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Dakota #1
Dakota Child
Trapped in a North Dakota blizzard, single mother Vivian Halliday's prayer for herself and her child is answered. Rescue comes in the seemingly terrifying form of Billy Black, the hulk of a man feared by all the townsfolk. Yet in the home he shares with his ailing mother, the handsome, gentle giant warms her baby's bottles and sings sweet lullabies that lull even Vivian to peaceful sleep.
When the storm abates and it is safe to leave, will she seek the life that led her back to the village...or stay where she's found an unexpected family for herself and her Dakota child?
Love Inspired Historical #40, September, 2009.
Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
23 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ford
209 books359 followersLinda Ford grew up devouring books and making up stories in her head—often late at night when she couldn't sleep. But she hadn't planned to write. Instead, she dreamed of running an orphanage. In a way, that dream came true. She married, had four homemade children, adopted ten and lived (at times, endured) the dream.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
Writing first took her to non-fiction human-interest articles for newspapers and eventually a non-fiction book about tuberculosis set in the 1930s and 1940s (Touched By The White Plague). But romance had always been her first love and she turned to writing love stories. She is multi-published in the CBA market.
She lives on a small ranch in Alberta, Canada, where she can see the mountains every day. She and her husband continue to enjoy their children and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 30, 2009
It's a good, quick read! Billy is a big, hulk of a man with a sweet tender side no one knows about, but his mother. Vivian is a young, kind and brave girl who made a mistake, but was willing to pay the consequences of her actions. Billy and Vivian both have lessons to learn. Each have a past that was hard on them,but in the end they allow God to rule their lives, not what other's think and say. It does take longer for Billy to learn that lesson because of the harsh realities he's had to face. His mother being taken by Indians when he was 6 and returning years later as a different person who is haunted by fear take a toll on him. Others see them as the outcast and something to be feared, but in reality he is just a sweet, caring guy who loves God. He allows what others have said and they way they have treated him to keep him as an outcast from the town. It takes the courage, love and faith of Vivian to bring him to his sense, and even help his mother. I love the mother in this one. Her struggel of fear has completely controlled her life until Vivian makes her face it head on. Sometimes we need to take a step of faith and trust that God is in control. People aren't perfect and all won't accept, but knowing that they did what God wanted them to do is all that matters.
December 30, 2010
I got this because I signed up for the "Tell Harlequin" panel. While I consider myself a Christian, this book was too preachy for me. I've read inspiration romance before that didn't lay it on this thick, and I enjoyed them more. Yes, christians believe sex outside of marriage is a sin, but holy cow, did it ever get beaten to death. I got really sick of hearing about how horrible her sin was. The heroine acted like she'd practically committed murder, instead of having a child out of wedlock.
I loved the hero. The heroine, not so much. She was as changeable as the wind. She trusts the hero, then she's afraid of him. One minute she just knows he's sweet and gentle and will never hurt anyone, the next minute, she's afraid of him because of his size. Make up your mind! Also, when the book opens, the heroine is lost in a blizzard and about to freeze to death. The hero finds her, and instead of being grateful that someone has found her, she is afraid that he'll hurt her and tries to run away. HUH??? He hadn't done anything at all threatening at that point. And did I mention she was about to freeze to death? Most people would go with anyone if they could lead them to shelter, and worry about his intentions later.
The heroine's dumb insistence that the baby's father would marry her once he knew about his son really got on my nerves, too. Not every man is going to do the honorable thing. And come on, he slept with you and then left without a word, and yet you believe he'll immediately marry you because you had his kid? Wake up and smell the coffee!
I gave this story two stars instead of one because I really liked the hero. He was a sweet and gentle man, a man of simple needs, but honorable and caring. I really like him. I just thought he deserved a woman who had more sense.
I loved the hero. The heroine, not so much. She was as changeable as the wind. She trusts the hero, then she's afraid of him. One minute she just knows he's sweet and gentle and will never hurt anyone, the next minute, she's afraid of him because of his size. Make up your mind! Also, when the book opens, the heroine is lost in a blizzard and about to freeze to death. The hero finds her, and instead of being grateful that someone has found her, she is afraid that he'll hurt her and tries to run away. HUH??? He hadn't done anything at all threatening at that point. And did I mention she was about to freeze to death? Most people would go with anyone if they could lead them to shelter, and worry about his intentions later.
The heroine's dumb insistence that the baby's father would marry her once he knew about his son really got on my nerves, too. Not every man is going to do the honorable thing. And come on, he slept with you and then left without a word, and yet you believe he'll immediately marry you because you had his kid? Wake up and smell the coffee!
I gave this story two stars instead of one because I really liked the hero. He was a sweet and gentle man, a man of simple needs, but honorable and caring. I really like him. I just thought he deserved a woman who had more sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2010
** Warning - Spoilers abound. **
I wanted to like this book but there were just so many things wrong with it (from my viewpoint) that I ended up skimming 80% of the book.
Good Points:
The writing itself is good. Its not stilted or choppy and flows nicely. I give any author props for putting their work out there for the world to love and/or criticize. The cover is attractive and draws you to the book to find out more. And I liked the hero a lot, even though I haven't marked him as "hero I loved". He's a beta male, which I normally run away from screaming, but he's a good man who has been through and is still going through some sad situations in his life.
Cons:
This has the dreaded "secret baby" plot that I DO run away from screaming. Unfortunately you don't find this out until a few chapters into the book. The main plot is nearly transparent - I could probably have told you how it transpired without actually reading it. The heroine was TSTL. The hero's mother lived through what was probably a horrendous, forever life altering situation and came away scarred from it, yet she "rebounded" in only a few pages once the heroine found out what the woman was dealing with and "cured" her. Ugh. Puh-leeze!
2 stars for the good points and only because it wasn't a true wallbanger. But the potential is there.
I wanted to like this book but there were just so many things wrong with it (from my viewpoint) that I ended up skimming 80% of the book.
Good Points:
The writing itself is good. Its not stilted or choppy and flows nicely. I give any author props for putting their work out there for the world to love and/or criticize. The cover is attractive and draws you to the book to find out more. And I liked the hero a lot, even though I haven't marked him as "hero I loved". He's a beta male, which I normally run away from screaming, but he's a good man who has been through and is still going through some sad situations in his life.
Cons:
This has the dreaded "secret baby" plot that I DO run away from screaming. Unfortunately you don't find this out until a few chapters into the book. The main plot is nearly transparent - I could probably have told you how it transpired without actually reading it. The heroine was TSTL. The hero's mother lived through what was probably a horrendous, forever life altering situation and came away scarred from it, yet she "rebounded" in only a few pages once the heroine found out what the woman was dealing with and "cured" her. Ugh. Puh-leeze!
2 stars for the good points and only because it wasn't a true wallbanger. But the potential is there.
January 6, 2011
I was sent this to review from Tell Harlequin. I tried to read it but I am not really a person who enjoys Christian Fiction. I read the first half and skimmed the last. The story line was just average. I pretty much knew exactly what was going to happen. There was nothing new and surprising.
At the very beginning of the book the heroine is lost in a snow storm with her 2 month old baby. She is praying for God to help her and thinks she will do anything to save the baby yet when a man looms up in the storm, she tries to run from him. Really? You just said you'd do anything. You're stranded on the prairie in a blizzard and you run from help? Not likely. I'd take the help and worry later. The man might or might not hurt you, the storm will definitely kill you. That's just poor writing/plotting.
Then at the end, she goes to admit her sin of having sex before marriage to the whole church because that's the 'right' way to do things. That's the sort of thing that makes me not like general Christian fiction. I would never have read past the praying on the first page if I hadn't needed to read it for review.
At the very beginning of the book the heroine is lost in a snow storm with her 2 month old baby. She is praying for God to help her and thinks she will do anything to save the baby yet when a man looms up in the storm, she tries to run from him. Really? You just said you'd do anything. You're stranded on the prairie in a blizzard and you run from help? Not likely. I'd take the help and worry later. The man might or might not hurt you, the storm will definitely kill you. That's just poor writing/plotting.
Then at the end, she goes to admit her sin of having sex before marriage to the whole church because that's the 'right' way to do things. That's the sort of thing that makes me not like general Christian fiction. I would never have read past the praying on the first page if I hadn't needed to read it for review.
October 15, 2009
It was alright- I'm not a huge fan of the overtly Christian in your face stuff when it comes to fiction, but it was a cute story.
May 31, 2020
This is a quick read and filled with faith, love, tragedies, deceit, characters who are different and many different stories woven together. Vivian has a strength even with all she's had to deal with and those who were supposed to be looking out for her interests instead took advantage of her. Billy had a rough childhood due to his mother's abduction and subsequent release years later as well as his size. He's not comfortable in his own skin and always tries to do best by his mother. His mom is considered strange but when Vivian and her infant son break down her barriers little by little will she learn to live in the present instead of the past? Vivian and Billy have a rapport and chemistry and I loved how gentle he was with her son and how much he helped her especially since she had no one else to lean on.
The many secrets had been hidden for years and we get to know the characters, their pasts, their present and even their potential futures a little at a time. The cruelty we learn of was heartbreaking. I loved the descriptions of the farm and the land surrounding it as well as all the animals that Billy cared for. The epilogue tied up some loose ends and gave us a glimpse of how their lives turned out but ended too abruptly for me.
The many secrets had been hidden for years and we get to know the characters, their pasts, their present and even their potential futures a little at a time. The cruelty we learn of was heartbreaking. I loved the descriptions of the farm and the land surrounding it as well as all the animals that Billy cared for. The epilogue tied up some loose ends and gave us a glimpse of how their lives turned out but ended too abruptly for me.
June 11, 2023
I don't give out five star reviews, as a rule. In fact, my average is 2.73, or something like that. But this book definitely deserves every single star Goodreads has to offer.
The other commenters griped about how it was "stupid" that she would try to run from Billy when he comes upon her half-frozen in a snowstorm, but you have to actually THINK about it: What's worse, freezing to death or being 'saved' to be raped/abused by someone for years? I'd think twice about being 'rescued' by an enormous man, too.
Billy is an AMAZING man. Simple life, simple faith, simple love... and he's all heart, the entire book. And while I was worried about the 'tension' between him and Vivian feeling contrived, all of her points are valid and it worked for the book.
I also love the fact that one of the characters is 'insane' (not really, but she's got SERIOUS emotional issues), and the hero is actually a massive, overweight man. You don't get many heroes that are imperfect, and Billy is not only tall and big-boned and massive, he's overly fond of food and a BIG guy. He was wonderful.
Definitely a keeper!
The other commenters griped about how it was "stupid" that she would try to run from Billy when he comes upon her half-frozen in a snowstorm, but you have to actually THINK about it: What's worse, freezing to death or being 'saved' to be raped/abused by someone for years? I'd think twice about being 'rescued' by an enormous man, too.
Billy is an AMAZING man. Simple life, simple faith, simple love... and he's all heart, the entire book. And while I was worried about the 'tension' between him and Vivian feeling contrived, all of her points are valid and it worked for the book.
I also love the fact that one of the characters is 'insane' (not really, but she's got SERIOUS emotional issues), and the hero is actually a massive, overweight man. You don't get many heroes that are imperfect, and Billy is not only tall and big-boned and massive, he's overly fond of food and a BIG guy. He was wonderful.
Definitely a keeper!
April 5, 2019
Being a Harlequin Love Inspired Historical selection, this book is, as you would expect, a quick, sweet, Christian based romance, and very enjoyable. It had a bit of a different plot than most, so, not entirely formulaic, which was good. Most do not have a heroine with an out of wedlock baby. There were many good lessons wrapped in a touching story, although I think the plot line about Billy’s mother would need a longer, more involved novel to bring about the conclusion in a more believable way, so I can’t go up in my rating because that was just a little too “convenient” and rushed at the end for me to suspend my disbelief. I’d give it 3.5 if you could do so on Goodreads, but can’t bump it up to an full 4 stars. (IMO)
May 18, 2021
Bible answers woven into this story.
This was an interesting story. Not fast paced but enjoyable. I really enjoyed how Ms. Ford wove biblical truths in this story from beginning to end. Biblical truths we all need to remember and incorporate into our daily lives.
This was an interesting story. Not fast paced but enjoyable. I really enjoyed how Ms. Ford wove biblical truths in this story from beginning to end. Biblical truths we all need to remember and incorporate into our daily lives.
March 14, 2018
THis was a formula Christian romance. Everything is out of whack at the beginning and then everything is solved and perfect by the end.
February 7, 2022
Love this book so much.
December 8, 2023
A great storyline filled with forgiveness, acceptance and becoming stronger through it all.
September 13, 2024
Easy and beautifully written story.
December 20, 2010
My opinion: I received this book the other day because I signed up for tellharlequin.com. I got this in the mail and though "Hmmm...it's a historical, but it actually sounds pretty good". And it was! We first meet Vivian Halliday who is stuck out in a snowstorm with nowhere else to go, her 2 month old baby in her arms. Luckily, Billy Black happens to come along and get her to the safety of his cabin. She is fearful at first; she remembered him from her childhood, and while she was always nice to him, everyone was afraid of him and his mother. Everyone thinks the mother is crazy (she was kidnapped by Indians and held for six years). She soon comes to decide that Billy won't ever hurt her, but she remains afraid of his mom, who keeps insisting that she go away; after being abducted, she can't handle being around strangers. Vivian soon decides the best thing to do would be to find her son, Joshua's, father (Wayne) and marry him, which would have been the proper thing to do in the 1800s. Wayne is the son of one of the most influential men in the town, so she knows she and her baby will be well cared for. Billy takes her into town, but they learn that Wayne has left town for an undetermined amount of time. She has no choice but to return to Billy's house, despite his mother's protests. As time goes on though, Vivian can't help but fall for Billy's gentle demeanor; he is kind, caring, and thinks the world of her son. She finds that she loves Billy, but the proper thing to do would be to marry Wayne. Will she do what's right for her son and still manage to be happy?
I liked the characters in this book. Vivian had been through a lot, being stuck in an orphanage after her parents died. Then she had a baby with Wayne, who she thought loved her. She had no idea how to care for a new baby, but she knew she couldn't live without him, and that shows a lot of courage. It was obvious she would do whatever she had to for her son. Billy was great, he welcomed her with open arms and instantly bonded with her son. Even though is mother protested, he refused to cast Vivian away since she was in need. And then later he wouldn't because he loved her. The mother was definitely getting on my last nerve after awhile; I get that she was taken by Indians and I can't even imagine how traumatic that would be, to be away from your family for 6 years and everything that happened to her. But wow, she did act a bit crazy, yelling all of the time and about having panic attacks any time Vivian came close to her. Her actions do make a bit more sense later on in the book, especially her extreme reactions when Joshua would cry. It was a very heartwarming-book, and I actually teared up at one point. The only thing that lost me quite a few times were all of the religious references and Bible passages. I am not religious myself; I am not opposed to those that are, and I don't mind when characters mention God or anything like that. But it inhabited a LOT of this book, which made it a little tough for me to read at some points. However, the story line was good and I was really able to connect with the characters. You could see their relationship progress and how much they cared about each other.
My rating: 4/5 stars
I liked the characters in this book. Vivian had been through a lot, being stuck in an orphanage after her parents died. Then she had a baby with Wayne, who she thought loved her. She had no idea how to care for a new baby, but she knew she couldn't live without him, and that shows a lot of courage. It was obvious she would do whatever she had to for her son. Billy was great, he welcomed her with open arms and instantly bonded with her son. Even though is mother protested, he refused to cast Vivian away since she was in need. And then later he wouldn't because he loved her. The mother was definitely getting on my last nerve after awhile; I get that she was taken by Indians and I can't even imagine how traumatic that would be, to be away from your family for 6 years and everything that happened to her. But wow, she did act a bit crazy, yelling all of the time and about having panic attacks any time Vivian came close to her. Her actions do make a bit more sense later on in the book, especially her extreme reactions when Joshua would cry. It was a very heartwarming-book, and I actually teared up at one point. The only thing that lost me quite a few times were all of the religious references and Bible passages. I am not religious myself; I am not opposed to those that are, and I don't mind when characters mention God or anything like that. But it inhabited a LOT of this book, which made it a little tough for me to read at some points. However, the story line was good and I was really able to connect with the characters. You could see their relationship progress and how much they cared about each other.
My rating: 4/5 stars
December 30, 2010
I am not a huge fan of the romance genre, but in trying to expand my reading and hone my own writing skills I am trying to appreciate their place on book shelves.
Dakota Child takes place in 1890 North Dakota. It is winter. Vivian is an orphaned girl who has a child out of wedlock with a man she knew several years earlier. She escapes the foundling home with her son, Joshua, in search of a new life with the father of her child. During her travels she is turned around and lost in a blizzard. In comes Billy Black. Billy hears the cries of what he believes to be a cat meowing and finds Vivian. He brings her to his home only to discover the cries are not of a cat, but a baby.
Billy lives with his Ma in seclusion. He travels to town only as needed and spends his days taking care of his animals and Ma and taking walks through the woods and over the land. In the evenings he reads verses from his Bible while his Ma works on her quilting.
The characters, Vivian & Billy, are likeable. Both have a good moral foundation and an appreciation of a higher being to guide them in their lives. And although this book refers to the Bible and God in various points it is not preachy, but soothing in its manner.
Ma Black isn't given enough exploration. She was abducted Indians when Billy was six and returned six years later. The townspeople think her crazy. Towards the end of the story the reader finds out Ma is not crazy, but stuck in an endless loop of reliving her time with the Indians due to her seclusion. Billy believes keeping his ma secluded protects her, but that is really his fear based on the taunting he received as a child.
The story spends a lot of time on nothing. The author could have explored more with Ma Black during this time instead of filling the pages with a crying baby who needs to be fed every few minutes. This seems to be the go to page filler and gets a bit redundant. At the end the author jumps ahead with few details as if she too is bored with writing the story and wants it to just end. A suggestion would be to use that succinctness earlier on and expand on a few other avenues.
There was much more to be explored with Vivian's parents' deaths, why Wayne Styles visited her, getting her family home back, and Ma Black's time with the Indians and her recovery through the help of Vivian and God.
All in all, the story has potential, but the author and her editors missed much of that potential. One more point, in closing, this romance is quite chaste as there are no gratuitous sex scenes. This is a welcome change from many of the romance novels I have attempted reading in the past and probably the single most important reason I finished this book when I have put others down early on.
Discloser: I received this book as part of my affiliation with Harlequin Books. I received no other compensation and my thoughts are my own.
Dakota Child takes place in 1890 North Dakota. It is winter. Vivian is an orphaned girl who has a child out of wedlock with a man she knew several years earlier. She escapes the foundling home with her son, Joshua, in search of a new life with the father of her child. During her travels she is turned around and lost in a blizzard. In comes Billy Black. Billy hears the cries of what he believes to be a cat meowing and finds Vivian. He brings her to his home only to discover the cries are not of a cat, but a baby.
Billy lives with his Ma in seclusion. He travels to town only as needed and spends his days taking care of his animals and Ma and taking walks through the woods and over the land. In the evenings he reads verses from his Bible while his Ma works on her quilting.
The characters, Vivian & Billy, are likeable. Both have a good moral foundation and an appreciation of a higher being to guide them in their lives. And although this book refers to the Bible and God in various points it is not preachy, but soothing in its manner.
Ma Black isn't given enough exploration. She was abducted Indians when Billy was six and returned six years later. The townspeople think her crazy. Towards the end of the story the reader finds out Ma is not crazy, but stuck in an endless loop of reliving her time with the Indians due to her seclusion. Billy believes keeping his ma secluded protects her, but that is really his fear based on the taunting he received as a child.
The story spends a lot of time on nothing. The author could have explored more with Ma Black during this time instead of filling the pages with a crying baby who needs to be fed every few minutes. This seems to be the go to page filler and gets a bit redundant. At the end the author jumps ahead with few details as if she too is bored with writing the story and wants it to just end. A suggestion would be to use that succinctness earlier on and expand on a few other avenues.
There was much more to be explored with Vivian's parents' deaths, why Wayne Styles visited her, getting her family home back, and Ma Black's time with the Indians and her recovery through the help of Vivian and God.
All in all, the story has potential, but the author and her editors missed much of that potential. One more point, in closing, this romance is quite chaste as there are no gratuitous sex scenes. This is a welcome change from many of the romance novels I have attempted reading in the past and probably the single most important reason I finished this book when I have put others down early on.
Discloser: I received this book as part of my affiliation with Harlequin Books. I received no other compensation and my thoughts are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2010
This was my first read in the Love Inspired Historical line by Harlequin. While the book featured great writing skills by the author, Linda Ford, I will say that I don't think I will be reading anymore from this line.
The author has a wonderful gift for writing. The book flowed great and the story was heartfelt. I really loved the character of Billy Black. He was so sweet and patient with the baby that it melted my heart! Here was this large man with a heart of gold, sitting in a rocker and humming the baby to sleep. Vivian was an okay character for me. She just wasn't outstanding in my mind. She was ordinary and the same type of character found in most books. While I enjoyed her being paired with Billy Black, she just didn't have the wow factor that I like. The one thing that I did not enjoy about this book was the constant reference to religion. While I understand that this book is in the Christian Romance line, I have read other Christian Romance books that didn't have this much preaching. I think the author could have written the book with the same impact if she would have cut out a lot of the bible quoting.
While this book was just okay at most for me, I think it is because this type of book is not my style. I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy a book that had to force bible scriptures to me in every chapter. If you like these types of books, then I do urge you to read it. :Like I said, the author does of wonderful job with the writing skills. But, if you are not a fan of this sort of genre, or if you don't like to be preached to within each chapter, then I suggest holding off on reading this book right away.
The author has a wonderful gift for writing. The book flowed great and the story was heartfelt. I really loved the character of Billy Black. He was so sweet and patient with the baby that it melted my heart! Here was this large man with a heart of gold, sitting in a rocker and humming the baby to sleep. Vivian was an okay character for me. She just wasn't outstanding in my mind. She was ordinary and the same type of character found in most books. While I enjoyed her being paired with Billy Black, she just didn't have the wow factor that I like. The one thing that I did not enjoy about this book was the constant reference to religion. While I understand that this book is in the Christian Romance line, I have read other Christian Romance books that didn't have this much preaching. I think the author could have written the book with the same impact if she would have cut out a lot of the bible quoting.
While this book was just okay at most for me, I think it is because this type of book is not my style. I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy a book that had to force bible scriptures to me in every chapter. If you like these types of books, then I do urge you to read it. :Like I said, the author does of wonderful job with the writing skills. But, if you are not a fan of this sort of genre, or if you don't like to be preached to within each chapter, then I suggest holding off on reading this book right away.
July 19, 2014
This was probably the best Love Inspired book I have read to date. The writing was done so well I felt like I was actually reading a full length novel. The conflict and solution were both very well thought out and played almost perfectly throughout the story. I loved the characters and their own individual quirks and personalities. I haven't yet read anything quite like this.
Some things I didn't like so much were how 'big' Billy was made out to be and how quickly the sub-plot was taken care of. The way Billy's size was made out to be made him sound like he was a FEE-FY-FO kind of giant. I would have to realistically think of how big someone could actually get, so I didn't picture him like the size of a fairy tale giant.
The sub plot had to do with some legal issues and how Vivian signed some papers that she shouldn't have. About a chapter after she addresses her concerns the problem is taken care of, even though it was made out to be an issue that I thought was going to take longer to solve.
Over all this was a really good read, specially for a smaller book with a short time to fit a story line into. With some minor flaws I still believe that this is a book worth reading.
Visit my blog at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
Some things I didn't like so much were how 'big' Billy was made out to be and how quickly the sub-plot was taken care of. The way Billy's size was made out to be made him sound like he was a FEE-FY-FO kind of giant. I would have to realistically think of how big someone could actually get, so I didn't picture him like the size of a fairy tale giant.
The sub plot had to do with some legal issues and how Vivian signed some papers that she shouldn't have. About a chapter after she addresses her concerns the problem is taken care of, even though it was made out to be an issue that I thought was going to take longer to solve.
Over all this was a really good read, specially for a smaller book with a short time to fit a story line into. With some minor flaws I still believe that this is a book worth reading.
Visit my blog at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
March 31, 2015
The Dakotas
Book 1
Billy is described as a big bear of a man. He needs large meals to keep him going and can be a bit intimidating to look at. In fact, he hides at his farm most of the time with his mother who has her own issues after being kept by the Indians for six years. When he miraculously finds a young woman and her young baby during a blizzard, she is scared of him at first. But she soon learns that he's just a big teddy bear.
I really, really, really loved Billy. He was such a sweet man. I loved seeing this big bear of a man being so tender with a baby and his mother. He wasn't afraid of loving her and showing her affection, and I was so pleased with the way the author allowed it all to turn out.
I know there are issue with Vivian and her mothering instincts, but I'm not going to go there. The romance in this story - and the issues dealt with - were so good, that I'm not going to nit pick on some minor issues. There is also an issue with Joshua's "father." But this does not take away from the special-ness of the book. I was very pleased the way this all turned out...Kudos to the author for doing such a great job in writing such a great heart-felt romance!
Book 1
Billy is described as a big bear of a man. He needs large meals to keep him going and can be a bit intimidating to look at. In fact, he hides at his farm most of the time with his mother who has her own issues after being kept by the Indians for six years. When he miraculously finds a young woman and her young baby during a blizzard, she is scared of him at first. But she soon learns that he's just a big teddy bear.
I really, really, really loved Billy. He was such a sweet man. I loved seeing this big bear of a man being so tender with a baby and his mother. He wasn't afraid of loving her and showing her affection, and I was so pleased with the way the author allowed it all to turn out.
I know there are issue with Vivian and her mothering instincts, but I'm not going to go there. The romance in this story - and the issues dealt with - were so good, that I'm not going to nit pick on some minor issues. There is also an issue with Joshua's "father." But this does not take away from the special-ness of the book. I was very pleased the way this all turned out...Kudos to the author for doing such a great job in writing such a great heart-felt romance!
May 8, 2011
I got this book as a free review copy from Harlequin. It took me awhile to get around to it, but I enjoyed it very much. Even shed a few tears at the end. Always a sign of a good novel. I do want to point out just two points about this novel. First, it's very christian. It's worked in throughout the whole novel. If that would bother you, then skip this novel. It's not done in a bad way. It's not in your face, or over the top, but the main couple in the book have to confront their faith along with each other. Secondly, the american indians are not portrayed in a good light in this novel at all. Takes place in 1890 North Dakota. Indians are never met, but when you hear what they did to the hero's mother, it isn't just unkind, but brutal. It's not explained in vivid horrid detail or anything, but Indians are portrayed as killers.
January 3, 2011
*I recieved this book from Tellharlequin.
Overall Impression: This was a pretty good read. I found myself cheering for the two main characters throughout the book hoping that they would be able to figure everything out.
Cover: I loved this cover compared to most other romance novel covers. The cover was very sweet and made me feel warm and cozy.
Characters: I really like the character of Billy. I love his protectiveness of his mother and how he was determined to be nice to everyone and always do the right thing. I was also very intrigued by the character of Billy's mom. Her story really interested me and if I could have it my way another book would be written about what happened to her when she was captured and how she handled living through everything.
Overall Impression: This was a pretty good read. I found myself cheering for the two main characters throughout the book hoping that they would be able to figure everything out.
Cover: I loved this cover compared to most other romance novel covers. The cover was very sweet and made me feel warm and cozy.
Characters: I really like the character of Billy. I love his protectiveness of his mother and how he was determined to be nice to everyone and always do the right thing. I was also very intrigued by the character of Billy's mom. Her story really interested me and if I could have it my way another book would be written about what happened to her when she was captured and how she handled living through everything.
January 6, 2011
i shared this book with my mom. she was disappointed that it was a historical. BUT she read it anyways because with the few exceptions of travelling by wagon and a few mentions of surroundings in town, you would harldy notice it was set in an earlier time. also, it seems to be a book written by an author of great Christian faith...but not in an overly "in your face" kind of way. this story made me think... it made me contemplate the people around me and how i perceive them...and it made me consider some interesting and, i believe, fair views from a Christian perspecitve...views that i wish more "god fearing" people maintained.
A great read! an enthralling read! i read it straight thru to the end. and, yes, it made me cry.
A great read! an enthralling read! i read it straight thru to the end. and, yes, it made me cry.
February 19, 2013
I received this book as a gift from Harlequin, maybe two years ago already. It was misplaced in a disorganised room, but made it back to the bookshelf a few months ago. I was pleased to see it was from the Love Inspired line, a good indication it could be my kind of story.
And it was! I did find some of it repetitive, with the characters' stubbornness resulting in what seemed to be very similar dialogue over and over. Perhaps they should have just said, "Let's agree to disagree," and the narrative could focus on outer conflict rather than the same argument; however, that doesn't take away from it being a good plot and decent writing. I liked the main characters, especially the hero. And his mother made for a great minor character who deserves a book of her own!
And it was! I did find some of it repetitive, with the characters' stubbornness resulting in what seemed to be very similar dialogue over and over. Perhaps they should have just said, "Let's agree to disagree," and the narrative could focus on outer conflict rather than the same argument; however, that doesn't take away from it being a good plot and decent writing. I liked the main characters, especially the hero. And his mother made for a great minor character who deserves a book of her own!
October 2, 2009
I'm of two minds on this one. I both really enjoyed it and didn't. Billy's mother's problems seemed both too large and too easily overcome (my first response: Getting captured by Indians gives you autism?!), and Billy's size really baffled me. Are we talking a Hagrid-sized man? An entire town of people were really that afraid of size? A lot of it must have been in his imagination. But I liked Billy and Vivian a lot, loved following their journeys, and really appreciated the many snowbound in a blizzard scenes. (We all have our things, all right?)
June 19, 2013
When I first opened this book I wasn't quite sure what I was reading. The male main character seemed too... how shall I put it...caveman? And his mother too insane for believability, I didn't know what to make of it. But as you read on you start to understand the PTS involved with the mother's "moods" and the true gem of a man found in the "gentle giant". I like a story that makes me feel something and this story does that. A touching, sweet read.
August 11, 2014
This book has it all ayoung women with a baby coming for help in a community where many didn't want her and how the outcaste of the community not only took her in but helped her even when they didn't want any part of the community who didn't want them, but there were a few who remembered the orphan and her family who were suppotive of her. The ending was pure storybook and I enjoyed reading how heartwarming it is that in your darkest moments there is help. Another good inspirational book.
December 28, 2010
Not at all the typical Harlequin novel. This is from their Inspirational/Historical line, no between the sheets scenes at all. My only qualm with the book was the transformation in one of the characters seemed to be rushed & should have been handled differently. Other than that I loved this book, I cried at least once, possibly twice, and couldn't put it down.
December 28, 2010
I received this book as part of the Harlequin Ambassadors Club. If you like a romance infused with christian spirituality then this is the book for you. A sweet gentle story of two outcasts from society - one by choice and the other by a 'sinful' mistake. The author certainly knows her Bible and includes many passages from it.
January 10, 2011
I almost put this book into the gave up category. It started out really slowly and I was not really interested but persevered because it was sent to me as a survey book so I felt I should read it to give a proper opinion. It did pick up but was really just a basic romance, no suspense or mystery at all which is what I like to have in a book.
January 5, 2014
This is a great book about redemption and forgiveness. It actually has a lot of content. That will both make you think and question the characters. I love surprises! So I found this book fun. And as a longtime babysitter the mother/baby story was contenting.
My only annoyance was the stress put on the main characters size. Other than that I read the book happily and quickly.
My only annoyance was the stress put on the main characters size. Other than that I read the book happily and quickly.
August 31, 2014
If you are looking for hot love scenes, this is not the book. This is a soft and gentle walk to finding true love.
Two very sad lives bring new hope to one another. There are many bible verses and lessons to be learned in this book.
I thought it sweet, with humour and truth.
I would suggest this as a read.
Two very sad lives bring new hope to one another. There are many bible verses and lessons to be learned in this book.
I thought it sweet, with humour and truth.
I would suggest this as a read.
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