WIND IN THE WIRES (Unabridged CD) by Janet Chester Bly (A Trails of Reba Cahill Series, Book 1), Read by Kelly Willis

Trails of Reba Cahill #1

by Janet Chester Bly

It's 1991 and Reba Cahill loves ranching with Grandma Pearl in north central Idaho, but there's a lot of work and only two of them. Can she find a man worthy of her attentions and strong enough to help her run the ranch? She finds few prospects in the small town of Road's End. But Reba is also missing something her mother. Deserted by her at three-years-old, and never knowing her dad, she feels a sense of longing, loss, and bitterness. When elderly, quirky Road's End citizen Maidie Fortress dies, Uncle Seth presents Reba Cahill with an expensive piece of jewelry that turns Reba's world upside down. She is thrust into a journey with Seth that exposes dark family secrets and two cold case murders. The evidence leads her down unexpected paths and towards unsuspected admirers. Will the truth also ruin all hope for romance?

Audio CD

First published November 11, 2014

About the author

Janet Chester Bly is the widow of Award winning western author Stephen Bly. She is author and co-author of 32 books, and contributing author to five others. Janet's hobbies include decorating her home in “country clutter,” shopping for a touch of bling and dressy denim, making holiday wreaths, reading and reviewing inspirational fiction. She is choir director at her church in Winchester, Idaho--elevation 4,200 feet, population 325--situated on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and home of Winchester Lake State Park.

Reviews

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on to your hats, cowboys and cowgirls! What a ride! If you blink at the wrong time, you may get thrown from your horse or your truck may go skidding off the road. The author keeps you guessing about what's coming next. There are a number of characters to follow; but certain ones, like Reba, Grandma Pearl, Champ Runcie, and Seth Stroud, are the key players. If you lose track of them, you may miss the entire story. There's loads of suspense, surprises, and mystery with a bit of romance. About halfway through the book the old country song, "I'm My Own Grandpa", came to mind. Don’t worry, though, because it isn’t really like that. It just sort of popped into my head as I pondered what had gone on in the past and where the relationships were all heading.

The author does a wonderful job of painting word pictures of the various settings. I tried to visualize the countryside in the various locations they visited. I’m ready to head out west to visit the Cahill and Runcie Ranches right now. It must be a beautiful part of our great country.

Oh, there’s a road trip back to the area where Seth had grown up. At the age of 91 with 740 miles ahead of him, Seth heads out on his old Model T leading a “caravan”. Some are making the trip with him and others are only riding along for a short distance. There’s so little that happens in their small town by the name of Road’s End that a road trip generates real excitement. And there’s excitement aplenty on the road as the “caravan” makes its way from Idaho down to the gold country of Nevada with various side trips along the way.

I recommend the book. It will keep you reading just to see what’s going to happen next. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Angie Arndt · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:
A cowgirl’s search for love and family. An old man’s quest to seek justice. An eerie story of lies and betrayal. Will the truth be too hard for either to bear? It’s 1991. Reba Cahill loves ranching with Grandma Pearl in north central Idaho. But there’s a lot of work and only two of them. Can she find a man worthy of her attentions and strong enough to help her run the ranch? She finds few prospects in the small town of Road’s End. But Reba is also missing something else: her mother. Deserted by her at three-years-old and never knowing her dad, she feels a sense of longing and loss. And bitterness. When elderly, quirky Road’s End citizen Maidie Fortress dies, Uncle Seth presents Reba Cahill with an expensive piece of jewelry that turns Reba’s world upside down. She is thrust into a journey with Seth that exposes dark family secrets and two cold case murders. The evidence leads her down unexpected paths and towards unsuspected admirers. Will the truth also ruin all hope for romance?

About the Author:
Janet Chester Bly is the widow of Award winning author Stephen Bly. She is author and co-author of 32 books, and contributing author to five others. Janet's hobbies include decorating her home in “country clutter,” shopping for a touch of bling and dressy denim, making wreaths for friends and family and church fellowship, reading and reviewing all genres of fiction, and mall walking. She lives in Winchester, Idaho--elevation 4,200 feet, population 325--situated on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and is home of Winchester Lake State Park.

My review
The term, wind in the wires, refers to the music that sometimes happens when all the elements are just right: the capricious wind blowing across barbed wire strung just right. That describes Reba's journey through the secrets of her past. Bly rolls out just enough hints and foreshadowing to keep me going through twists and turns I never expected.

Bly's character development is strong. Not only Reba, but almost every character has layers and depth, down to little Becky. And there are a lot of characters in this novel. It might be helpful to make a list as you go, but all of them have a part in making "the wires sing."

I think my favorite part of Wind in the Wires is how Bly paints her setting. I can feel the hot desert wind and see the painted desert floor. I feel as though I finally took that "Out West" trip. And I'm looking forward to the next book in the Trails of Reba Cahill.

My thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for my fair in impartial review.

[Savanna Kaiser · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a western and this book seemed to have all the elements – breathtaking landscapes, cowboys and cowgirls, an epic journey, and dangerous family secrets. It’s definitely an adventurous read. It’s not exactly the “old” wild west, but the setting still draws you in.

Unfortunately, though, I still struggled with a handful of things in this story. There were so many people and names that I got lost in the introductions and the multiple POVs. The characters were vivid and unique, but I didn’t get as attached to them as I’d hoped.

So much happened in this story that it became lots of quick snapshots for me. There wasn’t enough time for me to soak up the details and dwell in the scene. Things moved quickly and sometimes pushed me ahead sooner than I would have liked. I had a hard time following the plot at times.

And there wasn’t much romance at all. Not that every story has to have a love story, but I admit I’m a fan of them. ;) So I missed that aspect. The hints of romance just weren’t quite enough for me. But I suspect more of that is to come in the rest of the series.

My favorite part about the book was the journey in the latter half of the story. It was unique and adventurous, with colorful, historical places added in. It made me want to be along for the road trip! ;)

I couldn’t guess how the story would wrap up, but Wind in the Wires ended nicely, leaving just enough clever questions to invite readers to return for the next installment in the series.

Thank you to Bly Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Trinity Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wind in the Wires by Janet Chester Bly is the first book in the A Trails of Reba Cahill Novel series. What a wonderful start to a series. I came to love the characters and setting very much. The ending almost took my breath away. How exciting and captivating this book is.
I really came to love the older man Seth in this book. He is full of much knowledge and secrets, but his love of God is the best.
In the Wind in the Wires you learn things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes people do things for you and you don’t understand why and maybe even disagree with them.
The part that really captivated my attention in this book is the wonderful road trip and why Seth planned it.
Every part of this book will keep you guessing and keep you reading until you’re at the end. I highly recommend Wind in the Wires for all lovers of the West, adventure and romance. Janet Chester Bly is an excellent author.


Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of westerns will probably really enjoy this adventurous tale, complete with wild horses, small dusty towns, quirky characters, epic road trips, a bit of mystery, action and hints of romance. It's helpful to read the book synopsis beforehand to get a jump start on who's who. There are a lot of characters thrown together in the beginning, and it can be a little confusing at first. Once the story really gets moving though, the main characters clearly standout, and the mystery picks up. Keep reading--hang on through the twists and turns--it all makes sense in the end.
The vivid descriptions of life on a ranch and the beautiful scenery along the way really enhance the tale. Interesting start to a new series and solo debut from Janet Bly. 3.5 stars

[Connie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet Chester Bly is an adept hand at rafting stories to catch the imagination. I have read some of the ones she and her husband had written but this is entirely her own book. It is a great story and I want to read more of them. This one is great because it intertwined contemporary and historical. The culmination of which was not expected. I figured out some of the plot line before I got there but it wasn't exactly the way I envisioned it. I got a few surprises along the way. The characters were well written and I had a vested interest in what happened to them. I see that it is labeled book 1 of a series and look forward to the next one.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book with the twist and turns in the book it keeps you in tuned in the book the way is in the book. There is never a dull moment with her and she keeps right to the end in the story. I am hoping there is a second book to follow even though it took me long to read. Great author also.

[Kim Bakos · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing I can say is that this story has a lot going on! Tons of characters, plot and subplots. It was overwhelming trying to remember everyone at times.
I did like the story and the voice of the main character, Reba.
You can tell this book was self-published as there were quite a few errors that good editing should have caught, but unless you are the grammar police, it doesn't hinder the enjoyment of the story at all.
There were a few potential love interests for Reba in the story but no romance developed. I'm guessing this will play out in the next books in the series.
I hope I can find the next book from my library!

[LB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was populated with such believable characters that I found myself bursting with outrage at some of their actions (even to the point of having to put the book down and walking away for a little bit). The characters pulled me into their lives and I enjoyed the journey with them--when I wasn't angry at them as I said previously). Janet Chester Bly filled her story with such vivid descriptions that I felt like I could see the people, the ranches, the caravan, and even Johnny Poe in all his glory (though from a safe distance).

[Joan Arning · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy an Idaho setting in the 1990s, you will be interested in Wind in the Wires! Reba Cahill is the main protagonist who is looking for a man who will help her run her grandmother's ranch but there aren't many available men in Road's End, Idaho! There are lots of interesting characters in Road's End but I had trouble keeping all of the them straight. After the death of an elderly neighbor lady, some interesting biological relationships are revealed! You will enjoy Uncle Seth who starts on a road trip in his Model T. I won Wind in the Wires in a Fall Scavenger Hunt.

[Patricia Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads Giveaway.

Road's End, a small town in Idaho, is the site of this emotional story featuring Reba Mae Cahill and her extended family. She and her Grandma, Pearl, are the cartakers and owners of the Cahill ranch. Secrets are revealed as Pearl & Reva accompany the elderly Uncle Seth to Nevada in search of Reva's mother & Seth's family's remains. This is very well written and I will probably remember this fascinating story for sometime.

[Ola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters in Wind in the Wires. Reba Cahill is the main character who's looking for a rancher husband. Her best friend, Ginny, is the total opposite of her. She has major problems with her neighbor who plays a big role in the story. Can't wait to read the other two books in the series.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet Bly’s writing style is so great. A book set in the 90s is not usually the genre I read and I haven’t read a book the had the same main character throughout the whole series, so it took me a little bit to get into the book. I really enjoyed it once I did. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Reba. It was so uniquely real in that I have no idea who or if Reba will end up dating. I was slightly frustrated with her character for a bit, but she seemed to work it out, and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Nan Hurley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too poorly written to read beyond the first chapter.

[Ruthie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wind in the Wires is the beginning of the series called Trails of Reba Cahill. Reba works the Cahill ranch in Road’s End, Idaho, alongside her Grandma Pearl, but there’s more to running a ranch than birthing calves and riding horses. This story dives right into chaos and upheaval, setting the stage for the rest of the book. The neighboring ranch is owned by Champ Runcie and family, and this blowhard has been nothing but a thorn in the Cahill side. Unfortunately, the Cahills and the Runcies are forever linked in more ways than one, as Reba eventually discovers.

The drama starts on page one and escalates quickly, with blood and mud, a funeral service in a makeshift church that’s really a barn, accidents that are anything but, secrets and lies, and bad guys, of course. Fortunately, the story has a few quirky characters and scenes to offset all that drama with a bit of humor. In fact, the entire story is a good balance of seriousness, spiritualism, and humor.

Even though Reba wants to find a husband who will love her and help her with the ranch, she’s a strong, independent woman who does whatever it takes to keep her ranch going. She is definitely flawed and has a fiery temper, but she knows her limitations, and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty and put in a hard day’s work.

This story does have a lot of characters to keep track of, but they are interesting and important. The main characters hold the story together as their lives and actions intertwine, and the peripheral characters provide a human backdrop that is both realistic and varied. It doesn’t take long to settle in and get to know these people, and it doesn’t take long to immerse yourself in the goings on in Road’s End, a small community nestled in the beautiful Idaho landscape.

I love when old Seth Stroud takes his Model T (newly painted purple) on a modified Great American Road Trip to find closure as his long and fulfilling life nears its natural end. The trip quickly turns into a slow-moving caravan of practically everyone in town itching for adventure or just wanting to be part of the fun. That Model T is a character in its own right, headstrong and mulish, to be sure.

The story does have a serious tone throughout, however, as Reba discovers the truth about her birth and her mother and her family, and this discovery sets the wheels in motion toward that long road trip and toward the next book in the series, Down Squash Blossom Road. Through misunderstandings, secrets, lies, and mistakes, Reba finds out the hard way the meaning of family, and she finds out trust and forgiveness can be extremely difficult but not impossible. As Seth sets out on his quest for closure, and Reba sets out with him to attain answers and explanations, they both find danger and treachery along the way.

The pace is lightning quick, and the main characters are well developed, with enough diversity to keep the story interesting. Wind in the Wires is a unique and modern Western with strong characters, evil villains, good friends, and a temperamental horse named Johnny Poe.

***

“I don’t know which body parts will give out first, so I try to exercise them all. I’d rather die of pulmonary embolism than boredom.” ~ chapter 8

“It’s the possibility of danger that makes a place interesting.” ~ chapter 11

“Lies are so easy to tell and such hard work to maintain.” ~ chapter 13

[Britney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wind in the Wires is the first book in a new series by Janet Chester Bly. This Trails of Reba Cahill novel is Janet’s solo debut, as the books she has written in the past were co-authored with her late husband Stephen Bly. Janet also co-authored with her three sons to finish Stephen’s last novel for him, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot.

Wind in the Wires takes the reader back to 1991 in the small town of Road’s End, Idaho. The author’s imagery is vivid and I easily envisioned the rural countryside. While the characterization is strong, the cast of characters is vast and I found myself struggling to become invested in the characters. The plot also presented a few challenges. There were times when the story was engaging and other times when I felt a bit lost and my interest waned. As the story progressed, I enjoyed the elements of suspense as family secrets were uncovered and surprises were revealed. As the story concludes, questions linger and set the stage for the novel to follow.

Despite my personal struggles, I have no doubt there are many who will enjoy this unique story!

My sincere thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

[Connie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet Chester Bly is an adept hand at crafting stories to catch the imagination. I have read some of the ones she and her husband had written but this is entirely her own book. It is a great story and I want to read more of them. This one was great because it intertwined contemporary ans historical. The culmination of which was not expected. I figured out some of the plot line before I got there but it wasn't exactly the way I envisioned it. I got a few surprises along the way. The characters were well written and I had a vested interest in what happened to them. I would like to see some of these characters further explored. Book two Mrs. Bly please.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this modern day western story with intrigue and a road trip for one that became a caravan. Loved the characters.