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The Women's West #1
So Wide the Sky
Having survived nine years as a Kiowa captive, Cassandra Morgan is being traded back to the whites--returning to a life she hardly remembers. Drew Reynolds, a cavalry captain who was Cassie's first love feels honor-bound to marry her, though she is no longer the innocent girl he once cherished. Lone Hunter Jalbert, a proud half-Indian scout, secretly desires to claim Cassie as his own. Like Cass, he understands what it is like to be caught between two worlds.
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1997
136 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Grayson
17 books18 followersElizabeth Grayson fell in love with historical novels in the third grade. Her teacher read THE GOLD LACE COAT, by Helen Fuller Orton, to her class in preparation for their trip to Fort Niagara—and Elizabeth was hooked. She’s been reading and writing historical novels ever since.
aka Elizabeth Kary
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
and Karen Witmer
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
aka Elizabeth Kary
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
and Karen Witmer
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 5, 2016
**Update from the Author**
Per the author's website, this is the first book in the new 'The Women's West' series of novels taking place on the American frontier. Except this is somewhat misleading. SO WIDE THE SKY was originally published in 1997 in what I consider a mass market format.
I read BRIDE OF THE WILDERNESS in 2012, enjoyed it and began a search for her other books. This was before she started releasing them as an e-book. Each can be read as a stand-alone since none of the characters are related. As far as I understand, there is no rhyme or reason why Mrs. Grayson placed the stories in the order that she did.
This particular story started out in March, 1867. It was set at a time many Americans would rather forget. Cassandra Morgan a.k.a. Sweet Grass Woman was being returned from the Cheyenne people to Captain Drew Reynolds of the United States Army in exchange for food and supplies. Unaware of what will happen, a skirmish ensued. Drew and Cassie survived along with some others and returned to Fort Carr. Neither was aware that they were childhood sweethearts.
This historical fiction encompassed a vast range of emotions. It was also about second chances and moving on. There were deep moments of angst with trust issues continually rippling the surface. Witnessing what came into play was Hunter Jalbert, a halfbreed scout. Like Cassie, he had troubles finding peace.
I want to impress upon readers the bottomless expanse of feelings that I have found while reading one of Ms. Grayson's stories. I felt Drew's intense anger at what happened to his family. I empathized with Cassie's confusion trying to re-enter the white world but looking for solace elsewhere. And Hunter? I really enjoyed his character. Caught between loving a woman whom belonged to someone else and the perplexing pull of SO WIDE THE SKY. Probably the closest story I could compare this narrative to would be Kathleen Harrington's 1990 CHERISH THE DREAM.
After writing this review and posting it elsewhere I received this email from the author:
"Hi L.-- Just a word to explain why these books, which were previously released as mass market editions, are being released in this specific order. SO WIDE THE SKY and COLOR OF THE WIND came out as books one and two are related. Cassie and Hunter from SO WIDE THE SKY make a significant appearance in COLOR OF THE WIND. Because the two books were first released by different publishers no mention was ever made in print of the connection. When bits of Cassie and Hunter's story showed up in COLOR OF THE WIND, I got many letters asking me to tell their story. It was only then that I was able to make the connection between the two books.
A PLACE CALLED HOME and PAINTED BY THE SUN were stand alone stories so they came next. I had to wait to get the rights back from my publisher for MOON IN THE WATER. It should be coming out in the next few months. The sixth book BRIDE OF THE WILDERNESS was the earliest book in the ones I chose to include in the WOMEN OF THE WEST SERIES. That means it needs serious revision, not so much in terms of the story, but in the density of the prose. That is the project I am turning to next.
The reason I have chosen to reissue older books -- as many authors are doing these days -- is because five of the six books were never available as ebooks. I wanted to make my work available to readers who prefer the convenience of being able to read in this "new" format.
I hope this answers your question. I want to thank you for remembering SO WIDE THE SKY from your earlier reading of it. Also thanks for your kind words about my story. Best wishes and happy reading -- Elizabeth Grayson"
**And my additional comments now that I have finished the series:
I actually favored BRIDE OF THE WILDERNESS in paperback format. And though I enjoyed reading Hunter and Cassie's story I would say that BOTW was my favorite. Sadly, I no longer have this book. I remember it having many layers of emotions along with an unlikely H/h.
There were several comments written elsewhere about "too much sex" and "infidelities". I try to always tag a book with 'clean romance' if there is no sex. Yes, each of the stories contained some sexual situations but IMHO nothing not already done elsewhere. And the husband, Drew, was a wackadoodle- you just have to read the story to understand these characters.**
Per the author's website, this is the first book in the new 'The Women's West' series of novels taking place on the American frontier. Except this is somewhat misleading. SO WIDE THE SKY was originally published in 1997 in what I consider a mass market format.
I read BRIDE OF THE WILDERNESS in 2012, enjoyed it and began a search for her other books. This was before she started releasing them as an e-book. Each can be read as a stand-alone since none of the characters are related. As far as I understand, there is no rhyme or reason why Mrs. Grayson placed the stories in the order that she did.
This particular story started out in March, 1867. It was set at a time many Americans would rather forget. Cassandra Morgan a.k.a. Sweet Grass Woman was being returned from the Cheyenne people to Captain Drew Reynolds of the United States Army in exchange for food and supplies. Unaware of what will happen, a skirmish ensued. Drew and Cassie survived along with some others and returned to Fort Carr. Neither was aware that they were childhood sweethearts.
This historical fiction encompassed a vast range of emotions. It was also about second chances and moving on. There were deep moments of angst with trust issues continually rippling the surface. Witnessing what came into play was Hunter Jalbert, a halfbreed scout. Like Cassie, he had troubles finding peace.
I want to impress upon readers the bottomless expanse of feelings that I have found while reading one of Ms. Grayson's stories. I felt Drew's intense anger at what happened to his family. I empathized with Cassie's confusion trying to re-enter the white world but looking for solace elsewhere. And Hunter? I really enjoyed his character. Caught between loving a woman whom belonged to someone else and the perplexing pull of SO WIDE THE SKY. Probably the closest story I could compare this narrative to would be Kathleen Harrington's 1990 CHERISH THE DREAM.
After writing this review and posting it elsewhere I received this email from the author:
"Hi L.-- Just a word to explain why these books, which were previously released as mass market editions, are being released in this specific order. SO WIDE THE SKY and COLOR OF THE WIND came out as books one and two are related. Cassie and Hunter from SO WIDE THE SKY make a significant appearance in COLOR OF THE WIND. Because the two books were first released by different publishers no mention was ever made in print of the connection. When bits of Cassie and Hunter's story showed up in COLOR OF THE WIND, I got many letters asking me to tell their story. It was only then that I was able to make the connection between the two books.
A PLACE CALLED HOME and PAINTED BY THE SUN were stand alone stories so they came next. I had to wait to get the rights back from my publisher for MOON IN THE WATER. It should be coming out in the next few months. The sixth book BRIDE OF THE WILDERNESS was the earliest book in the ones I chose to include in the WOMEN OF THE WEST SERIES. That means it needs serious revision, not so much in terms of the story, but in the density of the prose. That is the project I am turning to next.
The reason I have chosen to reissue older books -- as many authors are doing these days -- is because five of the six books were never available as ebooks. I wanted to make my work available to readers who prefer the convenience of being able to read in this "new" format.
I hope this answers your question. I want to thank you for remembering SO WIDE THE SKY from your earlier reading of it. Also thanks for your kind words about my story. Best wishes and happy reading -- Elizabeth Grayson"
**And my additional comments now that I have finished the series:
I actually favored BRIDE OF THE WILDERNESS in paperback format. And though I enjoyed reading Hunter and Cassie's story I would say that BOTW was my favorite. Sadly, I no longer have this book. I remember it having many layers of emotions along with an unlikely H/h.
There were several comments written elsewhere about "too much sex" and "infidelities". I try to always tag a book with 'clean romance' if there is no sex. Yes, each of the stories contained some sexual situations but IMHO nothing not already done elsewhere. And the husband, Drew, was a wackadoodle- you just have to read the story to understand these characters.**
September 19, 2016
Another excellent 5-star book that I've been sitting on to for too long, probably because I've not wanted to get into a read with substance. What a doofus I can be at times! "So Wide The Sky" is beautifully written and emotional, about a young girl captured by American Indians and forced into slavery and then marriage. When she is traded back to the whites, she is caught between two worlds, neither Indian nor white, and marked with a tattoo on her face.
I enjoyed most everything about this book, especially the obvious parallel from the historical Olive Oatman. I was slightly disappointed in the extreme portrayal of Captain Drew in the end, and thought the book would have had more emotional poignancy if Drew wasn't such a dipstick. That would have made Cass's choice that much harder.
Overall, excellent reading.
I enjoyed most everything about this book, especially the obvious parallel from the historical Olive Oatman. I was slightly disappointed in the extreme portrayal of Captain Drew in the end, and thought the book would have had more emotional poignancy if Drew wasn't such a dipstick. That would have made Cass's choice that much harder.
Overall, excellent reading.
July 28, 2019
I liked the storyline for this book and the characters were well thought out. It really showed how much prejudice was about at this time. I was pleased by the ending. The author had done a good amount of research but unfortunately I just found it too long. I found myself skimming through some parts. I received a copy from eBooks Discovery and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 12, 2025
4.5/5 stars
June 25, 2015
I only wish I knew more adjectives
Describing this story for me is difficult. It was so well written, so beautifully told and very heart warming. I love walking through the woods. When the author was describing how the earth smelled and how the sky looked, I knew those exact feelings. The heartache of being between between two worlds is indescribable if you have not been there. Never fitting in is very lonely. The feelings of not being just like the others is confusing. There was one however that knew exactly how she felt as he too was in the same boat. When and if you find that person, you find a relief that no one else can understand. If you like Western historical fiction, this is the BEST one that I have ever read. Including the lovely romance that finally comes to her at last.
Describing this story for me is difficult. It was so well written, so beautifully told and very heart warming. I love walking through the woods. When the author was describing how the earth smelled and how the sky looked, I knew those exact feelings. The heartache of being between between two worlds is indescribable if you have not been there. Never fitting in is very lonely. The feelings of not being just like the others is confusing. There was one however that knew exactly how she felt as he too was in the same boat. When and if you find that person, you find a relief that no one else can understand. If you like Western historical fiction, this is the BEST one that I have ever read. Including the lovely romance that finally comes to her at last.
August 6, 2017
Army, Indian romance
There were a few editing issues. Several love scenes, easily skipped for a cleaner read. I thought the story was very good. I loved the characters. This author is very descriptive, and it seemed too run on a bit too much.
There were a few editing issues. Several love scenes, easily skipped for a cleaner read. I thought the story was very good. I loved the characters. This author is very descriptive, and it seemed too run on a bit too much.
August 11, 2018
Breathtaking
I literally have been having heart palpitations everytime I pick up this book. It is so good, so engrossing. The complexity of characters was astounding. The duality of Cass' life was heartwrenching at times. This book opened my eyes to the war on the plains. I've always been on the side of the Native American and have taught my children that we only live here because the white man killed the Native Americans and stole their land. I hated learning in school about how the land was seized and the Natives forced out, always with a healthy dose of 'us whites earned this land and were good and fair to the Indians'. This book shows that. It shows what you were never taught. The wars were terrible on both sides and prejudice ran long and deep in the hearts if anyone touched by the wars.
This book shows why those prejudices and hurts were so ingrained so vital for the people who had them held on with all they had or face the bitter truth of what they were doing. This book was simply amazing. I find I want to read sections to my children to teach them how it really was then but will wait till they're older.
HIGHLY recommend this wonderful book but give caution to the weak of heart, this book doesn't sugar coat anything and you will be tossed about emotionally for the duration.
I rarely give 5 stars and this book earned every single one.
Happy reading, cheers
I literally have been having heart palpitations everytime I pick up this book. It is so good, so engrossing. The complexity of characters was astounding. The duality of Cass' life was heartwrenching at times. This book opened my eyes to the war on the plains. I've always been on the side of the Native American and have taught my children that we only live here because the white man killed the Native Americans and stole their land. I hated learning in school about how the land was seized and the Natives forced out, always with a healthy dose of 'us whites earned this land and were good and fair to the Indians'. This book shows that. It shows what you were never taught. The wars were terrible on both sides and prejudice ran long and deep in the hearts if anyone touched by the wars.
This book shows why those prejudices and hurts were so ingrained so vital for the people who had them held on with all they had or face the bitter truth of what they were doing. This book was simply amazing. I find I want to read sections to my children to teach them how it really was then but will wait till they're older.
HIGHLY recommend this wonderful book but give caution to the weak of heart, this book doesn't sugar coat anything and you will be tossed about emotionally for the duration.
I rarely give 5 stars and this book earned every single one.
Happy reading, cheers
July 17, 2019
Wyoming Territory Saga with Twists and Turns
At 15, Cassandra Morgan's whole family was massacred and she was captured by the Kiowa. At 24 she is finally recovered by the Army, only for her real struggles to begin.
So Wide the Sky by Elizabeth Grayson is a beautifully written story of love lost, determined survival and love found. The historical descriptions of the native peoples and the vast Wyoming territory in the nineteenth century allows the reader to step into that era and bask in the natural beauty and flinch at the cultural discrimination and brutalities.
For either good or bad, each character within this expansive saga has his or her own voice and unique personality. Cassie, the heroine is strong, brave, loyal and likable. She is faced with almost impossible decisions and obstacles, but still she remains true to her deeper self.
I loved this stand alone book, which included a HEA epilogue. I would have given it five stars were it not for the language (see content alert).
Content alert: The sexually intimate scenes are beautifully written, but descriptive. There is a moderate amount of secular swearing, but I had a problem with the many religious expletives.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
At 15, Cassandra Morgan's whole family was massacred and she was captured by the Kiowa. At 24 she is finally recovered by the Army, only for her real struggles to begin.
So Wide the Sky by Elizabeth Grayson is a beautifully written story of love lost, determined survival and love found. The historical descriptions of the native peoples and the vast Wyoming territory in the nineteenth century allows the reader to step into that era and bask in the natural beauty and flinch at the cultural discrimination and brutalities.
For either good or bad, each character within this expansive saga has his or her own voice and unique personality. Cassie, the heroine is strong, brave, loyal and likable. She is faced with almost impossible decisions and obstacles, but still she remains true to her deeper self.
I loved this stand alone book, which included a HEA epilogue. I would have given it five stars were it not for the language (see content alert).
Content alert: The sexually intimate scenes are beautifully written, but descriptive. There is a moderate amount of secular swearing, but I had a problem with the many religious expletives.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
September 11, 2018
Rating 3.5
An interesting novel and story of a white woman who was a captive 9 years with Indians and then was released to the whites.
I understood why she wanted to marry Derek in order to have security. She was correct. If she lived with him as a housekeeper she would have been labeled a whore. However, it was obvious from the beginning that their marriage was going to be a disaster if Cassandra couldn't become exactly the sweet, biddable, correct white woman Derek remembered Cassandra being.
It was interesting to see Cass trying to be what Derek wanted and how she struggled. As a survivor I thought she would do a better job. But, if she had she would have totally lost her identify. I would have to say that over the centuries, women have been told to think and behave a certain way and condemed if they didn't comply. How many women have been deeply unhappy, gone crazy, given up because they didn't fit the cultural expectations of what a woman was supposed to be.
I didn't particularly like the ending. I thought the resolution to all Cass's problems were a little too pat. I also didn't like the epilogue. Derek was an asshole, had no redeeming qualities and shouldn't have been forgiven so easily.
An interesting novel and story of a white woman who was a captive 9 years with Indians and then was released to the whites.
I understood why she wanted to marry Derek in order to have security. She was correct. If she lived with him as a housekeeper she would have been labeled a whore. However, it was obvious from the beginning that their marriage was going to be a disaster if Cassandra couldn't become exactly the sweet, biddable, correct white woman Derek remembered Cassandra being.
It was interesting to see Cass trying to be what Derek wanted and how she struggled. As a survivor I thought she would do a better job. But, if she had she would have totally lost her identify. I would have to say that over the centuries, women have been told to think and behave a certain way and condemed if they didn't comply. How many women have been deeply unhappy, gone crazy, given up because they didn't fit the cultural expectations of what a woman was supposed to be.
I didn't particularly like the ending. I thought the resolution to all Cass's problems were a little too pat. I also didn't like the epilogue. Derek was an asshole, had no redeeming qualities and shouldn't have been forgiven so easily.
July 29, 2019
Set in the mid-1800s, this dramatic story keeps one in suspense throughout. It is a rare person who does not have to deal with rejection or the need for acceptance. Having been captured by the Kiowa and tattooed, thereby putting their mark on her, Cassie is finally rescued. However having to endure intense discrimination as a result of living with Indians, she finds it difficult to assimilate with the life she once knew. Her experiences have made her stronger and more resilient and thus when faced with new pain and difficulties, she is able to take action and hold her own. One can understand Drew's anger and resentment, following the tragedy early in their lives, but it has tainted his life and the decisions he makes. Growing up as a half-breed, Lone Hunter has understanding for Cassie's predicament, but whilst he loves her, he knows that she is not his to keep. Steeped in history, this novel gives one insights into the hardships of the early settlers, as well as a beautiful picture painted in words of the landscape. This book is well written but painful to read, however it does come to a peaceful close. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
July 30, 2019
I received this book from ebook discovery for review. I read two chapters into it and realized I read this book four years ago before I started reviewing for my blog.
This story is deeply emotional on all levels. Cassie is not the same woman that Drew fell I love with nine years ago. She spent years as a Kiowa slave. She was bought by a Cheyenne chief, and was married to him until he no longer needed her, sold her back to the whites for food for the winter.
Drew marries her because he feels guilty for not saving her on the Santa Fe Trail. He treats her with no respect and eventually Cassie divorces him Indian style. The tensions are high and Drew is definitely not the same boy that Cassie remembers. It’s a story of tragedy, love, courage and pride. How does one fit back into a life where no one understands? Where the life you were comfortable in is torn away because you are worth more gone; what do you do? And the one man who understands cannot help you become part of your old society.
This story asks all these questions and delivers an astoundingly emotional story.
This story is deeply emotional on all levels. Cassie is not the same woman that Drew fell I love with nine years ago. She spent years as a Kiowa slave. She was bought by a Cheyenne chief, and was married to him until he no longer needed her, sold her back to the whites for food for the winter.
Drew marries her because he feels guilty for not saving her on the Santa Fe Trail. He treats her with no respect and eventually Cassie divorces him Indian style. The tensions are high and Drew is definitely not the same boy that Cassie remembers. It’s a story of tragedy, love, courage and pride. How does one fit back into a life where no one understands? Where the life you were comfortable in is torn away because you are worth more gone; what do you do? And the one man who understands cannot help you become part of your old society.
This story asks all these questions and delivers an astoundingly emotional story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
3.5-4 stars
I like the book. I didn’t like how over half the book Cassandra was in the believe that she loved drew. I kept reading thinking, When is the love story between Cassandra and Hunter going to start. We knew that Hunter had feelings for Cassandra early on, but we didn’t know how she felt about him.
I also did not like the ending too much. I didn’t like that. Cassandra finally got pregnant by Drew. I mean Hunter’s already racing Maggie and now he has to raise another of Drew’s baby. I’m not here for it.
I like that they ended up together, which was good because Hunter genuinely was in love with Cassandra and he was devoted to her. I liked Hunter as a character very much.
The depiction of Drew was just to make the reader hate him. And I did.
The story was a bit long went dead and some parts that were not really necessary. But overall, the book was good.
I like the book. I didn’t like how over half the book Cassandra was in the believe that she loved drew. I kept reading thinking, When is the love story between Cassandra and Hunter going to start. We knew that Hunter had feelings for Cassandra early on, but we didn’t know how she felt about him.
I also did not like the ending too much. I didn’t like that. Cassandra finally got pregnant by Drew. I mean Hunter’s already racing Maggie and now he has to raise another of Drew’s baby. I’m not here for it.
I like that they ended up together, which was good because Hunter genuinely was in love with Cassandra and he was devoted to her. I liked Hunter as a character very much.
The depiction of Drew was just to make the reader hate him. And I did.
The story was a bit long went dead and some parts that were not really necessary. But overall, the book was good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2019
wow, what a wonderful reading I really loved this story. I loved the depth of the characters and the storyline I loved the fact that Drew, was depicted with this complexity, his humanity and flaws but also qualities How I felt, suffered and hoped for Cassie and for Hunter, what a hero ge was strong yet tender I loved the interactions between Meggie and her father, Cassie, Hunter. wonderful story of belonging and a formidable journey to home. I had previously read His dakota Captive by Jenna Kernan which was also a wonderful read. Two stories of survival portrayed wonderfully.
August 10, 2018
So Wide the Sky ( The Women's West Series, Book 1)
This Book was so elegantly written, Cass was a girl when taken as a captive by the Indians but her journey through her life was just beginning. Sometimes our lives come full circle when our past and our present collide in order for you to figure out just where to go to find your future. BRAVO 👏👏BRAVO 👏BRAVO We definitely need more book written like this one!!!
This Book was so elegantly written, Cass was a girl when taken as a captive by the Indians but her journey through her life was just beginning. Sometimes our lives come full circle when our past and our present collide in order for you to figure out just where to go to find your future. BRAVO 👏👏BRAVO 👏BRAVO We definitely need more book written like this one!!!
May 29, 2017
Amazing story
A new author to me. An amazing story that I could not put down. It felt like it was based on solid historical research but nevertheless it was a beautiful story of loss and redemption. Highly recommended.
A new author to me. An amazing story that I could not put down. It felt like it was based on solid historical research but nevertheless it was a beautiful story of loss and redemption. Highly recommended.
February 18, 2020
She is a white captive traded back to the whites. He is a half breed scout. He helps her find her way back into civilisation but looses her to her former male friend. Eventually, through heartache etc she realises she belongs to the half breed. HEA ending.
August 19, 2018
Great read
The story makes you want to read more. The details of this time in history are genuine. Heartbreaking story, with a twisting plot.
The story makes you want to read more. The details of this time in history are genuine. Heartbreaking story, with a twisting plot.
March 18, 2019
I enjoyed reading.
July 3, 2019
I love a stories that grip my emotions. Interesting plot with clever twists. Well done!
April 11, 2015
Lost between two cultures.
Cassandra (Cass) Morgan believes she’s the only survivor of the Indian attack on the small wagon train nine years ago. Sold back to the US Army for a wagonload of supplies, she belongs to neither world.
Captain Drew Reynolds’ hatred of Indians and need for revenge festered during his years at West Point and continued during the Civil War. Now he’s in Wyoming, eager to battle against the Indians who killed all the people he loved.
Cass and Drew were sweethearts before they were torn apart by the Indian attack. Now she’s back, but her facial tattoo prevents him from totally accepting her. He intends to hire her as housekeeper for his young, motherless daughter but Cass insists on marriage. She needs the protection of his rank and status – but even that is not enough to prevent others from twisting facts to paint her as a traitor.
Only one man at the fort – the half-breed scout Hunter Jalbert – understands her position.
This is a great story told well. I appreciated the frequent references to Cass’ need to see the wide sky of the American West.
Cassandra (Cass) Morgan believes she’s the only survivor of the Indian attack on the small wagon train nine years ago. Sold back to the US Army for a wagonload of supplies, she belongs to neither world.
Captain Drew Reynolds’ hatred of Indians and need for revenge festered during his years at West Point and continued during the Civil War. Now he’s in Wyoming, eager to battle against the Indians who killed all the people he loved.
Cass and Drew were sweethearts before they were torn apart by the Indian attack. Now she’s back, but her facial tattoo prevents him from totally accepting her. He intends to hire her as housekeeper for his young, motherless daughter but Cass insists on marriage. She needs the protection of his rank and status – but even that is not enough to prevent others from twisting facts to paint her as a traitor.
Only one man at the fort – the half-breed scout Hunter Jalbert – understands her position.
This is a great story told well. I appreciated the frequent references to Cass’ need to see the wide sky of the American West.
June 16, 2019
The writing in this book is wonderful. Whole sections of this novel are 'poetry in prose.' Cassandra Morgan was captured by Indians when she was 15. Besides the usual things that happened to young women, she was permanently disfigured (tattooed on the face). When traded back to the whites for provisions, Cassandra faces the prejudices captured whites endure when living again amongst whites.
As Cassandra tries to filter back into the life she once knew, she is aided by a half-breed, Hunter Jalbert, a scout for the military. He does not speak of his attraction to her and Cassandra marries an army officer she grew up with in Kentucky (who is now assigned to the fort where Cassandra is brought).
Captain Drew Reynolds is a study in contrasts. He hates Indians in spite of marrying Cassandra. He struggles internally when Cassie is named as a traitor.
There is so much suppressed emotion in this book. Grayson obviously knows much about the history of this period and she uses it to advantage throughout the novel. A unique plot; a great read!
As Cassandra tries to filter back into the life she once knew, she is aided by a half-breed, Hunter Jalbert, a scout for the military. He does not speak of his attraction to her and Cassandra marries an army officer she grew up with in Kentucky (who is now assigned to the fort where Cassandra is brought).
Captain Drew Reynolds is a study in contrasts. He hates Indians in spite of marrying Cassandra. He struggles internally when Cassie is named as a traitor.
There is so much suppressed emotion in this book. Grayson obviously knows much about the history of this period and she uses it to advantage throughout the novel. A unique plot; a great read!
May 1, 2015
I found this book to be riveting from start to end. A perfect romance. Highly engaging prose. So many themes resonated with me from the pain of choosing the wrong man to challenges faced during the settling of the West. Even the holistic remedies employed by the heroine had my interest in this age when so many of us are seeking natural remedies. This author skillfully presents each character's perspective in perfect detail. Her ability to put herself into other's shoes benefits the reader from the rich story which unfolds. And, instead of upstaging the romance, the history of the period is eloquently woven in, furthering the tension that the characters had to endure in order to find true happiness together. And there is tension. I recommend you read the second half of the novel during the day because the suspense will keep you up all night
December 29, 2016
I was given a copy of SO WIDE THE SKY for free in exchange for my honest review.
When I review a book, I try to describe how the book made me feel instead of describing the story because that's the job of the book cover.
I really enjoyed this historical romance novel. I learned about what happened to the white female captives of the Indians and what a woman had to do to survive. I felt her shame as she tried to learn with white people with dignity. I felt the conflicting emotions that her husband dealt with as he remembered the past as he tried to have a future. This well-written book gives multiple characters emotions that are like living people, sometimes like two sides of a coin where opposite emotions are equally strong within the person.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
When I review a book, I try to describe how the book made me feel instead of describing the story because that's the job of the book cover.
I really enjoyed this historical romance novel. I learned about what happened to the white female captives of the Indians and what a woman had to do to survive. I felt her shame as she tried to learn with white people with dignity. I felt the conflicting emotions that her husband dealt with as he remembered the past as he tried to have a future. This well-written book gives multiple characters emotions that are like living people, sometimes like two sides of a coin where opposite emotions are equally strong within the person.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
June 28, 2015
4.5 stars
Just as good as I remembered another one of this author's books a a decade and a half back. This is exactly how I like my historical western romances; intriguing and sympathetic characters (even the "bad guy" has a reason for his behavior and as a reader I even feel sympathy for him), a great story line with clear parallels to the Olive Oatman story and life's destiny, which I read about in time-life book about the women of the old west when I was a kid. A great start from the very first scene and not a dull moment throughout.
I am so happy I now have more Grayson stories to enjoy - thanks to ebooks!
Just as good as I remembered another one of this author's books a a decade and a half back. This is exactly how I like my historical western romances; intriguing and sympathetic characters (even the "bad guy" has a reason for his behavior and as a reader I even feel sympathy for him), a great story line with clear parallels to the Olive Oatman story and life's destiny, which I read about in time-life book about the women of the old west when I was a kid. A great start from the very first scene and not a dull moment throughout.
I am so happy I now have more Grayson stories to enjoy - thanks to ebooks!
November 26, 2016
Wow! To be trapped between two culture and belong to neither would be incredibly difficult. Captured at 15 by the Kiowa indians and marked by them for life I felt deeply for Cassandra. She was changed by her life with the indians and was never really accepted by the white when she was traded back after 9 years of captivity. Her struggles to fit back into the life of a white woman even after marrying the first love who had somehow escaped the same indian attack she had been captured in. Both were marked by that event. This is a moving and emotional story.
January 7, 2017
The story was interesting ad I liked the fact the characters are not perfect beings. They have scars. All of them. And it still affect them, it is what made them who they are. Having their different point of view allow us to understand them even if we disagree.
I liked the insight in the Indians culture, different for each tribes but always so opposed to what the "white" would be used to. I liked how instead of an happy-ending we have something more along the line of hope and change. It is much more realistic.
I liked the insight in the Indians culture, different for each tribes but always so opposed to what the "white" would be used to. I liked how instead of an happy-ending we have something more along the line of hope and change. It is much more realistic.
August 12, 2016
So Wide the Sky was much better written than most of the other ebooks I've read lately. My favorite thing about it was that it showed the difficulty a rescued captive of Indians had in trying to fit back in with white society. I also liked that Grayson didn't shy away from the goodness or brutality in either culture. 3.5 stars.
February 22, 2016
Well I had not read this author before and really enjoyed her book after reading this one I went on to read the other 3 and they were excellent reading am waiting now for 5 and 6 to come out on kindle .
May 16, 2016
This was a sweet love story. A tale of hardship and redemption and second chances. The characters were well developed, but the love scenes were a little "cheesy". The story flows nicely and it was a good read.
August 18, 2013
A very good and dramatic Indian historical w/ a shocking ending.
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