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A Valley Deep and Wide : Women of the Beartooth
One mountain. One valley. One future.
Everything is going right for Maggie, until it isn’t. She is living her dream when she marries JJ, the love of her life. Their small cabin overlooking a wide valley is exactly where she wants to be. Until she’s forced to face a harsh Montana winter alone.
Michael is determined to leave his painful past behind him. He’d like to settle down but has never had any reason to. Then he meets Maggie. In offering his friendship and help, his heart has found the one woman he’d do anything for.
Will Michael’s patience be rewarded as Maggie struggles to reconcile the betrayal she feels in her heart with the possibility of a new love? How can she leave behind the girl of yesterday to embrace the woman she is today?
Sometimes it takes the past to help us decide our future.
Everything is going right for Maggie, until it isn’t. She is living her dream when she marries JJ, the love of her life. Their small cabin overlooking a wide valley is exactly where she wants to be. Until she’s forced to face a harsh Montana winter alone.
Michael is determined to leave his painful past behind him. He’d like to settle down but has never had any reason to. Then he meets Maggie. In offering his friendship and help, his heart has found the one woman he’d do anything for.
Will Michael’s patience be rewarded as Maggie struggles to reconcile the betrayal she feels in her heart with the possibility of a new love? How can she leave behind the girl of yesterday to embrace the woman she is today?
Sometimes it takes the past to help us decide our future.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
14 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 17, 2024
Aww…
I was a bit worried there that it wasn’t going to be the ending I was hoping for, but luckily the worry was unfounded. You simply can’t help but fall in love with Michael and be amazed with Maggie. It was a wonderful and interesting story and so worth reading.
I was a bit worried there that it wasn’t going to be the ending I was hoping for, but luckily the worry was unfounded. You simply can’t help but fall in love with Michael and be amazed with Maggie. It was a wonderful and interesting story and so worth reading.
April 10, 2024
If you are looking for a historical romance that pulls at your heart strings and takes you on an emotional journey this would be it.
Charli does such a wonderful job in writing a story that is both heartbreaking and full of hope. She shows that grief and loss is not a simple thing to process but full of twists and turns, highs and lows.
She starts you off at an all time high with Maggie and JJ and then just rips the rug right out from under you.
You are there with Maggie as she tries to come to terms with what life has dealt her and you also wonder how this all is going to work out.
I loved that this was such a slow burn and Maggie processes her emotions and decisions she needs to make. Nothing feels rushed or extra but raw and real.
Michael is such a sweetheart. He has gone through so much and has so many scars both seen and unseen. And yet all he desires is to love and be loved. And seeing his journey just made my heart warm.
This book is full of raw emotion, hard situations, hope, joy, and everything in between.
Physical Intimacy Lvl 2.5 (More descriptive kissing, bites, gasps, groans etc) Some innuendo
Zero Swearing
3rd Person Multiple POV
Triggers: Death, Abuse, Physical Alterations, Injuries, Birth, War, Trauma
Charli does such a wonderful job in writing a story that is both heartbreaking and full of hope. She shows that grief and loss is not a simple thing to process but full of twists and turns, highs and lows.
She starts you off at an all time high with Maggie and JJ and then just rips the rug right out from under you.
You are there with Maggie as she tries to come to terms with what life has dealt her and you also wonder how this all is going to work out.
I loved that this was such a slow burn and Maggie processes her emotions and decisions she needs to make. Nothing feels rushed or extra but raw and real.
Michael is such a sweetheart. He has gone through so much and has so many scars both seen and unseen. And yet all he desires is to love and be loved. And seeing his journey just made my heart warm.
This book is full of raw emotion, hard situations, hope, joy, and everything in between.
Physical Intimacy Lvl 2.5 (More descriptive kissing, bites, gasps, groans etc) Some innuendo
Zero Swearing
3rd Person Multiple POV
Triggers: Death, Abuse, Physical Alterations, Injuries, Birth, War, Trauma
June 19, 2023
To start…the beautiful cover draws you in even before you start reading. I enjoyed the book immensely! The characters pulled me in as they shared their life…past and present…I truly enjoyed the relationships in this story, and how they grew into something so intriguing & beautiful. I absolutely can’t wait to read the next book by this creative, funny, and deep-thinking writer.
June 12, 2023
Gentle love in a harsh land
I loved this book! Maggie's emotions were so strong and well written. Yes, I wanted to shake her a couple times but I also understood her. And Michael, oh, I loved him! Such a beautiful story about a gentle healing love. I can't wait for the next book!
I loved this book! Maggie's emotions were so strong and well written. Yes, I wanted to shake her a couple times but I also understood her. And Michael, oh, I loved him! Such a beautiful story about a gentle healing love. I can't wait for the next book!
December 30, 2023
Charli West has written another page turner! Her story of Maggie and Michael is filled with many turns of events to keep you on tender hooks! I loved it!
February 6, 2025
This was my first historical romance book and I loved it! Charli's writing is addicting!
Her character Maggie is one of my favorites!
Her character Maggie is one of my favorites!
September 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I couldn’t put this book down. A Valley Deep and Wide portrays grief in such a raw, powerful way. I cried multiple times. It also leaves your heart warm with the beauty of found family. I fell in love with the characters and the message that home is where the people you love are, and that life can move forward even after loss.
I also loved watching the love story slowly unravel—I was rooting for Michael the whole time!
This story breaks you a little, then gently reminds you of hope. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a romance that's emotional and stays with you long after the last page. I can't wait to read the next book.
I couldn’t put this book down. A Valley Deep and Wide portrays grief in such a raw, powerful way. I cried multiple times. It also leaves your heart warm with the beauty of found family. I fell in love with the characters and the message that home is where the people you love are, and that life can move forward even after loss.
I also loved watching the love story slowly unravel—I was rooting for Michael the whole time!
This story breaks you a little, then gently reminds you of hope. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a romance that's emotional and stays with you long after the last page. I can't wait to read the next book.
July 19, 2023
I did like this book. Even though I don't normally read romance novels, the story line and writing style kept me hooked.
The vibes and feeling of this book reminded me of the movie 'The Bridges of Madison County.' Even though the movie is set in the 1960's, the characters are older and the stories are completely different, but the feeling that the movie gives is the similar to this and you are routing for both characters. The writing is very good and captures the era well and the descriptions make you feel you are right there. I even had tears in my eyes at one point as you felt Maggie's pain.
The relationship between the main characters is a slow one, with lots of trials for them to work through and there are lots of other people around to create a full world that starts in the snowy mountains and ends in the sunny valleys.
I would recommend this book as if you are looking for slow burns, historical settings and well rounded characters, you need look no further.
The vibes and feeling of this book reminded me of the movie 'The Bridges of Madison County.' Even though the movie is set in the 1960's, the characters are older and the stories are completely different, but the feeling that the movie gives is the similar to this and you are routing for both characters. The writing is very good and captures the era well and the descriptions make you feel you are right there. I even had tears in my eyes at one point as you felt Maggie's pain.
The relationship between the main characters is a slow one, with lots of trials for them to work through and there are lots of other people around to create a full world that starts in the snowy mountains and ends in the sunny valleys.
I would recommend this book as if you are looking for slow burns, historical settings and well rounded characters, you need look no further.
December 13, 2024
If you enjoy clean historical romance, this is the author — and the book — for you. Having read several offerings from this author I have come to expect solid tales of feisty women and morally decent men that involve heart and intense emotions. A Valley Deep and Wide was no exception. Losing her beloved husband in a tragic accident was not how newlywed Maggie thought life would go, especially as she is expecting his child. Determined not to leave the mountain home they both adored, Maggie has no idea how much the harsh winter and brutal loneliness will test her resolve to retain her independence.
Michael has been so wrapped up in loneliness and low self-esteem for so long that he imagines that will be his lot in life. When the two meet in tragedy and heartbreak, could it be that each can offer the support and friendship the other desperately craves?
Set in the tough world of frontier America in the 1800s, the author paints a vivid picture of how hard life was for the men and women who sought new horizons with little more than courage and determination between them and disaster.
A wonderful read that inspires and warms.
Michael has been so wrapped up in loneliness and low self-esteem for so long that he imagines that will be his lot in life. When the two meet in tragedy and heartbreak, could it be that each can offer the support and friendship the other desperately craves?
Set in the tough world of frontier America in the 1800s, the author paints a vivid picture of how hard life was for the men and women who sought new horizons with little more than courage and determination between them and disaster.
A wonderful read that inspires and warms.
August 20, 2023
I always love Charli West's take on historical romances. She has an ability to really make her characters suffer heartbreak before they get their HEA. But that tension and grief that go along for a ride always make her endings more satisfying.
Maggie's story is no different. The first few chapters really put her through the wringer before things slowly start to turn around.
I also loved that things weren't predictable as far as historical romances go and the author breaks from societal norms to advance the plot. While Maggie found herself in a difficult situation, she found her own path for what was right.
Another homerun I'll read again.
Maggie's story is no different. The first few chapters really put her through the wringer before things slowly start to turn around.
I also loved that things weren't predictable as far as historical romances go and the author breaks from societal norms to advance the plot. While Maggie found herself in a difficult situation, she found her own path for what was right.
Another homerun I'll read again.
March 21, 2024
I sure did enjoy the characters in this book. I would like Maggie for my best friend. I loved her determination, her strength and the depth of her love. And Michael, a good, patient man. The others were good to get to know also.
There was plenty of action too! And a few twists and turns; one I especially didn’t see coming, but when it did, it helped explain some of the dynamics between certain relatives.
If the reader has any bottled up tears that need to be released, well, Chapter 4 will begin the cleansing flow.
There was plenty of action too! And a few twists and turns; one I especially didn’t see coming, but when it did, it helped explain some of the dynamics between certain relatives.
If the reader has any bottled up tears that need to be released, well, Chapter 4 will begin the cleansing flow.
June 8, 2025
I honestly didn’t know where this book was going to take me for a while! I knew where I wanted it to go but I was worried it wasn’t going to happen. I absolutely adore Maggie and how strong she is. Even at the end of the story she isn’t perfect and has a lot she can still work on and that makes this story so much more real and relatable! All the trials and tribulations the main characters of this story go through cut straight through your heart. You can really feel the emotion this author puts into her books! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
August 19, 2025
Loved it!
Even though Charli West is a self purported ‘happily ever after’ author, she’s not adverse to throwing a little heartbreak in along the way. Such is the case with A Valley Deep and Wide. Michael yearns for what he has never known, while Maggie pines for what she has lost. In classic ‘will they or won’t they’ fashion (my favorite trope - and one with which West never disappoints) they find themselves wondering if what they’re longing for might be found with each other. A great story and I look forward to the next book in the series!
Even though Charli West is a self purported ‘happily ever after’ author, she’s not adverse to throwing a little heartbreak in along the way. Such is the case with A Valley Deep and Wide. Michael yearns for what he has never known, while Maggie pines for what she has lost. In classic ‘will they or won’t they’ fashion (my favorite trope - and one with which West never disappoints) they find themselves wondering if what they’re longing for might be found with each other. A great story and I look forward to the next book in the series!
October 2, 2025
The characters are fleshed out well & the story believable. I liked how the main female character doesn't immediately fall into the arms of a new love after her husband passes, and the mix of emotions she feels is genuine. The ending with her former father in law moving in was rushed for me & I don't feel like there was a resolution to the hell he & his wife had put Maggie through. I also would have liked a mention of Edward & Leola again near the end. That said, I felt the story was well written as expected from this author & I enjoyed reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
If you like clean historical romance, you will love this book! Set in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana in the late 1800s, the story immediately pulled me into the life of newly-married Maggie. This story has a strong, capable, independent woman, tragedy, second chance romance, and an HEA!
I love Montana summers but the thought of winter alone in those mountains like the one Maggie experienced? No thank you! Great descriptions and characters.
I love Montana summers but the thought of winter alone in those mountains like the one Maggie experienced? No thank you! Great descriptions and characters.
September 15, 2024
Heartwarming Story
This was an emotional and heartwarming story. I love a good period piece, and this historical romance was the perfect cozy read. It had all the feels, and was very enjoyable. Two broken people figure out if they can find love and be whole again.
This was an emotional and heartwarming story. I love a good period piece, and this historical romance was the perfect cozy read. It had all the feels, and was very enjoyable. Two broken people figure out if they can find love and be whole again.
January 25, 2025
If you love When Calls The Heart and/or The Love Comes Softly series, then this is a perfect book for you!
Historical Fiction, He falls first and HARD, SO much sizzle without the spice 🌶️🚫
Watch my full review on TikTok or IG: @actoybooks
Historical Fiction, He falls first and HARD, SO much sizzle without the spice 🌶️🚫
Watch my full review on TikTok or IG: @actoybooks
July 22, 2023
Great book
Loved it. I love reading historical stories about homesteaders and the Oregon trail life. Going to look for more books by this author.
Loved it. I love reading historical stories about homesteaders and the Oregon trail life. Going to look for more books by this author.
Read
December 10, 2023This book is full of so many emotions, the author really made you feel the pain, and sadness but also happiness and joy. The details of the events in the book are very well written, making you feel like you are right there, dealing with all the harsh realities of living in the wilderness in the past. The characters are well written. At first I really didn’t like the main male character, but as I learned about what he went through the more I warmed up to him a little more. The time period and setting brings you to a place of struggles and yet very rewarding, settling a wild country with love and the gift of friendship.
August 20, 2023
I always love Charli West's take on historical romances. She has an ability to really make her characters suffer heartbreak before they get their HEA. But that tension and grief that go along for a ride always make her endings more satisfying.
Maggie's story is no different. The first few chapters really put her through the wringer before things slowly start to turn around.
I also loved that things weren't predictable as far as historical romances go and the author breaks from societal norms to advance the plot. While Maggie found herself in a difficult situation, she found her own path for what was right.
Another homerun I'll read again.
Maggie's story is no different. The first few chapters really put her through the wringer before things slowly start to turn around.
I also loved that things weren't predictable as far as historical romances go and the author breaks from societal norms to advance the plot. While Maggie found herself in a difficult situation, she found her own path for what was right.
Another homerun I'll read again.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews