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Customer Reviews for Revell Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Revell Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont with her sweetheart, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte's letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads West to Wyoming. The endless prairie seems monotonous, but when her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.
When circumstances--and perhaps a bit of matchmaking--put Abigail and Ethan together, there's certainly attraction. But Abigail is planning to marry another man and return to life in Vermont as soon as she is finished attending to her sister. And Ethan loves his life in the Army and the wilds of Wyoming. When summer ends, will Abigail go back East? Or will she fall in love with this rugged land herself?
Average Customer Rating:
(17 Reviews) 17
Rating Snapshot (17 reviews)
5 stars
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4 stars
7
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16 out of 1794%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Review 1 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:June 3, 2012
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
2
out of
5
Lets start with the good stuff: Lots of talking with God, prayer and a great conversation about Jesus and salvation.
The research on fort and frontier life was great. I loved the descriptions surrounding these aspects.
Now for the not so good stuff: the characters. Abigail seemed to irritate me on several occasions. One minute she's brave standing up for herself and the next she can't do certain things because it's not "lady like". This type of behavior reoccurred throughout the story and it was annoying.
Ethan, for being in a army lieutenant, seemed not as strong as he could have been.
The plot lagged in several places throughout the book and I had trouble focusing on it. I wish that there had been a bit more action as far as finding the bad guys, I think it would have helped move the plot along.
The research on fort and frontier life was great. I loved the descriptions surrounding these aspects.
Now for the not so good stuff: the characters. Abigail seemed to irritate me on several occasions. One minute she's brave standing up for herself and the next she can't do certain things because it's not "lady like". This type of behavior reoccurred throughout the story and it was annoying.
Ethan, for being in a army lieutenant, seemed not as strong as he could have been.
The plot lagged in several places throughout the book and I had trouble focusing on it. I wish that there had been a bit more action as far as finding the bad guys, I think it would have helped move the plot along.
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Review 2 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Excellent Book!
Date:May 30, 2012
Beth
Location:Firestone, CO
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This was a great book! I was drawn in instantly and truly enjoyed the story. I look forward to the next book in the series!
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Review 3 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Great Read
Date:March 14, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot weaves the tale of Abigail Harding and her journey west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming to spend the summer with her older sister, Charlotte. While en route her stagecoach is attacked by bandits. Fellow passenger Lieutenant Ethan Bowles comes to their rescue.
Abigail intends to return to her teaching position in Vermont and her beau once the summer ends. But the longer she resides in Wyoming, the more she is attracted to its rugged beauty, and a young soldier who draws her attention. When summer ends will she decide to return to her responsibilities in the East or forge a new future in the West?
I found Amanda Cabot's book to be a delightful and intriguing read. I enjoyed reading about a part of our Nation I've never visited before. It is a book I recommend.
This book was provided free for review by Revell.
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Review 4 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Welcome to Wyoming!
Date:February 17, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Take a trip to wonderful, windy, Wyoming!
Abigail Harding makes the long journey to Fort Laramie to visit her sister, Charlotte, the wife of an officer. But things are not always how they seem, the fort is plagued with deserters and thefts, and Abigail finds herself gazing into the eyes of a certain Lieutenant
Ethan Bowles.
Well written and well researched, I found Summer of Promise to show a wonderful representative of Wyoming, Prairie Dog holes and all! I loved how Ms. Cabot perfectly captured the Wyoming I know and love, it's not often I find a book set in Wyoming that actually gets it right! But this one did.
The story moved along quickly, and had a certain charmingness to it. The characters were well done, and the puppy was pretty cute. My favorite character was Ethan, a man with a stubborn determination about him--he also said that he would never marry...you know how that goes...
Overall, a enjoyable read. The ends didn't tie up exactly the way I thought they would, but that's just how life goes I guess! Recommended to readers of sweet prairie romances.
Final Rating : 4.5 out of 5
Thanks to the publisher and Donna Hausler who provided me with this copy to review honestly :)
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Review 5 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:February 6, 2012
Amanda Cabot's Westward Winds series commences with Summer of Promise, an historical romance with a twist of suspense and an interesting premise which includes the hero's job pursuing army deserters. A solid plot and traditional romance will have many readers engaged in the story, however it meandered a bit for me and it was a struggle to maintain my interest in the characters' journeys. Amanda researches her novels well and I enjoyed the detailed aspects of army life, the reasons for desertion and the plight of soldiers' wives confined to a fort far away from the comforts of home. The aspects of mystery and suspense lacked the higher level intrigue and fast pacing that I enjoy but readers who like just a smidgen of those in their romance novels will probably enjoy the lighter balance. Summer of Promise wasn't my cup of tea but it just may be yours!
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Review 6 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Can't wait for the rest of the series!
Date:February 5, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Abigail Harding is preparing to be making plans to a man in Vermont who is a fellow colleague in the school she teaches at. That's why she's not afraid to go visit her sister when she suspects that something is wrong with her sister. Why would Woodrow, the man she intends to marry, be afraid that she might find someone else when she was intended to be his?
Upon arriving in For Laramie, Wyoming, she finds that a stagecoach may not be the safest way to travel. Not only that, but once she arrives at her sister's, she almost doesn't recognize her. What could have possibly cause this poor condition in her sister? Convinced that she was in the center of God's will in coming to Fort Laramie, she's a little surprised to find that her future may not arrive in Vermont. How can a soldier who is determined not to love able to persuade her to stay? Or will he? On top of that, who is the cause of the stagecoach robberies that are becoming more frequent and what is the common tie?
I've never read any books by Amanda Cabot but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a little longer than most at 404 pages, but it's such a great book that you hardly notice the length of the book. In fact, if she shortened it any, you would miss so much of the story. I think I've found a new author to follow, as well! Can't wait for the rest of the books in the Westward Winds series.
_______________
This book was provided free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest opinion. You can purchase this book at any retail store.
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Review 7 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:February 5, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Enjoyable cover to cover. Only the second time I've read this author, certainly not the last.
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Review 8 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:February 4, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Wyoming is boring. At least that’s what Abigail thinks as she’s traveling to Fort Laramie to visit her sister for a couple weeks.
Boring didn’t last longs. Her stagecoach was attacked during her journey west.. The couple weeks turned into months, and Abigail found herself thinking that the man back home she planned to marry was really the boring part of her life.
The life she’s living at the fort becomes even less boring with all the intrigue and danger surrounding her. We’re talking robbery, murder, deception, disguise and blackmail. And that’s only part of the story.
Amanda Cabot is an author you will want to add to your list of the good ones.
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Review 9 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Not a predictable romance
Date:February 4, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Thankfully this is not a predictable romance! It is romance with a little intrigue thrown in. I really enjoy Amanda Cabot's books.
I liked that this novel, while based at a Fort, focused on life inside not outside on a battle field. I have never really thought much about the kind of life soldiers lead while living at a fort. This story reveals the stark contrast between the service men on the battle field and those living at the fort.
It has it's humorous parts. On the spiritual side, the lesson that stood out to me throughout the story was the fact that knowing God's will and following are two very different things. Patience is needed to wait for God's leading, so this book was a very good reminder.
Sisterly love and devotion is another theme that was presented. I am looking forward to the second book!
<em>Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.</em>
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Review 10 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
A Delightful Blend of Romance and Mystery
Date:January 24, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
When I pick up an Amanda Cabot novel, I know I’m in for a treat. Such was definitely the case with Summer of Promise. From the opening scene to the final page, I spent an enjoyable time with Cabot’s well-crafted characters. Impulsive Abigail Harding has a heart as big as Wyoming and wants to help everyone with whom she comes in contact. Due to a difficult childhood, stoic Lieutenant Ethan Bowles believes he’s incapable of loving someone or being loved. The interactions between Abigail and Ethan as their friendship deepens into something more than either thought possible—or prudent—are a pleasure to behold. The secondary characters are engaging, too, and add to the story.
I love the historical detail Cabot is so adept at adding. She did a great job bringing Fort Laramie to life. I could picture the unique beauty of the area along with Abigail, who deems it “boring” at first but has a change of heart.
The mystery woven through the story was fun to unravel. Every time I was sure I knew whodunit, Cabot would reveal another intriguing fact, and I’d find myself wavering. While she provided a satisfying and sigh-worthy ending, she left some threads hanging, leaving me eager for the second book in her Westward Winds trilogy.
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Review 11 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Great Read! Great Message!
Date:January 23, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is my first book I have had the pleasure of reading from author Amanda Cabot. This is the first book in her new series, "Westward Winds". When I opened the first pages I can tell you I didn't think I was going to like the three characters that first popped out. Gosh, they complained and were a bit selfish. But then again, they were on a stage coach.
I continued reading and you know what? I couldn't put this book down until I finished the very last page! These characters turned out to be so real and to have such personalities that are so common with us today. We get to see them follow their heart, struggle with real issues and to fight their flesh. We see the consequences to our actions when we make the wrong choice and just how greed can take a heart and make it mean. Ah, but then there is that sweet grace of the Lord.
The setting is in Laramie, Wyoming and the attention to detail is remarkable. Amanda Cabot took her time with research and it shows. I love how the characters interacted with one another.
What nugget of gold can I take away from this book? To simply listen to the Lord. When He tells us to move, we better move. In listening to Him we never go wrong. It's His path that we are to be on and He has a way of sending us right where we are to be. I tend to question Him instead of just following. Abigail Harding, listened to the Lord and her gut and went to visit her sister. She found that by listening that was exactly where she was to be. The rest you will have to find on your own as these pages come alive before you.
This book was a gift from Revell for it's review.
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Review 12 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Ft. Laramie offers mystery and romance in 1885
Date:January 23, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Abigail Harding travels from the cultured East to Fort Laramie to visit her newlywed sister during the summer of 1885. Wyoming seems unattractive and boring to her as the stagecoach rumbles west. Then outlaws attack, adding an element of excitement and fear. Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, who is heading back to his post from Cheyenne, saves the passengers. Amanda wonders about this young man, who turns out to be her brother-in-law’s close friend. But she’s nearly engaged to a fellow teacher and intends to return to Vermont soon.
Events unfold that thwart Abigail’s plans. Her sister Charlotte is not doing well, so Abigail does her best to help improve Charlotte’s spirits and her health. An irascible puppy she rescues brings both pleasure and problems. Then, there’s the mystery of who is informing the bandits and who is stealing from the fort. Ethan works to uncover the perpetrators and stop the deserters, who usually end up with the robbers. And Ethan and Abigail each fight a growing attraction to the other.
Summer of Promise, the first book in Amanda Cabot’s new Western historical series, offers an engaging read. The characters and setting seem so real you feel like you are experiencing the story with them. She doesn’t settle for sappy endings either. This novel leaves unanswered questions, which will hopefully be addressed in the next book in her Westward Winds series. An author who makes you long for more is the best kind to read.
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Review 13 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Compelling Read
Date:January 19, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Amanda Cabot writes compelling novels. This one is no exception. Her characters are strong, including Abigail Harding who is traveling from Vermont to Fort Laramie, Wyoming; her sister Charlotte who needs Abigail; soldiers at the Fort; and Leah, a “lady of the night,” whom Abigail befriends. At summer’s end will Abigail return to Vermont as planned, or will the rugged Wyoming land and a certain soldier convince her to stay? Cabot’s story is fast moving with enough suspense to keep readers turning pages.
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Review 14 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
A tender story with an Old West flavor
Date:January 15, 2012
Sally Laity
Location:Bakersfield, CA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I truly enjoyed Summer of Promise, by Amanda Cabot. The story was fast moving, and it was neat to watch the relationship between Abigail and Ethan develop. Anyone who enjoys stories set in the old west should find the story a delight. I highly recommend it.
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Review 15 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
A historical romance worth reading
Date:January 4, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Having been in Wyoming, I understood the heroine’s first assessment of the land as boring, and knew she would come to know the subtle beauty of the land. I appreciated the obvious research which enriched the descriptions of Ft Laramie. The dangers of the country and the obstacles the terrain put in our heroes’ search for outlaws and the heroine’s brush with a dangerous creature brought the story more life, as it enriched the characterization. Characterization, not only of the main characters, but a wide cast of characters kept me involved. The plot was carefully revealed, with twists and turns to keep me second-guessing my suppositions. I enjoy Amanda Cabot’s handling of the romantic aspects of the story. Too often, authors dwell on the physical attributes of the hero and heroine as the road to love. Abigail and Ethan take walks together, talk, tease, and learn to trust each other in the way true love grows.
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Review 16 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
A hit!
Date:January 2, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you have a choice - ignore it and hope for a ball or swing and hope for a hit. Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot is a prime example. Writers write for the pleasure of writing, but each one has the hope that their manuscript is "good enough" to be a hit. This one is. I enjoyed reading about Abigail's impulsiveness, Ethan's growing feelings and frustrations, Oliver's crushes, and Puddles' antics. Ms. Cabot's writing took me to the Wyoming frontier with her descriptions of the heat, dust, and mud.
Take away from this book: a safe and predictable life is boring. Change is the spice of life.
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Review 17 for Summer of Promise, Westward Winds Series #1
Overall Rating:
Great book
Date:December 27, 2011
Roosgal
Location:Arkansas
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I really enjoyed reading Summer of Promise for both the historical value and the romance. Sometimes longer books have sections that drag but Abigail's journey was full of interesting twist and turns. I enjoyed every detail.
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