Valley of Dreams

Wild West Wind #1

by Lauraine Snelling

Exciting New Series by Beloved Author Lauraine SnellingCassie Lockwood's mother died when she was little, so Cassie traveled with her father's Wild West Show and became an amazingly skillful trick rider, likened by some to the famous Annie Oakley. When her father died, she continued to work with the show, having nowhere else to go.Now Cassie has discovered that "Uncle" Jason, the show's manager, has driven the show into debt, and he's absconded with what little money was left. Devastated, Cassie decides to try to find the hidden valley where her father had dreamed of putting down roots. She has only one clue. She needs to find three huge stones that look like fingers raised in a giant hand. With Chief, a Sioux Indian who's been with the show for twenty years, and Micah, the head wrangler, she leaves both the show and a bundle of heartache behind and begins a wild and daring adventure.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

Award-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling has over 80 books published with sales of over 4.5 million. Her original dream was to write horse books for children. Today, she writes adult novels about real issues centered on forgiveness, loss, domestic violence and cancer in her inspirational contemporary women’s fiction titles and historical series, including the favorite, Blessing books about Ingeborg Bjorklund and family.

Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

1906 North Dakota and South Dakota

Cassie lost both of her parents previously and then loses the only life she's known...working as a trick rider in a traveling show. Cassie travels to the land of her father's dreams with two "misfits" from the traveling show.

[writer... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating stories of a young Norwegian woman escaping the unexpected demise of her home in a wild west show travelling North Dakota as life unfolds in this 1st of Wild West Wind series . Well plotted, the author has left me sorry it ended and curious for more!

[Diana C. Kobylak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story about Casey and her animal show act that comes to an end. She has lost her parents and the man now running the show goes bankrupt. Casey is forced to flee after the last show. Chief and Micah accompany her. Along the way they encounter an Indian woman who is wounded. So they tend to her as they travel. The encounter complications along the way. Then Casey finds the deed to her father’s land but discovers she is only half owner.
Side note: The discussions related to hunting and preparation thereof I skipped over.

[Annie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading!
It was so good! Lauraine Snelling has a way with making words flow. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series. I devoured this one!! And the ending just made you wanting to get the next one! 😁

So glad I grabbed this one from my library.

[Elsie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I think this is a first for me.... unfortunately. I didn't even finish this book. I was pretty excited to read it, I thought it had a lot of potential from the back cover summary, but....


Honestly, I was trudging through this book, hoping it was going to pick up some speed and then I had some friends over, cleaned my house and somehow misplaced the book. The bad part was that I wasn't upset that I lost it, because I was so bored with the story by then.


The problem? The main character, Addy, is too naive, too whiny and constantly got on my nerves. She supposedly grew up as the star attraction of a Wild West Show and yet, she seems to have no common sense. I understand that she would not know how to cook or other basic life skills because of the show cook, but it seems that she would have come in contact with a lot of crude people over the years. I just had a hard time believing she was so sheltered.


Then there was the story line - the one that seems so promising. BORING! I was so disappointed! It just trudged along at a snails pace. I honestly didn't even care what happened at the end and I was about 3/4 of the way through it.


The one highlight of the book, in my opinion, was the secondary story line going on, which I'm assuming ends up being about the love interest when Addy makes it to where she was going. Ransom was an interesting character and I enjoyed the chapters of the book about him. But it also kind of irked me that I was sure he and Addy got together at the end and I thought she was too dumb for him.


Anyway.... I'm sure that some people would really like this book. It is a simple, clean read, but it just wasn't for me. If you like unrealistic Christian historical novels, you might try it.


Disclosure: The book was provided to me free of charge by the publisher Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. All opinions in this post are my own and I did not receive any other compensation.

[Angelc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this author, and when I found out she was writing about a Wild West show, I knew I had to read it! It wasn't as much about the show itself, but more about the core characters leaving the show to find the Valley of Dreams. But still, with the heroine and her sharpshooting skills, her gorgeous, attention getting pony, and even a buffalo too old to perform anymore, there were enough references to the show to satisfy me.

The only drawback to the book for me was that it didn't feel complete. It felt like the first book in a series, but not one that could really be read on its own. It was like act one and two of a play, and we were cut off right before there was any real conflict.

I loved the characters, and enjoy reading stories about journeys just as much as the destination, so I did really like the book. I just would have liked for there to be just a few more chapters devoted to an ending so I would feel like there was more closure.

The first book in a new series by a fantastic author, I just wanted the end to sum up a little more of the issues.


sent by publisher in exchange for honest review

reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this trilogy so much! Lauraine Snelling has a way of mixing the culture of the wild west in a beautiful story!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie Lockwood grew up in a traveling Wild West Show, she is an amazingly skillful trick rider and sharpshooter. Her parents have both passed away and she has continued to travel with the show with "Uncle" Jason, her father's best friend and partner, continuing to manage it. Too late Cassie finds out that "Uncle" Jason was a very poor manager and he's run the show into debt and it's about to be taken by the bank. All of the money she let him keep out of her pay is also gone, except for a roll of bills he hands her when she confronts him after he announces to everyone that they are on their own, out of a job. Jason does let her keep her horse Wind Dancer and the Wagon as her father had owned those, he also lets her keep some of the animals including George, the old buffalo.

Two of the crew go with her, Chief and Micah, in search of the valley of her father's dreams. He talked about the valley in Argus, SD all of the time. They leave very early the morning after the announcement and find themselves in the middle of a blizzard and staying in one spot for several days, they get robbed, and find an injured Indian woman, Runs Like a Deer, along the way.

They reach Argus and meet with some acceptance and some resistance, the community is experiencing some cattle rustling which hasn't occurred for years. Will they be blamed for this, after all they are new in town and their group includes two Indians? Some people are friendly and a few try to chase them out of town because of the Chief and Runs Like a Deer.

Oh Lauraine! You really did leave me hanging at the end of this book. I got the second book in the series, Whispers in the Wind, to review for Bethany House but did not want to read it until I read the first one so I bought it, and boy am I glad I did. I had a hard time getting into the book, it took me until about the 8th chapter, but was so glad I continued, and people, DON'T read this series out of sequence! The way Lauraine ends Valley of Dreams, you absolutely have to continue reading.

I've read so many Lauraine Snelling's books, all of the Red River of the North, Return to Red River, Daughters of Blessing, Home to Blessing and Dakotah Treasures series and have loved them all. I think this series will be worth my time also, she has not let me down. Keep up the good work Lauraine and I would suggest if you like her writing, do NOT pass this series up.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been years since I last read a book by Lauraine Snelling but when I read the cover blurb for her latest novel, Valley of Dreams I knew I had to give this author another try. The world of circuses and Wild West shows have always been fascinating to me so a book with an Annie Oakley heroine and furry yet talented critters promised to be entertaining. I'm sad to say I was a bit disappointed. If you're looking for a Christian Water for Elephants type story you will be as sad as I was that this book was not about a circus or show but rather a girl leaving one to fulfill her deceased father's dream. That said after getting over the initial let down that this wasn't going to be about the Lockwood and Talbot Wild West Show it definitely has potential to be an interesting story.

In Valley of Dreams we meet Cassie Lockwood, a sharpshooter and trick rider along with two of her friends Chief and Micah who travel together after the disbanding of the show due to financial woes. They travel with only a few dollars to their name and a few of the furry friends they couldn't bear leaving behind in search of the land Cassie's father owned in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Also introduced separately in the story is the Engstrom family including Ransom and his siblings, Lucas and Gretchen who are struggling to keep their ranch afloat after the death of their father. Both "families" are facing rough spots in their and must rely on God, the kindness of strangers and themselves to make it on life's journey.

Ms. Snelling definitely has a knack for writing a good character but the pacing of the story plods along. I know that this book is going to be a part of the series but it felt as if I read a third of a book rather than a complete story. There really is no growth or development, I felt as if I was just getting to know the characters, especially Cassie, and kept waiting for something more to happen (that "ah ha" moment) but before I knew it the story was over. The conclusion definitely has me wanting to read more but I feel like this is a series that will probably be best read after all the books have been released in order to get the full affect.


*I received my complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for posting my honest review.*

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 1st book in the Wild Winds West Series.

All Cassie Lockwood has ever known is the Wild West Show her father started. Now both her parents have died & the show's manager has run the show - amassing a mountain of debt along the way. The show has to be disbanded & Cassie is left devastated. All she has is the dream of the valley her father talked of, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. All Cassie has to do is find that valley, & with the help of 2 friends they start off on their journey.

I enjoyed this story, getting to know Cassie & her 2 companions on the trail, & also meeting the residents of the Black Hills community where Cassie is headed. The 2 stories go side by side, meeting up at the conclusion - which only leaves you with more questions & a need to read book 2 to find out how things happen!

#2
#3

[Christine Meunier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie Lockwood is a likeable character who at twenty years of age, finds herself without parents and without the career that she's grown up with and the people she's known as family. The end to the Wild West show sets her on a trip to find the valley her father dreamed of settling down in.

As Cassie travels with two companions - one who knows where the valley is - she questions what God has in store for her - does it involve a happy ending? Life as she knew it is over and suddenly she has to learn new skills - many vital to her survival.

Valley of Dreams is an interesting and faith filled read, ending just where you'd like it to pick up! A great lead into the second book.

[Jennah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book at all. It was very boring and didn't have much of a story. It was basically about Cassie, Chief, and Micah trying to get to the Valley that her father had talked about. The only danger that came their way was a man that threatened them and stole all of Cassie's money. But then, Cassie went into town to get the sherriff and he found the man that robbed them and the man politely gave it back. I'm going to read the 2nd book to this series just because I think it will have a better story. Hopefully the next book won't disappoint me like this one did.

[Karin · Rating 1 out of 5]

First book in a series, painfully slow - the main characters didn't even meet! This easily could have been summed up in a chapter or two of flashback in the second book.

[Micaiah Keough]

*drum roll* I FINISHED, WOOT WOOT. XD (and it took me way longer than it should have...) Overall, a vivid novel, though slower than I expected. BUT I WISH THE ENDING WAS LONGER. No fair. 😂

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love to read books set in this time period. Traveling over the plains in a wagon from the Wild West Show with Chief and Micah and an Indian women found on the plains was definitely interesting. Dealing with the weather and finding places were the stock could graze was challenging. The men were sleeping under the wagon. Then they ran into a snow storm. Just the ins and outs of traveling in those days - looking for water sources, fixing meals over a fire, having to eat beans almost every meal because you don't have anything else to eat, hunting for food - all of it makes me so thankful I live in this day and age where we have the modern conveniences of running water, bathrooms and showers, and stores to run to when we want to buy something to eat. I got caught up in Cassie's story and didn't want to put it down. I wondered what she would do if she found the valley of her father's dream. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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This was an extremely descriptive and lengthy book. It was basically well written, but did contain some very boring parts that didn't seem essential. It starts off rather slowly, but other parts were compelling and interesting.

However, I was extremely disappointed when I finally reach the end of the book - after investing my time and attention getting to know all the characters - there was no definitive conclusion. You are required to read the rest of the series to get the answers you have been waiting so patiently for. Therefore, I did deduct in my rating for this.

I'm a staunch believer in expecting each book in a series to be able to stand on its own. This book fails to meet that criteria miserably.

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[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just to prevent unfulfilled expectations, you may want to know a few things. This book is not a romance, nor overly dramatic. It also seems to be a long story split into 3 books, rather than 3 complete, but related stories. Thankfully all 3 are available for me, so I don’t have get impatient.

Question: I heard a reference to some friends of Mavis who live in Washington, and I assume that means Mavis, at least, crosses paths with characters in another book or series. Which one? I’d like to read these in order as much as I can.

[Kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this was a good book, an enjoyable story and writing style, as always, it did meander around something shocking till you realised that it was really only leading up to the next book in the series.
I mean nothing really happened! And my gripe is that the next book, instead of picking up right where we left off, had to spend most of its time filling in the gaps. It could have been one book, that's all.
But all in all it was a good book and I enjoyed reading about the lot of nothing happening!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read many books by Lauraine Snelling. I was drawn in initially to her work because they are set in North Dakota and it’s fun to recognize places that are referenced. They have been easy light hearted reads and I have enjoyed them. This book is set mostly in South Dakota and follows her usual theme of an outsider trying to find her place and finds her way to a strong in faith family/community and they help each other. Like I said, an easy light hearted read :)

[Adam Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was a refreshing read after a lot of garbage I’ve endured lately. A lot of the criticism has been that the book was boring or not much happened which I think speaks to our current society of short attention spans and need to be constantly wowed. This book tells a good story, sets the scene for future installments and develops characters that you want to cheer for. I will be seeking out the next books in this series.

[Marilyn A.Sewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following My Father's Dream

The mark of a great writer. Is their ability to create new and refreshing story lines. Lorraine Smelling is just that, a great writer. I enjoy reading her books. They are always uplifting. Her characters are always strong women. These strong women always have faith in God and belief that God has all the answers. Which a good lesson for all.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lauraine Snelling books, this book was so good the stamina that Cassie had through these travels trying to find her fathers Valley is almost unbelievable. She had good travel companions that taught her to do things out of her comfort zone, but she did it and found her fathers Valley. After reading this first in the series I ordered books 2 and 3, can't wait to get them.

[Adrieanna Guffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been years since I read a Lauraine Snelling book! I enjoyed Valley of Dreams immensely! If you are looking for an easy to read historical fiction that also has secrets that unfold throughout the book that keeps you reading long into the night then I highly recommend this book! I look forward to continuing Cassie’s story in book two of the Wild West Wind trilogy!

[Sandy Duke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a a nice light read for me. A bit tedious in places over describing every movement but I suppose that for those not familiar with working a ranch or hunting it might be interesting.

My biggest problem with this novel is that the plot really never resolved. We are left with no ending and too many questions. Of course, now I have to read the next in the series!

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good. This book is not my usual genre but wanted to change it up a little bit. A young woman who has never had to take care of herself learns the way of the land. A little slow for me but would recommend this to my mom.

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unsatisfying ending but loved the characters. She got where she was going and was welcomed but no real closure. Can they stay? So iffy ending cost a star.
3.5 star
Should note it never sermonizes.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally hate books in a series without the ends tied up neatly, but in this case I loved that the author took her time for me to get to know the characters. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, the girl’s name is Cassie, not Addy like it says in the goodreads description. The story was a little dlow at first, but now that they arein the valley, I expect things to pick up. I would have liked to read about her using her shooting skills more. I look forward to reading more.

[Susan R. Lundine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

This is one of my favorite authors for historical fiction. Her books are clean, and she really develops the characters, and teaches you how people did things in the past, such as storing food or laundry. These characters are unique, not cliches.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ... sweet ... but it was all background and character development. Hardly anything HAPPENED. At this point, the only way I would continue with this series would be if the remaining books were offered free on Kindle Unlimited.