“Chasing the Horizon” by Mary Connealy is an excellent example of Christian historical fiction with a touch of romance. As a reader, I enjoyed all of the information about life on a wagon train traveling west, as well as the brief glimpses of what asylums of the time were like. All of this information is presented organically within the framework of the story, so it never feels like reading a history textbook.
All of the major characters are well-drawn and detailed, with enough unique characteristics to make them stand out as individuals. The most important are given enough back story so that the reader truly understands their history and motivations. Some of the more minor characters tended to run together, but it didn’t matter to the overall plot.
The slow-burn romance between Beth and Jake was beautifully written and completely believable. I enjoyed watching them gradually getting to know and trust each other over the course of their long (and sometimes difficult) journey west.
There was also a bit of suspense to the plot. The book mainly focuses on the wagon train members and their progress, but occasionally toggles to Beth’s father and his diabolical intentions toward both Beth and her mother Ginny. When the two storylines finally merge, there’s definitely drama!
This is the first book is the Western Light series. While I wouldn’t call the ending a cliffhanger, I would say that a few major plot points aren’t wrapped up, and you’ll need to plan on reading later books to find out what happens.