The Scout (Harlequin Historical) [Mass Market Paperback]

The story as outlined above is accurate and the detail of the perils facing those heading west is excellent. There can never be too much said about the courage of those early pioneers, men and women. Having said that, "The Scout" is a quick read, with a superficial story and superficial characters! (It always amazes me when people diss a book I've truly enjoyed but now I understand how it happens.)
Constance and her sister Nettie are travelling to Oregon on a wagon train run by an incompetent wagonmaster. Although that is always possible, everything I've ever read speaks to the incredible experience and expertise of wagon masters of that era.
But... Nettie is a spoiled brat, not only does she not help but she whines incessantly about everything. Constance (who journals throughout the book to keep us posted) facilitates Nettie's behaviour but gripes about it and Nettie constantly in her journal! Enter Major John and Billy. The major is assigned to protect the wagon train through indian territory with his sidekick, "old " Billy who is about 40, talks constantly and speaks poorly. (His diction is constantly corrected by perfect Nettie who is 17 by the way) Major John is hurting from an experience that we don't have a clue about and is distant and fairly antisocial but dedicated to his duty. So he does his job with skill. Having met the major twice Constance decides she is in love with him. And one huggy/feely encounter convinces john that he is a "man" again and cares about Constance even if she is not the "pretty one". Several comments are made about her lack of beauty which is a turn off. Well, Nettie decides she wants (and needs to be married) to the Major and tells his superior that he got her pregnant!!..(Constance hasn't noticed the signs of the 3 month pregnant girl). John has to marry nettie or be courtmartialed even though he tells his superior (who has been his boss and friends for years) that he hasn't touched her. He honors his betrothal to Nettie by sleeping "one time for memories" with Constance. We eventually find out John has lost his wife tragically and he was determined not to love again. And that Constance would not ruin her sisters happiness, etc...so they all meet at the altar. Where with this and that, Nettie winds up married to Billy ( her senior by 20+ yrs) and Constance winds up married to john......In between this stuff there is an excellent scene about Constance getting injured and John doctoring her to save her life. But I never understood why he shot his rifle at the indian's feet instead of killing the indian before he attacked constance. That didn't figure. A lot about this book didn"t figure. If you can get around my totally biased account of this story, you'll probably enjoy it. I sure didn't. A waste of time and money.

The Scout shows us how tough it was to travel into unknown territory, Indian territory, being a young woman who not only had to drive a Conestoga Wagon, but had to do all the chores and take care of her younger sister who refused to lift a hand to do anything. Through it all she found true love with a man who thought he had died inside and would never love again. But when it's meant to be, it's meant to be. Lynna Banning did an incredible job honoring those women who did travel out west, leaving behind their friends and families and any sense of civility to find something new in life. While it was difficult they persevered so we could have all we have today.

In 1860, the Weldon sisters left their home in Ohio when their father, a widower banker, decided to relocate in Oregon. In Independence, Missouri their dad died leaving the two young ladies to fend for themselves although they sign on to a wagon train. Led by the older sibling Constance, she and Nettie continue on the journey west

The wagon train asks for help from the military stationed at Fort Kearney to escort them through Indian Territory. The post Commandant Colonel Butterworth sends Major John Montgomery and Billy West. Meanwhile Constance and John fall in love, but Nettie selfishly covets the major too. As the siblings argue over whether Nettie is pulling her weight, Billy tries to get her to see he is the one for her. However, besides understanding their deepest feelings, they must contend with Yellow Wolf who has stolen horses from the wagon train and plans to abduct the older Weldon female because of her kindness towards him.

This is an exhilarating historical romance that enables the reader to taste the hardships and dangers of the trail. The story line engages the readers from the moment that John almost gets shot by a frightened traveler. The key cast members are a delightful group to follow though Nettie's behavior will have fans wanting to smack her. Still the audience will enjoy traveling west with these intrepid souls, but will especially value the two lead couples.

Harriet Klausner