting and educational book about the Oregon Trail. It keeps you interested. Crystal Sershen did a good job narraiting this book