West by Carys Davies

He's a widower.  He's tired of moping about and sleeping too much in his sorrow.  When he reads about dinosaur bones being found in Kentucky, he decides to go find himself one of those big animals.  It'll be an adventure and then, rejuvenated, he can head for home again.  He asks his sister to watch over his child.  She says no but he talks her into it.  He tells his daughter the trip will probably take two years but he'll be back.  He's wrong.

Scribner and Edelweiss gave me the opportunity to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published April 24th.

Her father travels alone, asking directions along the way.  He's following the Lewis & Clark trail but it's really only general directions so he seeks aid on the way.  By the time the second winter rolls around, he's worn down, has lost weight and has a young Indian guide.  

Meanwhile, his daughter is on her own for the most part.  Her aunt lives there but she has her own interests and Bess isn't one of them.  Without realizing it, she has attracted the attention of two pedophiles.  She's independent and resourceful which is a good thing.  Her instincts keep her away from them.

The story ends with a sadness and a sense of justice.  The old west was tough and not all survived.  But those that did were strong and stubborn and didn't back down.