Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind. When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in … himself in America’s wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn’t uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon–and intrigues him at the same time. But he can’t afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.
When Isabella’s uncle comes to claim the child–and her inheritance–Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man’s evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?
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One of my all time favorites! A bookworm with a soft heart falls hard for the little girl she is nannying. And along the way she melts everyone else’s heart to find a place for herself! Happy Reading!
I just adored everything about this book! Adelaide is a young woman convinced that love is the only thing worth having, so she basically flings herself at a traveling salesmen she’s been keeping company with, and shows up in a far away place just to find him. Things don’t turn out like she planned (but really, DID she plan?) but somehow God’s perfect timing put her right where she needed to be. Along the way, she meets Gideon and his mute adopted daughter Isabella, and starts to unravel a tangled web surrounding Isabella’s affliction, the death of her parents, and the uncle who will go to any length to control her and the inheritance she has from her parents. It truly hit all of the high notes, and I love the depth of trust that Addie and Gid place in each other as well as in the beauty of God’s infinite wisdom and timing.
This was a great book! Suspense, romance, parental love, likable and realistic characters, humor, literary allusions, resemblance to Beauty and the Beast, symbolism, faith – it has it all!
Favorite quotes:
“Well, she was tired of waiting. Tired of being passed over. She would shape her own destiny. She might not have found Mr. Heroic, but Mr. Satisfactory would do just fine.” (chapter 1, p. 16)
“God, forgive me for my impatience. I saw what I thought I wanted, and when you made no move to give to me, I took matters into my own hands. I wasn’t content, and I didn’t trust you enough to wait.” (chapter 2, p. 25)
“Westcott Cottage did have a handsome prince as it turned out, and she’d just floured him like a drumstick headed for the frying pan.” (chapter 3, p. 44)
“The Lord had brought him a miracle after all. A miracle wrapped in yellow calico.” (chapter 4, p. 50)
“It was as if she were Jane Eyre arriving at Thornfield to begin her position as governess to the young Adèle, but instead of finding the house without its master, her Mr. Rochester was in residence.” (chapter 6, p. 60)
“Gideon Westcott might be a rascal, but he had depth.” (chapter 6, p. 63)
“’You accomplished a feat in a single afternoon that I have been attempting for months.’ Gideon paused, and Adelaide nearly melted from the warmth in his eyes. ‘Bella laughed.’” (chapter 9, p.90)
“Blood pumping through his veins, Gideon thrilled to the chase, not caring to examine why pursuing this woman felt so right.” (chapter 9, p. 98)
“But she swallowed the urge and kept a modest pace. She couldn’t very well teach Isabella decorum and propriety if she failed to enact those virtues herself. Sometimes it was just no fun being an adult.” (chapter 10, p. 105)
“Adelaide savored her resurrected dreams for a moment longer. She would pack them away again in a few minutes, but for now, in the privacy of her bedchamber, she’d let them spin their delicate webs where they may.” (chapter 13, p. 137)
“Romantic reveries had their place, but she had responsibilities to attend to now.” (chapter 17, p. 165)
“The cloud that had led her to Westcott Cottage was still hovering nearby. Only now it had darkened to an ominous gray. A storm was approaching, and Isabella was standing directly in its path.” (chapter 18, p. 176)
“A soft purring sound arose across from him, drawing Gideon’s attention. Adelaide had curled up like a kitten with her head pillowed on the chair arm. A delicate snore rumbled out of her open mouth. His little tigress had succumbed to her exhaustion.” (chapter 19, p. 182)
“If God would just show her how to keep the fool man alive, she would love and cherish him for the rest of her days. And while the loving and cherishing would be easy, the keeping him alive part had her worried.” (chapter 27, p. 244)
“’All marriages eventually end in sorrow, do they not? The joy comes in cherishing what time you are able to share.’” (chapter 32, p. 283)
“The man was an invalid in a dressing gown convalescing amid a mound of cushions on the parlor settee; yet when he smiled at her like that, he became masculinity personified.” (chapter 35, p. 306)
“Just when Gideon had regained a decent grip on life, the devil showed up on their doorstep.” (chapter 35, p. 308)
I didn’t even finish it .
A nice read to escape into. The h & H were likeable. I thought the h had a bit of spunk. I’ve always enjoyed Karen Witemeyer’s books. There was one scene of a man trying to force himself onto a woman. It was quick and not too descriptive.
Head in the Clouds is simultaneously encouraging and entertaining. I experienced all the emotions as I traveled with Adelaide and watched her grow in her faith. The tale shows in story form how God does see us, hear us, provide for us, and grant our heart’s desires in ways we would never think to ask. There are frequent doses of humor to some heavy topics, which made it all the more enjoyable. I definitely recommend this book to those looking for a clean, inspirational and encouraging read.
Great characters.
A fun book to read.
I love this book so much that I read it twice a year. Out of all the female characters I have ever come to know, I can relate to Adelaide the best. She loves getting lost in stories, she adores kids and she stays strong even when things don’t go her way. And we both love the color yellow. Isabella is also the most adorable fictional cinnamon roll I have ever had the privilege to know. Her cuteness reminds me so much of my cousin as a little kid. As for Gideon, I do not even know where to start! If he were real, he would have left the other men in the dust. Yes, the story is absolutely cheesy and the drama very much high up there, but it’s the right kind of cheese – the whole thing is just so enjoyable. It’s great to be able to escape, go on a romantic adventure and know that there’s a happy ending to it all.
The characters are just terrific, especially Adelaide with her sunny yellow dresses, Loved it!
I love all of Karen Whitmeyer’s books! It is so refreshing to read a good clean, sweet, romantic, and entertaining story. I really appreciate the fact that her books do not have any curse words. I wish there were more authors like her.
When this book arrived by mail I couldn’t remember what it was about, so I flipped it open to skim a couple of pages. A few hours later I set it down, having read the entire thing. Witemeyer’s characters are quirky, yet believable. Her descriptions put you in the dusty heat of the Texas sheep ranch. The story pulls you in and keeps your attention, not letting go until you turn the last page. This is a must read for any historical romance reader.
I love Karen Witemeyer’s witty writing style. This was a great story with terrific lovable characters and interesting plot
This is my all time favorite Karen Witemeyer book. (and that is saying A LOT since she’s a favorite author)
Every time I read this book it. gets. better! I don’t even know how it’s possible, but I’m so glad it is!
The plot. The characters. The banter. The suspense. The romance.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
A young woman who was so in love with the idea of love she threw cation to the wind, only to be heartbroken when reality hits her upside the head like a fryin’ pan!
Somethin’ about Addie just made me smile constantly! Maybe it’s the fact that she ALWAYS wears yellow. (Didn’t know that many shades exist, but I’m very happy they do) Or maybe it was her quirkiness. Or maybe her “daddy didn’t raise no hothouse flower” attitude. Whatever it was I adored it, and I want to be her best friend! PLUS she was a bookworm, I mean c’mon if that doesn’t seal it I don’t know what will!
Though she had so many FANTASTIC attributes ,she had one major downfall. She moved to fast, and on her own terms. She didn’t wait for God’s timing or will. And honestly this is a downfall I share with her. Sometimes I get so caught up in my day-to-day life, that I forget to slow down and listen. To take time to simply WAIT.
This book, though light and fun and giggly and just all goodness, made me sit up and pay attention. I love how Addie learned to wait upon God, and learned to trust Him no matter His timing, knowing it’s ALWAYS perfect. It made me reexamine and want to change how I wait.
I also LOVE Karen’s use of the cloud in this story, her small take on the children of Israel in the desert. It was such a great symbol, and was used marvelously!
Gideon. (Be still my ever beating heart)
Here’s a quick tid-bit about Alysha…she’s not a fan of British accents. I hear the gasps, I know. HOWEVER! If I had a Gideon stumble into my life, I’d learn to love his accent. Okay?! He was SUCH an amazing character, and he shall be my book boyfriend for eternity. (I CALL DIBS! )
He took in a young girl out of the kindness of his own heart, and loved her like a daughter. Though he was born an English gentleman (a baron’s son no less) he still wanted to make his way in the world, and knew he’d have to get his hands dirty to do it. He loved God, his English family, his makeshift American family, his land, his horse, and his flock. He was just so full of love, laid back and down to earth. He was a protector, a knight in shining armor. I just love him! And the dimples don’t bother me either.
On top of downright loving the main characters, I loved the rest of the cast – save the bad guys –
They were fun & relatable! They just felt like a smorgasbord of a family. It was great!
This book hit ALL the sweet spots, and I’m so glad I picked it up. It was the most perfect thing, thank you Karen! This will forever be a favorite & I know I will be re-reading this and recommending for YEARS to come!
OF COURSE this was 5/5 star read! Though I think it deserves all the stars.
I have enjoyed many of Karen Whitmeyer’s books. They are clean, funny, and enjoyable to read.
A clean, easy, lazy afternoon read. I like it so much I bought the audio!
Enjoyed the story line very much.
Anything by Karen Whitemeyer you won’t want to put down. The story is so well written, light and fun while still having a serious undertone throughout. I love her!
I am a big fan of Karen Witemeyer’s books. They are in general fun, easy-to-read, with good characters and story lines. I had read Head in the Clouds several years ago and enjoyed it then. I decided to reread it and found that I didn’t remember much of the book but enjoyed it just as much the second time around.
this character is too spared out to really believe, TOO SPACY