Waltz in the Wilderness

Debut author Kathleen Denly has crafted a sweet & swoony romance with delightful, vividly-drawn characters you'll quickly grow to love. Waltz in the Wilderness takes these characters - and readers - on a tender (and sometimes harrowing) journey with well-timed tension in all the right places. What a great novel!

I know I'm going to give this book a five star rating because this book has made me groan out loud, want to give Eliza the good shaking she deserves at times and I have even snickerd in some places. <br />Eliza is a fabulous character though. You just gotta love her.<br />Daniel is a good man and he is a gentleman in every way possible. His mama raised him right! I love him too.<br />As for Alice, Richard and Caroline I felt this was like a second story. I can't imagine being in Alice's shoes. Not at all!! In in a few ways I don't like her at all but you really have to read this book to understand where she came from.<br />I didn't like Cecilia at all! But, I am hoping she will learn her lesson somewhere along the line. Karma does have a way of coming around. <br />Poor Uncle Henry! He sure got more than he bargained for! Bless his heart. He's a good man though. I give him credit for trying.<br />The Lord is good is He not? I would like to give Him some credit in this story too. For He saw the big picture that no one else could see. He had a big plans for Eliza. <br />He's got the whole world in His Hands. <br />I highly recommend this story. I hope it blesses you as it has me. <br />(There is some suggestion that alcohol and abuse are involved).<br />My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a review. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.

With a stubborn but loyal heroine and an honorable hero with a steadfast faith, this story is a bit complicated but that’s what makes it interesting and enjoyable. It was fun to read about Eliza Brooks’ journey into womanhood. The historical facts about early San Francisco and San Diego and ship travel of that time were fascinating. Daniel Clarke is a man with high principles, even as he is escorting Eliza into the wilderness to find her father. He tries to honor God and his fiancée but could he be falling for Eliza? Would they find her father? Would Daniel’s betrothed feel the same after four years apart? <br />Some characters had much to admire and others were fun to boo and hiss at. <br />This is the first of a series and I am anxious to see what is in store for the characters in the next book. <br />*I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Right from the very first chapter, these characters invited me to join their story and waltzed their way into my heart. I enjoyed my time spent within the pages of this engaging book and I honestly hope that you get to enjoy this story as well!<br /><br />Eliza Brooks has more than her fair share of rough edges. Prickly could be a word that most would use to describe her. She keeps others at a distance and doesn't let people get close. Eliza has experienced more than her fair share of loss, everyone she's ever let in, has either died or left her behind. I loved the character journey and growth that Eliza makes. A reminder that everyone we meet has a story, and is hurting. That everyone needs our grace and kindness.<br /><br />With an engaging plot, dynamic characters and unexpected dangers, you won't be able to put this book down! More often than not I found myself talking to these characters as if they could hear me! Kathleen Denly brings not only the setting but the characters to life and invites the reader to join the story!<br /><br />I eagerly look forward to more page-turning adventures in the Chaparral Hearts series and more fantastic stories from this author in the future!<br /><br />(I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

Waltz in the Wilderness by Kathleen Denly has my feel-good nod of approval. Not only did it satisfy my reading soul, but it gave me real substance to chew on as I contemplated the characters and their response to untenable circumstances.<br />I fell in love with strong-headed, one-purpose Eliza Brooks and Daniel Clark, her uncle's employee who becomes her reluctant escort.<br />Other characters I couldn't stand at all, while I wondered how the people around them could stomach them.<br />The novel is pretty predictable, though fun until certain secondary characters decide to take over the story as if they don’t like where the author was taking them. One character challenges Eliza to compare her motives in her search for her father with Scripture directives. Then we are allowed to see what Eliza will do about her willfulness that she has until now labeled ”responsibility.” I got so deeply into the story that my mind was boggled by the weight these characters bore, who stood up and developed a backbone and changed the course of the story. I really wanted to know more about what life is like for them, and perhaps we’ll find out. I appreciated clear explanations of faith, themes of feeling undeserving of God’s love, and the need to truly trust Him to care for ourselves and others. It obviously affected the players’ daily lives. This story does include to some degree the sad effects slavery and prejudice have on people who are different from their abusers.<br />I loved this book and I highly recommend it. If you like reading Miralee Ferrell or Misty Beller, you will like Kathleen Denly.<br />I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. This does not influence my opinions, for which I am solely responsible.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.<br /><br />When I began reading this book, I figured it might be a typical historical fiction romance, but in truth, this is a cut above most in this genre. It is a Christian book, and Biblical principles are woven into the very framework of the story. Historical accuracy is also emphasized throughout. In fact, the author herself discusses the historical accuracy of the book at the end of the book. There is nothing inappropriate in this book, and if you love historical/prairie romances, this book is for you.<br /><br />I was pleased with the way in which the author detailed the story and focused on the characters. I hadn't even realized this was the first in a book series, and this is one of the strongest first book in a series I've read in some time. While there are the typical elements the readers will enjoy, there are plenty of moments that will keep you guessing along the way. The romance is a joy, and I would definitely sign up for the next in the series.

Waltz in the Wilderness was a great trek back in time to the rugged land of California. I liked Eliza and Daniel and felt for them as they both began to experience feelings of love for each other while Daniel was still betrothed to another. I appreciated that Daniel and Eliza both respected that engagement, even as it caused them pain to do so.<br /><br />I really enjoyed reading about their travels up into the mountains and what they ended up discovering up there. The side story involving Alice was also interesting and I liked the way the author gave little glimpses throughout the novel as to what had been going on in Alice’s life during the time that she wasn’t answering Daniel’s letters.<br /><br />(4.5 stars)<br /><br />I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.<br /><br />You can read this review on my blog:<br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com/2020/02/14/review-waltz-in-the-wilderness-by-kathleen-denly/">https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...</a>

Love love and love this story!! One of the hardest lessons that we'll ever have to learn in life is letting God have complete control of our lives, even when we think we could do a much better job of putting the pieces of our lives together. It can be so difficult trusting Him with the people we love, our hopes and dreams, everything. The world can be a scary place and there are times when His plans never make any sense. But that's where trust and complete release come into play and it usually turns out to be the best decision ever when the answers to our prayers finally arrive. It's never easy, but He loves us more than we could ever imagine and always has everything under control.

I honestly struggled with this story, mainly due to Eliza's character. Her personality was difficult to connect with. Although she showed slight growth by the end of the book, the progress felt too slow, which also delayed the overall pacing. I found myself more interested in secondary storylines and characters rather than the main cast and plot. I did like Daniel and Richard. Had I not been reading with my book club, I would have DNF'd this title early on. The writing is good. The style just wasn't for me.

Kathleen Denly has written a beautiful tale in the first installment from her Chaparral Hearts series, Waltz in the Wilderness. I adored this book. I enjoyed the historical details throughout the book. The author did a fantastic job with her vision on how it must have been like in that time in history. Eliza is one of those characters that I love from the start and feel a connection to. I admired her courage and bravery. Daniel is a wonderful man of faith. It was great seeing how Eliza and Daniel interacted with one another and I am happy I was able to take this adventure with them.<br /><br />I am giving Waltz in the Wilderness five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love clean historical fiction. I look forward to reading the next book in the Chaparral Hearts series and will be early waiting for its release. <br /><br />I received this book from the publisher. This review 100% my own honest opinion.