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.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
A cowgirl searches for love and family. An old man seeks justice. A journey they take together exposes a tale 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?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janet Chester Bly is the widow of award-winning
western author Stephen Bly. Together they authored and co-authored 120 fiction and nonfiction books. She and her three sons finished Stephen’s last novel for him, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, a Selah Award Finalist. The family’s story is told on her website blog: www.blybooks.com. Wind in the Wires is Janet’s first solo adult novel, a contemporary western mystery, a road adventure with a touch of romance. It’s Cowgirl Lit.
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I’m all for a good western, a little romance & maybe a bit of mystery! But what I’m not such a fan of (like you too), is too much information right off the bat, jumping around different people/places too much or not being able to “connect” with the characters. I’m always willing to give book a chance, however 🙂 I like the idea of all the historic places added into the story like you mentioned, probably would make me want to come on the adventure as well! Thanks for the review Savanna, always helpful to know what other people think.
Thanks for reading my review, Trixi. It’s always good to give a book a try! 😉 Every reader enjoys their own style, just like writers.
Enjoyed this review.. sometimes romance isn’t just what a good book needs.. I think a little mystery and a tale of lies and betrayal is an intriguing story… I would enjoy reading this..
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You’re exactly right, Deanna! There are so many needed elements in a book. And it’s hard to beat intrigue! 😉 I hope you get to read this and enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by!