Where the Wild Rose Blooms

Rocky Mountain Memories #1

by Lori Wick

Can love shatter her stubborn pride?

In the high mountains of Colorado, Clayton Taggart dreams of the day when he can leave the rough life of a mine surveyor to become a teacher. In the midst of his plans, he meets Jackie Fontaine, a newcomer from the East whose strongwilled spirit causes friction from the start.

Just as the spark of love ignites, tragedy strikes, leaving Jackie with a secret so terrible she would rather lose Clay than share it with him. Can anything draw Jackie from her self–imposed exile and open the shutters of her blinded heart?

Lori Wick at her best...a tender love story set in the exciting early West—a book you won’t be able to put down!

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

349 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 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

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I finished that in record time! I picked this up on the recommendation of a friend, and actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would! I liked Lori Wick's writing style, it was quite unique. Story-wise, I really enjoyed it. I wasn't a fan of the whole romance part, as I am not a huge romance person, but that aside, I really liked the story. I liked the later half better than the first half. I was able to get into it and connect with the characters more. Jackie's attitude didn't make sense in the beginning part of the book, and hence I had a lot of struggles relating to and understanding her character. In the later half, after . . . ahem . . . something happened, I felt like Jackie had a lot more impetuous and "reason" behind her attitude and behavior. My favorite characters hands down were Robert and Eddie. They were both just so sweet, and their relationship was so wholesome and pure, just sweetness. <3 I actually wish the whole book had been about them! Clay's relationship with his little sister Milly. So adorable!

Overall, I enjoyed this, although I wouldn't say it was my favorite, and I probably wouldn't read it again. Just too much romance for me.

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF for me on this one. I could feel it putting me into a slump and so I've elected to put it down and move onto something else.

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this author, I would recommend any of her books.

[Candace · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok. It had a bad habit of breaking off without telling you what was said like eddie ask clay if he still loved Jackie and it says by the look he communicated to her, she had her answer, then it goes to another chapter, what the heck! What did the look say?! Also, and more importantly I disliked how it made out that everyone who didn't believe or had pride was going to hell. It sounded a great deal like the christian religions that have a preacher ranting and raving about fire and brimstone to put "the fear of god" instead of being compassionate and teaching about faith, love, and charity. For crying out loud, the preacher got all brimstoney at a characters freaking funeral! Our Father in Heaven and our Savior love us more than we can comprehend and they don't rule by fear. The best way to live as we have been commanded to is to pattern our life after Christ's.
Tracie Peterson and tamera alexander books are better, they get across the point that we need god and his son without shouting out that we will all go to hell if we don't accept them. They give a gentle feeling of warmth that Heavenly Father will help if we ask and he never leaves us alone. This book did not convey that thought in warmed but rather fear of what would happen if the characters didn't chang.
Also, their love stories are well written and I like that they only have ONE love story and focus totally one it.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a series which I read out of order, but I am kind of glad I did. It’s a fascinating concept in which the author has written parallel, interconnected stories as two books. (The other being Whispers of Moonlight.) The main characters in each book are fringe characters in the other book, but the main secondary characters in each book are the same couple. I’ve seen series where a fringe character’s story is told in another book, but the story happens either before or after the other book. These two stories are happening simultaneously. As a result, they do share some of the main scenes, but not excessively so. This book is definitely designed to be read first, as one of the final scenes includes a teaser for Whispers of Moonlight. However, I enjoyed reading this book second, as it clarified many things briefly referenced in Whispers of Moonlight.
I enjoyed the plot; the author dealt with the subject of thinking one is saved based on works. There was good character development. There was one statement early in the book that was not consistent with the rest of the book or the other book as well as a few typos.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummm.... I know it's really cliche to say this book is incredible, but seriously. It is. Lori Wick has a way of painting the characters where you can picture them and feel for them. She somehow is able to make it really intimate so you feel their pain, their joy, their successes and failures. I, of course, would love for something like this to happen to me, well finding a man like Clay Taggart that is, not some of the other things, but I highly reccomend this book.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Lori Wick writes in such a way that you just fall in love with the families in her books. Really reminds me of the work and the glory but in this particular series..I didn't like the second book but will try the third.

[Sharlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a biased review. And also my first one??
I gave my life to Christ as a teenager reading this book. Pride & stubbornness were my besetting sins.
It was a treat to reread this book after a decade and revisit my emotions that brought me to salvation. 🥲

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

I started to read this book and discovered I read it 20 years ago! There was a time when I would go to the library and check out all the Lori Wick books and just read them. I didn’t realize this was part of a series. I even read the second one in the series 20 years ago and once I discovered that, I finally kept the story lines straight!

This is a Christian historical fiction that takes place in the mountains of Colorado. Clay dreams of becoming a teacher one day. He meets Jackie Fontaine, who has a strong willed personality that makes it difficult to get to know. Love starts to bloom and they must be apart for a while for Clay to start training to become a teacher. Tragedy strikes, and Jackie’s life is forever changed. She would rather lose Clay than tell him.

I really enjoyed this one! It was sweet and tender. Cheesy at times, but I like the cheese. I’m looking forward to reading the rest in this series.

[Hannah Barclay · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you don’t like Hallmark movies you won’t like these books!! this was an easy, feel-good sort of read with a happy ending (admittedly cheesey… but it didn’t bother me 😂) loved that it was set in Colorado in the 1800s so I connected with a lot of the places. a couple good challenges about faith too

[Jill Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

It drew a vivid picture the dynamic relationships with God each character had and depicted them all differently. Loved the respect dose.

[Sarah Peralta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too preachy! I don't dig the whole "if you're not a believer, you're going to hell" mentality.

[Elena Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome! I just love Lori Wicks books, although, I will admit some of her books are a bit slow. However, this was not one of them, I was hooked from the start. I really liked the main girl, Jackie Fontaine, and the fact that she wasn't perfect. Actually, she was far from it which made her relatable and I found myself seeing things in her that were in myself. By the end of the book, I wanted to change things with my life as well. It was refreshing to see a character that had problems and flaws, but then, overcome them by the end or at least is trying to overcome. It is something which is sorely lacking in fiction nowadays, as I find that many main characters are unrealistically perfect in books and that makes them unrelatable. Since let's be honest who can truly say they are perfect? That's right no one can. Not only did the character make this book an interesting read, but also the plot twist took an absorbing turn. I still didn't see that coming. If anyone is looking for a compelling Christian romance storing this is the one, I highly recommend it. I can't wait to start the next book in the Rocky Mountain Memories. Thank you, Lori Wick, for once again writing an amazing book!

[Beth Wangler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as a high schooler and found it enjoyable enough to keep on my bookshelf. I'm in a rereading stint and haven't picked it up since then, so I thought I'd see what my thoughts on the story are now, especially since this isn't a genre I prefer anymore.

I found the story...decent. I enjoyed the sibling dynamics and the landscape. There were a couple moments that moved me emotionally.

I thought the age difference and power dynamic between the main love interests (he's her teacher, which normalizes a really icky thing by modern standards) was harder to stomach than I remembered. I appreciated disability representation...but I also found it problematic that of the two disabled people, one feels completely okay and joyful about his situation because he has Jesus, while the other reacts really badly until she converts. Knowing Jesus doesn't make the challenges of disabilities (or any other circumstance) go away. And equating depression with lack of faith is a very dangerous theology.

It wasn't terrible. It just isn't really my cup of tea.

[Courtney Crenshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the third time I’ve read this book 😂! My grandma introduced me to Lori Wick when I was in Middle School and there is something so simple and sweet about her writing that has become endearing to me. In the middle of all the other books that I read, I loved slowing down and coming back to read about this way of life and I feel so refreshed and encouraged after reading her books. Excited to re-read the rest of this series to break up my normal books!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story, but I could not decide if I liked Jackie, even at the end. She changed so quickly. The storyline about adjusting to blindness seemed believable, I will probably read the rest of the series to see what happens with the other daughters.

[Shantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a poignant, unusual story! Where the Wild Rose Blooms really makes you think outside of what novels generally present for you. Is that right? How would I feel? Would I react in the same way? It offered a bittersweet, heartfelt romance that just kind of blew me away, :) As the couple in this book goes through so much... their happy ending really is just beautiful. With notes of wisdom, unexpected situations, joyous conversions, and seemingly harsh decisions, Where the Wild Rose Blooms definitely takes you for an unforgettable journey. Remarkable... Decide to pick this book up one day, :)

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I LOVE THIS BOOK. My grandmother suggested it when I was in High school and after reading it I fell in love. Such an amazing story of how relationships guided by Christ are the most successful ones.

I do have different beliefs as far as salvation go's in the book, but other than that, this nook is awesome. I have read it like 5 times (I’m so serious). Great read!

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this Christian novel- full of humor,romance, wisdom, bible scriptures and reminders that life isn't in OUR control, we just have to control ourselves. Fans of Janette Oke will enjoy Wick, good clean reads with love and laughs involved :)

[Angela Colson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate rating a book under 4 stars. I struggled to really connect with the characters or enjoy the story. But on a good note, this is a clean book. I would go so far as to say that it is appropriate for teens.

[Lindsay Maestas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Usually love Lori Wick but couldn’t get into this one. Stopped reading 1/3 of the way through.

[Mishon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the plot, but the writing style kind of grates on me

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too dragged out.

[Donna Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of first love, understanding of self, salvation and God. Jackie is 15 and self-centered whose attitude turns people away, sometimes even her family. Clayton is 17, easy going and loves the Lord. When they first meet sparks fly, but soon Jackie allows Clay into her “space.” But, a life changing accident happens that leaves Jackie bitter and unreachable. Can Clay bring Jackie back into the real world and will Jackie “see” that forgiveness of self and humbleness is needed to find peace in her circumstances. I enjoyed the story very much. It showed the encounter of a self-centered teen girl who had difficulty with meeting/making friends because of fear of rejection. One of my favorite parts was in the fact that although in what seemed an impossible situation, Jackie was able to rise to the challenges she faced and to recognize a need for the Lord’s help in her life.

[Lilaea Anadoris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book like 4 times, and am planning on reading it again soon. It is one of my many favorites and I love how Lori Wick weaves Christianity into such a heart-warming but also heart-breaking story of clean romance. I found myself falling for Clay immediately. He is so fun and sweet, but also mature. I think this is first book that made me cry, the ending is so good, though still a little sad. I love this whole series, Rocky Mountain Memories, and how each book focuses on different characters, while still having some of the old ones appear in each story.
I never really understood why Jackie hated Clayton so much, though he was kind of a tease and laughed when she tripped in the beginning. She just doesn't seem to much sense of humor and is sort of uptight.
But all the characters are still really great and I highly recommend this, as well as the other 3 books in the series, to those who like Christian historical romances.

[Mikayla Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was a combination of Little House on the Prairie and Little Women. I love a good pioneer love story! I cannot wait to read the next book!

What I liked most about the book was the unexpected twist 3/4 of the way. I did not expect that!!!! It messed up how I pictured the ending, but I like it when books are unpredictable.

However, I did not like the writing style. This is my second Lori Wick book and I wish she could either write in first person or third person limited. I cannot stand books that are written in third person omniscient. It gets confusing and drives me insane when I hear Clayton's thoughts then Jackie's. All of a sudden I will hear Addy's from a mile away without a scene break. It gets so exhausting.

If I look past the writing style, AWESOME BOOK!

[Hilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where The Wild Rose Blooms is follows the lives of two families, the Fontaine family and the Taggert family, in the beautiful mountains of Colorado during the late 1800s. Morgan (dad) and Addy (mom) Fontaine move themselves and their 5 daughters (Eddie, Jackie, Lexa, Sam, Danny) to Georgetown to help run Uncle Mitch’s store and settle down. One of the first families they meet are Kevin (dad), Elaine (mom), Clay (son), and Milly (daughter) Taggert. Clay meets Eddie and Jackie outside their family store and spark fly between him and Jackie. Mixed sparks. Clay is smitten and Jackie wants nothing to do with him. Clay accepts that Jackie isn’t ready for a relationship and let’s her be. Jackie doesn’t understand why she can’t Clay, but is even more confused when she wishes he would tease her. With some talks and prayer with her mom and closest sister, Jackie is ready to open herself to a friendship with Clay. He shares his dream of being a teacher with Jackie and Jackie let’s down her wall for him. Love is blossoming! Sadly, Jackie gets hurt stocking shelves and her injury leaves her feeling undeserving of Clay. She writes to him and lies saying she found someone new and never wants to see Clay again. Clay is devastated and confused. What happened to the promises and dreams they shared? A few months after her accident, Jackie is sent to live with her newly married sister, but bitterness, anger, and longing for Clay follow her. Clay also moves to a new town to begin a new life. Jackie and Clay have no idea what God has in store for them. Can a hopeful man teach a young lady with a heart hardened by pride to love and believe again.

This book is exactly what I needed. I often read something that I needed to hear. I was reminded of the power of prayer. Prayer is one of the most important things we can do for one another. In this time of chaos, Where the Wild Rose Blooms brought me comfort and peace. I am looking forward to continuing the series.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time staying with the plot of this book. The main characters are two families. One runs the general store and the daughters all have male names. The prettiest is the most self centered. The other family has a young man nicknamed Tag who teases her and she is very hateful to him. Of course I realized they would have a relationship but after chapters and chapters slowly developing their friendship I am thinking you should ditch this girl. I liked it enough to buy the next book in this series. It was sweet and the content is Christian based which I enjoy. It was refreshing to read of life in Colorado in the 1800s.

[daniel willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sincere Salvation (Spoil

The thing I love most about this book is the fact that originally Jackie isn't the picture perfect heroine. She is resentful, a bit spoiled, and is wholesomely self absorbed. Her accident didn't change these thing, rather it magnified them.

Yet despite her flaws she is dearly loved by her family, Clay, and most importantly God. Lori did a really good job expressing the reality of God's love through this story. The truth is, God loves us even when we act in ways that are unlovable. His grace is sufficient and his mercy endures for forever.

[Melanie Schichtel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a roller coaster of a story!

I like that it was a slower romance, and that the story spanned a few years. I enjoyed getting to know the siblings and parents, not just the two main characters.

Some people have said that the book was a bit too 'preachy' but I thought it was a really thoughtful way of addressing a very common misconception of Christianity.

The character development was nice to see, with both main characters having some very realistic moments of struggle, frustration, and realization.