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Embrace of the Wild-Equestrian Explorer Isabella Bird
Some people live to travel, Isabella Lucy Bird traveled to live. A story of raw courage and fierce strength of a plucky English woman’s un-flinching desire to be free. Impetuous, strong-willed Isabella defied her strict Evangelical upbringing and the societal expectations of the Victorian age to fulfill her dreams. She redeemed her body after botched surgeries on her spine resulting in years of chronic back pain. Mustered the stamina to ride on the flank of a living volcano in Hawai’i? Herded feral cattle in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains and convinced ruffian, Rocky Mountain Jim, to guide her up Longs Peak. Does opening the flood gate to repressed sensuality with a man only a fool would marry stop her from following her own destiny? Ride with this intrepid horsewoman who broke barriers at every turn to become the most beloved travel writer of her time.
- GenresTravel
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2021
11 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ballou
10 books168 followersA love triangle of extremes has proven to be a solid base for my writing. From my roots in Alaska I receive strength, solitude, centeredness and respect for the awful power of nature. In Hawaii I found nurturing, a spiritual awakening, sensuality, peace and my heroine for my historical fiction, Wai-nani-A Voice from Old Hawaii. In proud California I obtained a degree in English Literature and a doctorate in urban savvy. I continue to enjoy opportunities here for intellectual stimulation, exciting contacts and friends. It makes a great base for exploits that I share in my travel collection Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler's Tales.
Embrace of the Wild is historical fiction based on the adventurous life of Isabella Bird, a woman who broke through social and physical barriers to become the best-loved travel writer of her day. (1831-1904)
My new-adult novel The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon, is an action-adventure novel that takes you the high Sierra.
Newest release Lost Angel Unleashed third installment in the Lost Angel Adventures Trilogy
http://www.LostAngelAdventures.com for travel articles and my handbook How To Get Great Trips. For more about my novels go to www.LindaBallouAuthor.com
Embrace of the Wild is historical fiction based on the adventurous life of Isabella Bird, a woman who broke through social and physical barriers to become the best-loved travel writer of her day. (1831-1904)
My new-adult novel The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon, is an action-adventure novel that takes you the high Sierra.
Newest release Lost Angel Unleashed third installment in the Lost Angel Adventures Trilogy
http://www.LostAngelAdventures.com for travel articles and my handbook How To Get Great Trips. For more about my novels go to www.LindaBallouAuthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 11, 2022
Filled with beautiful prose and great character development. anyone from teenage to adult, will enjoy this book. The author skillfully transports the reader back to the 1870's as you travel with Isabella Bird. Miss Bird was an adventurous traveler, traveling as a lone woman in a time when that simply was not done. In the process, she overcame great physical and emotional hardships and discovered who she was and who she wanted to become. M.J. Evans, Award-winning author of "PINTO! Based Upon the Longest Horseback Ride in History"
June 23, 2021
From the start, I was on a horse in the nineteenth century right along with Isabella Bird. Linda Ballou puts her reader inside the experience. One horsewoman to another, I cheered Isabella on through her tenacious journeys through the wild. Nature is her passion as well as her healer.
Living in Colorado myself, I could see in my mind's eye the vivid surroundings the author paints. Rich characters enhance Miss Bird's travels as she seeks out what happens next. I thoroughly enjoyed journeying with this independent, progressive woman and recommend most highly EMBRACE OF THE WILD.
Living in Colorado myself, I could see in my mind's eye the vivid surroundings the author paints. Rich characters enhance Miss Bird's travels as she seeks out what happens next. I thoroughly enjoyed journeying with this independent, progressive woman and recommend most highly EMBRACE OF THE WILD.
February 28, 2021
Fascinating portrait of Isabella Bird for those who love authentic historical fiction. Linda Ballou tells the truly amazing story of Isabella Bird, the British explorer in the nineteenth century in great descriptive detail. Hard to believe this intrepid explorer suffered from chronic pain and depression before taking off to the Hawaiian Islands, San Francisco and Colorado...all in a time where women did not track by themselves. Isabella's pluck and courage is a beacon for women today who dare to accomplish the unthinkable. Mountain him was a great champion of the native Indians and mountains. Their mutual love of the wilds lives on. Great book for learning about a Isabella Bird and how to overcome adversity and enjoy the healing beauty of nature.
March 19, 2021
Embrace of the Wild by Linda Ballou is truly a fantastic gallop around the globe that left me breathless in the wonder of it. Based on the autobiographic tales of Isabella Lucy Bird (1831 - 1904) the travel stories parallel much of the experience of the present-day author, Ms. Ballou, who also loves to take daring ventures, preferably on horseback. However, female travel writers today do not have to endure the strictures of the staid British expectations of a woman of culture in the nineteenth century. Females were raised to dress in corsets and long, flowing gowns, ride side saddle only for gentle pleasure while being chaperoned by other women and having their horse’s needs fully attended by a groom. Equestrian exploration into unknown territory was unheard of, as was a female riding astride a horse, traveling around the world alone, camping in the wild, and, in general, roughing it independently. But those are the experiences of Lucy Bird’s travels. Her travel writing ,published over a century ago from her letters to her sister, were both enticing and apalling to the Britts who eagerly read her newspaper columns. And perhaps, that is precisely why Linda Ballou chose Bird as her fascination, entertainment, and inspiration to write Embrace of the Wild during the COVID-19 protective isolation of 2020.
Ballou, who grew up in Alaska loving the out of doors, later spent years revelling in explorations of the Hawaiian Isles, about which she has written several books. Linda also has spent much time hiking in high mountain terrain and is especially drawn to Colorado. She is an experienced equestrian and travel writer. The lives of the two writers parallel in so many ways as to leave me wondering if Ballou could be the reincarnation of Bird!
As a travel writer and rule-breaker myself, I devoured the adventures of Embrace of the Wild in which the brave, improper British lady, broke free of all expectations which had confined her to bed for much of her life to nurse an ailing back. Determined to be free and to ignore pain as she struggled to gain health and see the world, she bravely set out alone to China and then on to the Hawaiian Islands, knowing no one. She made friends easily and in those days people were quite hospitable to strangers, and everyone was fascinated by this daring young woman bravely and brazenly traveling alone.
In Hawaii she explored treacherous territory of steep mountains, deep valleys, huge waterfalls, raging rivers, many times defying instant death. From there she journeyed to Sandwich Islands and San Francisco by steam ship, and then to her dream places in Colorado on horseback. Her body had healed from her years of pain and grew stronger with each daring adventure she so fiercely set for herself, even to climbing to the top of 14,259 feet high Longs Peak at Estes Park in winter. Of course, every novel must have a love affair, and her guide Mountaineer Jim becomes an unexpected prospect.
The story is compelling as to the point of almost unbelievable at the strength and fearlessness of this brave woman. Ballou writes such beautiful descriptions I knew she was writing from her personal experienced horsemanship and her knowledge of the same fantastic territories, and she made me feel as if I were there too. This book is magnificently thrilling and will leave you wondering at the bravery of rare adventurers.
Ballou, who grew up in Alaska loving the out of doors, later spent years revelling in explorations of the Hawaiian Isles, about which she has written several books. Linda also has spent much time hiking in high mountain terrain and is especially drawn to Colorado. She is an experienced equestrian and travel writer. The lives of the two writers parallel in so many ways as to leave me wondering if Ballou could be the reincarnation of Bird!
As a travel writer and rule-breaker myself, I devoured the adventures of Embrace of the Wild in which the brave, improper British lady, broke free of all expectations which had confined her to bed for much of her life to nurse an ailing back. Determined to be free and to ignore pain as she struggled to gain health and see the world, she bravely set out alone to China and then on to the Hawaiian Islands, knowing no one. She made friends easily and in those days people were quite hospitable to strangers, and everyone was fascinated by this daring young woman bravely and brazenly traveling alone.
In Hawaii she explored treacherous territory of steep mountains, deep valleys, huge waterfalls, raging rivers, many times defying instant death. From there she journeyed to Sandwich Islands and San Francisco by steam ship, and then to her dream places in Colorado on horseback. Her body had healed from her years of pain and grew stronger with each daring adventure she so fiercely set for herself, even to climbing to the top of 14,259 feet high Longs Peak at Estes Park in winter. Of course, every novel must have a love affair, and her guide Mountaineer Jim becomes an unexpected prospect.
The story is compelling as to the point of almost unbelievable at the strength and fearlessness of this brave woman. Ballou writes such beautiful descriptions I knew she was writing from her personal experienced horsemanship and her knowledge of the same fantastic territories, and she made me feel as if I were there too. This book is magnificently thrilling and will leave you wondering at the bravery of rare adventurers.
May 14, 2021
A wonderful introduction to the intrepid Isabella Bird, solo horseback traveler of the Colorado Front Range in 1873. We meet Isabella in Hawaii, having vanquished her life-long physical disabilities via a dramatic change of scene from dreary old England and her amazing prowess and stamina on horseback. This is a fictionalized account about Isabella Bird, but it sticks to the first person narrative and the original route of her travels, with the author selecting highlights. The original, A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains, her letters to her sister across the Pond, is fascinating but so packed with detail that it takes a determined reader, or one who is familiar with Colorado landscape to persevere. Linda Ballou has added a decided romantic element in Mountain Jim, the disfigured but charming desperado, that it is quite captivating. Great descriptions of the land and weather, solitude of the landscape, hospitality of strangers, primitive mountain living where snow sifts through cabin logs and covers the interior in a white blanket. A must read for anyone loves a strong woman story, the mountains of Colorado, and the history of those who broke trail here 150 years ago.
February 20, 2021
Meticulously researched fictionalized biography of an amazing woman. Ms. Bird (1831-1904) wrote 38 books in her own time detailing her travels and more, but here there is an accounting of her personal trials and tribulations as a child (including spinal surgery WITHOUT ANESTHESIA) and how the rigors of travel actually helped reduce her physical pain (especially when she chucked her corsets!). It is written as if by the woman herself and is wonderful. I've already purchased a copy.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Wind Dancer Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Wind Dancer Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
April 7, 2021
Soul mates? Girl (Scotch lady) meets boy (American frontiersman) after the Civil War on horseback in the Rockies. Both are middle-aged PKs (preachers' kids) who endured unimaginable pain while growing up, eschew many of society's norms (such as women only traveling with companions and always riding side saddle), and find their freedom during outdoor adventure. Do opposites really attract? Warning: This book also contains accounts of challenging horse rides, exquisite descriptions of nature, and the account of the travel writer's pre-Colorado trip to the Hawaiian Islands!
March 8, 2021
An interesting look into the life of Isabella Bird and her travels despite adversity. There was so much description in this book that it really set the scene but also caused my mind to wander a little and made it difficult to follow the story. Overall, I enjoyed the stories but felt a little bogged down.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#EmbraceoftheWild #NetGalley
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#EmbraceoftheWild #NetGalley
March 16, 2023
I finished the second half in 1 day.. such an inspiring story. I loved the BBC series with Ruby Wax, Mel B and Emily Attack and ordered the book off the back of that. I was not disappointed, beautifully descriptive.. I must visit Hawaii and The Rockies!! I was so glad when Isabella ended up with queen of ponies Birdie, the relationship reminds me of the bond between me and my lovely pony. Isabella is a true inspiration in so many ways. Thank you Linda x
April 25, 2021
What an adventure riding along with Isabella Bird! I loved her spirit of adventure and how she was determined to experience the Rocky Mountains. and all the beauty of the west. The story was told in such a way that you felt you were right there with Isabella and experiencing her travels in Hawaii and the west with her at your side. A very good read!
February 19, 2021
A very descriptive vivid account of one woman’s desire to travel and see the world. I love the cover of this book.
This book was easy to read and allows you to see the countryside through her eyes. I enjoyed the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
This book was easy to read and allows you to see the countryside through her eyes. I enjoyed the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
August 20, 2022
This was what we all were unknowingly waiting for. Isabella Bird brought back to tell a fascinating story. The story her letters never told. The weaving of the letters, with the color and light of the heart. Linda Ballou, well done!!
December 23, 2023
I just loved the look of the cover of Embrace of the Wild as soon as I saw it! And it depicts well, the focus of this story: travelling and seeing the sights of nature on horseback. But it goes so much deeper than that.
Read more at https://equus-blog.com/embrace-of-the...
Read more at https://equus-blog.com/embrace-of-the...
March 16, 2021
I highly recommend this wild and fast paced read!
I enjoyed Embrace of the Wild very much. Isabella was a determined woman who overcame many severe obstacles to become her true self. I love her and so will you. Another great story from Linda Ballou.
I enjoyed Embrace of the Wild very much. Isabella was a determined woman who overcame many severe obstacles to become her true self. I love her and so will you. Another great story from Linda Ballou.
May 16, 2021
Review by Bonnie Neely, Founder of Real Travel Adventures e-zine
Embrace of the Wild by Linda Ballou is truly a fantastic gallop around the globe that left me breathless in the wonder of it. Based on the autobiographic tales of Isabella Lucy Bird (1831 - 1904) the travel stories parallel much of the experience of the present-day author, Ms. Ballou, who also loves to take daring ventures, preferably on horseback. However, female travel writers today do not have to endure the strictures of the staid British expectations of a woman of culture in the nineteenth century. Females were raised to dress in corsets and long, flowing gowns, ride side-saddle only for gentle pleasure while being chaperoned by other women and having their horse’s needs fully attended by a groom. Equestrian exploration into unknown territory was unheard of, as was a female riding astride a horse, traveling around the world alone, camping in the wild, and, in general, roughing it independently. But those are the experiences of Isabella Bird’s travels. Her travel writing, published over a century ago from her letters to her sister, were both enticing and appalling to the Brits who eagerly read her newspaper columns. And perhaps, that is precisely why Linda Ballou chose Bird as her fascination, entertainment, and inspiration to write Embrace of the Wild during the COVID-19 protective isolation of 2020.
Ballou, who grew up in Alaska loving the out of doors, later spent years reveling in explorations of the Hawaiian Isles, about which she has written several books. Linda also has spent much time hiking in high mountain terrain and is especially drawn to Colorado. She is an experienced equestrian and travel writer. The lives of the two writers parallel in so many ways as to leave me wondering if Ballou could be the reincarnation of Bird!
As a travel writer and rule-breaker myself, I devoured the adventures of Embrace of the Wild in which the brave, improper British lady, broke free of all expectations which had confined her to bed for much of her life to nurse an ailing back. Determined to be free and to ignore pain as she struggled to gain health and see the world, she bravely set out alone to Australia and then on to the Hawaiian Islands, knowing no one. She made friends easily and in those days people were quite hospitable to strangers, and everyone was fascinated by this daring woman bravely and brazenly traveling alone.
In Hawaii she explored the treacherous territory of steep mountains, deep valleys, huge waterfalls, raging rivers, many times defying instant death. From there she journeyed to San Francisco by steam ship, and then to her dream places in Colorado on horseback. Her body had healed from her years of pain and grew stronger with each daring adventure she so fiercely set for herself, even to climbing to the top of 14,259 feet high Longs Peak at Estes Park in winter. Of course, every novel must have a love affair, and her guide Mountaineer Jim becomes an unexpected prospect.
The story is compelling as to the point of almost unbelievable at the strength and fearlessness of this brave woman. Ballou writes such beautiful descriptions I knew she was writing from her personal experienced horsemanship and her knowledge of the same fantastic territories, and she made me feel as if I were there too. This book is magnificently thrilling and will leave you wondering at the bravery of rare adventurers.
Embrace of the Wild by Linda Ballou is truly a fantastic gallop around the globe that left me breathless in the wonder of it. Based on the autobiographic tales of Isabella Lucy Bird (1831 - 1904) the travel stories parallel much of the experience of the present-day author, Ms. Ballou, who also loves to take daring ventures, preferably on horseback. However, female travel writers today do not have to endure the strictures of the staid British expectations of a woman of culture in the nineteenth century. Females were raised to dress in corsets and long, flowing gowns, ride side-saddle only for gentle pleasure while being chaperoned by other women and having their horse’s needs fully attended by a groom. Equestrian exploration into unknown territory was unheard of, as was a female riding astride a horse, traveling around the world alone, camping in the wild, and, in general, roughing it independently. But those are the experiences of Isabella Bird’s travels. Her travel writing, published over a century ago from her letters to her sister, were both enticing and appalling to the Brits who eagerly read her newspaper columns. And perhaps, that is precisely why Linda Ballou chose Bird as her fascination, entertainment, and inspiration to write Embrace of the Wild during the COVID-19 protective isolation of 2020.
Ballou, who grew up in Alaska loving the out of doors, later spent years reveling in explorations of the Hawaiian Isles, about which she has written several books. Linda also has spent much time hiking in high mountain terrain and is especially drawn to Colorado. She is an experienced equestrian and travel writer. The lives of the two writers parallel in so many ways as to leave me wondering if Ballou could be the reincarnation of Bird!
As a travel writer and rule-breaker myself, I devoured the adventures of Embrace of the Wild in which the brave, improper British lady, broke free of all expectations which had confined her to bed for much of her life to nurse an ailing back. Determined to be free and to ignore pain as she struggled to gain health and see the world, she bravely set out alone to Australia and then on to the Hawaiian Islands, knowing no one. She made friends easily and in those days people were quite hospitable to strangers, and everyone was fascinated by this daring woman bravely and brazenly traveling alone.
In Hawaii she explored the treacherous territory of steep mountains, deep valleys, huge waterfalls, raging rivers, many times defying instant death. From there she journeyed to San Francisco by steam ship, and then to her dream places in Colorado on horseback. Her body had healed from her years of pain and grew stronger with each daring adventure she so fiercely set for herself, even to climbing to the top of 14,259 feet high Longs Peak at Estes Park in winter. Of course, every novel must have a love affair, and her guide Mountaineer Jim becomes an unexpected prospect.
The story is compelling as to the point of almost unbelievable at the strength and fearlessness of this brave woman. Ballou writes such beautiful descriptions I knew she was writing from her personal experienced horsemanship and her knowledge of the same fantastic territories, and she made me feel as if I were there too. This book is magnificently thrilling and will leave you wondering at the bravery of rare adventurers.
June 26, 2022
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. It had some really good reviews and sounded like it would be quite interesting. It was interesting, but it wasn’t very well written. I finished it, only because it wasn’t too long, but I feel like I wasted my time. Perhaps I would enjoy the original writings of Isabella Bird, but I'm inclined to think not.
My biggest complaint about the book is the lack of consistency in verb usage. It would switch from past tense to present tense without any apparent explanations. This was jarring every time it happened and left me beyond frustrated. It completely hampered my ability to enjoy the story. There were also so abrupt interruptions in the timeline (moving from one scene to another without clear transitions).
The other thing that bothered me, although I can’t really criticize the book for this, was the violence. I admit I can be squeamish, and it bothers me more than most when I read about people or animals being hurt. Descriptions of hunting, Mountain Jim’s encounter with a bear, even the treatment of the horses by the Hawaiians… All of it bothered me. And when I read descriptions of Miss Bird’s travels, I honestly had trouble believing they were not embellished. Some of it was just too fantastical. Believe it or not, this ties into my complaint about violence, because Miss Bird was in so many situations which should have gravely injured her, but she continued to put herself in these situations again and again, with no hesitancy. To me, they were cringe-worth.
As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t enjoy the book and I don’t feel I gained much from reading it, other than knowing about another feminist from the annals of history who did remarkable things. I don’t know if this book was the best source for that information, but it’s where I learned about it, so I must give it credit for that. I think I would advise anyone interested in the content to look for the original writings of Isabella Lucy Bird. And because I don’t want to leave this review without any compliments for the author, I did enjoy the phrase used to describe prostitutes: ladies of negotiable affections.
My biggest complaint about the book is the lack of consistency in verb usage. It would switch from past tense to present tense without any apparent explanations. This was jarring every time it happened and left me beyond frustrated. It completely hampered my ability to enjoy the story. There were also so abrupt interruptions in the timeline (moving from one scene to another without clear transitions).
The other thing that bothered me, although I can’t really criticize the book for this, was the violence. I admit I can be squeamish, and it bothers me more than most when I read about people or animals being hurt. Descriptions of hunting, Mountain Jim’s encounter with a bear, even the treatment of the horses by the Hawaiians… All of it bothered me. And when I read descriptions of Miss Bird’s travels, I honestly had trouble believing they were not embellished. Some of it was just too fantastical. Believe it or not, this ties into my complaint about violence, because Miss Bird was in so many situations which should have gravely injured her, but she continued to put herself in these situations again and again, with no hesitancy. To me, they were cringe-worth.
As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t enjoy the book and I don’t feel I gained much from reading it, other than knowing about another feminist from the annals of history who did remarkable things. I don’t know if this book was the best source for that information, but it’s where I learned about it, so I must give it credit for that. I think I would advise anyone interested in the content to look for the original writings of Isabella Lucy Bird. And because I don’t want to leave this review without any compliments for the author, I did enjoy the phrase used to describe prostitutes: ladies of negotiable affections.
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January 20, 2023I really enjoy reading true historical fiction and this was a fascinating look at Isabella Bird and her life. This was an amazing journey of a woman who took us all along on a inspiring adventure. This would make a great movie! There were times I could almost feel like I was riding alongside Isabella and I read this in less than two days. Highly recommend this book!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews