Tough Trail Home

Tough Trail Home is an earnest and tender-hearted look at the possible consequences of a family of prosperous city dwellers—now in peril—moving to a Texas ranch and beginning a new life. Author Marie W. Watts explores this scenario with its impact on each family member, as well as its impact on the whole. The result is a wonderful, character-driven journey for all readers.

This is the story of the Dunwhitty family: Michael, the father; Lisa, the mother; Andrew, the teenager; and Jessica, the preteen. This family has lived the good life, with Michael’s jobs in sales providing enough income for each member to get whatever they want. Arriving in Houston for Michael’s new job, after selling their home in Raleigh, they learn that not only does Michael no longer have that job, but legal issues with the company have now tainted Michael’s reputation. Further, since they sold their Raleigh house to Michael’s new company, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to recover anything.

Lisa then learns that her Uncle Joe left his entire 4,263 acre Fayette County ranch to her in his will. But there’s a catch: she can’t sell it. If she does not take possession of the ranch and live on it, the property will be donated to the Lutheran Church for use as a retreat and camp. So the adventure begins. The family experiences the joys and challenges of ranch life, while the marriage begins to falter after Michael’s rejection of living on the ranch.

That’s a pretty lengthy synopsis, but I think it’s critically important to understand the very unique situation the family finds itself in to get the most enjoyment from this story. For a family used to the good life to move into a rather dilapidated ranch, there will likely be some huge bumps in the road. And I’m not just talking about the twelve mile “twisting, potholed, reddish-tinged path lined with a mixture of dense oak and cedar trees” that leads to the property.

“How stupid. I’ve dealt with CEOs of major corporations, and now I’m afraid of a silly washateria.”

—Lisa’s thoughts sitting in the car outside the Laundromat.

Seldom have I read a more character-driven story. The character arcs are huge, and they are exceptionally well written. Each character brings his or her own set of values, wants, and needs to the story. For example, at one point Lisa is considering purchasing a pickup truck to use on the ranch. Andrew wants her to get a new pickup with all the bells and whistles for about $55,000. When Lisa ends up getting a used pickup that she could afford, Andrew is crushed. He just couldn’t comprehend why they couldn’t afford the new truck that he wanted. Each family member has lessons that need to be learned.

The pressure on Lisa and Michael to keep the family in tact must have been incredible. Further, for the first time, their marriage was on the brink of destruction. Thankfully, author Marie W. Watts is more of a “show” than “tell” author, so the reader gets a more immersive experience with the characters’ emotions.

I could go on forever about this story, but I’ll limit myself to just one more tidbit. The pacing was right on point! There is danger that lurks on any Texas ranch, and the Dunwhitty family is not spared from those dangers. When those dangers come along, the pace admirably picks up.

I only have one slight criticism of this story. I think the ending is just too abrupt. In my opinion, this story could use an Epilogue so the reader can learn what happens to the family. I’m genuinely curious, as a future story could go several different ways with the existing ending.

This is exceptional and compelling storytelling at its finest! This book is advertised as Contemporary Women’s Fiction; if you’re a guy, please don’t let that dissuade you from reading it. I enjoyed the story very much, and I consider this author to be a gifted storyteller! Happy reading!