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Westward Winds #2
Waiting for Spring
After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But when a notorious robber believes she knows the location of a long-lost treasure, she flees to Cheyenne and opens a dressmaker's shop to lie low and make a living. When wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry enters the shop to visit her best customer, Charlotte feels drawn to him.
If Barrett is to be a senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming, he must make a sensible match, and Miriam has all the right connections. Yet he can't shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.
Soon the past comes to call, and Barrett's plans crumble around him. Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?
If Barrett is to be a senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming, he must make a sensible match, and Miriam has all the right connections. Yet he can't shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.
Soon the past comes to call, and Barrett's plans crumble around him. Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?
400 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2012
126 people are currently reading
1305 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Cabot
43 books990 followersWith both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than forty novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
November 16, 2022
I took longer than normal to complete this story. And not because I did not like it, because I did. I think I just found it a bit on the long side and somewhere in the middle it did loose my interest a bit.
The main characters went a lot of growth during this story, discovering what they really wanted from life. David was the cutest little boy, and I loved every scene between him and Barrett.
I enjoyed the added suspense plot, though the real action and suspense only really started at around 80% of the book.
*I read this on Scribd.*
The main characters went a lot of growth during this story, discovering what they really wanted from life. David was the cutest little boy, and I loved every scene between him and Barrett.
I enjoyed the added suspense plot, though the real action and suspense only really started at around 80% of the book.
*I read this on Scribd.*
September 8, 2014
Waiting for Spring is a matchmakers dream to read! When I got my hands on this one, squeals were heard, yet that is often the case with a new novel from Amanda Cabot. When she started with her first series Texas Dreams she hit the ground running and has provided only riveting romantic reads for me every since including her most recent Christmas novella in Christmas Roses. Every time including in Waiting for Spring, the book grips me from the very first scene and keeps me captivated. A gorgeous dress graces the cover which appears to be fabulously typical for the Westward Winds series and brings you right into the character’s life.
Coming in, I knew I would like it being from Amanda, but I was even so excellently surprised. In Summer of Promise I was not in love with the character of Charlotte (even though I of course love the name!) but hearing her thoughts come off the page in Waiting for Spring I am definitely rejuvenated for her and have thoroughly enjoyed her story. From the very first as the various characters are described and brought into the story each one could be the romantic interest or the way things go and Amanda describes character personalities so well in the way they seem to think and act that really has a reader invested in what will happen to each person. In this book, even the sideline characters bring a great interest into the curiosity of how it will all turn out.
Amanda Cabot is an author that goes straight to the keeper shelf. Pretty much you know when she is releasing a new book it is definitely worth every minute of the read.
*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*
“Available January 2013 from your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Coming in, I knew I would like it being from Amanda, but I was even so excellently surprised. In Summer of Promise I was not in love with the character of Charlotte (even though I of course love the name!) but hearing her thoughts come off the page in Waiting for Spring I am definitely rejuvenated for her and have thoroughly enjoyed her story. From the very first as the various characters are described and brought into the story each one could be the romantic interest or the way things go and Amanda describes character personalities so well in the way they seem to think and act that really has a reader invested in what will happen to each person. In this book, even the sideline characters bring a great interest into the curiosity of how it will all turn out.
Amanda Cabot is an author that goes straight to the keeper shelf. Pretty much you know when she is releasing a new book it is definitely worth every minute of the read.
*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*
“Available January 2013 from your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
January 25, 2013
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R141ZR56...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Waiting for Spring is only the second novel I've read by Amanda Cabot (the first being Summer of Promise), but I can already tell I'm a fan of her work! Waiting for Spring was a very enjoyable read that kept me interested throughout.
I loved the characters in Waiting for Spring, and couldn't help feeling for Charlotte and all she had gone through. She seemed like a very courageous woman, in spite of her fears. I loved the scenes with Barrett and David. It was so cute the way they interacted.
While the identity of "The Baron" isn't kept a secret from the reader, there was still a little bit of suspense to Waiting for Spring, which I really liked.
I was never bored while reading Waiting for Spring, but I will say I was surprised by the length of the story. At one point, I thought things were nearing the end, and I couldn't believe there was still a good chunk of the book left to read.
Overall, I loved Waiting for Spring and am looking forward to reading book three of the Westward Winds series, With Autumn's Return, which should release spring of 2014.
I recommend Waiting for Spring if you enjoy historical romances. I don't think it is necessary to read Summer of Promise first.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
“Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Waiting for Spring is only the second novel I've read by Amanda Cabot (the first being Summer of Promise), but I can already tell I'm a fan of her work! Waiting for Spring was a very enjoyable read that kept me interested throughout.
I loved the characters in Waiting for Spring, and couldn't help feeling for Charlotte and all she had gone through. She seemed like a very courageous woman, in spite of her fears. I loved the scenes with Barrett and David. It was so cute the way they interacted.
While the identity of "The Baron" isn't kept a secret from the reader, there was still a little bit of suspense to Waiting for Spring, which I really liked.
I was never bored while reading Waiting for Spring, but I will say I was surprised by the length of the story. At one point, I thought things were nearing the end, and I couldn't believe there was still a good chunk of the book left to read.
Overall, I loved Waiting for Spring and am looking forward to reading book three of the Westward Winds series, With Autumn's Return, which should release spring of 2014.
I recommend Waiting for Spring if you enjoy historical romances. I don't think it is necessary to read Summer of Promise first.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
“Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
August 12, 2015
Really enjoyed this book! Can't wait to read book 3!
June 20, 2024
Christian romance set in late 1880s in Cheyenne WY. Second in a series but can be read as a stand alone.
October 9, 2015
SUMMARY: A new identity may protect her family--but can it protect her heart?
After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But she can find no rest from the ghosts of the past and flees to Cheyenne to put the pieces of her life back together.
Wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry must make a sensible match if he is to be elected senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming. He needs someone with connections. Someone without a past. Yet he can't shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.
Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?
REVIEW: This is the second book in the Westward Winds series. I felt the first one was somewhat slow in spots, but this one had a better flow with its sweet romance and a touch of intrigue.
Charlotte was a sweet, loving, hardworking heroine who cared deeply about her blind son, her assistant Gwen, as well as some of the impoverished ladies of the town. Barrett was an interesting hero as he tries to find himself and who, where, and what he wants to be. David, Charlotte's blind toddler, played a sweet role throughout the story, and I was impressed by Charlotte's dedication to seeing him grow and develop as normally as possible.
The nuggets of inspiration sprinkled throughout the story reminded both the characters and me about where the focus should be when we are facing difficult times.
This book could be read as a stand alone; but I would recommend reading Summer of Promise first as it would assist in understand what Charlotte is facing and why she is hiding some things about herself.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I've always believed that each of us was put on Earth to make it a better place. We can't change the past, but if we make the present the best it can be, we can influence the future. Whatever we choose to do with out lives should be done with that in mind."
"Charlotte had been so concerned about establishing her independence, about proving that she did not need to be coddled or protected, that she had forgotten the fundamental truth. She could deny it all she wanted, but she did need help. God's help."
"We can't change the past. It took me a long time to accept that and realize that all I can do is make the present the best it can be."
After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But she can find no rest from the ghosts of the past and flees to Cheyenne to put the pieces of her life back together.
Wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry must make a sensible match if he is to be elected senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming. He needs someone with connections. Someone without a past. Yet he can't shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.
Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?
REVIEW: This is the second book in the Westward Winds series. I felt the first one was somewhat slow in spots, but this one had a better flow with its sweet romance and a touch of intrigue.
Charlotte was a sweet, loving, hardworking heroine who cared deeply about her blind son, her assistant Gwen, as well as some of the impoverished ladies of the town. Barrett was an interesting hero as he tries to find himself and who, where, and what he wants to be. David, Charlotte's blind toddler, played a sweet role throughout the story, and I was impressed by Charlotte's dedication to seeing him grow and develop as normally as possible.
The nuggets of inspiration sprinkled throughout the story reminded both the characters and me about where the focus should be when we are facing difficult times.
This book could be read as a stand alone; but I would recommend reading Summer of Promise first as it would assist in understand what Charlotte is facing and why she is hiding some things about herself.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I've always believed that each of us was put on Earth to make it a better place. We can't change the past, but if we make the present the best it can be, we can influence the future. Whatever we choose to do with out lives should be done with that in mind."
"Charlotte had been so concerned about establishing her independence, about proving that she did not need to be coddled or protected, that she had forgotten the fundamental truth. She could deny it all she wanted, but she did need help. God's help."
"We can't change the past. It took me a long time to accept that and realize that all I can do is make the present the best it can be."
May 14, 2016
I was extremely disappointed with this series. It wasn't nearly as interesting as I anticipated. This second installment was such a let down. It follows the continued story of Charlotte from book one. We follow her and her young, blind son as the navigate life without their father/husband.
I was interested to see what had become of Charlotte after the loss of her husband. I found everything involving David, Charlotte's blind son to be captivating and wonderful. It was so sweet to see the lengths Charlotte went through to understand the world in a way that related to her son and his needs. I equally enjoyed reading about the new life she had set up for herself to help her stand on her own feet as a single mother. The sewing shop sounded spectacular and homey.
Barrett was great as a leading man. He stepped in nicely to fill in the gap that was in Charlotte's and David's life. He was gentle and kind, understanding, but still fun and mischievous and relaxed in a way that Charlotte and David desperately needed.
It was all well and good. Even the suspense was pretty good, continuing the story from the first book by bringing in the bad guy who had killed one of the suspects in the murder of Charlotte's husband.
For me though, I just found myself feeling bored and uninterested at times. That first book had left me hesitant and wary of this series. There were a few large, blatant negatives worked into it that I struggled to get into this second book. For me, this second book didn't really redeem any of the negatives I had in book one that put me off from the series. I kept expecting cruddy things to enter the story which stumped my enjoyment while reading this second book. While I found this book to be cleaner than the first one, I also found it to sadly be more boring. I liked the idea of this story and the character's in it, but it felt like nothing really happened until the end of the book. By then, I was just ready to be finished reading it.
I was interested to see what had become of Charlotte after the loss of her husband. I found everything involving David, Charlotte's blind son to be captivating and wonderful. It was so sweet to see the lengths Charlotte went through to understand the world in a way that related to her son and his needs. I equally enjoyed reading about the new life she had set up for herself to help her stand on her own feet as a single mother. The sewing shop sounded spectacular and homey.
Barrett was great as a leading man. He stepped in nicely to fill in the gap that was in Charlotte's and David's life. He was gentle and kind, understanding, but still fun and mischievous and relaxed in a way that Charlotte and David desperately needed.
It was all well and good. Even the suspense was pretty good, continuing the story from the first book by bringing in the bad guy who had killed one of the suspects in the murder of Charlotte's husband.
For me though, I just found myself feeling bored and uninterested at times. That first book had left me hesitant and wary of this series. There were a few large, blatant negatives worked into it that I struggled to get into this second book. For me, this second book didn't really redeem any of the negatives I had in book one that put me off from the series. I kept expecting cruddy things to enter the story which stumped my enjoyment while reading this second book. While I found this book to be cleaner than the first one, I also found it to sadly be more boring. I liked the idea of this story and the character's in it, but it felt like nothing really happened until the end of the book. By then, I was just ready to be finished reading it.
January 13, 2013
Title: WAITING FOR SPRING
Author: Amanda Cabot
Publisher: Revell
January 2013
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3460-2
Genre: Historical romance
A new identity may protect her family--but can it protect her heart?
Charlotte has struggled to find a new beginning after the death of her husband and the birth of her son. She’s opened a dress shop, using a French name, and is hiding from the person who might have murdered her husband. Her son is blind, so she’s hired a housekeeper/babysitter, another widow with a small child, to help out.
Barrett Landry is being pushed to run for senator of the soon-to be state of Wyoming. He has all the qualifications needed, except one. His friends and potential voters all insist that he needs a wife. Barrett is looking in the direction of Miriam, the daughter of the town newspaper owner, since she is blond and would be a nice addition to his arm… but that is until he meets opinionated business owner, Charlotte.
Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?
WAITING FOR SPRING is the second book in Ms. Cabot's Westward Winds series, but it easily stands alone. I enjoyed getting to know Barrett and Charlotte and learning about their struggles. Charlotte is living a lie, trying to stay alive and Barrett is trying to live a life of integrity, basing his political race on the truth. What a great set up for tension!
If you like historical romance, don’t miss WAITING FOR SPRING or the first book in the series, Summer of Promise. I’m looking forward to With Autumns Return coming in 2014. The premise behind WAITING FOR SPRING is factual, and there are some interesting notes included at the end of the book. $14.99. 400 pages. 5 stars.
I received this book in return for review from Revell.
Author: Amanda Cabot
Publisher: Revell
January 2013
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3460-2
Genre: Historical romance
A new identity may protect her family--but can it protect her heart?
Charlotte has struggled to find a new beginning after the death of her husband and the birth of her son. She’s opened a dress shop, using a French name, and is hiding from the person who might have murdered her husband. Her son is blind, so she’s hired a housekeeper/babysitter, another widow with a small child, to help out.
Barrett Landry is being pushed to run for senator of the soon-to be state of Wyoming. He has all the qualifications needed, except one. His friends and potential voters all insist that he needs a wife. Barrett is looking in the direction of Miriam, the daughter of the town newspaper owner, since she is blond and would be a nice addition to his arm… but that is until he meets opinionated business owner, Charlotte.
Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?
WAITING FOR SPRING is the second book in Ms. Cabot's Westward Winds series, but it easily stands alone. I enjoyed getting to know Barrett and Charlotte and learning about their struggles. Charlotte is living a lie, trying to stay alive and Barrett is trying to live a life of integrity, basing his political race on the truth. What a great set up for tension!
If you like historical romance, don’t miss WAITING FOR SPRING or the first book in the series, Summer of Promise. I’m looking forward to With Autumns Return coming in 2014. The premise behind WAITING FOR SPRING is factual, and there are some interesting notes included at the end of the book. $14.99. 400 pages. 5 stars.
I received this book in return for review from Revell.
January 23, 2016
WAITING FOR SPRING was a good story with likable characters.
Charlotte heads to Cheyenne hoping to put her marriage and the death of her husband behind her. With her son in tow, she decides to open a dress shop in Cheyenne, but keeps her last name and her grief-filled past a secret from the townspeople. Modest success rewards her with a stable home for her son, but the distances she puts between her and those around her becomes more difficult as time goes on. Wanting nothing but a future for her son, Charlotte feels the only way to do that is to guard her past.
Barrett Landry is looking for something more in life. Though he is a successful cattle baron, Barrett feels he needs to do more to prove to his family he is of worth. Running for political office seems like the right move to make, but having to marry a woman he doesn’t love in order to better his position becomes more difficult as his attraction to Charlotte grows. Befriending Charlotte and her son brings Barrett true joy, but will do nothing for his political aspirations. A choice that will change his life forever must be made.
I enjoyed WAITING FOR SPRING. It didn’t quite have the snap that SUMMER OF PROMISE had, but the story was still entertaining enough to follow. I liked the characters of Barrett and Charlotte, and the chemistry between them was good. I just grow tired if a character constantly bemoans the fact that they are no good for the other person. Self-deprecating comments drag on me after a while. But other than that, the story moved well and had a fulfilling conclusion.
Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Book provided for review purposes.
Charlotte heads to Cheyenne hoping to put her marriage and the death of her husband behind her. With her son in tow, she decides to open a dress shop in Cheyenne, but keeps her last name and her grief-filled past a secret from the townspeople. Modest success rewards her with a stable home for her son, but the distances she puts between her and those around her becomes more difficult as time goes on. Wanting nothing but a future for her son, Charlotte feels the only way to do that is to guard her past.
Barrett Landry is looking for something more in life. Though he is a successful cattle baron, Barrett feels he needs to do more to prove to his family he is of worth. Running for political office seems like the right move to make, but having to marry a woman he doesn’t love in order to better his position becomes more difficult as his attraction to Charlotte grows. Befriending Charlotte and her son brings Barrett true joy, but will do nothing for his political aspirations. A choice that will change his life forever must be made.
I enjoyed WAITING FOR SPRING. It didn’t quite have the snap that SUMMER OF PROMISE had, but the story was still entertaining enough to follow. I liked the characters of Barrett and Charlotte, and the chemistry between them was good. I just grow tired if a character constantly bemoans the fact that they are no good for the other person. Self-deprecating comments drag on me after a while. But other than that, the story moved well and had a fulfilling conclusion.
Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Book provided for review purposes.
January 20, 2013
After reading a rather intense (but terrific book), I was definitely ready for a more relaxing book. I am so glad Waiting for Spring my next in my line-up. I never like to miss any of Amanda Cabot’s books. She is one of those authors that I know will never let me down. I always know that she will create an enjoyable and meaningful story and she certainly did with her newest books.
It is rather amazing that there can be quite a bit of tension with a murder and other lives in danger, but still be a relaxed and enjoyable read. Amanda keeps things subtle enough so nothing about the story is overpowering. She knows her readers want some suspense and some mystery, but she also hasn’t forgotten us romantics out there. Waiting for Spring is just a nice, interesting and balanced story. Amanda keeps surprising me by creating such enjoyable stories that never feel recycled or rushed.
I read this book faster than most books I have read lately, but at the same time I did not want it to end. I’m glad we still have one more book in this series, but I’m sure even after that, Amanda has something wonderful in the works for us. Sometimes the second book in a series can fall flat, but not this one. I highly recommend it, but treat yourself to Summer of Promise while you’re at it.
It is rather amazing that there can be quite a bit of tension with a murder and other lives in danger, but still be a relaxed and enjoyable read. Amanda keeps things subtle enough so nothing about the story is overpowering. She knows her readers want some suspense and some mystery, but she also hasn’t forgotten us romantics out there. Waiting for Spring is just a nice, interesting and balanced story. Amanda keeps surprising me by creating such enjoyable stories that never feel recycled or rushed.
I read this book faster than most books I have read lately, but at the same time I did not want it to end. I’m glad we still have one more book in this series, but I’m sure even after that, Amanda has something wonderful in the works for us. Sometimes the second book in a series can fall flat, but not this one. I highly recommend it, but treat yourself to Summer of Promise while you’re at it.
March 5, 2013
Charlotte is a making a new start for herself (and her young son) in Cheyenne. Barrett is a cattle rancher, trying to make it into politics. But what no one knows, is Charlotte is hiding who she really is; hiding from a man who wants to kill her.
This is a continuation of sorts to Summer of Promise. Charlotte was a character in that story, but not really the main one. I like how resourceful and hardworking Charlotte is. She does rely on others for help, but she does as much as she can to support herself and David, her son. She is very kind and a good friend as well. Barrett is a great guy! But he tends to do what others want him to do, instead of doing what he wants.
I love Amanda Cabot's stories--they weave a great blend of a little mystery, with some romance, and some great historical effects. At least, that's how this series is. :)
Content: some mention of brothels and a rough customer; mention of previous murders--not much detail given; an evil man.
This is a continuation of sorts to Summer of Promise. Charlotte was a character in that story, but not really the main one. I like how resourceful and hardworking Charlotte is. She does rely on others for help, but she does as much as she can to support herself and David, her son. She is very kind and a good friend as well. Barrett is a great guy! But he tends to do what others want him to do, instead of doing what he wants.
I love Amanda Cabot's stories--they weave a great blend of a little mystery, with some romance, and some great historical effects. At least, that's how this series is. :)
Content: some mention of brothels and a rough customer; mention of previous murders--not much detail given; an evil man.
July 29, 2015
"Waiting for Spring" is a historical romance set in Wyoming in 1886 to 1887. This novel spoiled some of the events in the previous novel, and I'd recommend reading the series in order.
Ironically, if I hadn't loved the first novel so much, I probably would have liked this one more. The previous novel had an element of mystery, but in this book we knew exactly who the bad guy was and his plans. The hero was passive for much of this story and only really engaged with life (and the heroine) near the end. I had a hard time liking the hero at first, though I didn't dislike him. The heroine was interesting and had some challenges to deal with in raising her blind son.
I realize it's difficult to get technology correct in periods where technology was changing very quickly. However, while electricity was technically available at this time, it's very unlikely that a financially struggling household in the west would have their house fully wired for electricity. The heroine's house is.
Ironically, if I hadn't loved the first novel so much, I probably would have liked this one more. The previous novel had an element of mystery, but in this book we knew exactly who the bad guy was and his plans. The hero was passive for much of this story and only really engaged with life (and the heroine) near the end. I had a hard time liking the hero at first, though I didn't dislike him. The heroine was interesting and had some challenges to deal with in raising her blind son.
I realize it's difficult to get technology correct in periods where technology was changing very quickly. However, while electricity was technically available at this time, it's very unlikely that a financially struggling household in the west would have their house fully wired for electricity. The heroine's house is.
January 19, 2013
I was surprised at how much I loved Waiting for Spring. I tend not to read period books, but had previously read one of Amanda Cabot's books and enjoyed it so much that I had to read this one as well.
Charlotte is a widow with a young child who has had such a rough time of it with losing her husband and having to hide her true identity to keep her family safe. She is sweet and so kind-hearted. I instantly fell in love with her. She is a mother who fiercely protects her child almost to a fault due to his blindness, but through the story realizes that she isn't alone. I love how she takes care of the people in her life from her son to the older man who owns the general store. She is so generous and helps those who others would frown upon her doing so. She is strong in her faith and it shows in how she lives her life.
Charlotte is a widow with a young child who has had such a rough time of it with losing her husband and having to hide her true identity to keep her family safe. She is sweet and so kind-hearted. I instantly fell in love with her. She is a mother who fiercely protects her child almost to a fault due to his blindness, but through the story realizes that she isn't alone. I love how she takes care of the people in her life from her son to the older man who owns the general store. She is so generous and helps those who others would frown upon her doing so. She is strong in her faith and it shows in how she lives her life.
February 24, 2016
I truly enjoyed reading Charlotte and Barrett’s story. It was a nice conflict to pair up a woman with a past and a man that needed a woman without one. I found most of the main characters very likable as well, from Charlotte’s child to Barrett’s brother. Each one added a depth to the story in their own ways. I also enjoyed the suspense part of this story. We learn the identity of the Baron but we don’t know how it will play out with him.
February 25, 2014
I enjoy Cabot's writings. Sometimes when I think it's taking too long for 300+pages, I remind myself how fast it seems to be reading though. Just enough suspense to keep you wondering and sweet romance to keep you interested.
The growth of the characters in her books of both themselves and their faith is either the A or B storyline depending on you look at it.
The growth of the characters in her books of both themselves and their faith is either the A or B storyline depending on you look at it.
May 27, 2019
This second book of the series tells a complete story and could stand alone. It builds on a secondary but significant character from the first book, Charlotte. If you are planning on reading the first book, it would make sense to read it before this one, but it isn't necessary for enjoying this book. The third book will follow another sister and continue the story of Charlotte's friend Gwen.
For me, the Charlotte of this book is not the same as the one in the first book. That is plausible given that for most of the first book she was struggling with a difficult pregnancy and the events of that book are enough to deeply affect someone like Charlotte. Indeed, this Charlotte is a bit too angelic for reality with the exception of what I consider one major flaw. Her guilt over her "lies" were unjustified. As we learn early in the book, her fear of discovery by "the Baron" demands that as much as possible be hidden for her anonymity and protection. To do less would be irresponsible. Charlotte's generosity and compassion are enormous.
I found it a bit unrealistic that she could open her own shop in a large building with an apartment fit for 4 above the shop and have employees after being widowed. I can't imagine any way that she could have retained much of Jeffrey's possessions given his death as a thief in book one. All that is ignored and nothing is said about how she afforded it. In addition, her generosity to Sylvia's girls while she complained about making ends meet is equally unrealistic. But one thing I've learned about this genre is that as a reader I have to ignore "reality" sometimes.
Barrett is almost equally too good to be true. He is a true gentlemen with compassion and generosity. He was certainly too good to be a politician which was obvious given his naive attempts "to make a difference". But he was definitely easy for a woman to fall in love with.
There isn't much mystery in this book. The main character's secrets are fairly obvious as is the identity of the "villain". The villain was a little too schizophrenic as in completely insane.
As a whole, this book is a pleasant but vanilla romance with some danger thrown in to add a little spice, but the threat never really seemed serious. It moves slowly through most of the book.
This is a Christian book. Other than what I mentioned about lies, there is almost no preaching. Once in a while, characters pray for guidance and for physical safety.
I read Cabot's much more recent A Tender Hope before this and I kept being reminded of that book by similar plot threads.
Mature themes: not really. A earlier murder is referenced as well as several very cold blooded threats. A man punches a helpless woman in the face.
For me, the Charlotte of this book is not the same as the one in the first book. That is plausible given that for most of the first book she was struggling with a difficult pregnancy and the events of that book are enough to deeply affect someone like Charlotte. Indeed, this Charlotte is a bit too angelic for reality with the exception of what I consider one major flaw. Her guilt over her "lies" were unjustified. As we learn early in the book, her fear of discovery by "the Baron" demands that as much as possible be hidden for her anonymity and protection. To do less would be irresponsible. Charlotte's generosity and compassion are enormous.
I found it a bit unrealistic that she could open her own shop in a large building with an apartment fit for 4 above the shop and have employees after being widowed. I can't imagine any way that she could have retained much of Jeffrey's possessions given his death as a thief in book one. All that is ignored and nothing is said about how she afforded it. In addition, her generosity to Sylvia's girls while she complained about making ends meet is equally unrealistic. But one thing I've learned about this genre is that as a reader I have to ignore "reality" sometimes.
Barrett is almost equally too good to be true. He is a true gentlemen with compassion and generosity. He was certainly too good to be a politician which was obvious given his naive attempts "to make a difference". But he was definitely easy for a woman to fall in love with.
There isn't much mystery in this book. The main character's secrets are fairly obvious as is the identity of the "villain". The villain was a little too schizophrenic as in completely insane.
As a whole, this book is a pleasant but vanilla romance with some danger thrown in to add a little spice, but the threat never really seemed serious. It moves slowly through most of the book.
This is a Christian book. Other than what I mentioned about lies, there is almost no preaching. Once in a while, characters pray for guidance and for physical safety.
I read Cabot's much more recent A Tender Hope before this and I kept being reminded of that book by similar plot threads.
Mature themes: not really. A earlier murder is referenced as well as several very cold blooded threats. A man punches a helpless woman in the face.
November 3, 2017
Content: clean, references to murder, some violence. I just didn't really connect with this story and found myself quite bored or apathetic. One of the things that left me disconnected was the first half of the book Charlotte is adamantly opposed to sending her son to an "asylum" (boarding school) for the blind and feels strongly that her son should be with his mother. The last half of the book she spends planning to open her own boarding school for the deaf and blind (asylum) so other children can leave their parents and come to her. Of course education for the deaf and blind is essential to cope/survive/thrive, but so is feeling loved and cared for by their family and parents. I don't think the author did a great job reconciling those two problems for anybody, but Charlotte.
August 1, 2020
I enjoyed this novel quite a bit and it was a good continuation to the previous one. Of course I really wanted to know what happened to Charlotte. Being that I am a teacher of blind students myself I found it fascinating to hear about education of the blind in this era, or at least a little bit of it. It was really interesting to watch Barrett as he grew and tried to discover where God wanted to put him and wanted him to do with his life. It’s interesting that he pretty much went full circle. Looking forward to the final book in the series
August 28, 2019
Charlotte
If you like suspense, this book is fir you! I’m really glad that things are very different for blind children now, and that they, me included, could choose to go to a public school and enjoy a good education. I loved how Charlotte was determined to keep her son at home and not send him away. These characters are a great examples of what it means to trust the Lord no matter what. Now for the last book. Very well done!
If you like suspense, this book is fir you! I’m really glad that things are very different for blind children now, and that they, me included, could choose to go to a public school and enjoy a good education. I loved how Charlotte was determined to keep her son at home and not send him away. These characters are a great examples of what it means to trust the Lord no matter what. Now for the last book. Very well done!
February 1, 2018
3.5 .. This was another clean romance with Christian principles, but not preachy. I found the end quite similar to the end of book *1, so it is only getting a 3.5 not 4. Overall, though, it was an even better story than book #1
September 5, 2019
Charlotte and Barrett's story. The older sister and her life in Cheyenne escaping her former life at Fort Laramie. Coping with a child who is blind and finding another child who was also blind. The Baron character followed into this story.
June 14, 2024
The God of second chances.
There were many things I liked about this book. Unlike other authors Ms. Cabot does not repeat what happened in book one but tells the story of Charlotte. It draws you in and holds your imagination. God truly is the God of second chances.
There were many things I liked about this book. Unlike other authors Ms. Cabot does not repeat what happened in book one but tells the story of Charlotte. It draws you in and holds your imagination. God truly is the God of second chances.
May 23, 2017
Middle book of three book series. Get all three to read one after the other!
Pleasant read.
Pleasant read.
February 17, 2020
Very enjoyable read.
March 23, 2020
Mystery and suspense with romance is all I needed for this book to suck me in.
May 13, 2020
Awes
I love reading this book she keeps you in suspense and it makes it more interesting to read this book.
I love reading this book she keeps you in suspense and it makes it more interesting to read this book.
January 4, 2021
Setting is late 1800's Cheyenne; mystery and danger mixed up with the romance, just enough to add some spice.
June 20, 2021
Another very good book.
November 11, 2021
I wanted a quick easy read, and thus was perfect for that.
April 19, 2022
Nothing to write home about.
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