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Thunder on the Plains
THE SOUND OF TWO HEARTS BEATING, JOINED BY A LOVE MADE STRONGER BY STRUGGLE, CAN BE AS LOUD AS ... THUNDER ON THE PLAINS
Lovely young heiress Sunny Landers was utterly devoted to her father's great dream --- a transcontinental railroad that would run from Chicago across the Great Plains to the Pacific. Accompanying Bo Landers on a wagon train west, she discovered for herself the glories of the unsettled country --- and met the rugged frontiersman who would be her destiny.
Half Cherokee but raised by whites, Colt Travis was like the land of his birth: handsome to gaze upon, yet wild, imposing, dangerous. When he first saw the spirited, passionate daughter of Bo Landers, the man who'd hired him to scout the western territories, he knew she was everything he'd ever wanted in a woman --- but believed he never could have.
Beneath a starlit sky, against an endless horizon, Colt opened Sunny's eyes to the majestic beauty of the land, then awakened her body and soul to an ecstasy she'd never dreamed possible. Together they would fight to settle an untamed country, uniting a nation that war had shattered --- but could they brave the perils that threatened to drive them apart?
Lovely young heiress Sunny Landers was utterly devoted to her father's great dream --- a transcontinental railroad that would run from Chicago across the Great Plains to the Pacific. Accompanying Bo Landers on a wagon train west, she discovered for herself the glories of the unsettled country --- and met the rugged frontiersman who would be her destiny.
Half Cherokee but raised by whites, Colt Travis was like the land of his birth: handsome to gaze upon, yet wild, imposing, dangerous. When he first saw the spirited, passionate daughter of Bo Landers, the man who'd hired him to scout the western territories, he knew she was everything he'd ever wanted in a woman --- but believed he never could have.
Beneath a starlit sky, against an endless horizon, Colt opened Sunny's eyes to the majestic beauty of the land, then awakened her body and soul to an ecstasy she'd never dreamed possible. Together they would fight to settle an untamed country, uniting a nation that war had shattered --- but could they brave the perils that threatened to drive them apart?
608 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
125 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Rosanne Bittner
85 books623 followersI am a USA-TODAY best-selling author with 41 years, 76 books, and numerous writing awards behind me. My major genre is historical romance. I have always written for standard publishers but am now writing strictly for Amazon so I have more freedom to write real history. My most recent publication is SHADOW TRAIL, the 6th book in my Outlaw Hearts series. I also wrote and published my first full-length contemporary story, DANCING BENEATH YOU, in September 2022, a romance involving mystery and a depiction of reservation life in the Badlands of South Dakota. My best sellers are my SAVAGE DESTINY series (7 books) and my OUTLAW HEARTS series. See my website (www.rosannebittner.com) for details on all my books - most available for Kindle and in print. I am known for great love stories filled with real history and high emotion. I have also written many Native American stories, all based on real history.
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 15, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Thunder On The Plains is a republished book from Rosanne Bittner via Sourcebooks Casablanca. A few months ago, I read this author for the first time and I have been hooked on her ever since. In fact she is one of the best romance writers I have ever had the pleasure to read and This review will be a bit shorter than I would like, but there is so much that goes on in this story and I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't had the chance to read it yet.
Thunder On The Plains was a phenomenal romance that had me hooked from the beginning. This story kicks off when our hero Bo Landers takes a job at 20, to escort, protect and guide a father and daughter and group of men across the west to start a transcontinental railroad. Sunny, is the daughter of a man of wealth and she is his heiress because out of his three children she is the only one that truly believes in his dream to see this railroad come to be. Sunny, is only 16 but she is lovely, sweet and kind. She has a kind word for everyone and doesn't have a hateful or mean bone in her body. Instantly there is chemistry between Bo and Sunny even though they both know how far apart their worlds are. So they become content with mere friendship. Bo and Sunny are separated but are drawn back together over the years through various set of circumstances. But Sunny and Bo have a love that is destined and both of them will have to fight for it to keep it.
What is truly wonderful about this story is how long their love story spans years, grief, tears, struggles, turmoil, and pain. This is a story that will be heartwrenching for the reader but will stay in your memory for years to come. This is an epic romance where we see that love isn't easy to find and can be hard to hold onto. Where you have to truly fight for it and that the cost can be high. Both of these characters are different, grew up in opposite ways, have futures that seem to be far apart from each other. But we see when every time they run into each other, how much they truly need each other in the right ways. This is a romance that kept my tissues right by my side and I couldn't help but feel for these two. It is quite a big book, took me two days to read with 600 pages but what a book!!! This is one of my favorites books of the year and Rosanne Bittner is classic and writes romance in a way you can never expect.
We see a glimpse of history of the transcontinental railroad, and the surrounding conflict of the war between the states and other factors that caused many problems before it was fully built. We see the struggles the native Americans suffered through, but also the families trying to move west. The historical aspect is true to fact and had a unique experience seeing a different outlook on the history of the United States.
This is a story that kept me spellbound from the beginning, that had me battling with my emotions and is one of the best reads I have ever read. This author is moving to the top of the best authors to read in romance. She writes in a way that is real and vivid and true. If you haven't read this author, pick her up right now and you won't have regrets....100% guaranteed.
Thunder On The Plains is a republished book from Rosanne Bittner via Sourcebooks Casablanca. A few months ago, I read this author for the first time and I have been hooked on her ever since. In fact she is one of the best romance writers I have ever had the pleasure to read and This review will be a bit shorter than I would like, but there is so much that goes on in this story and I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't had the chance to read it yet.
Thunder On The Plains was a phenomenal romance that had me hooked from the beginning. This story kicks off when our hero Bo Landers takes a job at 20, to escort, protect and guide a father and daughter and group of men across the west to start a transcontinental railroad. Sunny, is the daughter of a man of wealth and she is his heiress because out of his three children she is the only one that truly believes in his dream to see this railroad come to be. Sunny, is only 16 but she is lovely, sweet and kind. She has a kind word for everyone and doesn't have a hateful or mean bone in her body. Instantly there is chemistry between Bo and Sunny even though they both know how far apart their worlds are. So they become content with mere friendship. Bo and Sunny are separated but are drawn back together over the years through various set of circumstances. But Sunny and Bo have a love that is destined and both of them will have to fight for it to keep it.
What is truly wonderful about this story is how long their love story spans years, grief, tears, struggles, turmoil, and pain. This is a story that will be heartwrenching for the reader but will stay in your memory for years to come. This is an epic romance where we see that love isn't easy to find and can be hard to hold onto. Where you have to truly fight for it and that the cost can be high. Both of these characters are different, grew up in opposite ways, have futures that seem to be far apart from each other. But we see when every time they run into each other, how much they truly need each other in the right ways. This is a romance that kept my tissues right by my side and I couldn't help but feel for these two. It is quite a big book, took me two days to read with 600 pages but what a book!!! This is one of my favorites books of the year and Rosanne Bittner is classic and writes romance in a way you can never expect.
We see a glimpse of history of the transcontinental railroad, and the surrounding conflict of the war between the states and other factors that caused many problems before it was fully built. We see the struggles the native Americans suffered through, but also the families trying to move west. The historical aspect is true to fact and had a unique experience seeing a different outlook on the history of the United States.
This is a story that kept me spellbound from the beginning, that had me battling with my emotions and is one of the best reads I have ever read. This author is moving to the top of the best authors to read in romance. She writes in a way that is real and vivid and true. If you haven't read this author, pick her up right now and you won't have regrets....100% guaranteed.
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December 26, 20123.5 stars
Powerful businessman Bo Landers has a dream, a dream to build a transcontinental railroad, but first the most practical route across the plains needs to be mapped out, and that’s where half-breed Colt Travis comes into the picture - someone has to guide Landers' huge entourage, an entourage that includes his young daughter Sunny. This being a romance and all you just know Sunny and Colt are going to hit it off, but papa nips that right in the bud – rich young heiresses are not for the likes of Colt. When the trip is over, Sunny and her father return to Chicago to raise the funds and government permissions to build the railroad, and Colt starts a new life without her.
You know they’re going to find each other again, but it takes many years and many battles before that happens, and then there’s still the problem of building and maintaining a relationship. Colt is used to life on the plains and isn’t acceptable for Chicago society (nor does he want any part of it), and while Sunny doesn’t care about what her family and society thinks, she’s determined to finish her father’s dream of a transcontinental railroad.
That’s the basics, and let me caution you – this book spans a twelve year period and Sunny and Colt are apart more than they are together – you’re going to wait a long time for the first steamy kiss let alone the big payola. While I did enjoy this book and had a hard time putting it down, the repetitiveness of certain phrases drove me batty enough that I started to feel I was being clubbed over the head with it, one time I caught it twice on the same page (would have marked it for the review, but the cat was glued to my chest and couldn't do it without disturbing her). And while the ending was satisfying, it was a bit of a stretch how easily .
Powerful businessman Bo Landers has a dream, a dream to build a transcontinental railroad, but first the most practical route across the plains needs to be mapped out, and that’s where half-breed Colt Travis comes into the picture - someone has to guide Landers' huge entourage, an entourage that includes his young daughter Sunny. This being a romance and all you just know Sunny and Colt are going to hit it off, but papa nips that right in the bud – rich young heiresses are not for the likes of Colt. When the trip is over, Sunny and her father return to Chicago to raise the funds and government permissions to build the railroad, and Colt starts a new life without her.
You know they’re going to find each other again, but it takes many years and many battles before that happens, and then there’s still the problem of building and maintaining a relationship. Colt is used to life on the plains and isn’t acceptable for Chicago society (nor does he want any part of it), and while Sunny doesn’t care about what her family and society thinks, she’s determined to finish her father’s dream of a transcontinental railroad.
That’s the basics, and let me caution you – this book spans a twelve year period and Sunny and Colt are apart more than they are together – you’re going to wait a long time for the first steamy kiss let alone the big payola. While I did enjoy this book and had a hard time putting it down, the repetitiveness of certain phrases drove me batty enough that I started to feel I was being clubbed over the head with it, one time I caught it twice on the same page (would have marked it for the review, but the cat was glued to my chest and couldn't do it without disturbing her). And while the ending was satisfying, it was a bit of a stretch how easily .
September 27, 2015
It seems lately when I pick up this author's books; I fling around words like 'epic', 'amazing', 'gripping', 'emotionally draining', 'triumphant' and 'saga' and I don't feel like I'm hyperbolizing one little bit. This was a grand, sweeping western saga that was twelve years in the making. Their love lasted through coming of age, greed, interference, sorrow, war, misunderstanding, the disappearing wild west, and the grand dream of the transcontinental railroad. I don't care what you have to do (yes, a price tag can be put on your first born child- and yes, I was hyperbolizing this time), but if you love western historical romance sagas, just do it (sorry Nike, I needed to borrow your catch phrase).
The story opens when Colt Travis, a half breed scout is hired to guide the wealthy Landers' party west from Omaha to scout the future path for a transcontinental railroad. Colt is a simple man who loves the wildness of the Great Plains. He can't imagine a railway through some of the toughest, rugged land imaginable, but a few powerful men of wealth like Bo Landers believe it can be done. Colt has decided opinions about the people he is guiding, but unfortunately he can't make the sweet, curious and brave Miss Sunny Landers fit the slot of spoilt, whiny, rich girl. Even at the dawn of womanhood, she is beautiful and he is attracted, but he doesn't need the rumblings from her overprotective father to remind him that she is not for the likes of him. Still, the journey is fraught with danger and he has the opportunity to show his heroic qualities and earn the lasting respect of the Landers before he parts ways from them.
Sunny Landers will forever be changed by her western adventure and time spent with one Colt Travis. No man can ever measure up in her mind. But she is destined to help her father achieve his dream no matter what it takes. She is an heiress worth millions and Colt owns the horse he rides and the clothes on his back. Their situations are too different. Sunny accepts this and allows her father to mold her into what she needs to be even as they secure the support of other businessmen like Dr. Thomas Durrant and Illinois senator, Abraham Lincoln. They race to get congress to approve the bill even as the clouds of civil war threaten to sideline their railroad dream. Family dissension, personal tragedy, and loneliness face Sunny and in her darkest hour, it is Colt who is her dearest solace and comfort.
The years and circumstances separate and bring them together over and over, but they carry their memories, their disappointments, sorrows, hopes, and dreams through to the finish of the twelve years leading to the rolling thunder of steam locomotives across the plains and right on through to California.
Honestly, I have nothing, but praise for this book. It's huginormous, but I still read it in two sittings. I laughed, sighed, and cried. Lots of crying so don't grab a tissue; grab the whole blame box if you are an emotional reader. It's not a typical historical romance. I mean this seriously because it is twelve years in the making with lots of hazards and missed chances, wrong-headedness, interfering others, and pretty much anything else stepping in between them. However, these are two very passionate people when it comes to each other- soulmates if you will and the tension and waiting is oh so very worth it when they do come together.
The historical backdrop is some of the most exciting and authentic one can find. The heart of the western frontier is probably the real main character of this one. American history between the early 1850s through late 1860s is well represented when it comes to the transcontinental railroad and how it affected several groups of people from the Native Americans to the power brokers in government of that day.
In summary, get the book and thank me later, western historical lovers. I will be feeling this book for quite a long while, I do believe.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens when Colt Travis, a half breed scout is hired to guide the wealthy Landers' party west from Omaha to scout the future path for a transcontinental railroad. Colt is a simple man who loves the wildness of the Great Plains. He can't imagine a railway through some of the toughest, rugged land imaginable, but a few powerful men of wealth like Bo Landers believe it can be done. Colt has decided opinions about the people he is guiding, but unfortunately he can't make the sweet, curious and brave Miss Sunny Landers fit the slot of spoilt, whiny, rich girl. Even at the dawn of womanhood, she is beautiful and he is attracted, but he doesn't need the rumblings from her overprotective father to remind him that she is not for the likes of him. Still, the journey is fraught with danger and he has the opportunity to show his heroic qualities and earn the lasting respect of the Landers before he parts ways from them.
Sunny Landers will forever be changed by her western adventure and time spent with one Colt Travis. No man can ever measure up in her mind. But she is destined to help her father achieve his dream no matter what it takes. She is an heiress worth millions and Colt owns the horse he rides and the clothes on his back. Their situations are too different. Sunny accepts this and allows her father to mold her into what she needs to be even as they secure the support of other businessmen like Dr. Thomas Durrant and Illinois senator, Abraham Lincoln. They race to get congress to approve the bill even as the clouds of civil war threaten to sideline their railroad dream. Family dissension, personal tragedy, and loneliness face Sunny and in her darkest hour, it is Colt who is her dearest solace and comfort.
The years and circumstances separate and bring them together over and over, but they carry their memories, their disappointments, sorrows, hopes, and dreams through to the finish of the twelve years leading to the rolling thunder of steam locomotives across the plains and right on through to California.
Honestly, I have nothing, but praise for this book. It's huginormous, but I still read it in two sittings. I laughed, sighed, and cried. Lots of crying so don't grab a tissue; grab the whole blame box if you are an emotional reader. It's not a typical historical romance. I mean this seriously because it is twelve years in the making with lots of hazards and missed chances, wrong-headedness, interfering others, and pretty much anything else stepping in between them. However, these are two very passionate people when it comes to each other- soulmates if you will and the tension and waiting is oh so very worth it when they do come together.
The historical backdrop is some of the most exciting and authentic one can find. The heart of the western frontier is probably the real main character of this one. American history between the early 1850s through late 1860s is well represented when it comes to the transcontinental railroad and how it affected several groups of people from the Native Americans to the power brokers in government of that day.
In summary, get the book and thank me later, western historical lovers. I will be feeling this book for quite a long while, I do believe.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2015
Beautiful! A gentle love story that expands through the years. Richly detailed and steeped in history about the Wild West and the Civil War. A hero and heroine who are worlds apart but belong together. Tragedy and triumphs abound in this book making it a remarkable read. Ms. Bittner has created a story with memorable characters who will stay with you long after you've read this.
September 5, 2015
3.5 stars
A story that spans twelve years - Colt and Sunny meet when he is twenty and she only fifteen- Colt a half cherokee is scouting for Sunny's father who is a big business tycoon interested in building a transcontinental railroad - Colt knows it would never work between them as they come from two different worlds - and through storms, attacks from indians and robbers, deaths, the civil war, Andersonville, big family losses and railroad building their paths continue to cross until there is no escaping.
I loved reading this book, I loved the railroad building details, the life in the west and the history, the characters were interesting and one gets attached to them. Although I thought Colt's life was much more interesting than all the others put together.
It all comes to live as real life characters interact with fiction and images from Hell on Wheels and beautiful detailed descriptions collide. (Anybody noticed lots of similarities there)
Thomas Durant
I think the hardest thing for me was Colt getting into Andersonville.
And now that i finished reading it I want to watch it.
But it did lose a half star from what i wanted to give it because sometimes it was repetitive and sometimes it dragged.
Review copy provided by Netgalley.
A story that spans twelve years - Colt and Sunny meet when he is twenty and she only fifteen- Colt a half cherokee is scouting for Sunny's father who is a big business tycoon interested in building a transcontinental railroad - Colt knows it would never work between them as they come from two different worlds - and through storms, attacks from indians and robbers, deaths, the civil war, Andersonville, big family losses and railroad building their paths continue to cross until there is no escaping.
I loved reading this book, I loved the railroad building details, the life in the west and the history, the characters were interesting and one gets attached to them. Although I thought Colt's life was much more interesting than all the others put together.
It all comes to live as real life characters interact with fiction and images from Hell on Wheels and beautiful detailed descriptions collide. (Anybody noticed lots of similarities there)
Thomas Durant
I think the hardest thing for me was Colt getting into Andersonville.
And now that i finished reading it I want to watch it.
But it did lose a half star from what i wanted to give it because sometimes it was repetitive and sometimes it dragged.
Review copy provided by Netgalley.
January 18, 2014
Reviewed by Sarah L.
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Thunder on the Plains is one of the best books I have read so far this year, in fact, this is going on my all-time favorites list. At 528 pages it is a quite a bit longer than my typical average read however it kept me fully engaged throughout the entire story. Ironically, I read this book while on the road for our vacation from Wisconsin to Omaha, Nebraska. The Union Pacific Railroad and Omaha play a huge role in this novel. It felt a bit nostalgic to be traveling a similar path as the characters in the book. We even happened to drive by the Union Pacific building although I’m sure it looked much different in Sunny’s day.
Ms. Bittner has a way of bringing the pages and characters to life which pulled me right in from page one and I hated having to put it down for even one second. I loved getting to know both Sunny and Colt and there were so many ups and downs and twists and turns, I had no clue if things would ever work out for them in the end.
I’m not sure why I haven’t read any of Ms. Bittner’s work in several years but I will say that I have plans to remedy that right away and hope to get my hands on her entire backlist. Thunder on the Plains is a story that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to reading again and again in the future.
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Thunder on the Plains is one of the best books I have read so far this year, in fact, this is going on my all-time favorites list. At 528 pages it is a quite a bit longer than my typical average read however it kept me fully engaged throughout the entire story. Ironically, I read this book while on the road for our vacation from Wisconsin to Omaha, Nebraska. The Union Pacific Railroad and Omaha play a huge role in this novel. It felt a bit nostalgic to be traveling a similar path as the characters in the book. We even happened to drive by the Union Pacific building although I’m sure it looked much different in Sunny’s day.
Ms. Bittner has a way of bringing the pages and characters to life which pulled me right in from page one and I hated having to put it down for even one second. I loved getting to know both Sunny and Colt and there were so many ups and downs and twists and turns, I had no clue if things would ever work out for them in the end.
I’m not sure why I haven’t read any of Ms. Bittner’s work in several years but I will say that I have plans to remedy that right away and hope to get my hands on her entire backlist. Thunder on the Plains is a story that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to reading again and again in the future.
July 2, 2018
This is a long book, over 560 pages, describing some of the wealth and hazards required to get underway with a transcontinental railroad. The beginning is in Omaha where a half-Cherokee young man gets taken on as a scout for a journey across the great open plains. A gentleman wants to survey possible routes. His daughter will be coming along so he is bringing staff and cooks and intends to dine properly every night. Well, by the end of the tale the Indians are fighting back at their lands being taken and the scout has fallen for the daughter he at first considered a nuisance.
If you enjoy a well-detailed romance epic this will reward you with a lively read.
I downloaded an e-ARC through Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
If you enjoy a well-detailed romance epic this will reward you with a lively read.
I downloaded an e-ARC through Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
October 8, 2015
ARC REVIEW
EPIC...
Why, why do I do this to myself??? Oh yeah I love Epic Historical Western Romance. This republished tragic romance originally was published in hardback in 1991 has a shiny new cover but then same epic romance. This is what I like, I'm not always in the mood for it but when I am, this is what I like to read. Where the two main characters struggle and struggle and just when things start going good tragedy strikes and they are ripped apart, but they get one hell of happy ending.
Sunny and Colt are kept apart by many thing, They meet each other fairly early in each others lives, Sunny is fifteen and Colt is twenty. It is obvious Colt falls for her instantly attracted to her and Sunny has a bit a a school girl crush on him. Colt understands they aren't meant for each other Sunny's father has great plans for her and Colt carries on with his life.
Colt is half Cherokee and in his young life has suffered a quite a bit. When he agrees to help scout for a big business tycoon who wants to built a transcontinental railroad he never knew it would be the thing to change his life. Bo Landers has a dream and no one is going to get in his way, He is even teaching everything to his daughter so she can take over for him, much to the dismay of her eldest half-brother. Going on the scouting excursion opened Sunny's eyes to a whole new world, she alone believes in her father. Sunny never expected the plains to be so beautiful and she keeps a journal throughout the whole journey so she can go back and relive the experience. The journey also solidifies the the need in Sunny and Bo's eyes for the transcontinental railroad. Colt saves Sunny's life twice, and is forever in her heart and mind even after they part ways.
So much happens before they speak again, Colt tried settling down. He got married and built a house started to farm but soon after his wife gave birth to their son and band of Native Americans attack and kill his son and wife he almost dies himself. Saved by another tribe Colt joins up with them and seeks his revenge. After living with them for a while he leaves and joins the pony express. That's when he hears about the first states seceding from the nation and talk about a civil war. It's also when he hears about Bo Landers death and all the trouble Sunny went through to keep her inheritance.
Bo Landers worked hard to get with people of like mind to get the railroad going and Sunny worked hard with him. Bo Landers worked himself into an early grave and leaving Sunny all alone with her Eldest brother trying to appeal the will and her other brother standing by her she only has her sister-in-law to confide in, that is until she gets a letter from Colt giving her his condolences on the death of her father. It's still not the right time for them but a friendship is exactly what they need. Sunny has attracted the attention of a big business tycoon out of New York and he has been courting her, but Sunny needs to see her Father's dream come through before following her own. More time passes and Colt decides to join the war. Colt ends up in Andersonville a prisoner of war.
Twelve years pass from start to finish before it is finally the time for Colt and Sunny to be together each having to go through their own personal hell before being able to find the happiness they deserve together. Overall, this was an outstanding piece of work, beautifully written, so emotional it ties you up inside.
EPIC...
Why, why do I do this to myself??? Oh yeah I love Epic Historical Western Romance. This republished tragic romance originally was published in hardback in 1991 has a shiny new cover but then same epic romance. This is what I like, I'm not always in the mood for it but when I am, this is what I like to read. Where the two main characters struggle and struggle and just when things start going good tragedy strikes and they are ripped apart, but they get one hell of happy ending.
Sunny and Colt are kept apart by many thing, They meet each other fairly early in each others lives, Sunny is fifteen and Colt is twenty. It is obvious Colt falls for her instantly attracted to her and Sunny has a bit a a school girl crush on him. Colt understands they aren't meant for each other Sunny's father has great plans for her and Colt carries on with his life.
Colt is half Cherokee and in his young life has suffered a quite a bit. When he agrees to help scout for a big business tycoon who wants to built a transcontinental railroad he never knew it would be the thing to change his life. Bo Landers has a dream and no one is going to get in his way, He is even teaching everything to his daughter so she can take over for him, much to the dismay of her eldest half-brother. Going on the scouting excursion opened Sunny's eyes to a whole new world, she alone believes in her father. Sunny never expected the plains to be so beautiful and she keeps a journal throughout the whole journey so she can go back and relive the experience. The journey also solidifies the the need in Sunny and Bo's eyes for the transcontinental railroad. Colt saves Sunny's life twice, and is forever in her heart and mind even after they part ways.
So much happens before they speak again, Colt tried settling down. He got married and built a house started to farm but soon after his wife gave birth to their son and band of Native Americans attack and kill his son and wife he almost dies himself. Saved by another tribe Colt joins up with them and seeks his revenge. After living with them for a while he leaves and joins the pony express. That's when he hears about the first states seceding from the nation and talk about a civil war. It's also when he hears about Bo Landers death and all the trouble Sunny went through to keep her inheritance.
Bo Landers worked hard to get with people of like mind to get the railroad going and Sunny worked hard with him. Bo Landers worked himself into an early grave and leaving Sunny all alone with her Eldest brother trying to appeal the will and her other brother standing by her she only has her sister-in-law to confide in, that is until she gets a letter from Colt giving her his condolences on the death of her father. It's still not the right time for them but a friendship is exactly what they need. Sunny has attracted the attention of a big business tycoon out of New York and he has been courting her, but Sunny needs to see her Father's dream come through before following her own. More time passes and Colt decides to join the war. Colt ends up in Andersonville a prisoner of war.
Twelve years pass from start to finish before it is finally the time for Colt and Sunny to be together each having to go through their own personal hell before being able to find the happiness they deserve together. Overall, this was an outstanding piece of work, beautifully written, so emotional it ties you up inside.
January 14, 2016
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
It's fun to see so many of the books we fell in love with become available for Kindle. I had never read Roseanne Bittner until I picked up Desperate Hearts for Review. It was well worth the read and made me wonder why I hadn't fallen for her before.
Thunder on the Plains continues the saga format that I fell in love with. This isn't a book written about a couple meeting and two hours later have fallen in love forever. Nope it tells the story of a lifetime, well two lifetimes. It is poignant, powerful and utterly swoonworthy.
Sunny Landers is the much doted on daughter of a man who dreams big. He wants to build a railroad that crosses the country and is taking his 16 year old daughter along for the ride. Sunny, dreams her fathers dreams but so much more. She sees his vision and agrees with it but she wants to live it on her terms not his. Her first visit west she meets and falls for a half indian boy with a past. Both of them know this relationship is not to be but neither is really willing to give up the promise of forever.
Colt Travis was forced to grow up early a half Cherokee orphan he's had to prove himself over and over again. When given the chance to lead a trail drive he grabs it what he doesn't expect is to fall for the owners daughter. Knowing that nothing can come of it doesn't seem to matter.
And that was just the beginning... These two are forced apart again and again. Both try and live the lives expected of them but it doesn't matter. The heart wants what the heart wants and fate continues to force them together.
Just a powerful story written about a time in history where individuals wrote their own stories..
Just great
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Thunder on the Plains, provided by netgalley
It's fun to see so many of the books we fell in love with become available for Kindle. I had never read Roseanne Bittner until I picked up Desperate Hearts for Review. It was well worth the read and made me wonder why I hadn't fallen for her before.
Thunder on the Plains continues the saga format that I fell in love with. This isn't a book written about a couple meeting and two hours later have fallen in love forever. Nope it tells the story of a lifetime, well two lifetimes. It is poignant, powerful and utterly swoonworthy.
Sunny Landers is the much doted on daughter of a man who dreams big. He wants to build a railroad that crosses the country and is taking his 16 year old daughter along for the ride. Sunny, dreams her fathers dreams but so much more. She sees his vision and agrees with it but she wants to live it on her terms not his. Her first visit west she meets and falls for a half indian boy with a past. Both of them know this relationship is not to be but neither is really willing to give up the promise of forever.
Colt Travis was forced to grow up early a half Cherokee orphan he's had to prove himself over and over again. When given the chance to lead a trail drive he grabs it what he doesn't expect is to fall for the owners daughter. Knowing that nothing can come of it doesn't seem to matter.
And that was just the beginning... These two are forced apart again and again. Both try and live the lives expected of them but it doesn't matter. The heart wants what the heart wants and fate continues to force them together.
Just a powerful story written about a time in history where individuals wrote their own stories..
Just great
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Thunder on the Plains, provided by netgalley
July 28, 2017
I was so excited to find a couple of Rosanne Bittner's older books were coming out on kindle (I sure hope more keep coming!) and grabbed this one. I thought it sounded familiar (like I must have read it years ago), but it was foggy enough in my mind I got lost in it like I would any new-to-me book.
I loved this story and how Sunny and Colt meet and keep finding each other. My only complaint is that I wish it didn't take them so long to finally get and stay together... but anything worth having is worth waiting for, right??? :)
Keep these oldies-but-goodies coming! These are the kind of darn good stories we want to read/see today!
I loved this story and how Sunny and Colt meet and keep finding each other. My only complaint is that I wish it didn't take them so long to finally get and stay together... but anything worth having is worth waiting for, right??? :)
Keep these oldies-but-goodies coming! These are the kind of darn good stories we want to read/see today!
January 14, 2015
I was so excited to find a couple of Rosanne Bittner's older books were coming out on kindle (I sure hope more keep coming!) and grabbed this one. I thought it sounded familiar (like I must have read it years ago), but it was foggy enough in my mind I got lost in it like I would any new-to-me book.
I loved this story and how Sunny and Colt meet and keep finding each other. My only complaint is that I wish it didn't take them so long to finally get and stay together... but anything worth having is worth waiting for, right??? :)
Keep these oldies-but-goodies coming! These are the kind of darn good stories we want to read/see today!
I loved this story and how Sunny and Colt meet and keep finding each other. My only complaint is that I wish it didn't take them so long to finally get and stay together... but anything worth having is worth waiting for, right??? :)
Keep these oldies-but-goodies coming! These are the kind of darn good stories we want to read/see today!
September 17, 2015
This is by far one of my favorite of Bittner's work. I love her writing, but this book took it to another level. Loved, loved, loved Sunny and Colt's saga. This one will be hard to beat!!
October 17, 2015
A little disappointed with the ending, I would have like to see more of a HEA -finally- for these two but all in all, another outstanding story from Rosanne Bittner!
April 16, 2017
Un magnifique roman sur la conquête de l'ouest américain pour l'installation du télégraphe, du train, la guerre de sécession, les conditions des indiens, les batailles entre eux et ensuite avec les hommes venus les déloger de leur terre natale.
Une saga familiale avec ses secrets de famille.
L'histoire de Nick et Elsa qui devront combattre bien des préjugés pour espérer être ensemble un jour, lui à moitié indien, elle héritière de Bob Landers, richissime homme d'affaire à l'origine du projet du chemin de fer.
J'ai adoré ce livre pour tout le côté historique, un peu moins sur certains aspects très clichés autour du couple et de certain des personnages, sans être un coup de cœur j'ai vraiment apprécié ma lecture.
Une saga familiale avec ses secrets de famille.
L'histoire de Nick et Elsa qui devront combattre bien des préjugés pour espérer être ensemble un jour, lui à moitié indien, elle héritière de Bob Landers, richissime homme d'affaire à l'origine du projet du chemin de fer.
J'ai adoré ce livre pour tout le côté historique, un peu moins sur certains aspects très clichés autour du couple et de certain des personnages, sans être un coup de cœur j'ai vraiment apprécié ma lecture.
July 15, 2020
I really did enjoy the book and love the characters. Would love to see a follow up on this book to see the next chapter of Colts and Sunny‘s life. I did not like the part leading up to when she got married and showed her week. She was always a good strong character. Enjoyed the ending.
September 24, 2012
THUNDER ON THE PLAINS by Rosanne Bittner is a journey of love in the Wild West that is not for the faint of heart. Gloriously well written, this powerful tale will haunt you long after you have finished it.
Colt Travis knows a good opportunity when he sees it. When Bo Landers offers a generous sum of money to guide their group from the Wild West back to Chicago, Colt agrees even though he knows great danger lies ahead. On their journey, he becomes acquainted with Bo's beautiful and brave daughter Sunny despite the fact that he knows they can be nothing more than friends. They come from two different worlds and if that wasn't enough of a barrier, Colt is half-Cherokee. Any kind of relationship could never work.
Sunny Landers became fascinated with Colt the first time she met him on the trail and knew she would never forget him. A binding duty to her father's dreams of a transcontinental railroad keeps her focused and preoccupied for most of the time, but that could never keep the memories of Colt Travis far away. As the country changes, Sunny and Colt meet various times and each parting becomes more difficult. Despite all the odds against them, they must decide if true love is enough to conquer all or if they were never meant to be.
THUNDER ON THE PLAINS by Rosanne Bittner is the kind of novel that touches your heart and captures your attention so drastically you can't stop reading it until you have finished it. The kind of story filled with characters that become a part of you and takes you on an emotional, yet thrilling journey into another place and time. It's not an easy journey, but it's more realistic, grittier, and not the light and fancy-free novel that most romance fans expect. This is a romance that is all the more rewarding because of the complicated path you have to take in order to reach the ending.
One thing I loved about the story was how it paralleled the construction of the transcontinental railroad. This story follows the development from beginning to end and the large part Sunny and Colt play in the railroad's success. Of course that's not the only major historical event featured in this novel. Since THUNDER ON THE PLAINS takes place over such a long span of time, you experience many important events in America's history through the eyes of these characters. Ms Bittner does an amazing job of bringing history to life. It's not just a passing moment that is barely commented on, but actually a part of the story because it involved the characters and affects their lives. Also, since our hero is one half Cherokee, Ms Bittner goes to great lengths to include the trials and struggles Native Americans faced in this tumultuous time. The historical additions and details are brilliantly done and strengthen the overall foundation of the novel.
Here is my objection, and is based completely on my own personal opinion...this is an intense read. While some readers may revel in the fact these characters go through a drastic and chaotic journey to find their happily ever after, it isn't necessarily my favorite thing. I literally became overwhelmed with the drama. Twelve plus years is such a long journey for these characters and near the final part of the novel, I was in tears at the end of each chapter. Being so emotionally connected to Sunny and Colt does demonstrate the fabulous writing talent of Ms. Bittner and shows on some level how much I enjoyed the novel, but it was not an easy journey. I don't mean to imply in any way shape or form that this isn't a fabulous novel, because it is. I just feel it's important to express what an emotional and captivating journey readers are in for.
The bottom line is, I will never be able to forget Sunny and Colt. THUNDER ON THE PLAINS contained characters that I was quickly introduced to and within a few chapters, I realized they were not going to be forgotten anytime soon. I laughed with them, I cried with them, and I rejoiced with them throughout their journey until the very end. I can't say that this is a novel I would pick up again and again but that does not mean THUNDER ON THE PLAINS lacked for anything. This is an absolutely strong novel with a fantastic grasp on the reality of the time period.
If you love your historical romance with a heavy dose of authentic historical details, then this is certainly the novel for you. If you love your historical romance overflowing with angst, than this is certainly the novel for you. If you want a novel that will convince you love can conquer anything, you should run at the chance to read such a classic and captivating tale.
Lisa Jo @ The Romance Reviews
October 15, 2015
Covering a twelve year span and incorporating actual historical events, Bittner reimagines a scenario in which a business tycoon’s daughter and a half-Cherokee scout defy danger and convention for love. Bo Landers, a Chicago businessman, has a dream: a railroad line that stretches from Chicago to the Pacific Coast. Not content to dance with failure, he decides that scouting the best route is the most prudent option, and sets about gathering a team.
Sunny Landers is her father’s daughter: intelligent, driven and above all, committed to his dream. In on the first scouting trip when she is just fifteen, she’s intrigued by the half-indian scout that her father has hired. Colt is half-Cherokee, familiar with life on the plains and comfortable with his ability to lead the party. He’s intrigued by the heiress, but her father is not willing to allow their relationship to develop. The Landers return to Chicago, and the negotiations and dance with the government begins.
Years later, Sunny is struggling to see her father’s dream come to fruition, and she and Colt come face to face. He’s content with his life, she’s most comfortable in Chicago, and the two can’t seem to find a middle ground, let alone acceptance from her family. But then, the heart wants what it does.
Lovely descriptions and wonderful insets of actual events that richen the story and bring a sense of the struggles that were faced in the railroad building combined neatly with the rather trite and familiar story of the hero and heroine. Two different worlds, outlooks and circumstances clash, adjust and then combine to bring the two together. While you know (it wouldn’t be a romance if you didn’t) they will finally be together, the journey is the fun, and in this case, the moments away from the relationship, particularly Colt’s personal history and life, are far more intriguing than their relationship machinations. Repeated phrases appear, often to the point of distraction, hammering home points that would have been better served with more show and less tell. Strangely enough, the descriptions, the actual use of history and the depictions of daily struggles of life during the railway construction are the moments that stood out as near perfect, keeping my interest in this story. A read that won’t be devoured in one day, the slow progression of the story allows you to take your time and enjoy, and readers of more contemporary historical romances will find the construction and storyline reminiscent of the late 80’s early 90’s in feel.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Sunny Landers is her father’s daughter: intelligent, driven and above all, committed to his dream. In on the first scouting trip when she is just fifteen, she’s intrigued by the half-indian scout that her father has hired. Colt is half-Cherokee, familiar with life on the plains and comfortable with his ability to lead the party. He’s intrigued by the heiress, but her father is not willing to allow their relationship to develop. The Landers return to Chicago, and the negotiations and dance with the government begins.
Years later, Sunny is struggling to see her father’s dream come to fruition, and she and Colt come face to face. He’s content with his life, she’s most comfortable in Chicago, and the two can’t seem to find a middle ground, let alone acceptance from her family. But then, the heart wants what it does.
Lovely descriptions and wonderful insets of actual events that richen the story and bring a sense of the struggles that were faced in the railroad building combined neatly with the rather trite and familiar story of the hero and heroine. Two different worlds, outlooks and circumstances clash, adjust and then combine to bring the two together. While you know (it wouldn’t be a romance if you didn’t) they will finally be together, the journey is the fun, and in this case, the moments away from the relationship, particularly Colt’s personal history and life, are far more intriguing than their relationship machinations. Repeated phrases appear, often to the point of distraction, hammering home points that would have been better served with more show and less tell. Strangely enough, the descriptions, the actual use of history and the depictions of daily struggles of life during the railway construction are the moments that stood out as near perfect, keeping my interest in this story. A read that won’t be devoured in one day, the slow progression of the story allows you to take your time and enjoy, and readers of more contemporary historical romances will find the construction and storyline reminiscent of the late 80’s early 90’s in feel.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
January 13, 2016
Good Book, Exciting & Adventurous, The Couple Isn't Together Much Though...
I have just recently discovered Rosanne Bittner and fell in with her Outlaw Hearts series. I was given the opportunity to read this book too and I couldn't wait. Although I enjoyed it quite a bit, it just didn't hold up to the books in that series.
The writing was great, the story was very interesting and I loved both Sunny and Colt. The problem was, they were hardly together throughout this entire book. They meet at the beginning of the book for a brief period but that wasn't when their romance began. They didn't see each other again until over 40% of the way through the book and once again, that was for a very brief period. This happened several times and although I understand it was part of the story and mostly everything that happened in-between was interesting, it almost seemed to be more of a history lesson than a romance.
I truly did enjoy the book. I shed several tears along the way (and I'm not a crier) and laughed a few times too. This book was exciting and adventurous and I had a hard time putting it down.
I would recommend this book, just know that the main couple is not together throughout the majority of the book but when they are, it's awesome!
This book was provided free of charge through NetGalley for an honest review.
I have just recently discovered Rosanne Bittner and fell in with her Outlaw Hearts series. I was given the opportunity to read this book too and I couldn't wait. Although I enjoyed it quite a bit, it just didn't hold up to the books in that series.
The writing was great, the story was very interesting and I loved both Sunny and Colt. The problem was, they were hardly together throughout this entire book. They meet at the beginning of the book for a brief period but that wasn't when their romance began. They didn't see each other again until over 40% of the way through the book and once again, that was for a very brief period. This happened several times and although I understand it was part of the story and mostly everything that happened in-between was interesting, it almost seemed to be more of a history lesson than a romance.
I truly did enjoy the book. I shed several tears along the way (and I'm not a crier) and laughed a few times too. This book was exciting and adventurous and I had a hard time putting it down.
I would recommend this book, just know that the main couple is not together throughout the majority of the book but when they are, it's awesome!
This book was provided free of charge through NetGalley for an honest review.
July 26, 2015
“Thunder on The Plains,” is another runaway hit from Rosanne Bittner. The story is set during the time when the idea of building a trans-continental railroad was just the dream of a few men who were able to see outside of themselves and create a vision that not only made them wealthy, but connected both halves of a young nation. Men were not the only ones involved in this huge undertaking, but a beautiful young woman who dedicated her life to see her father’s ideas be turned into a reality. Sunny Landers learned everything about business from her father, and she was diligent in making sure that the needs of business came before her own. Colt Travers is a man who has had to make his own way since he was orphaned at a young age. Colt meets sunny when she is 15 and he is twenty, and at that moment their destiny was sealed in the stars. Colt’s and Sunny’s love must endure some of life’s hardest lessons, as well as the way society views them. The novel that Ms. Bittner has written is filled with raw passion, greed, and undying love that pulls deep at the readers heart. This is a must read for those readers that enjoy a good historical story. I was given this novel to read by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2015
A re-issue from the 1990's, but still an epic tale.
An epic, and gripping love story that spans years. Filled with grief, tears, struggles, turmoil,pain, love and romance. This tale spans across the Old West.
Well written with intrigue, danger, secrets and a few twists and turns. Not to mention a half-breed Cowboy, a landowner's Cowgirl daughter add a transcontinental railroad project into the mix and together readers are guaranteed an epic love story. Think "Hell on Wheels", the epic T.V. saga.
An absolute delight to read. I look forward to the next adventure from Ms. Bittner. A must read for fans of Americana Historical Romance, the Transcontinental railroad, epic sagas, and family sagas. An enjoyable and satisfying read!
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
An epic, and gripping love story that spans years. Filled with grief, tears, struggles, turmoil,pain, love and romance. This tale spans across the Old West.
Well written with intrigue, danger, secrets and a few twists and turns. Not to mention a half-breed Cowboy, a landowner's Cowgirl daughter add a transcontinental railroad project into the mix and together readers are guaranteed an epic love story. Think "Hell on Wheels", the epic T.V. saga.
An absolute delight to read. I look forward to the next adventure from Ms. Bittner. A must read for fans of Americana Historical Romance, the Transcontinental railroad, epic sagas, and family sagas. An enjoyable and satisfying read!
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
October 31, 2015
I received this book as an ARC through the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Shortly after receiving the ARC, I realized that I already had this book on my Kindle.
This book is just fantastic, Rosanne Bittner has been one of my favorite authors since the early 90s and this book actually originally came out around 1991 or 92 by another publisher, But as I was saying, I absolutely love this book; it is an engrossing saga like most of her books are. It encompasses about 12 years and sees the characters through a wagon train trip out west to see if the dream of a transcontinental railroad is possible, the Civil War, the actual construction of the Union Pacific Railroad and the meeting of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific, as well as many adventures within the years.
I definitely recommend this book, as well as any of her other books.
This book is just fantastic, Rosanne Bittner has been one of my favorite authors since the early 90s and this book actually originally came out around 1991 or 92 by another publisher, But as I was saying, I absolutely love this book; it is an engrossing saga like most of her books are. It encompasses about 12 years and sees the characters through a wagon train trip out west to see if the dream of a transcontinental railroad is possible, the Civil War, the actual construction of the Union Pacific Railroad and the meeting of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific, as well as many adventures within the years.
I definitely recommend this book, as well as any of her other books.
May 10, 2016
Having the chance to savor reading this very epic historical western romance was worth every pleasurable moment it took to get to the simple ending, especially since what went before it was taut with such suspenseful buildup.
12 years is a long span of time to cover but with the character development, the gorgeous settings, the relationship building and the historical events it covered not one thing could have been left out to shorten the story for my taste.
12 years is a long span of time to cover but with the character development, the gorgeous settings, the relationship building and the historical events it covered not one thing could have been left out to shorten the story for my taste.
April 30, 2018
A patron recommended this to me... so I'm trying it! I don't usually read historical fiction.
I FINALLY FINISHED IT!! Man, she packs a lot of details and happenings into this book! I did enjoy it, though. :)
Pros: good character development, plot, action/peril/all the feels, good ending
Cons: sometimes TOO descriptive... I don't care what her dress/hair looks like! Just get to the dialogue! I started skipping some of the descriptive stuff toward the end.
I FINALLY FINISHED IT!! Man, she packs a lot of details and happenings into this book! I did enjoy it, though. :)
Pros: good character development, plot, action/peril/all the feels, good ending
Cons: sometimes TOO descriptive... I don't care what her dress/hair looks like! Just get to the dialogue! I started skipping some of the descriptive stuff toward the end.
February 4, 2016
What an absorbing saga of a story! I loved it! Utterly!
Sunny and Colt are a couple I rooted for so. Against all odds, their love triumped! This journey was one I willingly began and ended with teary eyes, happily.
This would be a triumphant 5 stars except for the less than crispy writing. But, the story, that was superb!
Sunny and Colt are a couple I rooted for so. Against all odds, their love triumped! This journey was one I willingly began and ended with teary eyes, happily.
This would be a triumphant 5 stars except for the less than crispy writing. But, the story, that was superb!
September 10, 2015
Thunder On the Plains is a journey of love in the Wild West that is not for the faint of heart. It is well written and is one of those books that has you thinking it about long after you are finished.
December 4, 2015
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
Rated 4.5 but rounded up for Goodreads.
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
Rated 4.5 but rounded up for Goodreads.
March 16, 2017
Sooo boring. Zero chemistry between the hero and heroine. The story began several years too early, which made for such a slow plot. The heroine in particular was too syrupy sweet and one dimensional.
January 7, 2016
This is by far one of my favorite of Bittner's work. I love her writing, but this book took it to another level. Loved, loved, loved Sunny and Colt's saga. This one will be hard to beat!!
January 16, 2025
This was spectacular. It had everything I love in a great book; a tight plot with twists and turns, action, lots of emotion, and characters I either really loved or hated.
It spans twelve years with our main characters, Colt Travis and Sunny Landers, meeting when he was just 20-years-old and she a mere 15. She and her father had gone West to check out the potential for a transcontinental railroad and her father had hired Colt and his partner, Slim, to be their guides and scouts. Colt wasn't too keen on looking after what he thought was a spoiled, little rich girl that was a daddy's girl to boot, but they needed the work. She turned out to be far from that.
Sunny was groomed to run her father's business from a very young age. She was smart, beautiful, sensitive, and attracted to their half-Cherokee scout, Colt. They both knew nothing could ever come from their mutual attraction. They came from two different worlds. There was no way it could work. She came from wealth and privilege. He was a man who was rugged, tough, savvy, and knew how to take care of himself. She had to meet the expectations of her brothers and society. He answered to no one. She had to marry well. He could marry whoever he wanted...except her.
There were times when this book had me tied in knots. I cried a few times. I scolded the characters. I cheered for them when I could. I was well into the book (77%) and I still wasn't sure there was going to be a happy ending. So much happened and I couldn't see Sunny and Colt beating the odds.
This is a slow burn story that packed a punch and left me with a good feeling. There isn't a whole lot of physical passion in it, if you're looking for that. There's some, of course, but it isn't the mainstay of the book. The story was a whirlwind of events, different characters, some tragedy, and a great ending. I do wish there had been epilogue, considering what Colt and Sunny went through, but I have to be satisfied with how it all came out and I am.
It spans twelve years with our main characters, Colt Travis and Sunny Landers, meeting when he was just 20-years-old and she a mere 15. She and her father had gone West to check out the potential for a transcontinental railroad and her father had hired Colt and his partner, Slim, to be their guides and scouts. Colt wasn't too keen on looking after what he thought was a spoiled, little rich girl that was a daddy's girl to boot, but they needed the work. She turned out to be far from that.
Sunny was groomed to run her father's business from a very young age. She was smart, beautiful, sensitive, and attracted to their half-Cherokee scout, Colt. They both knew nothing could ever come from their mutual attraction. They came from two different worlds. There was no way it could work. She came from wealth and privilege. He was a man who was rugged, tough, savvy, and knew how to take care of himself. She had to meet the expectations of her brothers and society. He answered to no one. She had to marry well. He could marry whoever he wanted...except her.
There were times when this book had me tied in knots. I cried a few times. I scolded the characters. I cheered for them when I could. I was well into the book (77%) and I still wasn't sure there was going to be a happy ending. So much happened and I couldn't see Sunny and Colt beating the odds.
This is a slow burn story that packed a punch and left me with a good feeling. There isn't a whole lot of physical passion in it, if you're looking for that. There's some, of course, but it isn't the mainstay of the book. The story was a whirlwind of events, different characters, some tragedy, and a great ending. I do wish there had been epilogue, considering what Colt and Sunny went through, but I have to be satisfied with how it all came out and I am.
December 21, 2025
This is an epic tale of the old American West that spans over a decade. The story includes a wagon train, a buffalo stampede, deaths at the hands of indigenous nations and white men, the Pony Express, the Civil War, building the transcontinental railroad, and much more. There were heroic characters and there were villains. There was the contrast between the ultra-rich and a heroic drifter. The writing style was good. I really liked Colt and Sunny. For the first 250 pages I was convinced this story was not a romance - I couldn't even call it a slow burn because the characters were rarely together or even in the same state. Therefore for the first half of the book I was thinking this was a three star book at best. It felt like Colt and Sunny would never get together. But then the second half of the story changed my mind entirely. Their love story became steamy fast, but then their troubles mounted. There was heartbreak. There was angst. And then came the stupendous finish! Wow! I can't believe I have never read a book by Rosanne Bittner before. There were some things I didn't like. The 500 pages seemed too long - cuts could have been made during the times Colt and Sunny were not together during the first half of the book. There was head hopping, something editors don't allow anymore, but this book was originally published in 1992 when head hopping was still appearing in books. In spite of these negatives the exciting ending made everything worth it. I will definitely be reading more of Rosanne Bittner's books! I looked her up and learned that Rosanne Bittner has won RITA awards and has published 76 books! Incredible!
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