Loved this book! I'll be completely honest though, the book is pretty slow paced. However, you have to understand that it IS a western and not the kind full of gunfights and Native Americans attacking and chock full of action. Its not like what people are used to from a YA novel. It is so realistic though. The story is following Leah as she treks across the United States bound for California to escape her uncle who murdered her parents. She is disguised as a boy for safety's sake and travels with others also going to California. On the trail they face sickness, buffalo stampedes, heat stroke, lack of water and other difficulties. I enjoyed traveling with Leah and seeing how she faces each hardship. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book!