Lighten the Load – A Coffee Pot Book Club Spotlight Book Blast & Review

Book Title: Lighten the Load

Series: Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail (Book 2)

Author: David Fitz-Gerald

Publication Date: January 31, 2024

Publisher: David Fitz-Gerald

Page Length: 203

Genre: Western, Historical Fiction

Series Trailer: https://youtu.be/sWvp6dtbXvA

Twitter Handle: @AuthorDAVIDFG @cathiedunn

Instagram Handle: @authordavefitzgerald @thecoffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #HistoricalWestern #WesternAdventure #AmericanWest #Pioneers #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2024/02/blog-tour-lighten-the-load-by-david-fitzgerald.html

Twitter: @cathiedunn

IG & Threads: @thecoffeepotbookclub 

Bluesky: @cathiedunn.bsky.social 

Blurb:

After a devastating tragedy, Dorcas Moon faces brutal choices in the unforgiving wilderness.

An unsolved hometown murder casts a foreboding shadow over the journey. Mounting responsibilities weigh heavy on Dorcas’ shoulders while navigating the trail along the Platte River. Family, friends, and neighbors can’t seem to get along without her help.

The gruesome trail exacts a heavy toll. A sweeping grass fire blazes across the prairie. A doomed wagon careens down a treacherous hill. A fellow traveler is gored to death while hunting buffalo. Each disaster pushes the pioneers to the brink. Amidst the chaos, Dorcas grapples with the realization that she must dump her precious cook stove and her husband’s massive safe. The oxen can no longer haul the heavy weight of unnecessary cargo.

When her daughter mysteriously disappears while the wagons are at Fort Laramie, Dorcas Despairs. She is desperate to help her daughter when the troubled youth is found in the arms of a Brulé man in Spotted Tail’s village.

Secure your copy of Lighten the Load and delve into an unforgettable saga of empowerment, sacrifice, and the haunting echoes of the American frontier. Rejoin Dorcas Moon on the adventure of a lifetime as she confronts the challenges that shape her destiny.

Buy Links:

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/lighten-the-load

Author Bio:

David Fitz-Gerald writes westerns and historical fiction. He is the author of twelve books, including the brand-new series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail set in 1850. Dave is a multiple Laramie Award, first place, best in category winner; a Blue Ribbon Chanticleerian; a member of Western Writers of America; and a member of the Historical Novel Society.

Alpine landscapes and flashy horses always catch Dave’s eye and turn his head. He is also an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked to the summit of the range’s highest peaks. As a mountaineer, he’s happiest at an elevation of over four thousand feet above sea level.

Dave is a lifelong fan of western fiction, landscapes, movies, and music. It should be no surprise that Dave delights in placing memorable characters on treacherous trails, mountain tops, and on the backs of wild horses.

Author Links:

Website: https://www.itsoag.com/GATOT

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorDAVIDFG

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDaveFITZGERALD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordavefitzgerald/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AuthorDaveFITZGERALD/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/david-fitz-gerald

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/dfitzgerald

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17341792.David_Fitz_Gerald

Linktree https://linktr.ee/authordavidfitzgerald

My Review

The second book in the series, like the first, holds nothing back from the oft-times perilous trek across the rivers and prairies. The high hopes of the pioneers for starting a new life in Oregon, are now just hopes that they will survive the journey. The physical and emotional toil takes its toll on all; especially Dorcas. Still mourning Larkin’s death, and the target of rude gossip about the way she comports herself. A strong woman who shares the grief of others, but who also feels weakened by her thoughts about Agapito, Dorcas struggles to hold her family together. There’s still a long way to go, and I’m sure the author has more struggles for her yet to come. 5 Stars