The Ruby Brooch

Kit MacKlenna, a paramedic and skilled equestrian from present-day Kentucky, discovers a mysterious family brooch with apparent time-traveling abilities. After finding her late father's Civil War-era journal, she uses the brooch to transport herself to 1852 Oregon Territory in search of answers about her true heritage. On the Oregon Trail, Kit joins a wagon train where she meets Cullen Montgomery, a lawyer heading west. She must navigate the harsh realities of 19th century frontier life while maintaining her cover story and searching for clues about her family's past. The story combines elements of historical fiction, romance, and time travel as Kit faces the challenges of surviving in the past while pursuing her mission. Her medical training becomes both an asset and a liability as she encounters illness and injury on the dangerous journey west. The novel explores themes of identity, destiny, and the bonds of family across time, set against the backdrop of one of America's most significant historical migrations.

Readers describe this as a time-travel romance that blends historical details with modern elements. The book has a 4.3/5 rating on Amazon (2,800+ reviews) and 4.0/5 on Goodreads (8,400+ reviews). Readers appreciated: - Research into Oregon Trail history and medical procedures - Strong female protagonist - Romance development - Scottish cultural elements - Supporting character development Common criticisms: - Repetitive internal monologues - Slow pacing in first third of book - Modern dialogue/attitudes in historical sections - Some historical inaccuracies - Predictable plot points Many reviewers note the book improves after the first 100 pages. One reader stated "The historical details transport you to the Oregon Trail, but the modern phrases pull you right out." Another wrote "Kit's medical knowledge adds authenticity to the frontier scenes." The sequel retention rate shows 60% of readers continued to book 2 in the series.

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🔷 The Ruby Brooch is the first book in Katherine Lowry Logan's Celtic Brooch Series, which combines elements of time travel, romance, and historical fiction across multiple novels. 🔷 The main character, Kit MacKlenna, travels from contemporary Kentucky to Oregon Trail in 1852, showcasing detailed historical research about pioneer life and westward expansion. 🔷 Author Katherine Lowry Logan worked as a court reporter for over 30 years before becoming a full-time writer, which helped develop her attention to detail and storytelling abilities. 🔷 The novel incorporates authentic medical practices from both modern times and the 1850s, as the protagonist is a paramedic who must adapt her skills to 19th-century medicine. 🔷 The ruby brooch featured in the story is based on traditional Celtic jewelry design, where brooches were not just decorative items but also powerful symbols of authority and status in Celtic society.