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Widow of Papina
Forrest and Braydon Miller moved to the small town of Papina to follow their dreams and start a family. Braydon loves her new life in the quiet town, kept alive by the prestigious boarding school overlooking the valley. She is so proud of her husband's work, helping the teens on the reservation.
Until one day, Forrest doesn't come home.
Scandal spreads when it’s discovered that one of the teenagers is missing, too. But, Braydon refuses to believe her husband would leave her. When the teen is found, she isn't talking--literally.
While Braydon's heart is breaking, she must hold her crumbling life together, raise her son, trust in the Sheriff's loyal, and ever-growing devotion, and find a way to love the MUTE teenager enough to discover the truth of what happened to her husband.
Until one day, Forrest doesn't come home.
Scandal spreads when it’s discovered that one of the teenagers is missing, too. But, Braydon refuses to believe her husband would leave her. When the teen is found, she isn't talking--literally.
While Braydon's heart is breaking, she must hold her crumbling life together, raise her son, trust in the Sheriff's loyal, and ever-growing devotion, and find a way to love the MUTE teenager enough to discover the truth of what happened to her husband.
First published July 5, 2014
About the author
Katie Hamstead
18 books218 followersBorn and raised in Australia, Katie's early years of day dreaming in the "bush," and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.
After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student. Now she lives in Arizona with her daughters and their dog.
She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing.
When her debut novel, Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, climbed into bestselling status, she believed she was onto something, and now has a slew of novels available, and is published through REUTS Publishing., Curiosity Quills Press, and Soul Mate Publishing.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports, and be a good mother. She now works as a Special Education Aid to help support her family. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student. Now she lives in Arizona with her daughters and their dog.
She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing.
When her debut novel, Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, climbed into bestselling status, she believed she was onto something, and now has a slew of novels available, and is published through REUTS Publishing., Curiosity Quills Press, and Soul Mate Publishing.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports, and be a good mother. She now works as a Special Education Aid to help support her family. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 24, 2018
Braydon and Forrest had the made-for-each-other romance/relationship that others envied. Happily married, Forrest had just been hired at his dream job of helping at-risk teens on the Reservation. The couple had just bought their dream house in small town Papina and their first child born shortly there after. One of the Native American girl, Nova, Forrest was mentoring had had a very troubled life and had an obvious crush on Forrest-- the only nice man she had ever known. One day, while trying to help her, Forrest is tragically murdered. Everyone except Braydon believes the girl with the troubled past is responsible. Braydon takes the girl in and tries to finish the job her husband started with her while trying to deal with her own grief and support their infant son. The sheriff, Paul Davis, feel bad for all that Braydon has on her plate and tries to help. The investigation drags on as Nova won't speak due to trauma from whatever she had witnessed and ends up going to court for the murder of Forrest... I won't say anymore so as not to spoil anything for anyone.
I enjoyed this book-- it was good with plenty of suspense and I could easily identify with many of the characters-- they were very relatable. The book easily had my attention as I wanted to see what would happen with Braydon-- would she overcome her grief? would she be able to move on and find love again? Could she help Nova find her voice again and find out what happened to Forrest? Would Forrest's killer be found and he finally get justice? I would have given it 5 stars, but I felt some of the scenes/dramatics were a bit drawn out-- but not often and not enough to throw me off from reading it. All in all I though The Widow of Papina was a fine book with a good story and lovers of romance and/or suspense should be equally satisfied with it. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you!
I enjoyed this book-- it was good with plenty of suspense and I could easily identify with many of the characters-- they were very relatable. The book easily had my attention as I wanted to see what would happen with Braydon-- would she overcome her grief? would she be able to move on and find love again? Could she help Nova find her voice again and find out what happened to Forrest? Would Forrest's killer be found and he finally get justice? I would have given it 5 stars, but I felt some of the scenes/dramatics were a bit drawn out-- but not often and not enough to throw me off from reading it. All in all I though The Widow of Papina was a fine book with a good story and lovers of romance and/or suspense should be equally satisfied with it. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you!
June 16, 2017
**** 3.75 Stars ****
The beginning was so strong in Papina. It takes you to a small town where there were plenty of friendly neighbors, some being too friendly. Bray and her husband settle into the community nicely, until he goes missing.
Why did he leave his wife and newborn? Where did he go? The sheriff tries to help Bray find her husband, but as time goes on, he eventually helps her around the house with improvements.
"I will break down every wall you see in the way, and I will wait until your heart is ready to love someone again. "
The only thing I disliked about the book was there was a lot of back and forth between the characters. Sometimes it was very exhausting. I don't want to ruin the mystery so I'll just stop here.
There weren't that many steamy moments, so don't hold your breath if your looking for something to melt your panties. But overall, I really enjoyed the story.
The beginning was so strong in Papina. It takes you to a small town where there were plenty of friendly neighbors, some being too friendly. Bray and her husband settle into the community nicely, until he goes missing.
Why did he leave his wife and newborn? Where did he go? The sheriff tries to help Bray find her husband, but as time goes on, he eventually helps her around the house with improvements.
"I will break down every wall you see in the way, and I will wait until your heart is ready to love someone again. "
The only thing I disliked about the book was there was a lot of back and forth between the characters. Sometimes it was very exhausting. I don't want to ruin the mystery so I'll just stop here.
There weren't that many steamy moments, so don't hold your breath if your looking for something to melt your panties. But overall, I really enjoyed the story.
July 5, 2014
From the first pages of this book I was completely invested in the characters. Hamstead does a wonderful job of painting a picture perfect little town complete with all the quirky people you'd expect to find living there. I was especially interested in the dichotomy between the reservation and the private school. You know that a town with that much disparity in lifestyle, and underlying bigotry, is going to come with it's share of drama.
Without fail, Hamstead delivers more than just a little bit of drama, romance, suspense, and mystery. I can usually tell who the killer is after a few chapters, but this book had me suspecting everyone. I didn't know "who dun it" until the very end. I think Ms. Hamstead has found her niche.
Excellent mystery debut. Fantastic summer read. Would recommend to those interested in Native American themes, southwest mystery, romance, suspense and drama.
Without fail, Hamstead delivers more than just a little bit of drama, romance, suspense, and mystery. I can usually tell who the killer is after a few chapters, but this book had me suspecting everyone. I didn't know "who dun it" until the very end. I think Ms. Hamstead has found her niche.
Excellent mystery debut. Fantastic summer read. Would recommend to those interested in Native American themes, southwest mystery, romance, suspense and drama.
February 23, 2016
Papina is an enjoyable read which although a mystery was quite unique as it also deals with love, loss, and race. The story did start off a bit too slow and cheesy for me. Forrest and Braydon are extremely sickly sweet with each other and it felt like their relationship was far too perfect to be anything like a real relationship. However, and it sounds cruel to say this, the story got so much better (and realistic) after Forrest disappeared. But that is the whole basis of the story so it's all good.
The story is told from Braydon's perspective. Braydon's feelings are conveyed to the reader perfectly, especially her confusion, worry and grief when Forrest goes missing and then her struggles to "get over him" (for lack of a better term). I think this is supposed to make the reader really feel for her as if they are in her shoes. But although I did feel sorry for Braydon, I wouldn't say my heart was breaking.
The characters were okay, but I've seen children act more mature that many of them. Honestly, the majority of characters are in their mid-twenties to thirties and there was more drama than a teen movie. There was so much unnecessary fighting and bitchiness during what would be the hardest time of Braydon's life. There didn't need to be any more drama in her life. It kind of felt like drama for the sake of drama.
I will say that Papina is a pretty unpredictable story. I had two suspects in mind whilst reading and it was neither of them. The real culprit didn't even cross my mind. Therefore, I feel this was brilliantly written by Katie Hamstead. It was logical, but the plot still twisted enough so that I wasn't sure what would develop next. And despite all the drama the story did progress at quite a nice pace. The ending was also climatic and complete with all plot points were tied up nicely.
Overall, Papina was a nice read but not my favourite by Katie Hamstead. I would recommend Papina to those who like mysteries with a bit of chick lit. I will most definitely be reading more by Katie Hamstead too.
I received a copy of Papina via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review and many more can be found at My Expanding Bookshelf.
The story is told from Braydon's perspective. Braydon's feelings are conveyed to the reader perfectly, especially her confusion, worry and grief when Forrest goes missing and then her struggles to "get over him" (for lack of a better term). I think this is supposed to make the reader really feel for her as if they are in her shoes. But although I did feel sorry for Braydon, I wouldn't say my heart was breaking.
The characters were okay, but I've seen children act more mature that many of them. Honestly, the majority of characters are in their mid-twenties to thirties and there was more drama than a teen movie. There was so much unnecessary fighting and bitchiness during what would be the hardest time of Braydon's life. There didn't need to be any more drama in her life. It kind of felt like drama for the sake of drama.
I will say that Papina is a pretty unpredictable story. I had two suspects in mind whilst reading and it was neither of them. The real culprit didn't even cross my mind. Therefore, I feel this was brilliantly written by Katie Hamstead. It was logical, but the plot still twisted enough so that I wasn't sure what would develop next. And despite all the drama the story did progress at quite a nice pace. The ending was also climatic and complete with all plot points were tied up nicely.
Overall, Papina was a nice read but not my favourite by Katie Hamstead. I would recommend Papina to those who like mysteries with a bit of chick lit. I will most definitely be reading more by Katie Hamstead too.
I received a copy of Papina via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review and many more can be found at My Expanding Bookshelf.
August 28, 2015
I was excited to read this book. The blurb and the cover really drew me in.
After about a third of the way through I was waiting for something, anything to happen. This book seemed to go more towards Young Adult, maybe even Christian Fiction.
We have Forrest, he's Native American. He moves his wife Braydon, and their infant son Jackson, to the town of Papina, where he will work with the youth of the tribes, troubled kids. Then he ends up missing very early in the book.
Next we have Braydon, she's originally from Vegas, and of course a city girl moving out to this small country town of Papina. It actually reminds me of a version of the Stepford's, every one waves, smiles, and knows everyone and all their business.
Then we have Nova, she's one of Forrest's, troubled youth that is the last connection that Braydon has of finding out where or what happened to her missing husband. Nova has stopped speaking, so it's a game of wait and see.
You would think by all that this book would keep the pages turning, unfortunately that didn't happen for me. If your looking for a light fluffy read though, this book just might be for you.
In the town of Papina, they don't cuss, drink, smoke, or anything else that would brake the law. That's until Nova, she can shop lift (it's ok though), smack any adult across the face (she's 14) and they all smile and turn the other cheek. Paints the bathroom walls with her own bodily functions and it's just hand her a bucket. These people reminded me of the Brady Bunch.
The real issues of racism that is made to be this big part of the plot is just barely glossed over in a few sentences, I just felt it needed more.
If you are looking for a light read with low angst this book is for you. The editing is almost flawless, and the characters have a decent second chance story to tell.
This is my first time reading this author, I would read from her again.
After about a third of the way through I was waiting for something, anything to happen. This book seemed to go more towards Young Adult, maybe even Christian Fiction.
We have Forrest, he's Native American. He moves his wife Braydon, and their infant son Jackson, to the town of Papina, where he will work with the youth of the tribes, troubled kids. Then he ends up missing very early in the book.
Next we have Braydon, she's originally from Vegas, and of course a city girl moving out to this small country town of Papina. It actually reminds me of a version of the Stepford's, every one waves, smiles, and knows everyone and all their business.
Then we have Nova, she's one of Forrest's, troubled youth that is the last connection that Braydon has of finding out where or what happened to her missing husband. Nova has stopped speaking, so it's a game of wait and see.
You would think by all that this book would keep the pages turning, unfortunately that didn't happen for me. If your looking for a light fluffy read though, this book just might be for you.
In the town of Papina, they don't cuss, drink, smoke, or anything else that would brake the law. That's until Nova, she can shop lift (it's ok though), smack any adult across the face (she's 14) and they all smile and turn the other cheek. Paints the bathroom walls with her own bodily functions and it's just hand her a bucket. These people reminded me of the Brady Bunch.
The real issues of racism that is made to be this big part of the plot is just barely glossed over in a few sentences, I just felt it needed more.
If you are looking for a light read with low angst this book is for you. The editing is almost flawless, and the characters have a decent second chance story to tell.
This is my first time reading this author, I would read from her again.
September 28, 2014
You can read my full review at: http://michaelcristiano.net/2014/09/2...
I can honestly say that I liked it. I normally don't read mystery or drama, but I was pretty intrigued by this novel. To me, Katie Hamstead did a lot more than create a who-dunnit novel - she explored what happens behind the scenes of a murder trial.
Right from the beginning, I was trying to figure out who the culprit was. At first, I found myself feeling like this was a tad fluffy, but I'm happy to say I was wrong. I was a fan of Hamstead's inclusion of topics that were a little heavier. She touches on race and native issues, and also flirts with the domain of LGBTQ, even if a little too brief. One of my only criticisms was that I feel Hamstead glossed over these topics a little too much when she had a prime opportunity to explore more deeply them in this novel. But perhaps she's waiting to do that in the other books in the series.
All in all, it was a good, light read, but also one that had its thrilling moments. Papina is a town ridden with complex relationships, a complex history, and even more complex characters. Learning about these characters and their pasts was one of the best parts! Hamstead develops each character and gives them an in-depth backstory, one that helps paint the picture of a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business. Hamstead definitely has a knack for storytelling and for weaving complex, believable characters into her stories.
I can honestly say that I liked it. I normally don't read mystery or drama, but I was pretty intrigued by this novel. To me, Katie Hamstead did a lot more than create a who-dunnit novel - she explored what happens behind the scenes of a murder trial.
Right from the beginning, I was trying to figure out who the culprit was. At first, I found myself feeling like this was a tad fluffy, but I'm happy to say I was wrong. I was a fan of Hamstead's inclusion of topics that were a little heavier. She touches on race and native issues, and also flirts with the domain of LGBTQ, even if a little too brief. One of my only criticisms was that I feel Hamstead glossed over these topics a little too much when she had a prime opportunity to explore more deeply them in this novel. But perhaps she's waiting to do that in the other books in the series.
All in all, it was a good, light read, but also one that had its thrilling moments. Papina is a town ridden with complex relationships, a complex history, and even more complex characters. Learning about these characters and their pasts was one of the best parts! Hamstead develops each character and gives them an in-depth backstory, one that helps paint the picture of a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business. Hamstead definitely has a knack for storytelling and for weaving complex, believable characters into her stories.
May 9, 2015
Papina was an incredible book! I loved each and every one of the story-lines taking place within its pages. The characters were richly written and kept me on my toes wondering how they would all end up, and with whom. Papina told a beautiful story of love, loss, forgiveness, and moving forward. I am completely hooked on K. Hamstead's books. I have read the first novella from Bear County. I truly hope there will be more to come from her.
February 12, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Forrest and Braydon had a new start for their young lives. Until... It was nice to read of all of the support Braydon got from those around her. After Forrest's disappearance her whole life changed. Having to take total responsibility for her little family and help with the search. Never giving up faith in her husband.
March 15, 2018
Going into this book, I didn’t know what to expect. This is a new to me author and based on the synopsis, I was intrigued. I was not disappointed.
This is an emotionally gripping story that will pull on your heartstrings. It is poignant, believable and heartfelt. I loved all of the characters in this book. I wanted to be a part of their town and wanted them to be my friends. I was immersed in this little town as well as the drama, love and arguments that unfolded. There were twists and turns I did not see coming and the love that develops between Braydon and Paul was wonderfully written. It is not rushed or forced. Although there are not many heated scenes, the ones that are written are hot and heavy.
There is some drama in this book, but I do not believe it is over-the-top or that it in any detracts from the book as a whole.
Braydon is a strong character with a lot on her plate. A missing husband, a newborn, and a mute teenager. She manages to juggle all of this and much more. I absolutely envied Brayden for her strength to deal with it all.
Paul is a Sheriff and he is absolutely sweet. I loved his character. He is a man, in my opinion, that everyone dreams about having. He is mannerly, helpful, strong and willing to fight for what he wants.
“I’m going to fight for you, because no matter how much you think we can’t be together, I know one day we will.”
I don’t want to divulge too much as the book is enjoyed not knowing the twists and turns but suffice it to say that I liked this book. It is heartbreaking and warm. I would love to revisit this town and its characters in a new book if the author chose to do so. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a mystery as well as a well-written romance.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is an emotionally gripping story that will pull on your heartstrings. It is poignant, believable and heartfelt. I loved all of the characters in this book. I wanted to be a part of their town and wanted them to be my friends. I was immersed in this little town as well as the drama, love and arguments that unfolded. There were twists and turns I did not see coming and the love that develops between Braydon and Paul was wonderfully written. It is not rushed or forced. Although there are not many heated scenes, the ones that are written are hot and heavy.
There is some drama in this book, but I do not believe it is over-the-top or that it in any detracts from the book as a whole.
Braydon is a strong character with a lot on her plate. A missing husband, a newborn, and a mute teenager. She manages to juggle all of this and much more. I absolutely envied Brayden for her strength to deal with it all.
Paul is a Sheriff and he is absolutely sweet. I loved his character. He is a man, in my opinion, that everyone dreams about having. He is mannerly, helpful, strong and willing to fight for what he wants.
“I’m going to fight for you, because no matter how much you think we can’t be together, I know one day we will.”
I don’t want to divulge too much as the book is enjoyed not knowing the twists and turns but suffice it to say that I liked this book. It is heartbreaking and warm. I would love to revisit this town and its characters in a new book if the author chose to do so. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a mystery as well as a well-written romance.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 20, 2018
I like Bray and Forrest. A lovely couple they are. Who is Jackson? Where did Bray and Forrest move to? Why? Where are they from? Soon after the birth of their child, what happens? Who is Nova? Why does Bray move Nova into her home? When Nova does not, cannot, or will not speak for close to or just over a year, what happens that causes her to speak again? What does she think is or has happened? What motion of events does this start? It was really good to see that some of my thoughts about people in the book were justified. My thoughts about other characters, I was glad to see I was wrong about them. This is a great book showing a second chance at love. I recommend reading it!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
March 22, 2018
*This ARC was received in exchange for an honest review*
This is the story of Braydon Miller who has moved to a small town to start a new life with her family. This town of Papina is so friendly and Braydon’s husband Forrest is doing well at the boarding school and helping the teens on the reservation.
But when Forrest disappears, Braydon’s life changes and she has to start moving forward with her young son Jackson and help from the Sherriff Paul, who has feelings for Braydon and will wait forever for her until she realises that they can be together.
But there are also a lot of twists and turns in this mystery and you don’t find out until the very end who that is.
Look forward to the next instalment by Katie Hamstead.
This is the story of Braydon Miller who has moved to a small town to start a new life with her family. This town of Papina is so friendly and Braydon’s husband Forrest is doing well at the boarding school and helping the teens on the reservation.
But when Forrest disappears, Braydon’s life changes and she has to start moving forward with her young son Jackson and help from the Sherriff Paul, who has feelings for Braydon and will wait forever for her until she realises that they can be together.
But there are also a lot of twists and turns in this mystery and you don’t find out until the very end who that is.
Look forward to the next instalment by Katie Hamstead.
February 20, 2018
ARCs available for review upon request.
September 10, 2015
You can find my review here.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews