She’s desperate to find her missing father. His conscience demands he risk all to help.Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother’s death, so she’ll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend’s unexpected assistance is a blessing she can’t refuse.Daniel Clarke came to … she can’t refuse.
Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it’s been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancée is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement.
When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt?
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It’s very hard to lose your mother at a young age but it can be devastating when you believe that you are the cause of her death. This is how Eliza Brooks has felt since her mother died and she is determined to make it up to her father. If that means dressing like a boy and facing starvation in the California Gold Fields, so be it. A little over three years later Eliza is no longer hungry but she still isn’t content. Her father’s choice to leave her in her uncle’s care in San Francisco has left Eliza wondering about her place in society and yearning to reunite with her dad. Her decision to search for him sends her on a journey that poses a threat to both her physical being and her emotional welfare because Eliza finds herself deeply attracted to someone who is engaged to another! Will she ever find her father? Can Daniel Clarke convince her that she wasn’t responsible for her mother’s death? Does Eliza deserve a chance at true happiness?
Author Kathleen Denly paints a vivid picture of California during the years immediately following the 1849 Gold Rush and it’s easy to understand the dilemnas of her characters. I liked Eliza and I could understand her confusion but Daniel Clarke’s strong faith and his efforts to inspire and encourage Eliza make him the character that I appreciated most.
“Eliza, you need to forgive yourself, you can’t keep trying to make up for past mistakes…by tryring to control everything and everyone around you. That’s God’s job, and my guess is He’s better at than you.”
If you like Christian romance and historical fiction, you will certainly enjoy Waltz in the Wilderness.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. I was under no obligation to post a positive review and these thoughts are my own.
This was a wonderful beginning to a new series. Can’t wait to read more! This is Eliza’s story and it’s quite an adventure. Love the historical aspects of this story and learning more of California’s early days. I didn’t realize that they called the rest of the country The States as though they weren’t part of the same country. The characters were well developed and quite interesting. The romance was great and very proper. Also loved the religious undertones and that it wasn’t really “preachy”. Very good read!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Sweet
Loved this book! It was genuine, entertaining and had a wonderful message. I can’t wait for the next book! Daniel and Eliza’s evolving relationship was a joy to watch unfold.
This was such a fine and inspiring debut rich in historical detail and vivid descriptions that I felt like I was immersed in 1854 California. And the spiritual themes woven throughout are as applicable today as they were back then. I highly recommend this book and its author. Very well done!
Acting in grief can drive an otherwise sensible person to do and act in uncharacteristic ways.
But, oh, how disagreeable and contentious Eliza was!!! I couldn’t relate to her at all and it made it difficult to get into this story. I sympathized with losing her mother, and I can’t fathom how difficult life must have been in the “Wild West.”
Eliza’s mission was noble enough, and I did admire her tenacity. Ms. Denly sure took her on a rugged journey and threw a plethora of obstacles in her way. The story was woven with lovely descriptions and vivid scenes, and I eagerly followed Eliza’s quest. I appreciated Daniel’s sense of honor, both to his fiancée and to Eliza. BONUS: I kinda giggled with glee at [SPOILER] come-uppance twist.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
THREE FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
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