Jessi is part of the ill fated Donner party headed to California and is rescued by Daniel . The hardship, danger and decisions made envelope the reader in another time and place.

Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks . Opinions are entirely my own.

A dramatic and gruesome survival journey, under blizzard conditions with a lack of food and any prospects of securing meat, even the animals safe from the weather, Jesse was adamant that orphan baby Elizabeth must survive and with Raymond the only other survivor in the broken cabin with her, went scavenging in the graves of their dead ones, her stomach and heart could not handle such atrocious and morbid measures, but the baby needs sustenance. Despite all her remorse, she couldn’t let her die, so she dipped the spoon and place it to her lips. She couldn’t do it to herself though, every time the hunger pains attack her, she looked at the soup in the pot and her heart cries out, although having not eaten for at least four to five days, she just could not, no not her mom, and so she tried to make it hoping but hope in what, until that fateful day. The wild west was a mans world women were considered too feeble to survive and make it on their own they must have a protector but Jesse chooses to prove them wrong no matter what, she wanted her farm and after what she had been through no one is going to tell her who she must marry, who to love and what she can do. A heroine with a fighting spirit that gave this book a truly enthralling storyline, aided but superb characters, a most interesting and awesome read filled with all of life's passion and emotions.

Survivor of the Donner party

This book was first printed as DAUGHTER OF THE MOUNTAIN in 1993.

Jessie Spear was part of the ill-fated Donner party that succumbed to cannibalism in order to survive. Jessie herself didn't partake but she saved the life of a baby by using the forbidden sustenance.

She and others that are remaining are rescued by Daniel Bear and helped out of the Sierra Nevada mountains to Fort Sutter. Once there and recovered, Jessie finds land to start a farm - a dream she's held her whole life. But she finds she can't forget the man that rescued her.

This was an okay story to me although the storyline seemed rather repetitive. Just as things start to look up for Jessie, some disaster hits her again. Read a few more pages and bam, repeat. Over and over.

Okay characters, okay setting, okay storyline. Not a favorite of mine, if you can tell.

I received this book from Beyond the Page Publishing through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read the book and write an unbiased review.

I found it a bit of a slow read and some characters were not fully developed. A little more explanation into the male main character's background would have been a good addition to the book.

I must admit that I did not enjoy this book at first, however, I am so glad that I persevered as I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it right through from start to finish in one go. A highly recommended read.

What an awesome story, so intense your heart will be pounding with the tragic experiences Jessie Spear endured. The will to survive is strong in Jessie she means to see her dream come true no matter what. Daniel Bear is an outcast he’s branded a murderer but that’s not what Jessie sees in him he’s her saviour. Jessie sees a man that will jeopardize his well being and life to help her reach safety.
A bond of the soul has formed that will keep them forever united. A story of passion and trust two souls that have endured and survived. I highly recommend this author her writing is descriptive and breathtakingly vivid, Ms. Vella Munn has given a splendid visual of all Jessie and Daniel have endured..
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion.