A widow with scars from her past. A declared bachelor with his own troubled heart. Will their journey together lead to love or loathing?
To escape her grievous past and avoid her bleak future, twenty-eight-year-old widow Victoria Clarke joins her friend, Isabella Bird, on a once-in-a-lifetime journey from England to America in 1854. But Harrison Wright, the man acting as escort to the women on their journey, is cold and gruff, and his mannerisms conjure up the pains of Victoria’s past, especially her former husband’s mistreatment. Victoria doubles the defenses of her already fragile heart, but will it be enough to endure what she now feels is an ill-fated expedition?
Twenty-nine-year-old New York lawyer, Harrison Wright, has made a promise to his friend, Isabella Bird, to escort her around his home country. And unlike his father, Harrison keeps his promises. Since Harrison has sworn off women due to his own troubled past, he is not pleased Victoria will be joining the trip. But as a declared bachelor, he’s built an impenetrable safeguard around his own heart that should withstand a few weeks in this other woman’s company.
As the trio explores Boston, Detroit, Chicago, Niagara Falls, and New York City, surviving fires, disreputable innkeepers, sickness, and storms, Victoria and Harrison are loathe to find that they cannot avoid each other’s company. But in such close proximity, will Victoria and Harrison’s initial flared tempers lead to even stronger and more unavoidable feelings about each other? Feelings that have them questioning whether their journey will have the most unlikely of love and healing—and happily ever after—with each other?
Casey Cline collects hobbies and pursuits as quickly as she reads books. She likes to believe her degrees and licenses in business, law, and real estate aren’t entirely incongruous with writing historical stories about the ultimate adventure in life—love. Casey lives in Nebraska with her husband, two daughters, and three cats.
Her novel, THE WAYFARING WIDOW, is available in ebook, Kindle Unlimited, paperback, and audiobook formats. -https://bit.ly/BuyWayfaringWidow
The year is 1854. Imperfect people, widowed English woman Victoria Clarke and bachelor American Harrison Wright clash from the moment they meet. Their friend Isabelle Bird acts as peacemaker and moderator. Isabelle's planned itinerary for them is to take a sight-seeing tour from Boston, to Chicago, Detroit, and Niagara Falls before ending their adventure in New York City. Traveling by coach, boat, and train, they meet with unfortunate challenges which allow Harrison to discover much to admire in Victoria, and she learns that beneath Harrison's gruff exterior is a good heart. I love Harrison's little sister Georgina, for whom he is responsible. The characters and plot are interesting, and humorous scenes balance the more painful ones. I liked glimpsing the places they visited. If you like historical romance, I think you'll like reading Casey Cline's novel.
Looking for a historical fiction romance that also has a nice message about healing then this is the one for you. We are introduced to Victoria who is taking a holiday with her friend Isabella and is trying to mmove on from the death of her abusive husband. Their traveling companion happens to be a young man named Harrison who has also suffered a few hardships in his life as well. While Victoria and Harrison butt heads at first they realize as time goes by they have so much in common with each other.
Overall I was quite impressed with this novel. I am super thankful that I took the opportunity to sign up for Casey's launch team when she sent me the invite email. I discovered a lovely historical fiction novel that teaches so much healing and moving on.
Loved this book!! I felt like I was traversing with the group across mid-1800’s America and enjoyed watching the love story enfold. Definitely recommend. 😊
**I received an ARC from Casey Cline for an unbiased review.
This one swept me away! From the first page, I was transported to 1854, aboard a voyage that promised more than passage — it promised healing, challenge, and a slow-burning love that felt both inevitable and wrought with tension.
What hooked me: -Victoria Clarke is a widow with scars, both visible and hidden. Her courage to travel, to risk hope again, is beautifully rendered. -Harrison Wright, protective and cautious, has walls he built from past hurts. His gruff exterior masks a man fighting emotions he has long denied. -The forced-proximity setup feels classic but fresh here: as Victoria, Harrison, and the intrepid Isabella Bird traverse America, sparks fly, misunderstandings fester, and moments of vulnerability cut deep. -The historical backdrop is more than window dressing: fires, illness, treacherous inns and stormy nights add suspense and stakes to this romance. -Clean romance fans, rejoice: this is sweet, tender, and emotionally honest — no gratuitous spice, but the emotions still hit hard.
My favorite moments: -When Victoria lets her guard down — you can feel her heart trembling. -Harrison’s inner conflict whenever he sees her in danger — I rooted so hard for him to step up. -Isabella Bird’s presence and agency — weaving in a real historical traveler added texture and gravitas to the story.
A few quibbles: -There were times pacing dipped in the middle, especially when travel details lingered a little too long. -Some secondary plot threads didn’t get enough resolution for me — I’d love more of certain characters in future books.
Casey Cline delivers a debut that’s tender, bold, and deeply hopeful. The Wayfaring Widow is a story about broken pasts, the courage to trust again, and the redemption love can bring. If you adore historical romance with emotional depth and a slow melt rather than instant sparks, this is a must-read. I can’t wait for book 2 in the series!
I received a copy of this story from the author for consideration. All thoughts contained here are my own.
The Wayfaring Widow took me on a colorful, emotional, and meaningful journey across America in 1854. The heroine, Victoria—a young widow trying to escape her past—meets Harrison Wright, a cold and judgmental lawyer. At first, she tries to remain in the background, but through sharp exchanges and everyday interactions, their relationship slowly begins to grow. I especially loved the witty banter between them—warm, entertaining, and heartfelt.
When Harrison finally discovers the secret behind Victoria’s mourning veil, his attitude changes. He begins to show empathy, letting go of pieces of his own dark past, until he finds himself falling in love. Their story beautifully illustrates how two wounded souls can become each other’s healing and find the courage to move forward.
What I admire most about this novel is the rich and authentic historical detail. Casey Cline drew inspiration from Isabella Bird’s real travel accounts, making the settings and journey feel vivid and convincing. I often felt like I was right there—experiencing the scenery, the suspense, the sorrow, and the joy along with the characters.
Cline’s writing style also matches the period, which sometimes led me to consult a translation app (since English is not my first language). Still, I truly appreciated her dedication to preserving the authentic historical tone.
As a fan of historical romance, I found this book deeply satisfying. The story is clean, sweet, and filled with emotional depth—just as you’d expect from a Christian romance. The pacing felt natural, never rushed, and the characters were given space to grow organically.
I’m also intrigued by Georgina, who seems to have an important role in the next story. I have a hunch she might end up with someone from the medical field—but of course, that’s just my guess!
For transparency: I received a digital ARC copy of this book from Casey Cline as part of her early reader program. This review is honest and voluntary.
Oh truly, what a remarkable story this was - full of angst, heart, and revelations that just tugged at my heart in both heartbreaking and heartwarming ways. I loved how beautifully it showed the evolution of the main characters' relationship - from one characterized by distrust and wariness, to one of full surrender to the depth of the affection that bloomed between them.
One could easily understand why the main characters regarded each other the way they did at the beginning. Both were like tortured souls, owing to their past experiences: she with a despicable man and their marriage that tormented her, and he with a deplorable father he was so afraid of becoming if he were unable to help it. Thus, a romantic relationship with another was far from their plans, but alas, fate would have other intentions. As they traveled to the various cities of America with their mutual friend, Isabella, their forced proximity would inevitably allow them ample opportunities to see beyond their initial impressions of each other. In no time, their hearts would begin to feel what their minds were so afraid of acknowledging.
Just when I thought they'd achieve their happy ending, a heartbreaking truth is revealed. It's a truth that can indeed make or break relationships in real life. The anticipation of how the MCs would eventually deal with said revelation became the ultimate cherry on top of a delightful reading experience I had with the entire book.
I was granted a free review copy of this book by the author. I write this review voluntarily.
I saw this book in another authors newsletter and couldn't wait till it was releases. Thanks to KU I could read it as soon as it released.
This book is a page turner and runs the gauntlet with emotions. The story features widow Victoria Clark who is joining her friend Isabella Bird on a trip in America. When she arrives from England she finds Isabella has a friend Harrison Wright acting as escort. Victoria is determined to never marry again after a bad marriage and Harrison is just as determined due to his father.
The trio set out to explore several places including Boston, Detroit, Chicago, Niagara Falls, and New York City. They travel via rail and ship and stay in some interesting places. Isabella Bird is a real person and many of the things she does in this book are things she actually did in real life. Right from the start there are sparks between Harrison and Victoria but not of the romantic kind. They both have preconceived ideas due to past traumas in their lives.
I love how the book plays out and how we go from loathing to indifference to more. We learn more about the characters and why they are who they are as the book goes on. Both have major issues to deal with and overcome. I especially loved reading about Niagara Falls as I have been there and could identify with it albeit it in the present. I would have loved to see it back when this book was set.
This is a debut book by the author and a very good read. I eagerly await book two. If you enjoy Historical fiction based on true events and a clean read I am sure you will enjoy this book.
This books grabbed me from the start, and kept me reading long into the night! I loved the characters, and from the moment Victoria and Harrison meet, I knew I was in for an amusing story. They didn't disappoint! I loved watching them learn and grow along the way, and enjoyed following along for their sight-seeing adventures around the upper eastern United States.
Isabella Bird was another fun character, and I loved learning that she was based on a real woman who lived around that time. The adventures added an interesting challenge to the story, and seeing how they would handle and face each new obstacle never failed to add to the story. I also loved seeing their own more personal struggles and challenges as they the story progresses. It was interesting to see how those issues meshed with the more physical trials they faces in their travels, each revealing a deeper glimpse at what makes these characters so special.
I also couldn't conclude this review without making mention of the delightful Georgina! She might have stolen the show (single-handedly, no less!) if Victoria and Harrison weren't already so enjoyable to begin with. Between the three, and Isabella's witty remarks along the way, this was a wonderful story, and a truly remarkable debut!
*I was given an eARC from the author. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*
After a miserable sea voyage, Victoria is relieved to meet her friend, Isabella, when she disembarks in Boston. However, she is dismayed to discover Harrison, an American friend, is to escort them on their train journey to visit several major cities along the Eastern Seaboard from Boston to New York City. Ms Cline has created an interesting and diverse trio of characters: spontaneous and seemingly guileless Isabella who often defuses the tension between her two companions with her chatter; Victoria, reserved and dignified while hiding her past behind her veil, and their reluctant, but protective escort, taciturn Harrison. Despite both having underlying reasons to firmly avoid any romantic relationships, their verbal exchanges gradually veer from animosity to tentative friendship as they experience one disaster after another. Although I enjoy stories set in the less populated and unrefined west, it was a refreshing change to read an American historical novel featuring the eastern metropolitan areas. The author’s descriptions of the travelling conditions of the period, and their sight-seeing experiences made for interesting reading in this ARC I received from the author. This is a voluntary review.
This heartfelt historical romance follows Victoria, a young widow seeking a fresh start as she travels from England to America for a grand adventure with her friend Isabella. Their journey through Boston, Detroit, Chicago, Niagara Falls, and New York City is full of wonder, danger, and unexpected companionship - namely, in the form of Harrison, a grumpy lawyer and reluctant escort with his own past to overcome.
What begins as an inconvenient arrangement slowly transforms into a tender connection as Victoria and Harrison weather fires, storms, illness, and their own inner battles. Both are shaped by loss and expectation, yet their time together shows them that healing and love can bloom in the most unexpected places.
I loved watching each character grow as they journeyed across the eastern United States. The writing beautifully captures both the spirit of exploration and the quiet emotional shifts between two guarded hearts. With rich detail, heartfelt emotion, and a perfectly balanced slow-burn connection, this story was a wonderful reminder that sometimes second chances come when you least expect them.
This book will transport you on a journey that is sweet, can be intense, and so lovely. Casey Cline did such a good job weaving this world that I didn’t want to leave. Harrison and Victoria were LIFE, and Isabella (Harrison’s cousin who is on the journey with them) is perfection. Side note: Isabella is based off of Isabella Bird who is known for her travels as a single woman during a time when that was not heard of. She wrote books about it and some of the events in the book are based on actual things she witnessed. Which is a delight! And slightly terrifying, since one of the things was a duel in downtown Chicago!
I digress. Harrison and Victoria. They start off as true enemies and as you read, it slowly melts into this beautiful love story. They both have dealt with some pretty awful things in their past and don’t want anything to do with love. Alas, love sneaks up on them. They both fight it for a long time but can’t hold off anymore. This story was so well done! I can’t wait for the next book!!
I had the privilege of reading Casey Cline’s debut novel, The Wayfaring Widow, and was really impressed with her writing and this original story. Set in the Eastern United States during 1854, Victoria is a widow who recently arrived in America to travel with her friend, Isabella Bird—a real person whose adventures I enjoyed learning about in this story as Victoria follows along. Isabella’s family friend Harrison acts as chaperone only he and Victoria have a definite connection they must figure out. Read this for: *Dual POV *Unique settings and time period *Niagara Falls *Fact mixed in with fiction (neat historical insights) *Enemies to lovers vibes as the meet cute starts out on the wrong foot *Protective hero *Healing and heart *Happily ever after I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very realistic and vulnerable. I was glad to see both Victoria and Harrison heal and get a happily ever after together. Content: previous abuse by a spouse (off page, before the story starts), previous miscarriage, and previous death of family members (before book begins).
The Wayfaring Widow is an exciting journey of second chances, love, and healing. I loved touring along with Victoria, Isabella, and Harrison to various U.S. cities during the 1850s. The author did a good job of weaving historical aspects into the story.
Victoria is trying to get over her past, and she wants to forget. She thought it would be Victoria & Isabella on the trip. But Harrison was sent along as their escort. When she meets Harrison, a new feeling comes over her, and she doesn't quite know what to make of it.
The three of them encountered hardships along the way. Things head for the worst, but along the way, there is a slow romance brewing. I also enjoyed the laughter that Georgina created and her wit.
I loved the ending, which wrapped up everything and was a happy one—highly recommended.
Victoria and Isabella are touring the eastern United States after Victoria has traversed the ocean to leave an unhappy situation in England. Isabella has asked Harrison Wright, a family friend, to accompany them for safety’s sake. As Victoria and Harrison get to know each other over the course of the trip, they share deep hurts with each other that in turn lead to some very happy results as they heal and look to their future.
A favorite quote that we can all take to heart: “You, my dear, are worthy. Worthy of true happiness. And worthy of true love.”
past physical abuse, miscarriage
I received a gifted copy of the book with no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Clean, passion filled, swoony historical romance that gives you all the butterflies and will leave you giggling and kicking your feet!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from author Casey Cline. I have never been a big historical romance reader, (I usually need a little mystery thrown in 😅), but this book quickly became an exception. I was instantly drawn into Victoria and Harrison's story. Their individual pasts were so moving and raw and real, I spent most of the book hoping they would find healing above finding each other. But it was the budding romance between them (even when they didn't think they wanted it) that ended up being so completely captivating I finished the book in 2 days! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for book two!!
The Wayfaring Widow is Casey Cline's debut novel, and what a debut it is! Cline has crafted an exciting romance between two fictional characters, Victoria and Harrison, who journey along with Isabella Bird (based on the real life Victorian adventurer) to see the United States of America in 1854, stopping in Boston, Detroit, Chicago, Niagara Falls, and New York City. Along the way, Victoria and Harrison reluctantly fall in love, something neither of them desired. Their romance is set against the backdrop of exciting locales in a young and thriving America. Cline's writing is impeccable, creating a story that's hard to put down. I loved it. I received an ARC of the book with no obligation to write a positive review. I've ordered my own copy and look forward to rereading the story.
Harrison and Victoria's story is very emotive. They are both very damaged people. Something is always happening, usually to Victoria, causing Harrison to rescue or care for her, though he fights it every step of the way. There are multiple villians in their lives who have only sought to control them. So they have a lot to work through. Isabella was the effervescent friend who brought them together while traveling on her adventures, and based on a real person.
Interesting story. ⭐⭐⭐=Good/I liked it Read 9/30/2025
I purchased this eBook. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Wow! I loved this book from the first line. This is my first book from Casey Cline and it will not be my last. I already can't wait until the next book comes out! Casey's written word is divine and beautiful to read. It kept me engaged and in awe. The kisses were steamy without the spice and kept within propriety's standards. A truly read-worthy book. There are no swears, alcohol drinks mentioned and consumed rarely, and level 3 kisses only. I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved the narration by the lovely and talented, Noah Wall @barefootnoah. She is one of my most favorite narrators. I was gifted a copy of this audiobook by @caseycline and all opinions are genuinely my own.
The Wayfaring Widow: Book 1 of the Bird's Eye View Series by Casey Clone shares the adventures and misadventures of an English woman with scars, both internal and external, who bravely agrees to a trip with her friend in 1854. A third traveler, her friend's male cousin joins them, creating an unexpected twist and poignant turns. Readers who enjoy Historical Fiction and romance will love this story and certainly will want to read more novels in this series.
I enjoyed listening to this story. Victoria and Harrison have an interesting dynamic and don’t particularly like each other when they meet. Casey did a wonderful job writing this story, it was captivating right from the start. This is the second time I have listened to a story narrated by Noah Wall, she does a wonderful job making this story come to life.
I really enjoyed this book!! The vivid descriptions make you feel like you’re right there with the characters during their travels and I love how this story is taken from true historical events. Absolutely loved the character of the male love interest too!