08 October 2012

Whispers In The Wind by Lauraine Snelling, Book review

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
ISBN-13: 978-0764204166

Synopsis:
 
Book Two in Lauraine Snelling's Exciting Wild West Wind Series

After fleeing North Dakota and the now defunct Wild West Show, Cassie Lockwood and her companions have finally found the hidden valley in South Dakota where her father had dreamed of putting down roots. But to her dismay, she discovers a ranch already built on her land.

Cassie's arrival surprises Mavis Engstrom and forces her to reveal secrets she's kept hidden for years. Her son Ransom is suspicious of Cassie and questions the validity of her claim to the valley. But Lucas Engstrom decides from the start that he is in love with her and wants to marry her.

Will Cassie be able to build a home on the Bar E Ranch and fulfill her father's dream of raising horses, or will she be forced to return to the itinerant life of her past?

My thoughts:

After reading only the first chapter I knew I should emphazise 'Read the books in order!'. Live and learn!
Anyone who has read Book 1, might enjoy following 'the rest of the story' in 'Whispers In The Wind'. For once, this author however did not meet my expectations.

The title was enticing but I struggled with the characters, some clearer than others and those were the sub characters! The actual plot was difficult to grasp despite a few 'recalled' memories and at times throughly confusing if not right down sluggish.  
As the main character Cassie just does not grab the reader. There is plenty of action and a few interesting factors overall in the novel though (albeit I could have done without the step by step skinning/curing of an Elk for i.e.).

As confusing as Cassie's feelings (should she?, should she not?), I found the whole story lacking 'a little je ne sais quoi'. As to any possible romantic attachment hinted at... No sparks there! (at least so far, but at the rate this story develops, it might take a few more books to find out what happens next...sigh...)

Far from being the good Western I expected, I can only say you must be a fan of Lauraine Snelling's writing or wish to read the continuation of this story in the next installment (and the next...). I do not like loose ends but there was nothing in Book 2 that would entice me to read the rest ( I do not plan to hunt a Elk or stuff sausages anytime soon!).

3 Stars!

About the Author:


Lauraine Snelling, an award-winning author of fifty-plus books with sales of over 2 million copies, also writes for a wide range of magazines and teaches at writers' conferences across the country.
Visit her website (here) for more information! 

 
I received this book free from BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.



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