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When Doves Fly
Lily Wright flees her cruel husband for the promise of opportunity in Colorado, but brutality and vice lurk in the remote Rocky Mountains of the 1870s.
In a time when men control every woman’s destiny, Lily craves independence. Taking advantage of a gold rush, she settles in a boomtown and opens a dry goods catering to the miners, outlaws, and fallen women. She builds a new life and forms bonds that banish the ghosts of her past.
But Lily soon discovers the Wild West is a fool’s paradise. The false-fronted saloons and shops cloak a world of addiction and violence. When she stands her ground, jealousy, injustice, and greed exact their dues in ways a lady couldn’t imagine.
Independence has a price. It will cost Lily her sanity and her life, unless she finds the strength and courage to make her own destiny.
In a time when men control every woman’s destiny, Lily craves independence. Taking advantage of a gold rush, she settles in a boomtown and opens a dry goods catering to the miners, outlaws, and fallen women. She builds a new life and forms bonds that banish the ghosts of her past.
But Lily soon discovers the Wild West is a fool’s paradise. The false-fronted saloons and shops cloak a world of addiction and violence. When she stands her ground, jealousy, injustice, and greed exact their dues in ways a lady couldn’t imagine.
Independence has a price. It will cost Lily her sanity and her life, unless she finds the strength and courage to make her own destiny.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
372 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
About the author
Lauren Gregory
23 books30 followersLauren Gregory, who was raised on a horse farm, discovered a love for writing in sixth grade when she learned she could move people with words. She misplaced that love for a couple decades and traveled the world in the Navy, floundered through two college degrees, and embarked on raising a rowdy son who’s too much like her. She found that love again on a cold November morning in 2013, and they’ve been locked in a tortured embrace ever since.
These days, she writes novels, maintains a history blog, and herds poodles in her native Colorado.
These days, she writes novels, maintains a history blog, and herds poodles in her native Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 18, 2015
Reviewed by me as part of Rosie Amber's Review Team
After a slightly shaky start, I enjoyed this book a lot. Lauren Gregory certainly knows how to keep a reader turning the pages, and I was engrossed for nearly all of it.
When Doves Fly is the story of Lily Wright, fleeing tragic family circumstances and a brutal husband, in the days of the Wild West and people striking out to make their fortune via the gold rush. A woman alone, she struggles to make a living in the boom town of Clear Springs, Colorado, and her fortunes rise and plummet at every turn. There are some good plot developments in this story, completely unexpected, and the atmosphere of the time and situation is spot on.
One of the biggest strengths in this book is the characterisation. The dialogue of characters as Jessie the prostitute, the evil Silas Barnes who is out to ruin Lily, wise old girl Alice Durand (I loved her, my absolute favourite character) and the miners visiting Barnes's brothel is so very good, I kept silently applauding little bits. When Alice was telling Lily the story of her own past, I think I was as anxious as Lily to find out all about her! Ms Gregory knows how to write a Texan accent, a Scottish one, and many others, so incredibly well (but without being overdone) that I was reading it in the accent intended—excellent, I bow with respect!
There were a few negatives for me, though others might not agree, and they're not big ones. I found the beginning, when Lily arrives journeys to and arrives at Clear Springs, a tad unconvincing and a little rushed through; I didn't get into the story until it went back in time to Charlotte's situation. Lily's thoughts being actual dialogue in italics grated on me a little: 'What in heaven's name was I thinking? I'm so dense!", etc. I thought this would have been more effectively written as an inner third person narrative, ie, 'what in heaven's name was she thinking?'. There's probably an actual name for the style of prose I mean, something like free indirect speech, I think, but I'm not sure.
The only other slight negative was that the last 10-12% seemed a trifle too neatly wrapped up; I was expecting another twist and was disappointed when it didn't come, but, hey, this is Lauren Gregory's book, not mine. So a bit of an anti-climax for me, but it was still well written and convincing.
To sum up: When Doves Fly is a cracking read, I'd recommend it to anyone who likes these sort of stories. I will definitely read another book by this author, a master storyteller who really knows how to spin a yarn!
After a slightly shaky start, I enjoyed this book a lot. Lauren Gregory certainly knows how to keep a reader turning the pages, and I was engrossed for nearly all of it.
When Doves Fly is the story of Lily Wright, fleeing tragic family circumstances and a brutal husband, in the days of the Wild West and people striking out to make their fortune via the gold rush. A woman alone, she struggles to make a living in the boom town of Clear Springs, Colorado, and her fortunes rise and plummet at every turn. There are some good plot developments in this story, completely unexpected, and the atmosphere of the time and situation is spot on.
One of the biggest strengths in this book is the characterisation. The dialogue of characters as Jessie the prostitute, the evil Silas Barnes who is out to ruin Lily, wise old girl Alice Durand (I loved her, my absolute favourite character) and the miners visiting Barnes's brothel is so very good, I kept silently applauding little bits. When Alice was telling Lily the story of her own past, I think I was as anxious as Lily to find out all about her! Ms Gregory knows how to write a Texan accent, a Scottish one, and many others, so incredibly well (but without being overdone) that I was reading it in the accent intended—excellent, I bow with respect!
There were a few negatives for me, though others might not agree, and they're not big ones. I found the beginning, when Lily arrives journeys to and arrives at Clear Springs, a tad unconvincing and a little rushed through; I didn't get into the story until it went back in time to Charlotte's situation. Lily's thoughts being actual dialogue in italics grated on me a little: 'What in heaven's name was I thinking? I'm so dense!", etc. I thought this would have been more effectively written as an inner third person narrative, ie, 'what in heaven's name was she thinking?'. There's probably an actual name for the style of prose I mean, something like free indirect speech, I think, but I'm not sure.
The only other slight negative was that the last 10-12% seemed a trifle too neatly wrapped up; I was expecting another twist and was disappointed when it didn't come, but, hey, this is Lauren Gregory's book, not mine. So a bit of an anti-climax for me, but it was still well written and convincing.
To sum up: When Doves Fly is a cracking read, I'd recommend it to anyone who likes these sort of stories. I will definitely read another book by this author, a master storyteller who really knows how to spin a yarn!
August 19, 2016
I thought this book was great. Although, many times, I almost threw my kindle at the wall (prompting my little sister to think I was crazy with my screaming at the screen) because of Lily's pure stupidity. Or, I guess you could call it naivety. But she was naive in the way that makes you want to see her grow, not the naive that makes you hate reading about her. As for Luke... I'll be honest and say that I wasn't enthralled with him. He truly didn't do much wrong and seemed a bit too good to be true throughout (even when he wasn't there), and I felt his character was a little flat. He didn't have any faults that I could see. My favorite character was Alice, and Jessie was a close second.
But by far, the last words Lily says to Luke made me so very, very proud of her. And the fact that I was able to continue reading though it's not even close to my preferred genre (historic, WESTERN? Um, no thank you) speaks volumes. If I don't like something, I don't finish it. Lauren Gregory did a fantastic job, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
But by far, the last words Lily says to Luke made me so very, very proud of her. And the fact that I was able to continue reading though it's not even close to my preferred genre (historic, WESTERN? Um, no thank you) speaks volumes. If I don't like something, I don't finish it. Lauren Gregory did a fantastic job, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
October 12, 2015
This complex book explores the old west with Lily Wright, a woman who endures and overcomes real-life horrors in her quest for freedom. Ms. Gregory's research immerses the reader. I felt Lily's pain, growth, and triumph. A woman alone in the 1800's endured much; dangers stalked the untamed west, but A woman fleeing an abusive husband had reason to hide. Lily developed a strength that flew above her circumstances to where no cage, gilded or not, contained her.
February 22, 2016
When I heard about When Doves Fly, I knew I wanted to review it myself. It’s the kind of novel I adore – gritty fiction, set against a harsh, historical backdrop, with fierce women taking centre stage. And I loved it.
Gregory is not afraid to show the brutal nature of the women’s lives, the horrors they had to suffer through. This theme is not unique to the time in which the story is set; in this way, When Doves Fly is every bit contemporary fiction as it is historical.
The protagonist, Lily Wright, is endearing for both her strength and her honesty. Fleeing a violent husband, wandering through the wilderness, opening herself to new love and struggling to make her own way – Lily’s life is far from easy, but her courage and kindness makes her a heroine to enjoy reading about, to look up to.
Lily’s strength shines through in the face of adversity. When it seems as if she has everything under control, the rug is pulled out from under her – and us, the readers – and a whole new level of hell awaits. Gregory isn’t shy in describing horrific sexual abuse or violence, but nor is it gratuitous. Each scene is crafted in a way that shocks you, while drawing attention to the truth – that these things still happen, and that they have never been, nor will they ever be, acceptable.
When Doves Fly is a feminist novel. It’s full of violence and hope, strength and sadness, and it is a story that roots for all women everywhere.
https://dracarya.wordpress.com/2016/0...
Gregory is not afraid to show the brutal nature of the women’s lives, the horrors they had to suffer through. This theme is not unique to the time in which the story is set; in this way, When Doves Fly is every bit contemporary fiction as it is historical.
The protagonist, Lily Wright, is endearing for both her strength and her honesty. Fleeing a violent husband, wandering through the wilderness, opening herself to new love and struggling to make her own way – Lily’s life is far from easy, but her courage and kindness makes her a heroine to enjoy reading about, to look up to.
Lily’s strength shines through in the face of adversity. When it seems as if she has everything under control, the rug is pulled out from under her – and us, the readers – and a whole new level of hell awaits. Gregory isn’t shy in describing horrific sexual abuse or violence, but nor is it gratuitous. Each scene is crafted in a way that shocks you, while drawing attention to the truth – that these things still happen, and that they have never been, nor will they ever be, acceptable.
When Doves Fly is a feminist novel. It’s full of violence and hope, strength and sadness, and it is a story that roots for all women everywhere.
https://dracarya.wordpress.com/2016/0...
August 29, 2016
The description of the 1870 captivated my interest from start to end. With all the challenges Lily faces, I couldn’t put the book down. An excellent read and I can’t wait for the sequel.
January 4, 2016
I love well-researched and realistic historical fiction, portraying the world as it would have been and the people as they were. I particularly love well-written historical fiction that tells the story of women, and that pulls no punches. That’s certainly what you get with this novel.
At first, I have to admit I was a little wary. I was worried that Lily was going to be one of those historical women that I hate - the type that people describe as ‘feisty’, who manage to live lives that are completely unrealistic and who emerge from life-changing, catastrophic events unscathed, having snared the handsome hero, won battles single-handed, carved out an independent existence, made their voice heard etc. etc. etc.
But this book doesn’t shy away from the realities of life for women, particularly women alone, in the wild west of the nineteenth century. This is not a light romantic historical - this is gritty, realistic, hard-hitting and at times hard to read. There are no easy solutions for Lily, no fairy-tale rescues. She fights for herself, she has to rely on herself, but she fails as well as succeeds, she suffers, she’s frightened at times, she messes up. In short, Lauren Gregory tells the truth, and tells it well. Life for Lily in the boom town of Clear Springs is hard - she makes enemies as well as friends, and those relationships have dreadful consequences.
I do feel that the early parts of Lily’s story are rather glossed over, not given enough detail. I would have liked to have got to know her better, to have understood her motivations more clearly. More time spent on this would have added a depth to Lily’s character and would have made me feel more invested in her story. Aside from this though, the writing is well-crafted, the sense of time and place extremely well-executed, and the story line is gripping, dramatic and involving. A very good read indeed - I look forward to reading more from Lauren Gregory.
At first, I have to admit I was a little wary. I was worried that Lily was going to be one of those historical women that I hate - the type that people describe as ‘feisty’, who manage to live lives that are completely unrealistic and who emerge from life-changing, catastrophic events unscathed, having snared the handsome hero, won battles single-handed, carved out an independent existence, made their voice heard etc. etc. etc.
But this book doesn’t shy away from the realities of life for women, particularly women alone, in the wild west of the nineteenth century. This is not a light romantic historical - this is gritty, realistic, hard-hitting and at times hard to read. There are no easy solutions for Lily, no fairy-tale rescues. She fights for herself, she has to rely on herself, but she fails as well as succeeds, she suffers, she’s frightened at times, she messes up. In short, Lauren Gregory tells the truth, and tells it well. Life for Lily in the boom town of Clear Springs is hard - she makes enemies as well as friends, and those relationships have dreadful consequences.
I do feel that the early parts of Lily’s story are rather glossed over, not given enough detail. I would have liked to have got to know her better, to have understood her motivations more clearly. More time spent on this would have added a depth to Lily’s character and would have made me feel more invested in her story. Aside from this though, the writing is well-crafted, the sense of time and place extremely well-executed, and the story line is gripping, dramatic and involving. A very good read indeed - I look forward to reading more from Lauren Gregory.
January 5, 2016
After years of suffering in the suffocating clutches of her possessive husband, Lily Wright has fled her home, and found sanctuary in a little town in the remote Rocky Mountains of Colorado, where no one knows her past.
Taking place in the late nineteenth century, When Doves Fly comes with a bushel-full of problems, challenges, and life-threatening possibilities. Lily Wright has found solace in her new home, where she has opened her very own dry goods shop, but will this town, and the people residing in it, be her ultimate downfall?
When Doves Fly by Lauren Gregory was a surprising read for me, in many ways. There were so many shocking moments in this book, I could barely keep up with Lily's "adventures" (if you can call her grief adventure-like). Because of that, I found myself almost unable to put it down. I desperately wanted to know in which direction Lily's life was going to go. Would she find happiness? Was her husband going to find her in Colorado? Who continuously keeps sabotaging her contentment?
Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, another monkey wrench was thrown in my way, and I was knocked off my feet. I'm sure this was intentional, so the reader could understand what Lily was going through as she tried to turn her life around.
When Doves Fly was an enjoyable read. The story can be painful at times, but the reading experience itself was not painful whatsoever. I see myself reading more of Lauren Gregory's work in the future.
Taking place in the late nineteenth century, When Doves Fly comes with a bushel-full of problems, challenges, and life-threatening possibilities. Lily Wright has found solace in her new home, where she has opened her very own dry goods shop, but will this town, and the people residing in it, be her ultimate downfall?
When Doves Fly by Lauren Gregory was a surprising read for me, in many ways. There were so many shocking moments in this book, I could barely keep up with Lily's "adventures" (if you can call her grief adventure-like). Because of that, I found myself almost unable to put it down. I desperately wanted to know in which direction Lily's life was going to go. Would she find happiness? Was her husband going to find her in Colorado? Who continuously keeps sabotaging her contentment?
Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, another monkey wrench was thrown in my way, and I was knocked off my feet. I'm sure this was intentional, so the reader could understand what Lily was going through as she tried to turn her life around.
When Doves Fly was an enjoyable read. The story can be painful at times, but the reading experience itself was not painful whatsoever. I see myself reading more of Lauren Gregory's work in the future.
December 17, 2015
Here is a book which takes us back to the Wild West we used to see in old movies, where men are tough and uncouth and women are there for their pleasure. Into this setting comes Lily Wright, running away from abuse and tragedy, looking for a new life in a boomtown during the gold rush in Colorado. Intending to open a dry goods store, her plans are in disarray after she loses her money and belongings. Without any assistance she struggles to make a living despite the fates being against her.
Lily is an insecure but brave and determined woman, with whom the reader becomes intimately involved. She learns a valuable lesson from Alice Durand, a wizened old woman whose life story could make another book! We experience Lily’s suffering in intense detail and cannot help wishing that her knight in shining armour will appear. However, Lily must make her own destiny.
The hypocritical residents of the ironically named Clear Springs include evil villains, honourable citizens and a hoard of dysfunctional individuals trying to make a fortune. It’s the perfect setting for life-changing drama. This could have made the story too predictable but this is far from the case. Lauren Gregory’s characters are real and vibrant. They come with back stories which give them substance and their actions make for a dramatic plot. There are the seeds of a saga in this novel.
Lily is an insecure but brave and determined woman, with whom the reader becomes intimately involved. She learns a valuable lesson from Alice Durand, a wizened old woman whose life story could make another book! We experience Lily’s suffering in intense detail and cannot help wishing that her knight in shining armour will appear. However, Lily must make her own destiny.
The hypocritical residents of the ironically named Clear Springs include evil villains, honourable citizens and a hoard of dysfunctional individuals trying to make a fortune. It’s the perfect setting for life-changing drama. This could have made the story too predictable but this is far from the case. Lauren Gregory’s characters are real and vibrant. They come with back stories which give them substance and their actions make for a dramatic plot. There are the seeds of a saga in this novel.
November 7, 2015
Lauren Gregory’s Western romance has all the elements of classic melodrama: a handsome and honorable cowboy, an unscrupulous banker, and a naïve but spunky heroine, but Gregory recasts these archetypes into a modern tale of a young woman’s grit, determination, and self-sufficiency in an 1870s Colorado boomtown. Lilly Wright, the main character, is a young woman who faces one catastrophe after another—from robbery to a devastating fire, disfigurement, and forced prostitution—and learns how to be the hero of her own harrowing story. My only critique of this book is that the author frequently intrudes on scenes with anachronistic commentary on the action or Lilly’s state of mind. Many chapters, however, beautifully capture the period and characters. Keep an eye on Lauren Gregory; like her creation Lilly Wright, she may well develop into a force to be reckoned with.
December 9, 2015
A fast-paced read and thoroughly enjoyable. I couldn't put it down. Keep your eye on Lauren Gregory, she's a force to be reckoned with!
May 9, 2021
Good depiction of the wild west
Entertaining book. Easy read, very good depiction of the rough life in the old west. I think it would be a good movie. (triggers of rape scenes )
Entertaining book. Easy read, very good depiction of the rough life in the old west. I think it would be a good movie. (triggers of rape scenes )
April 9, 2016
Lauren Gregory’s Western romance has all the elements of classic melodrama: a handsome and honorable cowboy, an unscrupulous banker, and a naïve but spunky heroine, but Gregory recasts these archetypes into a modern tale of a young woman’s grit, determination, and self-sufficiency in an 1870s Colorado boomtown. Lilly Wright, the main character, is a young woman who faces one catastrophe after another—from robbery to a devastating fire, disfigurement, and forced prostitution—and learns how to be the hero of her own harrowing story. My only critique of this book is that the author frequently intrudes on scenes with anachronistic commentary on the action or Lilly’s state of mind. Many chapters, however, beautifully capture the period and characters. Keep an eye on Lauren Gregory; like her creation Lilly Wright, she may well develop into a force to be reckoned with.
November 21, 2016
Lily's journey in the Old West shows us a woman determined to find her own way. She is fleeing her rotten husband and I admire her courage. Many women in today's world has been in Lily's shoes in some form or fashion, and it's great to read how Lily overcomes her obstacles in the Wild West. Lauren Gregory is a wonderful writer who brings the horrible things done to women in the Wild West to light. I'm looking forward to reading the next book about Lily.
April 9, 2016
This was a very good book. The struggles Lily goes through and her ability to keep on trying to succeed is inspirational. Fascinating characters, a great plot and the feeling you get from the old west makes this a worthwhile book to read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews