What do you think?
Rate this book
Unbridled Dreams
Seventeen-year-old Irma's determination to perform in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West is daunting enough to her socialite mother, Willa Friedrich, but things become even more unsettling when handsome Shep Sterling arrives on the scene.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
308 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Grace Whitson
54 books340 followersA native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 2, 2009
Growing up, I was absolutely obsessed with all things western. I loved cowboy stories, and practically devoured Louis L'Amour novels (long live the Sacketts!). When I started reading Christian fiction, I soon found that most books with a western setting fell squarely into the "prairie romance" category (which is all well and good, but they just aren't my cup of tea). I prefer a western-set tale that's a little grittier or more adventurous. Unbridled Dreams fits the bill perfectly, delivering an adventurous, romantic, whirlwind coming-of-age tale set against the colorful backdrop of Buffalo Bill's Wild West.
By the late 19th century, the west was settled, but the "wild" west lived on in Cody's renowned traveling show. Seventeen-year-old Irma Friedrich has one burning desire - to realize her dream of becoming Liberty Belle, a trick riding Wild West star. However, her unorthodox dream is in direct opposition to her mother's desire for a ladylike daughter who could make an advantageous marriage. When Irma and her overly-indulgent father Otto go to extreme lengths to make Irma's dream come true, Irma must prove herself to the Wild West troupe and somehow repair her tense relationship with her mother without sacrificing her dreams. But when the star cowboy, Shep, begins to pay her extra special attention, to Irma's shock she begins to question her single-minded pursuit of stardom.
Irma is a wonderful, richly drawn character. She's a teenager with a lot to learn about life, and her journey from a passionate, spoiled girl to a hard-working troupe member is richly detailed and her maturation is believable. Willa and Otto's marriage is beautifully portrayed with a sometimes painful realism. Whitson's portrait of marriage shows it to be hard, sacrificial work, but when God's at the center of the relationship, the rewards are breathtakingly worthwhile. The heart of the story is Irma's growth as an individual and in coming to terms with her mother. I suspect that a lot of mothers and daughters will be able to relate to Willa and Irma's relationship. Through her characters, Whitson confronts the reader with what happens when secrets are laid bare, communication is fractured, and pride brings painful but much needed lessons. Unbridled Dreams is a fast-paced, absorbing read that takes its wonderfully real characters on a journey of forgiveness, healing, and restoration. Highly recommended.
By the late 19th century, the west was settled, but the "wild" west lived on in Cody's renowned traveling show. Seventeen-year-old Irma Friedrich has one burning desire - to realize her dream of becoming Liberty Belle, a trick riding Wild West star. However, her unorthodox dream is in direct opposition to her mother's desire for a ladylike daughter who could make an advantageous marriage. When Irma and her overly-indulgent father Otto go to extreme lengths to make Irma's dream come true, Irma must prove herself to the Wild West troupe and somehow repair her tense relationship with her mother without sacrificing her dreams. But when the star cowboy, Shep, begins to pay her extra special attention, to Irma's shock she begins to question her single-minded pursuit of stardom.
Irma is a wonderful, richly drawn character. She's a teenager with a lot to learn about life, and her journey from a passionate, spoiled girl to a hard-working troupe member is richly detailed and her maturation is believable. Willa and Otto's marriage is beautifully portrayed with a sometimes painful realism. Whitson's portrait of marriage shows it to be hard, sacrificial work, but when God's at the center of the relationship, the rewards are breathtakingly worthwhile. The heart of the story is Irma's growth as an individual and in coming to terms with her mother. I suspect that a lot of mothers and daughters will be able to relate to Willa and Irma's relationship. Through her characters, Whitson confronts the reader with what happens when secrets are laid bare, communication is fractured, and pride brings painful but much needed lessons. Unbridled Dreams is a fast-paced, absorbing read that takes its wonderfully real characters on a journey of forgiveness, healing, and restoration. Highly recommended.
October 7, 2017
Cinderella story with Wild Bill Cody.
February 3, 2020
A lot more cheerful than Whitson's usual.
October 16, 2022
Give me a Christian romance and a horse story and I am thrilled. An enjoyable read.
December 20, 2024
A desperate grab out of the free book box at my local library to meet my Goodreads goal before the end of the year
February 9, 2017
Fun Read, great setting and light hearted fun characters. Sweet story.
March 6, 2017
Very enjoyable read.
April 18, 2009
Really enjoyed this story. A sort of coming-of-age story for a young girl, Irma, who becomes a trick rider (Liberty Belle) for Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West show. She struggles to live up to her mother's hopes for a more ladylike daughter when her natural inclination is far more adventurous. While Irma's story was good and interesting, Whitson developed a good secondary storyline for Irma's mother and father. Felt that's what set this one apart from many books in this genre. In a way, by the end of it, the parents perhaps has a teeny-bit more compelling story.
I looked at this one for quite awhile before finding it at the library. I haven't read all of SGW's historicals--just the Pine Ridge Portraits (?), and now this one. She really does her historical research and incorporates without weighing the story down, or losing track of the characters. I've also enjoyed several of her contemporary novels especially A Garden in Paris, and A Hilltop in Tuscany.
I looked at this one for quite awhile before finding it at the library. I haven't read all of SGW's historicals--just the Pine Ridge Portraits (?), and now this one. She really does her historical research and incorporates without weighing the story down, or losing track of the characters. I've also enjoyed several of her contemporary novels especially A Garden in Paris, and A Hilltop in Tuscany.
Read
August 16, 2013Ok I guess I have to admit that this is my all time best author, but she is also the best Aunt anyone could every ask for. I have fought with reading all my life and until my Aunt Stephanie started writing her books,I did not want to read. I now have to wait until she has finished all 3 books before I start reading the first one, because I can not put them down. If I start the first one and have to wait for her to write the 2nd and 3rd one to find out what happens next I get all upset, I just can't wait. If you have anyone in your family that has reading problems, give them one of her books and they will fall in love with reading. Just the stories and also the Christ like love in all the stories, they will learn how to live and healthly christian life. God has blessed her with a great love for life and writting.
Love you Aunt Stephanie!!!!
Love you Aunt Stephanie!!!!
February 20, 2016
I've read a few of this author's books because I once attended a talk of hers and because she writes about historic events in Nebraska. The last time I reviewed a book by her, I complained that her stories were too predictable. The ending of this book was likewise predictable, but there were more interesting twists and turns along the way. The story is about Irmagard Friedrich who dreams of being a trick rider in a Wild West show. She grew up own North Platte, so it makes sense that she becomes a member of Bill Cody's show. Ms. Whitson's books are romances with a Bible verse to start each chapter. I would have liked more information about North Platte, but the story was good and easy to read.
August 25, 2010
Unbridled Dreams stands a cut above most Christian, historical romances set in the late 1800s. Stephanie Grace Whitson puts enough twists in this West-meets-East, Mother-daughter-discord story to satisfy any romance reader. With the backdrop of Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West show, the book fulfills its potential to captivate even non-romance readers. I'll pick up this book to relax and enjoy many more times.
April 28, 2011
This is the story of a young girl who has always liked the outdoors and dreamed of "The Wild West" she spent her summers at an aunt and uncle's ranch and learned many things about horses, she dreamed of being a star and doing tricks on a horse. she even made up a name "Miss Liberty Belle" she faces opposition from her MOM who wants her to be a "Lady" This is a great story that you wont want to miss and see this young girl grow and find her dream...
May 4, 2012
As I've said for other Stephanie Grace Whitson books, I love how the other can portray a sweet love story without all the unnecessary details.
Unbridled Dreams was another great story that endears the reader to its characters and has you rooting them on as they overcome obstacles and learn the lessons that God is so gently teaching them. It was also exciting to take a peek into the world of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show!
Unbridled Dreams was another great story that endears the reader to its characters and has you rooting them on as they overcome obstacles and learn the lessons that God is so gently teaching them. It was also exciting to take a peek into the world of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show!
December 10, 2015
better than the other books by Stephanie Grace Whitson that I have read so far (Quilt series was good but this stand alone book is awesome. Girl wants to be a trick rider in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. (don't look at reality of the likelihood of a well off daughter doing this...but its a great vehicle of a story line). Really enjoyed it. Has many Christian themes too. Made me work on forgiveness.
February 2, 2011
Christian Fiction meets the Wild West Show. Each chapter begins with a bible verse that made me stop and think....Do I apply that verse to my live every day? I love a good love story--Irma and Shep, Willa & Otto and several others. And a little history to make me appreciate my 21st Century kitchen and life. Another snow day novel I enjoyed.
347 pages
347 pages
December 2, 2013
While I'm a fan of fantasy, I also love, love, LOVE westerns.
Specifically romantic westerns.
I absolutely adore this book. "Unbridled Dreams" is such a great story of a young girl who dreams of joining a traveling rodeo and, while trying to make these dreams come true, falls in love with a cowboy who is part of the show. It was such a fun book to read.
Specifically romantic westerns.
I absolutely adore this book. "Unbridled Dreams" is such a great story of a young girl who dreams of joining a traveling rodeo and, while trying to make these dreams come true, falls in love with a cowboy who is part of the show. It was such a fun book to read.
February 12, 2016
Good book, took some unexpected twists and turns sometimes, but it was very good. The character is flawed, and at times I was yelling at her in my mind.
Would recommend you read, but not at the top of the list for me.
Would recommend you read, but not at the top of the list for me.
August 28, 2010
This book was such a good read! It had me crying a few times and laughing out loud! I loved it!
January 16, 2011
A very Christian romance. I didn't like the writing tho. Not very well done. But the story was sweet and had some funny moments.
April 15, 2011
I really enjoyed this one. :) Definitely five stars.
September 17, 2011
Loved loved loved this book!! Forgiveness was the underlying theme of this book. I can see myself and my mother in Irma and Willa :) oh, the vanity of youth! Great read.
July 29, 2013
A good story line about the wild west Bill Cody. Showing the love of God in the characters.
August 4, 2013
New author for me but I liked the story. Enjoyed the era.
Read
February 27, 2015I really loved this book. Mis. Whitson did a great job with this book. I wish there was a sequel.
April 10, 2017
I have an interest in the Wild West Show and Buffalo Bill, so reading this was pretty much a no-brainer for me. The characters and situations are quite realistic, and it is not heavy-handed in the romance department, which is a plus. I could probably quibble with a few things stylistically, but the main thing that seems a bit sad and unexplained is the nature of Irma's faith and repentance. It might be there near the end, but I wish it were more spelled out. Perhaps I'm in the minority there.
A light, enjoyable read with enough depth to save it from emptiness. Irma's character (and others) grow throughout the story, which is refreshing.
A light, enjoyable read with enough depth to save it from emptiness. Irma's character (and others) grow throughout the story, which is refreshing.
March 23, 2018
It wasn't quite what I expected. But I enjoyed it. Again, I appreciated the complexity of the characters Ms. Whitson created and the depth of their interaction. I liked the intertwined romance stories and found the end refreshing, particularly the way love is not reserved for the young, but can be seen shining in the lives of parents. Plus, it was good to find out who Philip was.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews