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Cutter's Creek #1.5
The Strong One
Sarah Songan is a woman on the run.
In an attempt to find peace with their neighbors, the Apsáalooke chief has promised her hand to a soldier at Fort Smith, and Sarah’s determined not to be traded or bartered like an ornament. She strikes out on her own, leaving behind everyone and everything she has ever known. However, a woman travelling alone in 1866 Montana territory can fall prey to unscrupulous men. Sarah must confront her fears and draw on an inner strength she didn’t know she had, as well as a new-found hope in God, if she is to survive.
Bill Hanover is a tired and lonely cowboy. After four long years fighting in the War Between the States, he returns to his family ranch in Montana only to discover it’s no longer his home. He heads south to Cutter’s Creek, where he encounters a beautiful woman whose feisty spirit takes his breath away. But she’s hiding a secret, and her past is about to catch up with her. Bill turns to God for help and guidance, and encounters a new kind of love.
Set in beautiful, wild, and untamed nineteenth century Montana, this novella will take you on a journey back in time to the perilous life of a pioneer on the western frontier.
Please note: Bill and Sarah's story continues in "Of Peaks and Prairies", now selling on Amazon.
In an attempt to find peace with their neighbors, the Apsáalooke chief has promised her hand to a soldier at Fort Smith, and Sarah’s determined not to be traded or bartered like an ornament. She strikes out on her own, leaving behind everyone and everything she has ever known. However, a woman travelling alone in 1866 Montana territory can fall prey to unscrupulous men. Sarah must confront her fears and draw on an inner strength she didn’t know she had, as well as a new-found hope in God, if she is to survive.
Bill Hanover is a tired and lonely cowboy. After four long years fighting in the War Between the States, he returns to his family ranch in Montana only to discover it’s no longer his home. He heads south to Cutter’s Creek, where he encounters a beautiful woman whose feisty spirit takes his breath away. But she’s hiding a secret, and her past is about to catch up with her. Bill turns to God for help and guidance, and encounters a new kind of love.
Set in beautiful, wild, and untamed nineteenth century Montana, this novella will take you on a journey back in time to the perilous life of a pioneer on the western frontier.
Please note: Bill and Sarah's story continues in "Of Peaks and Prairies", now selling on Amazon.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2016
675 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Vivi Holt
56 books454 followersVivi Holt writes inspirational romance. Of her books, readers say:
"The plot kept me enthralled and the pages turning"
"I cried and laughed"
"What an awesome ending. Can't wait for more!!"
Vivi lives in beautiful Brisbane, Australia with her husband and three young children. Growing up on a farm she learned to love the country life and now she writes about it in her books. History has always fascinated her as well, so writing historical romance seemed a natural progression. She loves horse-riding, hiking, and reading.
Her goal is to write touching, emotional and sweet romances stories that captivate the reader and transport them to another place and time.
Follow Vivi on:
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/viviholt.aut...)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivi_holt)
Contact her at vivi@viviholt.com
"The plot kept me enthralled and the pages turning"
"I cried and laughed"
"What an awesome ending. Can't wait for more!!"
Vivi lives in beautiful Brisbane, Australia with her husband and three young children. Growing up on a farm she learned to love the country life and now she writes about it in her books. History has always fascinated her as well, so writing historical romance seemed a natural progression. She loves horse-riding, hiking, and reading.
Her goal is to write touching, emotional and sweet romances stories that captivate the reader and transport them to another place and time.
Follow Vivi on:
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/viviholt.aut...)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivi_holt)
Contact her at vivi@viviholt.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 25, 2018
The Strong One is a well written clean novella with non-preachy Christian elements. I liked the way Ms. Holt describes Sarah’s transition from not knowing the Christian concept of God to having faith in Him. Well done! I was disappointed that I could not find any background for how Sarah possessed dresses and a corset in addition to her Indian buckskin clothing when she ran from her Indian home. Also, a significant story element involves the villain, Angus Colt. However, the author lays no foundation for how Angus Colt came to know of Sarah or how she knew of him. Nevertheless, the story was enjoyable and entertaining. It just was not up to my standard for a five-star offering.
June 23, 2018
This is an enjoyable historical romance. The unusual heroine is the offspring of a white man and an Indian woman, living with her tribe. After her parents have died the chief decides it would be safer for everyone if she is married off to a white soldier at the nearest fort. But our girl takes charge of her own life and leaves to find her place in the world.
Cutter's Creek is a small town with tolerant Christian folks who eventually take in this girl and look after her, but she has trouble on her trail. I particularly liked the horse scenes, as people were totally dependent on horses.
I thought there was too much emphasis on converting to the invading religion for me, but I expect this is reflective of the times, when people did think everything happened at the whim of gods and intercession could make a difference.
I downloaded this when the author made it available. This is an unbiased review.
Cutter's Creek is a small town with tolerant Christian folks who eventually take in this girl and look after her, but she has trouble on her trail. I particularly liked the horse scenes, as people were totally dependent on horses.
I thought there was too much emphasis on converting to the invading religion for me, but I expect this is reflective of the times, when people did think everything happened at the whim of gods and intercession could make a difference.
I downloaded this when the author made it available. This is an unbiased review.
August 9, 2018
Novella
This is a sweet little novella. I would read another by this author. I appreciate the Christian romance even though it was very short.
This is a sweet little novella. I would read another by this author. I appreciate the Christian romance even though it was very short.
May 15, 2016
WAITING UPON THE LORD
I enjoyed this story that showed perseverance, determination, and faith. Sarah Songan was the child of a soldier and Indian. Both parents are deceased, and the chief feels it is best to marry Sarah off to a soldier at Fort Smith. She decides to strike out on her own rather than be traded off like a trinket. Her long journey eventually brings her to Cutter’s Creek, but she is being chased in the process by an evil man. Taken in by Estelle and Sam, she learns homemaking skills and helps by hunting wild game. Bill Hanover returned from serving in the Union army and turned away by his own family. Offered a temporary position, he finds himself working until his next position driving cattle. Bill is a Christian and turns to God often for help and guidance, and his prayer is to find a mate.
The plot of the story kept me captivated with its mystery, suspense, intense moments, and a budding relationship, kidnapping and seeing how people put their faith in God. Sarah’s simple prayer was open, honest and full of faith. “God, please reveal yourself to me. I want to know you. If you’re real, show me.” Her faith and trust are how God wants all of us to come to Him.
I enjoyed this story that showed perseverance, determination, and faith. Sarah Songan was the child of a soldier and Indian. Both parents are deceased, and the chief feels it is best to marry Sarah off to a soldier at Fort Smith. She decides to strike out on her own rather than be traded off like a trinket. Her long journey eventually brings her to Cutter’s Creek, but she is being chased in the process by an evil man. Taken in by Estelle and Sam, she learns homemaking skills and helps by hunting wild game. Bill Hanover returned from serving in the Union army and turned away by his own family. Offered a temporary position, he finds himself working until his next position driving cattle. Bill is a Christian and turns to God often for help and guidance, and his prayer is to find a mate.
The plot of the story kept me captivated with its mystery, suspense, intense moments, and a budding relationship, kidnapping and seeing how people put their faith in God. Sarah’s simple prayer was open, honest and full of faith. “God, please reveal yourself to me. I want to know you. If you’re real, show me.” Her faith and trust are how God wants all of us to come to Him.
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October 24, 2018Sarah is on the run from a man who sees her as nothing but a means to an end. Sarah hides in the small town of Cutter's Creek where she meets Bill and he's like no man she's ever met.
I loved watching Sarah work through her own turmoil in this novella and overcome her demons. She is a strong and captivating heroine. I highly recommend this novella for readers of historical Christian romance and western romance. Another great book by Vivi Holt!
I loved watching Sarah work through her own turmoil in this novella and overcome her demons. She is a strong and captivating heroine. I highly recommend this novella for readers of historical Christian romance and western romance. Another great book by Vivi Holt!
June 19, 2020
It was fun to find a western that focused on a half-native woman (one is also the protagonist of my WIP). Sarah’s no damsel in distress, for the most part. Running from an arranged marriage, she encounters the drifter Bill, who saves her from the unsavory outlaw Colt. Then they fall in love on a farm.
June 30, 2016
Historical Western Romance
I liked this book very much. I enjoyed the story and I hope you will too!!!!! This is my 2nd Vivi Holt story and I will read her books again!!!!!
I liked this book very much. I enjoyed the story and I hope you will too!!!!! This is my 2nd Vivi Holt story and I will read her books again!!!!!
June 19, 2017
Reviewed at Historically Romantic
Her world as she’d known it ended shortly after Sarah’s mother died. As the granddaughter of the Chief of the Crow tribe, Sarah had been given some protection while her mother lived. Now, although she was the daughter of a Crow woman and a white soldier – she’d become a liability to her mother’s people. It was being arranged that Sarah be given to a white man at a nearby settlement. And she was having none of that. She wasn’t some trinket to be bartered off. Unwanted, sure she’d accept that and strike out on her own in the white world. She’d been trained for it, she could fit in and adapt – no man was going to take her freedom away, not even her grandfather. Unfortunately for Sarah, a woman alone and unprotected was an easy target for the nastier men around and she soon was in great danger. The kindness of strangers helped her survive, but the danger was far from removed.
Bill had returned from four years fighting in the Civil War to find that there was no longer a place for him at his family’s ranch. Sure times were rough, but he hadn’t expected to be shown the door when he arrived back home. Taking it as a sign that it was time to make his own way in the world, Bill set out to meet up with a cattle drive in about a month. Showing some kindness in helping a stranger got him a temporary job helping out on a ranch near Cutter’s Creek, Montana – and would put him right in Sarah’s path. It didn’t take long to be captivated by the beauty who kept her head down and kept to herself. Her eyes held secrets, but Bill was determined to be part of her life no matter what she faced. He would soon learn what she’d been running from.
The Strong One is an emotional story of compassion, discovering who you are and having faith that life will work out – maybe slightly differently than you’d planned, but still work out right. Sarah has such inner strength, such adaptability to survive in unknown circumstances. Yes, she’s vulnerable at times but she’s also learning from each experience, and beginning to trust again. We’ll meet several townsfolk from Cutter Creek, one very nasty villain, a couple who understand the meaning of love, mercy and compassion, and two people who fit together like a glove once they let down the fences and allow the other into their hearts.
Bill and Sarah’s adventures continue in another series: Paradise Valley in the first story Of Peaks and Prairies Be sure to check that out when you get the chance. The Strong One is not a cliffhanger, their story is complete – but remember Sarah and Bill were heading to Paradise Valley the last we saw them, so their adventure continues.
I would recommend The Strong One to any reader who enjoys a sweet and clean romance in the Western Historicals genre.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited Subscription.
Her world as she’d known it ended shortly after Sarah’s mother died. As the granddaughter of the Chief of the Crow tribe, Sarah had been given some protection while her mother lived. Now, although she was the daughter of a Crow woman and a white soldier – she’d become a liability to her mother’s people. It was being arranged that Sarah be given to a white man at a nearby settlement. And she was having none of that. She wasn’t some trinket to be bartered off. Unwanted, sure she’d accept that and strike out on her own in the white world. She’d been trained for it, she could fit in and adapt – no man was going to take her freedom away, not even her grandfather. Unfortunately for Sarah, a woman alone and unprotected was an easy target for the nastier men around and she soon was in great danger. The kindness of strangers helped her survive, but the danger was far from removed.
Bill had returned from four years fighting in the Civil War to find that there was no longer a place for him at his family’s ranch. Sure times were rough, but he hadn’t expected to be shown the door when he arrived back home. Taking it as a sign that it was time to make his own way in the world, Bill set out to meet up with a cattle drive in about a month. Showing some kindness in helping a stranger got him a temporary job helping out on a ranch near Cutter’s Creek, Montana – and would put him right in Sarah’s path. It didn’t take long to be captivated by the beauty who kept her head down and kept to herself. Her eyes held secrets, but Bill was determined to be part of her life no matter what she faced. He would soon learn what she’d been running from.
The Strong One is an emotional story of compassion, discovering who you are and having faith that life will work out – maybe slightly differently than you’d planned, but still work out right. Sarah has such inner strength, such adaptability to survive in unknown circumstances. Yes, she’s vulnerable at times but she’s also learning from each experience, and beginning to trust again. We’ll meet several townsfolk from Cutter Creek, one very nasty villain, a couple who understand the meaning of love, mercy and compassion, and two people who fit together like a glove once they let down the fences and allow the other into their hearts.
Bill and Sarah’s adventures continue in another series: Paradise Valley in the first story Of Peaks and Prairies Be sure to check that out when you get the chance. The Strong One is not a cliffhanger, their story is complete – but remember Sarah and Bill were heading to Paradise Valley the last we saw them, so their adventure continues.
I would recommend The Strong One to any reader who enjoys a sweet and clean romance in the Western Historicals genre.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited Subscription.
May 23, 2018
Very nice
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
This book is a sweet & clean romance. It can be read as a stand alone book. The Cutter's Creek books are written by different authors, I believe there are 4. Author Vivi Holt wrote this sweet story.
What I really like about this book is that the characters are memorable and well written. When you think about what life was like in the 1800's, there is the knowledge that women are the lesser class & usually didn't have much say about their own lives. Now, add being a "half breed ". The native Americans didn't want her for more than a good trade toward an alliance. Whites wouldn't want her because of her Appsaalooke blood. Is it any wonder she hides her heritage?
The 1 man who has figured it out is chasing her down for his own uses.
Learning about God, desiring love, will Sarah find what she is looking for? Read & find out what happens! Highly recommended.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
This book is a sweet & clean romance. It can be read as a stand alone book. The Cutter's Creek books are written by different authors, I believe there are 4. Author Vivi Holt wrote this sweet story.
What I really like about this book is that the characters are memorable and well written. When you think about what life was like in the 1800's, there is the knowledge that women are the lesser class & usually didn't have much say about their own lives. Now, add being a "half breed ". The native Americans didn't want her for more than a good trade toward an alliance. Whites wouldn't want her because of her Appsaalooke blood. Is it any wonder she hides her heritage?
The 1 man who has figured it out is chasing her down for his own uses.
Learning about God, desiring love, will Sarah find what she is looking for? Read & find out what happens! Highly recommended.
October 9, 2019
Making Her Own Way
Completely contrary to custom or tradition, Sarah chooses to ignore the dictates of the Elders and flee from her mother's people, the Crow, to make her own way among the white people of her father. The plight of the unattached woman in the 19th century West included incredible vulnerability. As she continues to flee from one situation to another, she finally reaches Cutter's Creek where she falls in with a kindly couple who take her in. But an earlier "suitor" continues to plague her. Along the way she hears of God and struggles to relate this creator to that of her own people. In retrospect this story calls for a bit more suspension of disbelief than some, but, especially as presented by narrator Paul Curtis, the tale pulls one along to a very satisfactory conclusion.
Completely contrary to custom or tradition, Sarah chooses to ignore the dictates of the Elders and flee from her mother's people, the Crow, to make her own way among the white people of her father. The plight of the unattached woman in the 19th century West included incredible vulnerability. As she continues to flee from one situation to another, she finally reaches Cutter's Creek where she falls in with a kindly couple who take her in. But an earlier "suitor" continues to plague her. Along the way she hears of God and struggles to relate this creator to that of her own people. In retrospect this story calls for a bit more suspension of disbelief than some, but, especially as presented by narrator Paul Curtis, the tale pulls one along to a very satisfactory conclusion.
October 29, 2020
The Strong One is the first book I have read by Vivi Holt and my initial impression is that she is an excellent author. In the short length the story limited her to, she succeeded in constructing a world and characters that readers can quickly connect with. Although the span of this short story did not allow for much character development, it is well written and fast-paced. I look forward to reading more by this author and continuing Bill and Sarah's story. A sweet, clean Christian read. 4.4/5. I am excited to read more of Cutter's Creek.
July 25, 2017
This novella was a delightful clean story full of hope, love and promise set in post Civil War Montana. An easy read for one sitting. Ms Holt has skillfully written a novella full of faith, suspense, twists and turns that kept me riveted to the happy ending. The characters were well developed given the length of the story. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Ms Holt's works.
February 11, 2018
Short, sweet, clean, spiritually uplifting romance between Sarah and Bill set in the old west. If you are looking for a sweet clean romance with our Heavenly Father's Presence this book delivers. This is my first book by this author and I plan on reading the rest of series. The author writes well and is able to draw the reader into the story using romance, familial love, agape love and some intrigue.
December 27, 2018
Historical Western romance with a half Native-half White young lady is starting a new life in a small American western town while falling in love with a newly arrived cowboy while being threatened by a bandit.
Miss Sarah Songan is starting a new life away from her Native American upbringing and she meets some nice people near Cutter's Creek when the romance begins with Bill Hanover and there is HEA and some crazy kidnapping episode.
154 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Miss Sarah Songan is starting a new life away from her Native American upbringing and she meets some nice people near Cutter's Creek when the romance begins with Bill Hanover and there is HEA and some crazy kidnapping episode.
154 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
July 9, 2017
Another great addition to this series. A half breed woman is running from her tribe as well as a man who wishes to use her for illicit purposes. A cowboy who is roaming trying to find his way. Will they be able to find happiness together and learn to trust... youll have to read to find out. I recommend this book for all. Sweet clean content.
May 31, 2018
Vick Holt never fails to entertain and uplift the reader
It was so pleasant to read a story with adventure and romance, but without the excesses of bad language, low morals or inappropriate sensuality. The characters seem to be real people of humble faith, striving to make their world a better place. Well written and engaging.
It was so pleasant to read a story with adventure and romance, but without the excesses of bad language, low morals or inappropriate sensuality. The characters seem to be real people of humble faith, striving to make their world a better place. Well written and engaging.
August 27, 2018
5 stars
I purchased the novella Cutter's Creek Book 2: The Strong One by ViVi Holt and this review is given freely.
Mixed parentage Sarah escapes an arranged marriage by leaving her tribe and finding both refuge and love among the white people of Cutter Creek.
Sarah and Bill's sweet love story is a prayer filled, suspenseful and action packed one with a happy ending including accepting God.
I purchased the novella Cutter's Creek Book 2: The Strong One by ViVi Holt and this review is given freely.
Mixed parentage Sarah escapes an arranged marriage by leaving her tribe and finding both refuge and love among the white people of Cutter Creek.
Sarah and Bill's sweet love story is a prayer filled, suspenseful and action packed one with a happy ending including accepting God.
May 2, 2019
Sarah Songen has to get away. She has been promised by the Indian Chief to be given to one of the soldiers at the fort to be his bride. He is doing this to help assure the peace between the indians and the military.
And so she runs away with the help of her indian friend. Read the story to follow her many adventures. A very well written story.
And so she runs away with the help of her indian friend. Read the story to follow her many adventures. A very well written story.
September 11, 2022
"The Strong One" was a pleasing read. The engrossing page-turning plot hinted at suspense, prejudice, and romance. The main characters, Sarah and Bill, were ideally suited for each other and oozed chemistry. The evil man was just that and lurked around creating tension. Just when I thought things were going to work out nicely, I came upon and Oh no! I really enjoyed reading the narrative.
November 10, 2016
Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!
The characters and storyline were well written. I loved the way that the characters were believable and the way that they overcame their differences. I will be reading more by this author.
The characters and storyline were well written. I loved the way that the characters were believable and the way that they overcame their differences. I will be reading more by this author.
July 15, 2017
A sweet Christian historical novella, “The Strong One” is over much too soon.
Read full review in the 2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 9, 2017
Enjoyable
My rating is based purely on this being an enjoyable story. I've read books with more to the plot; books with more developed characters; however, this book was clean, sweet, and fun to read just for pleasure.
My rating is based purely on this being an enjoyable story. I've read books with more to the plot; books with more developed characters; however, this book was clean, sweet, and fun to read just for pleasure.
November 29, 2017
Clean and heartwarming
At a time, shortly after the civil war, when prejudices were rampant, this story tells us that with God all things are possible. That true Christians could accept others as they were, and help each other to be strong whatever their background.
At a time, shortly after the civil war, when prejudices were rampant, this story tells us that with God all things are possible. That true Christians could accept others as they were, and help each other to be strong whatever their background.
June 27, 2018
Very good book.
I enjoyed reading this book and seeing Cutter's Creek again. What a wonderful place. I definitely recommend this book. I will be on the lookout for more by this author.
I enjoyed reading this book and seeing Cutter's Creek again. What a wonderful place. I definitely recommend this book. I will be on the lookout for more by this author.
February 25, 2019
A twist on the usual Mail Order Bride Books
Sarah was to be married to a soldier as a half white half Indian to smooth relationships between the two. She runs away and then adventures begin. She learns to trust, what love is & what God is and what he can do.
Sarah was to be married to a soldier as a half white half Indian to smooth relationships between the two. She runs away and then adventures begin. She learns to trust, what love is & what God is and what he can do.
May 17, 2019
The Strong One
Taking charge of her life resulted in many changes in the life of Sarah. She left her native village to avoid an unwanted marriage. She found a new family and love when she stopped running.
Taking charge of her life resulted in many changes in the life of Sarah. She left her native village to avoid an unwanted marriage. She found a new family and love when she stopped running.
July 5, 2019
Love (?) I'm the Old West
A heart-warming story of life in an old western town. Even though, as in most love stories, there are several twists and turns, this book can still hold your attention to see how the problem will be solved this time.
A heart-warming story of life in an old western town. Even though, as in most love stories, there are several twists and turns, this book can still hold your attention to see how the problem will be solved this time.
September 30, 2019
Can God take two lonely hearts and bring healing and love? I loved this story with adventure, danger, romance, and a kind-hearted couple who take in a young woman on the run. A fast-paced, Cutter's Creek book that I highly recommend!
June 4, 2022
A Strong Woman
Sarah was a half-bred who escaped the Indians who wanted to profit from marrying her off to a white man. Then she had to flee a bad man who would have used and discarded her. When Bill appeared in her life she had to decide to trust yet another man.
Sarah was a half-bred who escaped the Indians who wanted to profit from marrying her off to a white man. Then she had to flee a bad man who would have used and discarded her. When Bill appeared in her life she had to decide to trust yet another man.
October 2, 2023
Sweet Christian Romance
Great story. Survival, betrayal, action, romance, love....it's all here. Warm characters you can't help but adore,and a villian you'd like to trip while he's trying to escape!
Great story. Survival, betrayal, action, romance, love....it's all here. Warm characters you can't help but adore,and a villian you'd like to trip while he's trying to escape!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews