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Kate Neilson #1
Winds of Wyoming
Fresh out of a Pennsylvania penitentiary armed with a marketing degree, Kate Neilson heads to Wyoming anticipating an anonymous new beginning as a guest-ranch employee. A typical twenty-five-year-old woman might be looking to lasso a cowboy, but her only desire is to get on with life on the outside—despite her growing interest in the ranch owner. When she discovers a violent ex-lover followed her west, she fears the past she hoped to hide will imprison her once again.
413 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2012
78 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Carey Lyles
13 books23 followers"Finding Hope in All the Wrong Places"
Rebecca Carey Lyles grew up in Wyoming, the setting for her Kate Neilson novels. She and her husband, Steve, currently live in Idaho (not to be confused with Iowa!), the beautiful state that borders Wyoming on the west. In addition to writing fiction and nonfiction, she serves as an editor and a mentor for aspiring authors. "Winds of Freedom" is the sequel to the award-winning first book in the Kate Neilson series, "Winds of Wyoming," and "Winds of Change," is the final book in a series that features female ex-prisoners and addresses human trafficking. The most recent addition to the series is a prequel titled "Winds of Hope."
Becky's articles and stories have appeared in magazines and compilations. Her nonfiction books, "It's a God Thing! Inspiring Stories of Life-Changing Friendships" and "On a Wing and a Prayer - Stories from Freedom Fellowship, a Prison Ministry," are heart-warming collections of true stories about individuals who've faced and overcome life's most difficult challenges.
One of her more enjoyable projects was to borrow fun and fascinating short stories from her critique partners - Valerie D. Gray, Lisa Michelle Hess and Peter Leavell - and compile them, along with several of her own short stories, in a book titled "Passageways - A Short Story Collection."
She has several ideas for future projects, but the one knocking hardest on the backdoor of her brain is a series about individuals trapped in controlled environments run by iron-fisted tyrants. Her books tend to have happy endings, so she'll be searching for the silver lining beneath that dark cloud of oppression - or maybe the rainbow at the end of the storm. :-)
Along with her husband, Steve, Becky hosts an entertaining podcast they call "Let Me Tell You a Story," which can be accessed through several podcast providers as well as her website: http:www.beckylyles.com/podcast.
http://www.beckylyles.com
http://widgetwords.wordpress.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/beckylyles
Rebecca Carey Lyles grew up in Wyoming, the setting for her Kate Neilson novels. She and her husband, Steve, currently live in Idaho (not to be confused with Iowa!), the beautiful state that borders Wyoming on the west. In addition to writing fiction and nonfiction, she serves as an editor and a mentor for aspiring authors. "Winds of Freedom" is the sequel to the award-winning first book in the Kate Neilson series, "Winds of Wyoming," and "Winds of Change," is the final book in a series that features female ex-prisoners and addresses human trafficking. The most recent addition to the series is a prequel titled "Winds of Hope."
Becky's articles and stories have appeared in magazines and compilations. Her nonfiction books, "It's a God Thing! Inspiring Stories of Life-Changing Friendships" and "On a Wing and a Prayer - Stories from Freedom Fellowship, a Prison Ministry," are heart-warming collections of true stories about individuals who've faced and overcome life's most difficult challenges.
One of her more enjoyable projects was to borrow fun and fascinating short stories from her critique partners - Valerie D. Gray, Lisa Michelle Hess and Peter Leavell - and compile them, along with several of her own short stories, in a book titled "Passageways - A Short Story Collection."
She has several ideas for future projects, but the one knocking hardest on the backdoor of her brain is a series about individuals trapped in controlled environments run by iron-fisted tyrants. Her books tend to have happy endings, so she'll be searching for the silver lining beneath that dark cloud of oppression - or maybe the rainbow at the end of the storm. :-)
Along with her husband, Steve, Becky hosts an entertaining podcast they call "Let Me Tell You a Story," which can be accessed through several podcast providers as well as her website: http:www.beckylyles.com/podcast.
http://www.beckylyles.com
http://widgetwords.wordpress.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/beckylyles
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: Fresh out of a Pennsylvania penitentiary armed with a marketing degree, Kate Neilson heads to Wyoming anticipating an anonymous new beginning as a guest-ranch employee. A typical twenty-five-year-old woman might be looking to lasso a cowboy, but her only desire is to get on with life on the outside—despite her growing interest in the ranch owner. When she discovers a violent ex-lover followed her west, she fears the past she hoped to hide will imprison her once again.
REVIEW: As a free Kindle book, I was not sure what to expect from this novel and new-to-me author and was wonderfully surprised. It was a great storyline that included romance, mystery and faith building. The theme of self-forgiveness, second chances and faith fellowship resonated throughout the storyline and with many of the characters. Their were strong main characters, Kate and Mike, and wonderful secondary characters, like Dymple and Manuel. Another strong thread was the difference between good and evil. I look forward to reading the second novel in this Kate Neilson series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: This book was filled with many gems so here are just a few:
"One day I read an article that likened unforgiveness to a noxious weed that sends fat, ugly roots deep into our souls. Though nobody can see those roots, the blossoms of bitterness and the fruit of hatred are very apparent......I picture the root of guilt as having thousands of secondary roots that strangle the soul the way a root-bound plant chokes itself in a pot. The flower of guilt is a perpetual sense of shame, and the shriveled fruit is an impaired relationship with God. He promises to forgive us, but if we don't accept his forgiveness and let him remove the guilt, we will spiritually and emotionally wither up and die."
"Troubles and losses in life are not meant to defeat us but to develop us."
"Only He who can see the invisible can do the impossible."
REVIEW: As a free Kindle book, I was not sure what to expect from this novel and new-to-me author and was wonderfully surprised. It was a great storyline that included romance, mystery and faith building. The theme of self-forgiveness, second chances and faith fellowship resonated throughout the storyline and with many of the characters. Their were strong main characters, Kate and Mike, and wonderful secondary characters, like Dymple and Manuel. Another strong thread was the difference between good and evil. I look forward to reading the second novel in this Kate Neilson series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: This book was filled with many gems so here are just a few:
"One day I read an article that likened unforgiveness to a noxious weed that sends fat, ugly roots deep into our souls. Though nobody can see those roots, the blossoms of bitterness and the fruit of hatred are very apparent......I picture the root of guilt as having thousands of secondary roots that strangle the soul the way a root-bound plant chokes itself in a pot. The flower of guilt is a perpetual sense of shame, and the shriveled fruit is an impaired relationship with God. He promises to forgive us, but if we don't accept his forgiveness and let him remove the guilt, we will spiritually and emotionally wither up and die."
"Troubles and losses in life are not meant to defeat us but to develop us."
"Only He who can see the invisible can do the impossible."
November 19, 2013
Kate Neilson has had a hard life. Orphaned at twelve, in and out of foster homes and reform school, and just out of prison after serving a five-year term. Now she’s hoping to start a new life with a new degree, a new job as a marketing intern on a bison ranch in Wyoming, and a new Christian faith.
The Duncan family are immediately welcoming, but Kate isn’t able to settle in to life at Whispering Pines—it seems part of her past has followed her to Wyoming and is determined she won’t succeed in turning her life around.
Winds of Wyoming was very well written, with a convincing cast of characters and a paced and strong (if somewhat harrowing ) plot with plenty of suspense and a budding romance. The presence of the cliché Other Woman was the main failing, as I found the jealous character to be almost psychotic and the story almost descended into melodrama.
However, I did enjoy Winds of Wyoming, especially getting to know Kate, seeing her conquer her fears, and watching her develop relationships with the people on the ranch and in town—especially Dymple-with a y-Louise Forbes, an old woman with a few surprises of her own. Winds of Wyoming is the first in the Kate Neilson series, and I’ll certainly be interested in reading more.
The Duncan family are immediately welcoming, but Kate isn’t able to settle in to life at Whispering Pines—it seems part of her past has followed her to Wyoming and is determined she won’t succeed in turning her life around.
Winds of Wyoming was very well written, with a convincing cast of characters and a paced and strong (if somewhat harrowing ) plot with plenty of suspense and a budding romance. The presence of the cliché Other Woman was the main failing, as I found the jealous character to be almost psychotic and the story almost descended into melodrama.
However, I did enjoy Winds of Wyoming, especially getting to know Kate, seeing her conquer her fears, and watching her develop relationships with the people on the ranch and in town—especially Dymple-with a y-Louise Forbes, an old woman with a few surprises of her own. Winds of Wyoming is the first in the Kate Neilson series, and I’ll certainly be interested in reading more.
February 7, 2014
I love stories with a western setting, whether historical or contemporary. That’s why I was so excited to read this novel. It proved to be much more than a contemporary western.
The reader discovers characters with much more depth than the wholesome personalities one would expect to find on a guest ranch. Main character Kate Neilson drags a sordid past and a need for redemption and forgiveness clear from Pennsylvania to her internship on the Wyoming Whispering Pines ranch.
Mike Duncan deals with his own issues as he struggles to come to grips with his part in his brother’s death, the threat to his treasured bison herd, and his growing relationship with Kate. Just when he begins to trust her, events indicate that maybe he shouldn’t.
Secondary characters, from the delightful Dymple Forbes and Coach, confined to his wheelchair, to Tramp, the brave and loyal canine, add flavor and uniqueness to the story.
Rebecca Lyles has succeeded in crafting an enjoyable story that conveys a spiritual message of the power of God’s grace.
I look forward to reading more work by this author.
The reader discovers characters with much more depth than the wholesome personalities one would expect to find on a guest ranch. Main character Kate Neilson drags a sordid past and a need for redemption and forgiveness clear from Pennsylvania to her internship on the Wyoming Whispering Pines ranch.
Mike Duncan deals with his own issues as he struggles to come to grips with his part in his brother’s death, the threat to his treasured bison herd, and his growing relationship with Kate. Just when he begins to trust her, events indicate that maybe he shouldn’t.
Secondary characters, from the delightful Dymple Forbes and Coach, confined to his wheelchair, to Tramp, the brave and loyal canine, add flavor and uniqueness to the story.
Rebecca Lyles has succeeded in crafting an enjoyable story that conveys a spiritual message of the power of God’s grace.
I look forward to reading more work by this author.
March 1, 2020
This was an excellent start to a new series. It had a great plot with great characters and a good storyline. It also was religious without being overtly “preachy”. I liked that the main character was a former convict who had found Jesus. It made the story extremely interesting and it really made you think about your own opinions about ex convicts and giving people another chance because that is what God would want you to do.
October 22, 2024
I enjoyed reading this modern time western. The characters were interesting & the settings were poetic. I really had trouble with all of the evil & hate dealt out inbetween the prayers. Good may have won, but the evil is still heavy in the pit of my stomach. I will not read any other books in this series.
May 9, 2017
The only warning I'm going to give you is don't expect to be able to put this book down! It moves quickly and has enjoyable characters.
March 5, 2017
I won this book through Goodreads. Really enjoyed this book. So many twists and turns. Extremely enjoyable read. Very likeable characters.
November 28, 2012
Highly entertaining with a thread of romance and plenty of suspense, Winds of Wyoming is a must-read. The interesting, well-developed characters, especially Kate, will steal your heart and leave you salivating for more Kate Neilson stories. Rebecca Lyles has created a great debut novel that you’ll not soon forget. Five stars, and this is her debut novel; what's next?
There are too many captivating characters to list them all, so, meet the major players in this story:
Kate Neilson has a past, one she’d like to forget. Although she’s in Wyoming, many miles away from her home state of Pennsylvania, an ugly part of her past has followed her there, threatens to haunt her and ruin her chances of realizing her dreams.
Dymple-with a y-Louise Forbes is undoubtedly my favorite character. Spunky and full of grit, the tiny old lady befriends Kate early on, and demonstrates her testimony of faith through her actions.
Mike Duncan, son of Laura Duncan, owner of the Whispering Pines Guest Ranch, helps keep the family business alive and prospering after the passing of his father. Mike seems to take a fancy to the new girl on the ranch, but not without opposition from his long-time friend and the woman who pursues him.
Laura Duncan (“Mrs. D.”) is a brave and determined woman of faith. She struggles against outside influences to retain what rightfully belongs to her and her family and manage her business without interference from certain neighbors.
Clint Barrett, handsome ranch foreman and Mike’s best friend has eyes for Kate. How will he respond when he realizes Mike has also taken a shine to her?
Tara Hughes, self-proclaimed fiancé of Mike, won’t allow anyone to interfere with her dream—marriage to Mike Duncan and acquisition of Whispering Pines. To what lengths will she go to accomplish her goals?
Jerry Ramsey is the co-antagonist, a compulsive, violent man who is bent on having Kate Neilson all to himself—with or without her consent. To what depths will he stoop to get her?
Manuel Ortega is a teen who works at the ranch. Was it because he’d been sent to reform school that people shunned him, or was it because he’s Hispanic? What was it that Kate sensed about him that caused her to trust him?
Cyrus Moore is Whispering Pines’ dining hall manager and a twenty-three veteran of the ranch. Was it just his personality that caused him to grouse at Kate, or was there something more?
October 10, 2012
What I Loved
This book is unlike what I normally read, but that intriguing cover and getting to know Becky Lyles via Twitter put it on my to-read list even before she offered to send me a copy (thanks, Becky!). From then on, it was all Kate.
Kate is...Kate. She's not a whole lot like me, so I wasn't sure how we would get along at first, but she had quite the story to tell. She's independent. She has a sensible head on her shoulders. And she very much has a past...
I really liked the put-you-there-ness in this book. Wyoming really is a beautiful place if it is as the author describes (now I want to go there and I was never much of a Western person before!).
Lastly, the villainy. Ew, there were definitely some shady characters in this book! I almost would have preferred not to have their point-of-views included because I couldn't stand them, but that attests to talent, doesn't it? Even so, I liked how the ending was happy (no spoilers!), even if all the ends weren't tied up in a neat little bow.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy of Winds of Wyoming in exchange for an honest review.
What I Didn't Like As Much
Winds of Wyoming is a book for older readers. Kate spent time in prison and there's mention of her former life that made me cringe. Even so, I think the author did a good job of portraying this without going into too much detail.
Plus, that made this story of redemption and renewal that much sweeter.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy of Winds of Wyoming in exchange for an honest review.
This book is unlike what I normally read, but that intriguing cover and getting to know Becky Lyles via Twitter put it on my to-read list even before she offered to send me a copy (thanks, Becky!). From then on, it was all Kate.
Kate is...Kate. She's not a whole lot like me, so I wasn't sure how we would get along at first, but she had quite the story to tell. She's independent. She has a sensible head on her shoulders. And she very much has a past...
I really liked the put-you-there-ness in this book. Wyoming really is a beautiful place if it is as the author describes (now I want to go there and I was never much of a Western person before!).
Lastly, the villainy. Ew, there were definitely some shady characters in this book! I almost would have preferred not to have their point-of-views included because I couldn't stand them, but that attests to talent, doesn't it? Even so, I liked how the ending was happy (no spoilers!), even if all the ends weren't tied up in a neat little bow.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy of Winds of Wyoming in exchange for an honest review.
What I Didn't Like As Much
Winds of Wyoming is a book for older readers. Kate spent time in prison and there's mention of her former life that made me cringe. Even so, I think the author did a good job of portraying this without going into too much detail.
Plus, that made this story of redemption and renewal that much sweeter.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy of Winds of Wyoming in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2013
I enjoyed this book more than I had expected. I'm not one for westerns, and I was at first concerned that this book was going to be in the "Louis L'Amour" sort of genre. I quickly found that this book is set in current times, and the Wyoming is just the setting for an interesting story involving human relations, life choices, and redemption.
The characters and the story are well done. The protagonist characters are relate-able, and the antagonist characters are over-the-top bad! The plot line is well thought out, and kept me engaged through the entire book.
The Christian themes are not at all overbearing, and serve to give the story and characters a realistic structure. The real life problems and events that the characters go through are all well written. I especially liked how the author showed how people misunderstand each other by their assumptions, their attitudes, and presumptions about what the other person is thinking. There were times I just wanted to tell the two main characters: "Just talk to each other and listen to each other". The tension the author created in these moments was very well done.
I do recommend this book for those who enjoy clean and exciting dramatic fiction that has meaning and depth.
The characters and the story are well done. The protagonist characters are relate-able, and the antagonist characters are over-the-top bad! The plot line is well thought out, and kept me engaged through the entire book.
The Christian themes are not at all overbearing, and serve to give the story and characters a realistic structure. The real life problems and events that the characters go through are all well written. I especially liked how the author showed how people misunderstand each other by their assumptions, their attitudes, and presumptions about what the other person is thinking. There were times I just wanted to tell the two main characters: "Just talk to each other and listen to each other". The tension the author created in these moments was very well done.
I do recommend this book for those who enjoy clean and exciting dramatic fiction that has meaning and depth.
February 25, 2014
Winds of Wyoming follows Kate Neilson, a woman with a past, who after leaving prison hopes for a fresh start as she comes to Wyoming to build a new career with her work as a clerical intern as a guest ranch, but trouble from back home follows her and new trouble finds her.
Overall, there are many ways to look at the book: a suspense story, a romance, and a story of finding peace with God and yourself over the past. It's as the latter that the book works best with many of the other elements supporting that journey.
The characters develop pretty well over the course of the novel. While Neilson comes to Wyoming carrying baggage from her past line, she's not the only one saddled with regret. And the book contains some good, solid characters. Perhaps, the most noteworthy is Dymple, an elderly woman who befriends Kate. At first, it's easy to dismiss Dymple as just a stereotypical kindly Christian old lady, but in the second half, we really see that there's a lot to this character. Lyles seemed to be aware of something some writers forget: that older women were once younger ones with their own past and life.
Overall, the book delivers some solid emotional moments, a well-constructed plot, and a satisfying conclusion in a fascinating setting.
Overall, there are many ways to look at the book: a suspense story, a romance, and a story of finding peace with God and yourself over the past. It's as the latter that the book works best with many of the other elements supporting that journey.
The characters develop pretty well over the course of the novel. While Neilson comes to Wyoming carrying baggage from her past line, she's not the only one saddled with regret. And the book contains some good, solid characters. Perhaps, the most noteworthy is Dymple, an elderly woman who befriends Kate. At first, it's easy to dismiss Dymple as just a stereotypical kindly Christian old lady, but in the second half, we really see that there's a lot to this character. Lyles seemed to be aware of something some writers forget: that older women were once younger ones with their own past and life.
Overall, the book delivers some solid emotional moments, a well-constructed plot, and a satisfying conclusion in a fascinating setting.
August 15, 2013
I hope to read more of her novels. It's well written, an interesting plot and does uphold Christian values. A complimentary copy was sent to the Lake Cy Detention center where I do volunteer work each week sharing Christian materials both fiction and non-fiction. My partner and I are in charge of the book cart each Wednesday.
As part of a campaign to interest more people in the community to donate Christian materials, the author asked if she could donate a copy of this book. The chaplain agreed and when he received the book, he encouraged me to read it. I know it definitely will be an inspiration and a help to the inmates who visit the book cart. I thoroughly enjoyed it...the characters, the plot , the idea of overcoming mistakes in one's past...all well done. Since the girls pick authors that they know ..Beverly Lewis is a favorite..Janette Oke is another favorite, I am certain that once they read this author, they will want more.
You do not have to be in jail or prison to enjoy this book. If you enjoy inspirational reading, romance and overcoming obstacles, you will want to read this.
As part of a campaign to interest more people in the community to donate Christian materials, the author asked if she could donate a copy of this book. The chaplain agreed and when he received the book, he encouraged me to read it. I know it definitely will be an inspiration and a help to the inmates who visit the book cart. I thoroughly enjoyed it...the characters, the plot , the idea of overcoming mistakes in one's past...all well done. Since the girls pick authors that they know ..Beverly Lewis is a favorite..Janette Oke is another favorite, I am certain that once they read this author, they will want more.
You do not have to be in jail or prison to enjoy this book. If you enjoy inspirational reading, romance and overcoming obstacles, you will want to read this.
April 8, 2013
I enjoy a book about flawed characters who overcome their situation - or themselves - to grow into the person God intended them to be. Winds of Wyoming is that kind of story. And it has a handsome cowboy... so how could it go wrong?!
Kate Neilson is trying to turn over the proverbial new leaf. With her criminal background, this is no easy task. With a goon from prison following her across the country, it's even harder.
Mike Duncan can't let go of his past. When Kate walks onto his ranch, he begins to think of a future, unaware that she also has a past.
When buffalo turn up dead and money disappears, all sorts of secrets surface. Plenty of twists and turns as this story unfolds. They'll keep you turning the pages! Suitable for high school and older due to some adult issues.
Kate Neilson is trying to turn over the proverbial new leaf. With her criminal background, this is no easy task. With a goon from prison following her across the country, it's even harder.
Mike Duncan can't let go of his past. When Kate walks onto his ranch, he begins to think of a future, unaware that she also has a past.
When buffalo turn up dead and money disappears, all sorts of secrets surface. Plenty of twists and turns as this story unfolds. They'll keep you turning the pages! Suitable for high school and older due to some adult issues.
September 29, 2015
The plot of this book was mediocre, but the writing and scenarios were worse. If I had to choose one word to describe the whole book I'd choose "cheesy". I moaned several ughs throughout the book and rolled my eyes at least once per chapter.
Okay...another word...convoluted. Too many side things happened that were unexplained and even at the end when the things were being wrapped up, rushing to explain who or why things happened felt forced and incomplete.
Personally, I don't even want to go into the plot of the story because I want to forget it, and no doubt in a week I will.
Ugh.
Okay...another word...convoluted. Too many side things happened that were unexplained and even at the end when the things were being wrapped up, rushing to explain who or why things happened felt forced and incomplete.
Personally, I don't even want to go into the plot of the story because I want to forget it, and no doubt in a week I will.
Ugh.
February 17, 2013
Not what you would expect from your average Christian romance novel. This story is full of God's grace and redemption, but with a heavy dose of the grittier side of life. I enjoyed the characters and the story had plenty to keep me reading.
The romance itself was clean, although it tapered off in the middle and only picked back up at the very end where they agree to date. This made the epilogue of their wedding come out of left field a bit.
Caution: there is some bad language.
The romance itself was clean, although it tapered off in the middle and only picked back up at the very end where they agree to date. This made the epilogue of their wedding come out of left field a bit.
Caution: there is some bad language.
November 13, 2013
This story opens with a girl, fresh out prison trying to steal from a church, and all the other characters were just as unique and fun. I loved the ranch setting in Wyoming with buffalo, horses, wolves … Some of the situations were heavier than you normally read in Christian fiction. It was a brave, authentic story.
February 1, 2012
Winds of Wyoming. a woman moves from Pennsylvania to a
Wyoming dude ranch. Being in prison the past 5 years, she is trying to start anew, but her past is following her.
I liked the book, I am from Wyoming and enjoyed the dude ranch story.
Wyoming dude ranch. Being in prison the past 5 years, she is trying to start anew, but her past is following her.
I liked the book, I am from Wyoming and enjoyed the dude ranch story.
February 4, 2013
Good characterizations ... easy to read ... enough good and bad guys to make it interesting. Knowing who the bad guys are makes it easier, but the good guys are stymied in their attempts to get to the truth. An enjoyable read.
February 1, 2013
This was a cute romance novel with a bit of a mystery included. I was in the mood to read something light like this. It kept my interest, but it wasn't anything profound at all ... just light and entertaining.
March 9, 2014
Loved that it was a western. Enjoyed the story line - like the twists. Not sure about some of the buffalo pieces. One example - - I don't think they would have taken two calves from the mothers and kept them in the back of a pickup all day and half the night.
June 7, 2014
Beautifully written. I loved the characters and the storyline. Rebecca Carey Lyles did a fantastic job of weaving grace into a very exciting plot. Can't wait to read more.
June 11, 2016
Delightful! Loved it! So happy Goodreads gave me a really great reading experience.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews