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Winds Across the Prairie #prequel
Amelia's Journey
For Ben Haynes it is love at first sight, but can a Boston socialite find true happiness with a cowboy from Kansas?
Once childhood friends, Ben Haynes is taken with Amelia Carlyle when he runs into her at her sister’s wedding. Although he will be returning to Kansas and life on his father’s ranch, Ben calls on Amelia several times, and they find they have more in common than they first realized. As he leaves for Kansas, they promise to write.
Back in Kansas, Ben begins to save money toward a home for Amelia even though he has not made his intentions known. He’s relying on God to make a way. Meanwhile, Amelia is presented to society and has several young men vying for her attention.
Although Ben has captured Amelia’s heart, her parents make every effort to discourage the relationship, even forbidding Amelia to correspond with him. Amelia tells Ben that she will wait for him as long as it takes, but will the love and loss they experience along the way bring them closer or drive them apart forever?
SERIES DESCRIPTIONSet in Oklahoma Territory before the days of statehood, Winds Across the Prairie is a series of stories of how love and forgiveness can overcome even the most difficult obstacles when God is in control. When one’s heart is attuned to God’s leading, the greatest of sins can be forgiven and a new life begun. These love stories will appeal to women as well as young adults as a story of how God helps His children overcome circumstances when they put their trust in Him.
Once childhood friends, Ben Haynes is taken with Amelia Carlyle when he runs into her at her sister’s wedding. Although he will be returning to Kansas and life on his father’s ranch, Ben calls on Amelia several times, and they find they have more in common than they first realized. As he leaves for Kansas, they promise to write.
Back in Kansas, Ben begins to save money toward a home for Amelia even though he has not made his intentions known. He’s relying on God to make a way. Meanwhile, Amelia is presented to society and has several young men vying for her attention.
Although Ben has captured Amelia’s heart, her parents make every effort to discourage the relationship, even forbidding Amelia to correspond with him. Amelia tells Ben that she will wait for him as long as it takes, but will the love and loss they experience along the way bring them closer or drive them apart forever?
SERIES DESCRIPTIONSet in Oklahoma Territory before the days of statehood, Winds Across the Prairie is a series of stories of how love and forgiveness can overcome even the most difficult obstacles when God is in control. When one’s heart is attuned to God’s leading, the greatest of sins can be forgiven and a new life begun. These love stories will appeal to women as well as young adults as a story of how God helps His children overcome circumstances when they put their trust in Him.
293 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2012
About the author
Martha Rogers
104 books58 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Martha Rogers is a former schoolteacher and English instructor. She served as a newsletter editor for the writer's organization, Inspirational Writers Alive! for six years and is the state president. She is also the director for the annual Texas Christian Writer's Conference and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Her first novel Not on the Menu (May 2007) is a part of Sugar and Grits, a novella collection with DiAnn Mills, Janice Thompson, and Kathleen Y'Barbo. Rogers has a Master's Degree in Education, worked for twenty-eight years as a secondary teacher, and has worked as a supervisory teacher at University of Houston Clear Lake and as an instructor of English Composition at Houston Community College. Martha and her husband live in Houston, Texas and have worked with teenagers at First Baptist Church for twenty-four years.
Martha Rogers is a former schoolteacher and English instructor. She served as a newsletter editor for the writer's organization, Inspirational Writers Alive! for six years and is the state president. She is also the director for the annual Texas Christian Writer's Conference and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Her first novel Not on the Menu (May 2007) is a part of Sugar and Grits, a novella collection with DiAnn Mills, Janice Thompson, and Kathleen Y'Barbo. Rogers has a Master's Degree in Education, worked for twenty-eight years as a secondary teacher, and has worked as a supervisory teacher at University of Houston Clear Lake and as an instructor of English Composition at Houston Community College. Martha and her husband live in Houston, Texas and have worked with teenagers at First Baptist Church for twenty-four years.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 20, 2016
Martha Rogers is a late bloomer so to speak becoming an author as a mature woman, I am sure she must draw from her years as a school teacher also. I like the way she writes and have read several of her books.
"Amelia's Journey" is a prequel to the Winds across the Prairie series.
Two families that knew one another long ago and became separated when one went west and the other stayed in Boston...such different types of living out their lives.
Two of the Children,now grown up Ben and Amelia meet again when a sister is wed. In a short time they realize they are attracted to one another and distance does not seem to matter.
BUT...
The parents of the two seem to have different ideas about this and realize there could be trouble down the road. Amelia's dad in particular wants her to become a society girl and marry well and not leave Boston.
Ben's parents are a little more lenient because they had changed their way of life long ago moving from Boston out west to become ranchers and done well.
Amelia and Ben both are christians and believe in honoring their parents and this causes much heartache as they go forward with becoming closer to one another.
A cowboy from Kansas and a Boston socialite -you must read this story and see how Martha is able to bring the two together despite all the differences.
"Amelia's Journey" is a prequel to the Winds across the Prairie series.
Two families that knew one another long ago and became separated when one went west and the other stayed in Boston...such different types of living out their lives.
Two of the Children,now grown up Ben and Amelia meet again when a sister is wed. In a short time they realize they are attracted to one another and distance does not seem to matter.
BUT...
The parents of the two seem to have different ideas about this and realize there could be trouble down the road. Amelia's dad in particular wants her to become a society girl and marry well and not leave Boston.
Ben's parents are a little more lenient because they had changed their way of life long ago moving from Boston out west to become ranchers and done well.
Amelia and Ben both are christians and believe in honoring their parents and this causes much heartache as they go forward with becoming closer to one another.
A cowboy from Kansas and a Boston socialite -you must read this story and see how Martha is able to bring the two together despite all the differences.
November 29, 2022
Well, now I've finally read this whole series. Honestly, I feel the writing was the weakest in this book, but I still enjoyed reading Amelia's story.
October 23, 2024
În umila mea părere, cred ca nu exista nici o stea, nici măcar prima, în care această carte să se încadreze.
Reformulez, mai bine era să nu fie scrisă deloc…risipă de foi și tipar
Reformulez, mai bine era să nu fie scrisă deloc…risipă de foi și tipar
June 22, 2025
Amelia's father is opposed to her developing a relationship with Ben as he lives in Kansas, so far from Amelia's Boston home. Ben and Amelia love each other enough to respect their parents' decision and wait for God's timing. It does seem unrealistic for Ben to travel back and forth from Kansas to Boston so often.
February 11, 2012
My Mother's Review: A forbidden romance set in the ballrooms of Boston and the Kansas prairie.
What I liked: I really liked how Amelia and Ben respected their parents wishes, in regard to their relationship. I liked how they wrote letters and got to know each other through that. One of the things that I appreciated was how level-headed they were, they didn't run off together and they kept to the rules of society. And I thought it was brilliant how Amelia came prepared to live out west, she knew that she didn't know how to do alot of practical things so she learned! And when Amelia told Ben something that in other books would have put a guy off for a second or two, he said that it didn't matter and I just loved him for that :)
What I didn't like: To me this book seemed a bit disjointed with the constant travel between Boston and Kansas, which not only made it difficult for them to be together but also seemed a bit unrealistic for Ben to travel so often for such a great distance.
One of the things that I thought would have made this book so much easier to follow, would have been if we had gotten to read the many correspondences between Ben and Amelia, because I felt like the letters are really where their relationship developed and I would have liked to have seen a small peek into that part of their relationship. I didn't really think that their face-to-face conversations where as conducive to a relationship as I would have liked, so that's why I really would have liked a peek at those letters!
One of the things that you can take either way was how Amelia's character was for the most part viewed through other peoples eyes and we never stayed in Amelia's head for long.
Okay so this is a nit picky thing, but I grew up on a ranch and some of the ranching procedures weren't exactly what I thought of as realistic, but that's just my take.
Overall: It was a charming romance, but I would have liked to have had more of a front seat view of the relationship. There were some scenes that I didn't think were exactly important for the general arch of the story, and I wished that the story had progressed maybe a bit faster? But I really liked how much they respected their parents and didn't do anything rash in disobedience to their parents. I would recommend this more for people who want a book about Boston society (which was historically well done I might add), than for people who are expecting a western.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review but only to express my honest opinion. Thanks :)
What I liked: I really liked how Amelia and Ben respected their parents wishes, in regard to their relationship. I liked how they wrote letters and got to know each other through that. One of the things that I appreciated was how level-headed they were, they didn't run off together and they kept to the rules of society. And I thought it was brilliant how Amelia came prepared to live out west, she knew that she didn't know how to do alot of practical things so she learned! And when Amelia told Ben something that in other books would have put a guy off for a second or two, he said that it didn't matter and I just loved him for that :)
What I didn't like: To me this book seemed a bit disjointed with the constant travel between Boston and Kansas, which not only made it difficult for them to be together but also seemed a bit unrealistic for Ben to travel so often for such a great distance.
One of the things that I thought would have made this book so much easier to follow, would have been if we had gotten to read the many correspondences between Ben and Amelia, because I felt like the letters are really where their relationship developed and I would have liked to have seen a small peek into that part of their relationship. I didn't really think that their face-to-face conversations where as conducive to a relationship as I would have liked, so that's why I really would have liked a peek at those letters!
One of the things that you can take either way was how Amelia's character was for the most part viewed through other peoples eyes and we never stayed in Amelia's head for long.
Okay so this is a nit picky thing, but I grew up on a ranch and some of the ranching procedures weren't exactly what I thought of as realistic, but that's just my take.
Overall: It was a charming romance, but I would have liked to have had more of a front seat view of the relationship. There were some scenes that I didn't think were exactly important for the general arch of the story, and I wished that the story had progressed maybe a bit faster? But I really liked how much they respected their parents and didn't do anything rash in disobedience to their parents. I would recommend this more for people who want a book about Boston society (which was historically well done I might add), than for people who are expecting a western.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review but only to express my honest opinion. Thanks :)
February 10, 2012
Martha Rogers has became an author to me that I always enjoy reading. Ameila's Journey is no exception and is probably one of my favorites by Martha Rogers so far. I'm a big fan of forbidden romance stories and this is sort of what we have going on with Amelia's Journey.
Ameila Carlyle is a high society daughter in Boston who is being presented to society in the late 1870's in hopes to find a husband that her father approves us. The problem is that Amelia wants nothing to do with society ways but desperately wants to purse a relationship with an old friend Ben Haynes. Her father however is not pleased with her interest in Ben and forbids Amelia to have a relationship with him. The main reason her father is against the union is that Ben lives in Kansas, way too far away from Boston, and that he lives a hard life and he feels his daughter should have a society life that involves parties and servants.
One of the most admirable things about this story is Ben and Amelia's strength to honor and obey her father. Even though they don't agree with her dad's decision they both feel God telling them to obey her parents until God has made a way for them to be together. I can't imagine how hard it would be to patiently sit and wait for your dad to see what you know God is blessing you with. Her dad is bound by fears of losing his daughter and refuses to seek God on the decision because he feels he knows what it is best for his girl.
There are lots of twists and turns and surprises throughout the story that leaving you guessing as to whether or not Amelia and Ben will end up together. I felt like I was biting my nails there at the end because I had no idea what was going to happen.
Amelia's Journey has all you'll love about a Christian Romance; a sweet story, fun and entertaining characters, tension and frustration and an unpredictable outcome!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the FIRST WILD CARD TOURS book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Ameila Carlyle is a high society daughter in Boston who is being presented to society in the late 1870's in hopes to find a husband that her father approves us. The problem is that Amelia wants nothing to do with society ways but desperately wants to purse a relationship with an old friend Ben Haynes. Her father however is not pleased with her interest in Ben and forbids Amelia to have a relationship with him. The main reason her father is against the union is that Ben lives in Kansas, way too far away from Boston, and that he lives a hard life and he feels his daughter should have a society life that involves parties and servants.
One of the most admirable things about this story is Ben and Amelia's strength to honor and obey her father. Even though they don't agree with her dad's decision they both feel God telling them to obey her parents until God has made a way for them to be together. I can't imagine how hard it would be to patiently sit and wait for your dad to see what you know God is blessing you with. Her dad is bound by fears of losing his daughter and refuses to seek God on the decision because he feels he knows what it is best for his girl.
There are lots of twists and turns and surprises throughout the story that leaving you guessing as to whether or not Amelia and Ben will end up together. I felt like I was biting my nails there at the end because I had no idea what was going to happen.
Amelia's Journey has all you'll love about a Christian Romance; a sweet story, fun and entertaining characters, tension and frustration and an unpredictable outcome!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the FIRST WILD CARD TOURS book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
February 20, 2012
Amelia’s Journey is a book that will have you gripped from the first page. The story of Ben and Amelia takes off at their courtship that isn’t really a courtship but is a God-ordained, love at first sight, relationship. Amelia’s parents are not happy with this especially since Ben lives all the way in Kansas and her parent’s simply can’t comprehend how he will be able to continue providing for Amelia in the ways they think she needs. A struggle of God’s Will versus human free will makes for a great plot between two families and two young people ready to wed to matter what the world throws at them.
I was a little surprised because when Amelia’s father tells her to have no contact she continues writing him and he her. It was only after the second time being told that she quit writing, and was proud of herself for obeying her father, but yet quietly rebelling in her heart. Ben though was more willing to do whatever it took, and probably had he known the first time would have quit writing, to win over Amelia’s father. Overall God’s will is done but I won’t tell you how it ends all I can say this was an enjoyable book, but not for the young unmarried as there is hand holding and a couple stolen kisses.
*Special thanks to Jon Wooten of Charisma House for sending me a review copy
I was a little surprised because when Amelia’s father tells her to have no contact she continues writing him and he her. It was only after the second time being told that she quit writing, and was proud of herself for obeying her father, but yet quietly rebelling in her heart. Ben though was more willing to do whatever it took, and probably had he known the first time would have quit writing, to win over Amelia’s father. Overall God’s will is done but I won’t tell you how it ends all I can say this was an enjoyable book, but not for the young unmarried as there is hand holding and a couple stolen kisses.
*Special thanks to Jon Wooten of Charisma House for sending me a review copy
January 28, 2012
This book keeps your attention right from the beginning. The story is set in a high society Boston era, in the late 1870's and Amelia Carlyle is to be presented. She does not want to do this, but her parents have raised her to. Her father expects her to marry well, and she feels God wants her to obey.
Enter a long ago friend all grown up, Ben Hayes. He is now a tall, handsome young man, but he lives in Kansas. Amelia becomes, of course, infatuated with Ben, and he likewise! He comes from Society, the right people, people of Boston.
Amelia's parents, especially her Father thwarts Ben's relationship with her. He forbids her to see him, and wants her to pursue other relationships right here in Massachusetts. They are very afraid of loosing her to Kansas.
With all praying for answers, and wanting to follow God's plans, you will hope they will listen to what He is telling them. A great read and surprise how things turn out!
I received this book from the Publisher Realms, and was not required to give a positive review.
Enter a long ago friend all grown up, Ben Hayes. He is now a tall, handsome young man, but he lives in Kansas. Amelia becomes, of course, infatuated with Ben, and he likewise! He comes from Society, the right people, people of Boston.
Amelia's parents, especially her Father thwarts Ben's relationship with her. He forbids her to see him, and wants her to pursue other relationships right here in Massachusetts. They are very afraid of loosing her to Kansas.
With all praying for answers, and wanting to follow God's plans, you will hope they will listen to what He is telling them. A great read and surprise how things turn out!
I received this book from the Publisher Realms, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 24, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed the Winds Across the Prairie series, so I was delighted to learn that Martha Rogers has added to the series by writing a prequel. This story did not disappoint! Martha Rogers has juxtaposed two very different lifestyles -- high society Boston, with its cotillions and balls and expectations, and a Kansas ranch -- and tied them together with the cords of friendship between two families. I love how she portrays the characters wrestling with their faith within the confines of their roles. What does a daughter under a father's authority do when she feels her father's mandates are in opposition to God's leading? Faith, family, friendship, and love all combine in this heartwarming book. While it can be read independently of the other books in the series (also stand-alones but connected), I predict you will want to find out more about the lives of these families and their descendants!
I received a copy of this book from Realms as part of the FIRST Wild Card Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The views expressed are my own.
I received a copy of this book from Realms as part of the FIRST Wild Card Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The views expressed are my own.
February 12, 2012
When Ben Haynes is reunited with his childhood friend, Amelia, it's love at first sight for both. Ben is a rancher in Kansas and Amelia is a socialite in Boston with a father who refuses to even entertain the idea of his daughter living elsewhere. But, even as Ben must return to Kansas and Amelia is presented to society, they are determined to be together and must learn to rely on faith and God to make it happen.
I really enjoyed Martha's Winds Across the Prairie series and loved getting to know the Haynes' in it. I was thrilled to learn that Martha had written a prequel that shared Ben's and Mellie's story and it didn't disappoint. We meet those who will become Lucy's parents (Becoming Lucy) and learn how Ben and Mellie met and we see shades of the strong matriarch that Amelia will become in future books. Another delightful novel from Martha Rogers and one that made me want to go back and re-read the rest of the series!
I really enjoyed Martha's Winds Across the Prairie series and loved getting to know the Haynes' in it. I was thrilled to learn that Martha had written a prequel that shared Ben's and Mellie's story and it didn't disappoint. We meet those who will become Lucy's parents (Becoming Lucy) and learn how Ben and Mellie met and we see shades of the strong matriarch that Amelia will become in future books. Another delightful novel from Martha Rogers and one that made me want to go back and re-read the rest of the series!
February 13, 2013
LOved this prequel to the Winds Across the Prairie series! What a great idea to finally give us the background behind Mellie and Ben's amazing courtship and marriage. Loved it! It was also great to "meet" Lucy's parents Amanda and Charles Bishop. As well as learn more about Ben's Aunt Clara. A wonderful read for anyone who loves the Winds Across the Prairie series. And if you haven't read the series yet...START with this book!
February 12, 2012
Amelia's Journey
by Martha Rogers
I enjoyed reading this book. It shows how others matter in a relationship. If we only consider our own wants and desires we cannot have a healthy relationship with our parents or a spouse.
Mrs. Rogers has introduced some interesting characters. Some rather humorous in their self absorption. I am looking forward to reading more books by her.
by Martha Rogers
I enjoyed reading this book. It shows how others matter in a relationship. If we only consider our own wants and desires we cannot have a healthy relationship with our parents or a spouse.
Mrs. Rogers has introduced some interesting characters. Some rather humorous in their self absorption. I am looking forward to reading more books by her.
September 20, 2013
The book in itself was good. But found it did not sync with the details laid out in her first book of Ben and Abigail's courtship. For example. Book one says Ben did not want to follow in his father's business and thus leaves Boston. The prequel says that he left with his family as a child. That was only one of several errors where information did not sync with prequel and book one.
July 4, 2012
Amelia falls for Ben, a cowboy from Kansas. They do have family connections but Amelia's family feels she needs to stay safe, follow her social duty and find an appropriate suitor in Boston.
To live on a ranch in Kansas Amelia must learn cooking and sewing ranch style.
293 pages
To live on a ranch in Kansas Amelia must learn cooking and sewing ranch style.
293 pages
June 30, 2012
Prequel to Winds Across the Prarie Series (4 books).
July 29, 2012
Prequels that come out AFTER the series just confuse me cause then I feel like I have to go back and read the others again to get the whole story straight in my head...
May 3, 2017
to trite
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews