This is the first volume in the Western Winds trilogy that is set at Fort Laramie in the 1880's. Miss Abigail Harding travels from her lush Vermont home to the wild, untamed Wyoming territory to visit her pregnant older sister Charlotte. On the way her stage coach is held up by outlaws but no harm comes to any of the occupants because a certain Lieutenant Ethan Bowles foils the robbers. Intrigued, Abigail wonders who the handsome cavalry officer really is.The author paints the scenery, weather, and flora/fauna of the untamed wild lands of the intermountain west with vibrant and vivid descriptions of how it must have been to live in that harsh land.Miss Abigail Harding, daughter of a preacher, is the consummately compassionate heroine, always trying to help anyone she thinks is in need of it, regardless of the consequences. Lieutenant Bowles is only one of many she has in her sights to rescue. Godly and full of faith, Abigail is the polar opposite to the cynical and melancholy but irresistibly attractive officer. At Fort Laramie, finding it impossible to not encounter each other, the heroine and hero are inexorably drawn to each other. Ethan discovers Abigail plans to marry a beau that teaches at her Vermont school and being ever the gentleman, he tries his best to avoid her. Abigail, wondering why Ethan broods so much, wants to find out what was in his past so she may 'rescue' him from himself.Over-arching their budding but halting romance are the desertions of several enlisted soldiers, the robberies of stagecoaches and the disappearance of firearms from the Fort's armory. Enter 'puddles' a stray puppy who plays a pivotal role in the story's plot. The adorable puppy, rescued to keep Abigail's lonely sister company, does those maddening but cute things that puppies do.Why is Charlotte lonely? Her officer husband spends a lot of time away and his whereabouts are not always known. Is he out at the 'Hog ranch,' the name of the brothel near the fort? What else is going on out there? Will Abigail be able to break through Ethan's hard heart? Can they solve the stagecoach robberies and arms thefts if they help each other? And how will Ethan ever be able to avoid Abigail, knowing she is betrothed to another man? My only minor criticisms of the story were a couple of contrived coincidences and the conclusion which I found a little too brief for this uncurable romantic. Nevertheless, a fine, entertaining story worthy of your time. I look forward to the story of Abigail's older sister Charlotte and her younger sister Elizabeth - next in this trilogy. “Summer of Promise” is first in a series of three. Each takes a sister and relates their story. This one is Abigail’s adventure to a remote Wyoming territory. It all takes place in 1885. I like historical fiction and thought this US territory would be most interesting to learn about.Mini-summary: As Abigail travels to visit her married sister Charlotte, the stagecoach is attacked and saved from what could be disastrous results by fellow passenger, Army Lieutenant Ethan Bowles. Yes, of course he is handsome and all the usual attraction tension happens on both sides – thus the romantic story line is set. The other plotlines are mysteries as to the unusual coach robberies that are continually happening, and strange behaviors by principal characters.I liked this book, but can’t say it held an excitement for me. I had my suspicions as to the guilty party, but wasn’t totally sure. That kept me reading. The whole story was pretty predictable. The robbery mysteries were cleared up, but the romantic conclusion left a lot to be desired. That part seemed an after-thought as it was barely concluded in only the last couple pages. The emphasis on God was ok, but I don’t like it when characters “wait around” for God to tell them “what to do”. I believe He expects us to make choices and then ask for confirmation. For me, it hovered near my Line of Religious No Return.I have, and will read the other two sisters’ stories, however don’t think they will be a part of my personal library to read again some day. We shall see if they are any better. …on to book #2.
What do You think about Summer Of Promise (2012)?
I really liked the stories and the characters. But would it have killed her to put in a kiss???? :)
—saba
I loved this book! Can't wait for the next installment.
—sri
