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In this charming story, Dr. Adelaide Jennings is determined to reach her dying father in Oregon before his consumption claims his life. In order to travel with a wagon train heading west, she needs a husband. So she makes a deal with the wagonmaster, Joshua Reynolds...they’ll marry in name only so she can travel and then end the marriage once they have reached Oregon. Josh has enough to worry about without Addie adding to his burdens, but he cannot resist the lovely young woman’s offer and agrees to her plan in order to keep her safe.
As the wagon train heads west, Addie must prove herself to the others on the train who are reluctant to trust and believe in her as well as fight her growing feelings for Josh. Josh must also battle his feelings for Addie as each day brings them closer together and wonders how he will let her go when the time comes. Soon Josh and Addie each find themselves wondering if the marriage is something they should make permanent, but neither believes that is what the other wants.
The Wagonmaster was a wonderful tale featuring characters full of personality. I loved the relationship between Josh and Addie. Josh is reluctant to care for Addie because of his past, but Addie seems determined to break through his defenses. I enjoyed watching as these two butted heads time and time again. They shared a chemistry that was hard to ignore.
While I enjoyed their relationship, Addie was my favorite character of the story. I admired her spirit and determination as she fought against the doubts and prejudice of others because of her gender and occupation. She had to put up with a lot to become a doctor and it made her tough, but she also has a vulnerable side that we soon discover as the journey lengthens and the people on the wagon train face difficulties. Throughout the story, I came to admire Addie for all that she went through and enjoyed her relationship with those around her.
The Wagonmaster was a great read filled with characters that I came to care about.
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