This is a Christian-based romance novel set in the Texas ranch country in 1883. The heroine is lovely and spirited and the dashing rancher who she works for as a governess for his adopted child is the prince on the white horse. The book is a very quick and easy read with a simple theme. The title of the book could be misleading. At least it was for me until I got into the book. And if you know your Bible, the title is very scriptural in a significant way. And actually this facet of the author's writing was what drew me into the book the more I read. There are many, many references to clouds in the Bible. They are always associated with God and are the sorrows, sufferings, or providential circumstances within or without our personal lives. This might seem to contradict the sovereignty of God, but it is actually through these very clouds that the Spirit of God reaches us and helps us to walk in faith. Two scripture references that are relevant are Psalms 97:2 and Revelation 1:7. Both are applicable to the significance of clouds. The author never quotes these particular Scriptures (she quotes other Scripture texts throughout the book), but I believe that while her book is simply-written with a very familiar theme, the meaning behind her story is very powerful, and for that reason alone I enjoyed the book. This is a story set in Texas in the late 1800s. Miss Adelaide Proctor took a job as a teacher after her father died, and part of the conditions of the contract were that she wasn’t allowed to marry for 2 years. At the end of this time, the potential suitors who she met when she first came into town have moved on. Adelaide has no family and she dreams of starting a family of her own, so she’s been concentrating her efforts on a young man called Henry, whom she doesn’t love, but likes enough to see as a potential husband. Henry works as a travelling salesman, so Adelaide only sees him about once a month, and when he gets a promotion he tells her he won’t be in the area again. Adelaide believes Henry is too shy to propose, so she decides to give him some encouragement, resigning her job and followings him to a new town where she is met with disappointment.Adelaide needs a new job quickly, and is lucky enough to be given a chance of being a governess to Gideon Westcott’s 5 year old daughter, Isabella. The poor child lost her mother 5 months ago, and has been mute ever since. She is absolutely crushed by her grief, and Gideon isn’t so much looking for a teacher for Isabella, but somebody who will bring her back to a normal childhood. Adelaide is no stranger to grief and she and Isabella immediately bond. Adelaide also feels a strong pull towards Gideon, but she’s getting her head out of the clouds this time; he’s her employer, the son of an English baron, and she’s not exactly marriage material he’s likely to be looking for. In addition to this Adelaide is under the belief that Gideon’s wife has just died, not realising that he adopted the orphaned Isabella.Adelaide is a great character, she is fun, hard-working, brave, sensible and sweet. Her father used to call her his sunshine, and it’s an apt nickname, she is a very sunny soul! She has a genuine affection for Isabella and is patient with her, trying to draw her out of her shell and come out from the shadow her experiences have cast on her short life. Adelaide and Gideon’s attraction towards each other is almost instant, but it’s still believable, and you are rooting for them to get together when it becomes apparent that there is a very real danger threatening Isabella, and they have to work together to fight it off. There is quite a bit of action going on in this book, and I was riveted to the page!This book has a strong Christian theme, but I didn’t feel it was too much; Adelaide in particular has a bit of a spiritual journey in this book, starting off by being almost impatient with God for how her life is, and moving towards the realisation that rather than asking God to give her certain things in life she should instead have been asking for courage to do what needs to be done and patience to wait when needed. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I would definitely read other books by her, I really enjoyed this read.
What do You think about Head In The Clouds (2010)?
Too simplistic. Every time they prayed to God, a sign would show up. It was just too convenient.
—apnhs
What a refreshing and different story to read. I loved this fun book.
—sweety
I loved this book! It is a clean, happy novel that left me smiling.
—austin
