Lone Star Trail - eBook

The six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896 begins with Lone Star Trail.

Judson (Jud) Morgan's father died for Texas' freedom during the war for independence.  So when the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas (the Verein) attempts to colonize a New Germany in his country, he takes a stand against them.

After Wande Fleischers' fiancée marries someone else, the young fraulein determines to make new life for herself in Texas.  With the help of Jud's sister Marion, Wande learns English and becomes a trusted friend to the entire Morgan family.

As much as Jud dislikes the German invasion, he can't help admiring Wande.  She is sweet and cheerful as she serves the Lord and all those around her.  Can the rancher put aside his prejudice to forge a new future? Through Jud and Wande, we learn the powerful lessons of forgiveness and reconciliation among a diverse community of believers.

READERS ROUND TABLE - August 1, 2011

Lone Star Trail by Darlene Franklin is a captivating story about faith, friendship, family, and ultimately, love. From their first meeting, the Fleischers find their new life in America closely intertwined with the Morgans, a deeply rooted Texas family.

Strong character development brings Lone Star Trail vividly to life. Wande Fleischer is a hard working and cheerful young woman who quickly adjusts to her new life. Texas is a harsh land that exacts a heavy toll on the Fleischer family, but Wande's strong faith guides her through life's joys and sorrows.

With his father's untimely death, Jud Morgan was forced to grow up quickly and become the man of the family. Fiercely loyal to the state that has taken so much from him, he distrusts the German immigrants. When misfortune befalls the Fleischer family, Jud begrudgingly offers his assistance. Initially suspicious of the German customs and traditions that Wande introduces, Jud slowly realizes he shares the same values and faith as the Fleischer family and the German community.

Well rounded secondary characters provide depth and tension to this tightly plotted novel. Marion Morgan's unconditional friendship eases Wande's transition to her new life. An additional subplot revolving around Marion presents added conflict and interest to Lone Star Trail.

In Lone Star Trail, Darlene Franklin teaches an understated yet powerful lesson about acceptance that transcends time and culture. The underlying message of faith is gently and subtly demonstrated by the actions and thoughts of all of the key characters.Lone Star Trail is a richly drawn and multi-layered novel. Fans of historical inspirational fiction are going to love this first installment of The Texas Trail series.

Rated 4.5 Gold Crowns by Grace!

GENRE GO ROUND

Harriet Klausner

August 4, 2011

In December 1845 The Fleischer German immigrant family arrive in Carlshafen, Texas but while living in the tent city Ulla becomes ill from the pox and dies. While the family grieves their loss and push forward to Victoria, another daughter depressed Wande wonders whether her fiancé Konrad will be in town to greet her. Their wagon breaks down and another driven by Jud Morgan with his mom and sister Marion with him fails to stop over the pleading of the two females.

Wande and Marion become friends over the objection of Jud. He personally loathes the German invasion as an affront to his late dad who died during the war of independence a decade ago. Jud particularly detests the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas as he believes these newcomers want to establish a New Germany deep in the heart of Texas. However, he also admires and likes Wande, whose fiancé chose someone else.

The first Texas Trails Morgan Family historical romance is a superb timely antebellum thriller that focuses on discrimination against new immigrants. Jud and Wande are a fabulous pairing as he loves her yet hates who she is. Unless he learns tolerance towards German émigrés he has no chance at happiness. Readers will relish this powerful character driven issue dominated tale and will also appreciate the next entry, The Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis.