Whispers of Moonlight

Rocky Mountain Memories #2

by Lori Wick

When Travis and Rebecca marry, rumors quickly spread that he has done so only for her dying father's ranch. Confused and convinced that Travis can never truly love her, Rebecca strikes out on her own. She disappears to make a new life for herself in a town far away, but her friends there are few, and life is hard.

When desperate circumstances drive Rebecca home to Travis, she can see the change in the man she left behind. In her absence, he has grown from a rough-hewn cowboy to a confident rancher.

Still, her wounded heart is hesitant. Is she more afraid to love—or to be loved?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Fiction, Christian Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical

423 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 1996

About the author

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."

Reviews

[Hannah Barclay · Rating 4 out of 5]

another easy, feel-good sort of romance. some really wholesome aspects of faith/salvation. the man was an absolute saint to put up with the the wife though… she was such hard work to read about 😂

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read. I love books that challenge my own faith and make me strive to be a stronger person in God. this book fit that bill. set in the late 1800s in Colorado, the characters are believable and the personal struggles surrounding them are relatable. Wick does a good job of letting the story unfold.

[Emma Totzke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the book and the Christian aspect of it, but it drove me nuts how dumb Rebecca was throughout the majority of the book.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

What could be an otherwise good book gets ruined by Lori Wick's incessant need to write characters that judge other Christians as doomed to hell because they don't believe exactly the same way. blech

I also found it rather unbelievable that Rebecca would run away to nowhere in particular with no skills whatsoever in the Wild West and not return to her husband who she had previously liked.

I liked the Colorado setting but that was about it.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I am very stingy with my five star ratings. :) There were a few grammatical issues. The parts pertaining to the gospel came across a bit stiff and preachy at times. All in all it was a great book, realistically portraying hurt and unconditional love. The ending was really good to, happy, but not perfect.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character - Rebecca - starts out being fiesty and strong, if awful naive but then turns into a dense person. She ruined what was an OK story. The one thing I liked about it at the end of the book she has not accepted Christ which is more like real life.

[Courtney | Lasting Joy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Memories series by Lori Wick. I have read this 20 years ago, and it still is a favourite of mine.

Rebecca was raised by her aunt. She was sadly separated from her father. As chance would have it, she finds out her father has always wanted her and she leaves to find him. While at their reunion, Rebecca meets and falls in love with her father’s ranch hand Travis. They marry quickly, but rumours fly that Travis only did so to inherit Rebecca’s fathers ranch. Rebecca can’t bare the thought of being used, so she runs away and starts a new life. But things are extremely difficult for Rebecca. Travis feels like he’s lost part of himself. He tries to find Rebecca but she appears to have vanished. How will he move on?

I really liked this one. I was gripped by the story line. I love the Christian historical fiction books. Rebecca really grew as a character. She went from being waited on, to working and running a household. I’m looking forward to reading the other two books in this series.

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF for me on the first book in this series and although I own the rest of the series I will not be reading it. I could feel it putting me into a slump and so I've elected to put it down and move onto something else.

[Kara Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the many Lori Wick books I have read this book will always remain #1 for a long time.

[Anna Gillis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, like it’s predecessor, is a solid 4 stars. I did not enjoy its story as much, but did enjoy its Christian themes and characters much more than the first book, Where the Wild Rose Blooms.

First of all, for a book that was 423 pages, it moved extremely slow and extremely fast all at the same time. Within the first ten chapters Travis and Rebecca are married, which absolutely shocked me, considering it took Clayton and Jackie half the book to even start openly liking each other.

But then the book hit a standstill. For what seemed like chapters and chapters Rebecca was living in Pine Grove. I feel like this is where the editing could have happened. Did we really need the character of Dan, who serves no purpose whatsoever? Did we really need to hear SO MUCH about Angel and Preston’s relationship? Instead of talking so much about those characters, the book could have dwelt more on Robert and Travis’ friendship, or more events that were important to the story! For heavens sakes when Rebecca gets deathly sick, I didn’t even know until it said she was better!

It wasn’t until Travis got saved that the book got real good. The chapter where he got saved made me cry because of its great wording and powerful themes. After that, the book picked right on back up again and I loved it.

Two more things. One, I loved how it shows the imperfectness of Travis and Rebecca’s relationship due to differing religious views, and how at the end of the book she still wasn’t fully saved because thats not always the case. I also love how it didn’t just focus on Travis and Rebecca’s relationship, but also Eddie and Roberts, Lucky and his girlfriend (I forgot her name l😂).

I enjoyed Eddie and Robert because they helped save Travis and were always there when he needed them. I also Ike’s Travis and yes, Garrett and Wyatt no matter how annoying they were.

All in all this book is a 6.5/10

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated the beginning of the book. Liked the middle of the book. Hated the end of the book.

As an agnostic feminist, reading this book was really my own fault for how much I disliked it. Nearly the entire book Rebecca needs saving. First she needs saving from her awful aunt by her dad. Then we are introduced to her future husband who “saves” her countless times throughout the book. She runs away and another woman saves her (this was my favorite storyline- a woman helping another woman). Unfortunately Rebecca doesn’t know how to cook so another man has to save her from being broke and homeless by teaching her how to cook. After this part in the book, I quite like Rebecca, and am impressed by her self-sufficiency skills. However, she gets sick and because she doesn’t want her kids to be homeless she reaches out to her husband who “saves” her a second time. Rebecca than finds a unjustifiable reason to nag on him for anything, but he stays because -unrealistic patience-. Meanwhile, the book really focuses on why spanking is necessary. I hate spanking. If you parent correctly you don’t need spanking. I know this wasn’t the mindset in the 1800s, but Wick is obviously a supporter by how much spankings are mentioned in the last half of the book. Lastly, while Rebecca was away- Travis turned to God. While it was refreshing that Rebecca didn’t turn to God, I found Travis’s whole demeanor towards nonbelievers annoying and reminded me of all the Christian kids I grew up with.

TL;DR
Travis and Rebecca are annoying characters, and this book pushes narrative I don’t agree with, making this an exhausting read for me.

[Elizabeth Gorham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read books by Laura Wick a lot as a kit now coming back to her as an adult. I realize that she is even better than I thought she was. After reading so many other romance novels, I feel like very few Christian authors can write a good plot with characters. the books can be a little slow at times and be overly Christian, but I find that a small thing in comparison of how good her books are.

That is the reason this book is getting four stars instead of three. The storyline and the plot was good. I just felt like Rebecca as a character, fell a little short. In the beginning her character was a little immature in running off like she did. Then when she came back one minute, she hated the guy and then the next she was trying to work on her marriage. then back to hating him that all just didn’t make sense and it was much too rushed. either that or she just wasn’t that great person. All in all, I did not really like the character Rebekah in the story.

Everything else is whirly well done, though I felt like this was a very compelling storyline and plots. I like the other characters in the story, and I thought the plot was really well done.

[Heather Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun reread. It's been so long since I read it, I didn't remember much about it at all. This book was quite a bit longer than it needed to be, since the roller coaster drama just keeps going, but it makes it more realistic, since relationships don't always tie up in a neat bow quickly in real life. Still, it's painful to read about when it goes on and on and makes you lose respect for Rebecca, since she just won't get it; even when she realizes what she needs to do, her actions still don't follow, or do for awhile and then swing back. We would have liked her better if she hadn't taken so long to stop being mean, but as it is, the reader is so exasperated by the end, it makes us want better for Travis.

It was a nice change from the introverted, brooding male character to having an introverted, brooding female character. Something to think about. One of my favorite aspects this time around was Travis and Robert's friendship.

[Lynn M. Ludeke · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really loved the first book in this series and was hoping the other books would also revolve around the Fontaine sisters. Although Eddie and Jackie are briefly mentioned, this is about Travis from book 1. Rebecca starts out likable enough, but drastically turns into a disloyal, spoiled, bitter brat and so unlikable this book became more frustrating than enjoyable. The men are sometimes too abusive with constantly grabbing the women by the jaw, and I also found that irritating. I appreciate the gospel message but the storyline had too many people having sex outside of marriage without really saying it was wrong. It also gives a bad message that women have to look perfect (no eyeglasses, hair down, and only firm fitting clothing) to feel good about themselves or to be loved (with the exception of Travis who was blind when it came to Rebecca). Anyway, usually love Lori Wick's books but this one was disappointing. I will try book 3 and hope it is better.

[Mikayla Robbins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out strong, but went downhill fast. I didn't like Rebecca at all. She didn't have much development at all and I wish Lori Wick could have not left off her salvation as a cliffhanger. I would love to see her saved. I liked how this went back in time, then into the first book scenes between the pages, then after. I liked having closure with the Fontanines in the first book and the Taggarts. I had no idea Travis was married the whole time! I thought he'd eventually fall for Dannie.
There were things I thought were just uncalled for. Why would Lori make the first kiss between Rebecca and Travis what she called a "mean kiss" and leave bruises on her mouth? WHAT?! I dreaded finishing after that. There were a lot of weird scenes like that. It wasn't appealing to me and the romance side.

[Tara Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sooo interested in this one for 3/4 of the book but by the end I really couldn't stand Rebecca and her high maintenance self. I was glad when the book ended to put Travis out of his misery. Speaking of Travis, totally unrealistic version of a man. But I dunno, maybe I feel that way because I didn't marry a total pushover. I just feel icky now and have thought about changing authors for a while even though I'm halfway through a series now. I do love Lori Wick but Rebecca has really soured things for me. Character flaws are great and make things interesting, but this woman needs an hourly Midol to keep up with her mood swings.

[Annamarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part was when Rebecca and Travis fell in love again at the end. It was so sweet and well overdue. I would recommend this book to all my friends because of how you can’t put it down. There’s always a curveball that keeps you reading, like when Rebecca found out she was pregnant. It’s a great romance, Christain, and western book. I also love how the struggles are all realistic. The only thing I didn’t like was Rebecca’s personality. It took her forever to be able to trust Travis, which just crushed him. All in all, this book is a very interesting read.

[Gifford MacShane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have nothing against "clean & wholesome" books, but this one was 2/3 story and 1/3 preaching. A bit too much for me. The FMC was fairly brainless, leaping to negative conclusions based on gossip, then acting out. I felt kind of sorry for the MMC, but didn't really relate to him either.

However, there was one important thing that I don't usually see in novels like this: a character who can accept that other people may have other ideas (although he's pretty sure he can convert them in time). For me, that was the saving grace of the book & the reason I rated it 2 instead of 1.

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori Wick is one of my favorite Christian Authors. I've read the Rocky Mountain Memories series before, but I never remembered that Whispers of Moonlight left Rebecca unsaved. I did like seeing interactions with unsaved family members being resolved well, but I honestly ran through the last part looking for Rebecca to turn to Christ. Needless to say, I'll need to relocate all the books and reread again.

[Joy Lokey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life's twists, life's surprises, love's bond

It is easy to misread another person's meanings, especially when you overhear a conversation without seeing their face. Is this not the problem with modern day texts? Rebecca and Travis have a lot to work through to discover their true selves, and true love. One can dig one's own hole very deep, create work for oneself, fail to see the forest for the trees, if you will. A long story, a long journey to get where it needs to.

[Tara L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors for more than 20 years, Wick tells the story of Travis and Rebecca. She explores if someone can learn to trust again after their heart has been broken. I love how well she characterizes both Travis and Rebecca. Though Rebecca’s initial reason for leaving seems somewhat far fetched, the rest of the book makes up for it and seems more realistic in the end.

[Angie E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori Wick has done an amazing job with this book. I was on the edge of my seat several times.....so aggravated at some of the characters at times. There was so much emotion, spiritual growth, real life problems with real life answers!! I can't seem to say enough about this book!! It is excellent!! 5⭐

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t remember if Rebecca comes to Christ by the end of the series or not. It’s definitely a change not to have the main character’s salvation happen by the end of the book, but life isn’t all tied up neatly in a bow. I also appreciate that Lori Wick, while not being graphic, doesn’t ignore the physical side of love and intimacy.

[Kristen Hungness Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is a Christian author. This is my second book I have read by her and I really like her stories. I love how she introduces religion into her characters. It is very realistic. In this book one of the things that I really appreciated was the ending was not tied up in a little neat bow. It was a happy ending, but it was not a perfect ending. I would read more from this author.

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

1876 Travis is working for Andrew Wagner on the ranch when his daughter who has been living with her aunt in Philadelphia for the past 11 years. Andrew is dieing and asks Rebecca to marry Travis. Andrew dies a few days later and the world turns upside down for Rebecca. Now the question is can Jesus and faith save their marriage

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is religious book but the religious part is not overdone. It is woven naturally into the story. It is credible because it didn't end happily ever after but that is not disappointing because it ends with hope

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting: CO Territory, 1870’s
Ups and downs of marriage.
Linda F pick. Poor description of scenery.
Second half of book better .. decent ending.
The heroine was all wrong for me.
Did the author put a current feminist mindset in her ?
Or was she that emotionally immature, proud and stubborn ?
I just did not believe that character; her choices made no sense.
I speed read the second half as the author’s writing style did not appeal (as well as the plot!).

[Mary Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!!

[Jessica Lindenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long and tiring read, but I guess it was ok

[Stephanie Salyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book