Where the Wind Blows Book

Did not finish, but got halfway through. I bought this because I've been on a Western romance kick -- stories involving kids. This book fit the bill, set near Cheyenne, Wyoming about 1877, with two orphans playing major secondary roles. After buying the Kindle e-book, I got the audio from Audible for just an extra $1.99. Thank goodness, because the best thing about this whole deal is the narrator. Phil Gigante is top drawer. The story gets 2 stars, but his performance gets 4 (not crazy about how he portrayed the heroine).

There are a few nice scenes, like when Chase washed clothes with little Sarah. Gabe (age about 12) and Sarah (about 4) were my favorite characters. I liked how Gabe spoke to his papa, who died a few years ago. The writing is fine. No typos. No coarse language.

So, why only two stars? Why bin it?

The story is driven by stupid misunderstandings. And I was driven, too. Crazy. Nothing adds up. It's like these people live on some other planet, where you never say what you mean. I kept scratching my head.

These people never think things through. Never. Nathan's payroll issue drove me crazy.

Endless platitudes about silver linings and rainbows. Clichés are not inspiring. "Everything will work out. Don't put your umbrella up before it rains."

"Everything happens for a reason. You just have to look hard enough..." Lots of maudlin memories of the hero's former love, Molly. Once or twice is okay. After that? Big yawn.

A heroine who is too stupid to live. Jessie went to town alone at dawn, leaving her brand new orphans -- who moved in only three days ago!!! -- at home alone, all day, with a stranger. An injured stranger at that. She went alone, despite the fact that Chase had been shot (nearly murdered) by unknown snipers just two days ago. Why did she do this? What urgent reason?? To get away from her handsome stranger, healing in her bed. Why does she need to get away? Because he kissed her. Yup. So much ridiculous melodrama about A STUPID KISS!

Poor characterization. So many examples!! A few:

Jessie is supposedly warmhearted, yet never grieves for her first husband, Nathan -- who just died. She never even offers a prayer for him, or a memorial service. Never tries to bring his body home and bury it. Yet we are told she was fond of Nathan, and he was good to her. They were friends. Instead, she gets all cozy with Chase, ASAP.

Jessie is supposedly wise, and a careful mother to her orphans, yet she shared her bed with Chase, unmarried, for several nights. This created the need for a shotgun marriage via Mrs. Busybody Hollyhock. Why? Apparently, there was no other place to sleep. Not even on the rug, in front of the fire.

Jessie is supposedly poor, yet she buys almost all her food in town. No chickens? No garden? Why not? She lives outside of town, has land. The author did mention some peas.

Chase cannot read or even sign his name. However, his friend and mentor Frank Lloyd taught him how to handle investments, banking, bookkeeping. He never taught him to sign his name??? Chase never bothered to learn to read or write, to support his investments at the very least?

Some historic small-town or country romances with kids that I did like:

Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer

Terms of Surrender (entireTerms series) by Lorrie Farrelly

An Angel In The Mail by Callie Hutton

For the Roses and Prince Charming by Julie Garwood

Small Treasures by Maureen Child