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Wyldhaven #8

Beside Still Waters

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Zoe Kastain wants to be happy, but just the sight of Washington Nolan standing beside Kin at his wedding has her choking the life from her gloves. The man who once dazzled her with promises of love and commitment now will hardly look at her. Even through the haze of red clouding her vision, she realizes it is probably better this way. Because after he'd returned, injured, she'd gone and laid her heart at his feet. He'd slammed his door in her face, and she never wanted to feel that incomprehensible rejection again. But as Kin and Cora exchange rings and kisses, Zoe realizes her best efforts to quash her love for Wash Nolan have been hopeless. Not only that but what if his rejection was a test to see if she would stand by him?! And she walked away! She needed to fix this! Make him realize she still loved him. But how? Her gaze settles on Kin and Cora leaving the church to the cheers of their guests. What was the biggest gesture of love, but marriage? No! She couldn't, could she? It was preposterous madness!

Wash stumbles out of the church, chastising himself for letting Kin talk him into being here today. He ought to have known that seeing Zoe again would bring nothing but heartache. They could have built a life together if not for his injury that rendered him unable to provide for a family. Despite all that, it felt good to have escaped the cabin. He needed to make an effort to get out more. He'd been pretty detached from, well, everything since his return. He just needed to make his escapes to places where Zoe Kastain would not be, because seeing her was temptation itself. The soft light of invitation in her eyes could downright make a man forget his limitations. And this was not the time for that, especially not with all the strange things happening at the farm.

Take the next stagecoach to Wyldhaven,
where the coffee's perked hot,
the sheriff likes his apple pie fresh from the oven,
and adventure invariably waits just around the next river bend.

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

110 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

About the author

Lynnette Bonner

69 books399 followers
LYNNETTE BONNER, the daughter of missionaries, was born and raised in Malawi, Africa, graduated high school from Rift Valley Academy, a boarding school in Kenya, and attended Northwest University in Washington, where she met her husband, Marty. A few years after their marriage, they moved to Pierce, Idaho. While studying the history of their little town, Lynnette was inspired to begin The Shepherd’s Heart Series with Rocky Mountain Oasis.
Marty and Lynnette have four children and currently live in Washington, where Marty pastors a church.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for Nora St Laurent.
1,652 reviews115 followers
August 13, 2023
I enjoy how the author takes readers to Wyldhaven, a western frontier in 1899. This is the fourteenth novel in the Wyldhaven series. Wash Nolan and Zoe Kastin are at the center of the story. They had intended to get married by this point, but when Wash returned with a bad injury, he ended his engagement with Zoe.

Because of her bravery, Zoe would not easily give up on Wash. Things worsen when a terrible incident takes place in the community at large. It motivates everyone to assist the impacted family. There were incidents where Wash's father hid from him. Could they track down the person responsible for these mishaps. The story had an interesting plot, and the narrative of the story was intriguing.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Karen Baney.
Author 42 books449 followers
July 18, 2023
Lynette Bonner writes wonderful descriptions that transport the reader into the setting. The reader feels like they are part of the Wyldhaven community. The internal thoughts of Zoe and Wash had me rooting for their plight.

Why the low star rating then? Full confession here: I received an early prelease version to read. Unfortunately, I can only review what I’ve read. Hopefully, what I’m about to share is fixed before the release date.

By the time the reader gets to the end of Chapter 2, they’ve crossed through five points of view (POV). I found this to be annoying, but continued to read anyway because I loved the premise behind the crossroads of Zoe and Wash’s relationship. At 55% complete in the book, the POV count goes up to ten. POVs included are: Zoe (main character), Wash (main character), Harlan (villain), Belle, Taulby, Anja, Charlotte, Reagan, Jerry, and Merle. None of the minor character POVs added anything to the main story line. A few of them felt like set ups for a sequel but didn’t add to Zoe and Wash’s storyline. As the reader, I just wanted to read about Zoe and Wash and if they would find their happily ever after. It was too many POVs to weed through to get to the meat of the story and caused me to eventually lose interest in Zoe and Wash.

Overall, if the excessive number of POVs and non-relevant POVs are removed before release and the story focused on Zoe and Wash (and maybe a villain), then this story could be 4-star worthy.

I really wanted to love this story, because the entire premise behind Zoe and Wash’s marriage is a fantastic idea. I just don’t feel the story is refined enough for release at the point I received a copy.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Location: Wyldhaven
Time Period: 1899
Romance: Very clean. Light kissing.
Faith: Both main characters seek to apply their faith.


Disclaimer: I requested and received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of the publisher through Celebrate Lit Book Tours. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Alena Mentink.
Author 4 books86 followers
August 4, 2023
For me, a three star review means the book was all right. That pretty much describes how I felt about Beside Still Waters. It was a nice story, but there were elements about it that didn’t quite connect with me.

But first, let me share what I liked about the book.

I liked the small town/community feel of the story. There was some humor that made me chuckle, and Lynnette has a writing style that kept me turning pages. The faith content was good, and the story had an over-arching theme of how the Lord is our Shepard who can be trusted to lead us through all circumstances.

The first part that didn’t resonate with me came when Zoe marched to Washington Nolan’s house and proposed to him. I’m not fond of girl’s “pushing the question” in real life–and I’m even less fond of it in fiction.

The next turning off point had to do with the bad guys of the story. I like to feel concerned about what a bad guy is about to do, but in this book, I couldn’t help laughing out loud as I read the scenes where the bad guys appeared. I’ll lay the blame on my brother, who has made me a big fight scene critic.

And the the last reason I couldn’t fully enjoy the story was another personal preference. I counted twelve viewpoints in the story–twelve different characters offering a look into their heads. Lynnette managed the story in a way that made it easy to keep track of who was who, but it wasn’t a style I was particularly fond of. I prefer not knowing what all the characters are thinking and would rather be able to make my own guesses about what a side character’s motives could be.

All that said, if none of the above-mentioned is your pet peeve, then Beside Still Waters is a lovely read that will sweep you back to a simpler time.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,087 reviews135 followers
August 7, 2023
I was very impressed with Zoe and her determination to marry Wash. She pushes aside the fact that when he came back from the was injured, he called off the wedding. He has secluded himself in his little cabin and wants nothing to do with anyone including Zoe. When you want something bad enough, sometimes you do go a little overboard but Zoe is so sure they are to be together.

I was excited to follow their journey and see if happiness would prevail. The emotions are very well written and I understood Wash’s hesitation at Zoe’s idea. Get ready for a few surprises in the story and also a little danger. I loved the other story line about a certain someone who wants to force someone off their land. The underhanded things done to achieve this will go against the law. Will someone end up injured or dead from this?

The author keeps us entertained with historical facts that splash across the pages. The meals were simple but filling as everyone pitched in to help provide for their families. Can you imagine having to boil water just to take a bath? I would not do well without a bathroom and an air conditioner. It goes without saying that we have it much easier than people living during the days where you lived off the land.

Get ready for an adventure filled with deceitful people, trust, forgiveness and second chances.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit.The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Betsy.
490 reviews20 followers
August 4, 2023
I have read most of Lynnette Bonner’s Wyldhaven series and have thoroughly enjoyed each book, so it was with mixed feelings when I picked up this one; excited to read another Wyldhaven story but wistful that the series has concluded. This book focused on Zoe Kastain and Washington Nolan and how they overcame relationship hurdles from an injury Wash sustained while serving in the Cavalry. In much pain and feeling hopeless, Wash had been keeping away from Zoe until she put her own plan into action. Their story developed from there, along with some dangerous events related to the Nolan family. It was so enjoyable to also read about a few other couples who aren’t featured in their own books, as well as to catch up with familiar faces from previous stories. As she has done with previous books, I loved how the author wove in a Bible verse (this one from the Psalms) as the theme of Zoe and Washington’s story, and prayer was a natural part of their lives. Although it is helpful to have read previous books in this series, this book could still be read as a stand alone. But the series is so good, you might as well read them all! Excellent book and outstanding series!

I received an advance reader copy from the author and publisher via Celebrate Lit. A positive review was not required and all opinions stated here are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,117 reviews18 followers
August 13, 2023
Beside Still Waters is book fourteen in a fun series that brings history to life and tells stories of characters you’ve grown to love. In this book, we delve into the broken love story of Zoe and Washington.

You’ve got to feel sorry for them. They’re both miserable. Neither one has the happily ever they dreamed of. And yet neither one wants to admit that maybe they made a mistake.

The book begins with a wedding. And then it starts to get interesting. Washington is having issues at his farm. Think like sabotage. Zoe has decided that she still loves Wash and the reason they didn’t get married was because he expected her to fight for them. So she’s going to get him to marry her! Bit bold of her.

I found the book funny and I enjoyed the characters. There were a few too many viewpoints floating around in the story which could get confusing but overall I really loved the story and have enjoyed this series as well.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,785 reviews47 followers
August 13, 2023
Christian Historical Romance is one of my favorite Genres. I recently had the opportunity to read Beside Still Waters by Lynnette Bonner. It is Book 14 in the Wyldhaven Series. I have not read any of the other books in this series, but I was intrigued by the Synopsis of this book.

The Setting of the book is 1899 in the Western Frontier of Wyldhaven. I have to admit that it took me quite a few chapters to even understand the storyline of this book. Zoe Kastain and Washington Nolan are the main characters of this book. Zoe and Washington have a past together They had dreams of marrying one day, until Washington sustains an injury where he cannot provide for a family. I did like that they both admit that they still have feelings for one another, many years after Washington rejected Zoe's love for him. They both do a lot of thinking and soul-searching after seeing one another at a friend's wedding. I do think I should have read the previous books in this series and then maybe I would not have been so lost in this book. I did enjoy it once I understood the storyline. I will recommend this for those who enjoy Christian Historical Romance. Good Book!
1,889 reviews
August 11, 2023
Beside Still Waters by Lynnette Bonner is a Historical Christian Western Romance. Zoe Kastain has loved Washington Nolan and wants nothing more than to marry him. But since he came back from the war injured, he refused to move forward with their plans to marry.

The author does an amazing job creating characters in this book that demonstrate both the strength of character as well as the strength of their convictions. As I began reading this book, I loved getting to know Zoe, Washington, and all those around them.

With marriage, family, love, friendship, and more, I found myself unable to put this book down. The characters along with the storyline come together beautifully.

So if you enjoy Historical Christian Western Romances, check out Beside Still Waters by Lynnette Bonner for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
6,167 reviews
July 22, 2023
Beside Still Waters is a wonderful book written by the talented Lynnette Bonner. It was wonderful travelling back in time to the town of Wyldhaven. I loved getting to know Zoe and Wash. I thought their story was so sweet. It was easy for me to keep reading to find out how it would all end for them. I loved it.

I am giving Beside Still Waters a very well deserved five plus stars. Fans and readers of Christian Historical Western Romance will definitely want to pick this one up. I will be on the look out for more books by Lynnette Bonner in the future to see where else she will take her characters and readers to next.

I received a digital copy of Lynette Bonner's Beside Still Waters from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books413 followers
August 15, 2023
While not exactly a typical marriage of convenience story, this tale does contain similar elements along with a couple who decide to marry quickly under less than favorable circumstances. Zoe Kastain has long loved Washington Nolan, and his injured leg doesn’t deter her, but her marriage doesn’t seem to be the one she long dreamed of experiencing. I felt sorry for the couple, especially Zoe. The compelling drama did seem realistic, and the tension ramped up with the addition of the dangerous suspense element. We see the conflict between revenge and forgiveness played out in the old West. I have not read all the other books in this big series, but didn’t feel lost as I got quickly caught up in the novel. This one grew on me the more I read, and the novel is fairly long. The tale will touch the heart. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Natasha.
372 reviews
January 19, 2024
incredible finish to the entire series!

One of the wonderful things you read in Ms. Bonner’s books is the continuous storytelling of all the characters you meet in the first book. They live, they grow, they mature, and you keep learning about their lives and loving them more and more.
Wash and Zoe came into the story as kids, and now they got to go through some tough times (valleys of the shadow of death) to enjoy the mountain tops. The book is rich with the themes of unconditional love and forgiveness as a reflection of the love of God whom we can always trust. You see redemption, you see joy, you see strong faith and perseverance. And through it all you see the beloved characters again and again.
And it all leaves you with a big smile and desire to read the first book all over again.
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,364 reviews26 followers
August 13, 2023
I thought this was a good book by Lynnette Bonner. I haven’t read any books by her before so it was nice to meet the people of Wyldhaven. I liked how the community gathered around Wash and Zoe and their family to help them when they were in trouble. I also liked how Zoe loved Wash even when he was being stubborn about things. I liked how Lynnette showed that marriage isn’t easy but when you love someone you are willing to work hard to make it work. I liked seeing Zoe and Wash grow in their marriage and deal with their issues together. I thought this was a good book and I want to read the other books in the series.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,885 reviews47 followers
August 6, 2023
Beside Still Waters is a Historical Christian Western Romance that is written by Lynnette Bonner. This is the first book that I have read by this author. Zoe Kastain and Washington Nolan have a history. However Washington sustains an injury that has taken away his ability to provide for a family. Both see each other at a wedding - and both are still hurt to the core.

This is a story of second chances, forgiveness and there is even some bad guys thrown in there. The author wrote some realistic characters and an intriguing story line. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Wendy Andrus.
408 reviews41 followers
August 16, 2023
This story captured my attention from the beginning. I admire Zoe's spunk! There are a few twists to the story, which kept me reading from the beginning, anxious to find out what would happen next.

There are a few events in this story that would probably make a little more sense if the earlier books in the series are read first, but I still enjoyed it anyway.

If you enjoy stories set in the old west, or historical stories set in western Washington, you ought to check out this book. I certainly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
4 reviews
August 18, 2023
“Beside Still Waters” is a wonderful conclusion to Lynnette Bonner’s magnificent Wyldhaven series. There is satisfying resolution, not only for the primary characters, but for all the supporting characters as well. When I finished this last book, I was smiling and my heart was full. The characters in this entire series have become like close friends, and I know that, at some point in the future, I will reread all 14 books in order to revisit these friends. Thank you, Lynnette Bonner, for bringing these wonderful characters to life on the pages of this series.
Profile Image for Hannah Hoover.
132 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2023
♥️♥️♥️♥️

I may update this when I have more time because I have a lot to say but this series was soo good and the ending was all I could imagine! I’ve been rooting for Zoe and Wash since the beginning and the first kiss. I will saw Reagan and Charlotte’s story got me hooked and I was glad of their happy news although an epilogue of her and Zoe’s children would be a bonus otherwise it was a perfect ending!!! And the relationships with God shown through the book really mean a lot to me!
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,565 reviews4 followers
August 17, 2023
Beside Still Waters by Lynnette Bonner is a really good read! It has a second chance at love. This is a story where the heroine goes after what she wants. This story has inspiration and criminals. If you like stories that show how neighbors help others when trouble comes then you would enjoy this book! When I was finished with this book I had a smile on my face and I believe you will too.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
301 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2023
talk about perseverance

This one of those books that I want to read again and again. I have so many questions I still need answers too. I have been waiting for Wash and Zoe story and it did not disappoint. I love this series because it makes you feel as if you are a part of the Wyldhaven family. Start with the first book in the series, Not a Sparrow Falls, and read on through. Excellent
120 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2023
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series! Loved the characters and the twists and turns each book had! The eight books I just finished are the first I've read by this author but I'm sure they won't be the last! I look forward to reading more of Lynnette Bonners books! I really like the way that scriptures are woven through each story and I like the fact that these are clean Christian novels!!
1,066 reviews9 followers
December 23, 2023
Book 8 of 8 (so far) sees Wash still withdrawing from the pain; sees a delusional criminal murderer and arsonist's tale to its end; finds a repeat offender and a new crook he's recruited; sees a headstrong move work out; and a young woman's dreams working out; a new romance begin to blossom; an unexpected blessing; plenty of trials; and the wrapping up of several mysteries. Join the wyld ride through the last (so far) Wyldhaven series, with never a dull moment.
18 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2024
What an awesome book series!!! This is the final book in the Wyldhaven series by Lynnette Bonner. She has such a special method of storytelling. It was so hard to put each book down! As soon as I finished one, I would have to get the next book to find out what was going to happen to these sweet people (characters) that began to know and love. Thank you for such heartwarming and riveting stories!
Profile Image for Candace Loveland.
2 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2024
God''s love, mercy and grace for those who trust in Him.

This series of books, Wyldhaven, have been the best that I have read in a long time! At a time in our lives right now, these books have given me a reminder that we have to trust in our God's will. The families in Wyldhaven and their hard work at building a God fearing community during an historically difficult time, warmed m heart! Thank you, Lynette Bonner! Your story-telling talent is beyond awesome!!
8 reviews
November 19, 2024
Loved the whole series!

This whole series is great. Each of the stories centers around a different couple but tells about the building of a town along with the family relationships. Wonderful love stories that are realistic but clean. Tells how the characters overcame trials & problems while depending upon the Lord. Shows how even in our worst days God is guiding us, protecting us & has our future in hands.
23 reviews
August 30, 2023
Great series

This is the final book in a series of 14. I’d recommend all of the books and it’s a job to pick a favourite. It was great to catch up with all the characters from the previous series too. This series are keepers to be reread again at a later date - not something I normally do but these are so good that I’ll definitely re-read!
3 reviews
August 30, 2023
Enjoyable, delightful and heart warming

As with the hole series, it was a wonderful read. I really hope it won't be the last one. I couldn't put it down tell I was finished. To watch the hole town grow up, to feel part of the adventure, love and lose of Wyldhaven has been a pleasure. Come along and visit friendly home town. Love, adventure await you.
Profile Image for BlueJeansAndTeacups.
678 reviews24 followers
September 24, 2023
Wonderful ending to the series. Washington and Zoe have much to work through, and his dad is being driven from his land by a ruthless outlaw. POV changes often, keeping the story interesting. Plenty of faith moments to enrich the tale.

I purchased this eBook. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 78 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023
190 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2023
Riveting!

I had such a hard time putting this book down. I’ve loved every book in this series and this one did not disappoint. The only disappointment I have is that there are currently no more books in this series. I hope very much that the author has more books in this series planned!
1 review
January 7, 2024
Great ending to this book but not the series! I want more!

I loved that the books were easy to read and I didn't have to be concerned with the content or story lines. I loved having the many characters, but got them a bit confused as I read from one to another. The characters grew and developed well, even changing direction at times with some twists I didn't expect.
9 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2024
And Thus the Saga of Wyldhaven Ends

This series is so beautifully written. The development of each character is magical. The imagery the author uses helps to paint the most vivid pictures of the setting. It plays like a movie in my mind as I read. Please, please say there will be more.
330 reviews
February 26, 2024
love sweet love!

I was so sure something was going to happen to stop that marriage. Even at the point of them being in the church and then Taulby slipped in the back door. I didn’t even want to keep reading! But to my surprise the wedding took place and then all chaos broke loose. One thing after another until the very happy ending. Great read!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews

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