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California Rising #3
Chasing the Wind
A beautiful, half-Indian girl raised by the Californios finds her fate intertwined with an American frontiersman haunted by his past in 1850 California.
As California comes to statehood amidst the madness of the gold rush, Isabella Vasquez must wed a buckskin-clad American who wins her in a card game. Though their union is passionate, Isabella soon finds herself abandoned in a brothel, where she rises to fame as a singer known as the Bluebird. Yet because of her Indian blood, the Bluebird will always be bought and sold in the white man’s world. When more is demanded of the Bluebird than just singing, Isabella flees to Fort Ross in search of her Russian father and her own race of people.
Peter Brondi has battled Indians all his life. The last thing he wants is a half-Indian wife. While taming the West with Kit Carson and John C. Fremont, Peter has fought the Mexican War and lost his beloved fiancée, Maggie, to his half-Indian brother, Paul. To satisfy his father’s dying wish, Peter vows to find his brother and put an end to the hate that’s between them. But when history repeats itself and Paul steals Isabella away, Peter must come to terms with his past and the animosity he holds against all Indians, including his half-brother and the wife he has forsaken.
Chasing the Wind is the final story in the sweeping saga of California Rising, a tale of love, betrayal, and the ties that bind brothers together and California to the nation.
As California comes to statehood amidst the madness of the gold rush, Isabella Vasquez must wed a buckskin-clad American who wins her in a card game. Though their union is passionate, Isabella soon finds herself abandoned in a brothel, where she rises to fame as a singer known as the Bluebird. Yet because of her Indian blood, the Bluebird will always be bought and sold in the white man’s world. When more is demanded of the Bluebird than just singing, Isabella flees to Fort Ross in search of her Russian father and her own race of people.
Peter Brondi has battled Indians all his life. The last thing he wants is a half-Indian wife. While taming the West with Kit Carson and John C. Fremont, Peter has fought the Mexican War and lost his beloved fiancée, Maggie, to his half-Indian brother, Paul. To satisfy his father’s dying wish, Peter vows to find his brother and put an end to the hate that’s between them. But when history repeats itself and Paul steals Isabella away, Peter must come to terms with his past and the animosity he holds against all Indians, including his half-brother and the wife he has forsaken.
Chasing the Wind is the final story in the sweeping saga of California Rising, a tale of love, betrayal, and the ties that bind brothers together and California to the nation.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2018
76 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Paula Scott
7 books49 followersPaula has a background in journalism. A fifth-generation Californian, her great-great grandmother came to California in a covered wagon and married a California farmer. Paula’s family has been farming ever since. Paula works on her family's stone fruit farm, writes historical and contemporary fiction, and blogs about life, love, and farming at paulascott.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 18, 2018
One of the BEST books I've ever read!!! Read this book now!!!
Chasing the Wind (2018) by Paula Scott is the third and final novel in her California Rising series. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 423 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very precocious five-year old at home, this novel took me four days to read. I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Just Read Publicity Tours. In no way has this influenced my opinion of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give Chasing the Wind 5+++++ STARS. This story is a Christian Historical Romance.
Chasing the Wind is an absolutely amazing story. It ripped my heart out, stole my breath, and kicked me in the guts. I devoured every single page!!! It is RICH in historical detail, and the romance is unlike any I’ve read before. I love this book, and I am so sad that my time with it is over. I will definitely be putting this book on my re-read list!
I was born in California, raised in California, and have made my permanent home in California. California is the only state I have ever called home. I thought I knew about my home state. NOPE. I’m apparently completely ignorant. The amount of historical detail in this novel is breathtaking. Paula Scott did her homework and then some for this Michener-esque book. I was as fascinated by the sweeping historical detail as I was with the beautiful and agonizing romance. I know who Kit Carson was, but to see him in action through Peter’s memories of fighting by Carson’s side was so eye-opening. I know about the war between America and Mexico to see who would lay claim to California, but to see it through both Peter’s and Isabella’s eyes was horrifying. The amount of needless death for a piece of land. It’s staggering how little life can mean to humans. And, I know about the gold miners during the late 1840s and early 1850s, but to see them in action in the mining town of Marysville through Isabella’s eyes was visceral. The stench, the depravity, the sin. The gambling dens, saloons, dirty tents, and whore houses. It must have been a horrifying time to live, and Paula Scott captures this and more in her exquisite storytelling.
Both Isabella and Peter are masterfully-created characters. Isabella’s feelings of unworthiness because of her 1/4 Native American blood is so relatable. White men treated Natives like the lowest form of servant, and sold them into slavery and sex services without any qualms. Often, Isabella felt like garbage because she just so happened to have some Native blood in her. I don’t have any Native American blood in me, but I can relate to great feelings of inadequacy. Like Isabella in this story, I had a moment with God where I realized my true worth. In my moment, I discerned that how I felt about my looks and my body were just lies fed to me by the devil to keep me from remembering that I am God’s perfect creation. And, Peter, too, is extremely relatable with his feelings of total unworthiness as a sinful, selfish man. One of my favorite moments in the book comes when Peter is on a ship. He looks up and sees the vast expanse of stars and suddenly feels dirty and full of sin and unable to look at the perfection that God created. I sometimes feel as small as Peter did in this scene. I think we all feel that way from time to time. But, the best part is that no matter how small we may feel, God will always be there with us and for us because He loves us unendingly. What a beautiful God we serve!
The love story between Isabella and Peter is one of the best romances I have ever read. I cannot adequately put into words just how good this aspect of the book is, so I won’t even try. But, I will say this: prepare for a heartbreaking journey. This may be one of the most realistic, painful, endearing, difficult, romantic, passionate love stories I’ve ever read. I rooted for Isabella and Peter. I cried for them. I cheered for them. And, I yelled at them. This is a gripping love story that will stay with me LONG after I have finished reading.
I could genuinely go on and on about this amazing book. I highly recommend it so much. If you are looking for a story rich in detail, honest in its themes, and that will leave you breathless, then run to your nearest computer and purchase this book today. It is SO, SO good. You will not be disappointed that you did.
Chasing the Wind (2018) by Paula Scott is the third and final novel in her California Rising series. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 423 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very precocious five-year old at home, this novel took me four days to read. I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Just Read Publicity Tours. In no way has this influenced my opinion of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give Chasing the Wind 5+++++ STARS. This story is a Christian Historical Romance.
Chasing the Wind is an absolutely amazing story. It ripped my heart out, stole my breath, and kicked me in the guts. I devoured every single page!!! It is RICH in historical detail, and the romance is unlike any I’ve read before. I love this book, and I am so sad that my time with it is over. I will definitely be putting this book on my re-read list!
I was born in California, raised in California, and have made my permanent home in California. California is the only state I have ever called home. I thought I knew about my home state. NOPE. I’m apparently completely ignorant. The amount of historical detail in this novel is breathtaking. Paula Scott did her homework and then some for this Michener-esque book. I was as fascinated by the sweeping historical detail as I was with the beautiful and agonizing romance. I know who Kit Carson was, but to see him in action through Peter’s memories of fighting by Carson’s side was so eye-opening. I know about the war between America and Mexico to see who would lay claim to California, but to see it through both Peter’s and Isabella’s eyes was horrifying. The amount of needless death for a piece of land. It’s staggering how little life can mean to humans. And, I know about the gold miners during the late 1840s and early 1850s, but to see them in action in the mining town of Marysville through Isabella’s eyes was visceral. The stench, the depravity, the sin. The gambling dens, saloons, dirty tents, and whore houses. It must have been a horrifying time to live, and Paula Scott captures this and more in her exquisite storytelling.
Both Isabella and Peter are masterfully-created characters. Isabella’s feelings of unworthiness because of her 1/4 Native American blood is so relatable. White men treated Natives like the lowest form of servant, and sold them into slavery and sex services without any qualms. Often, Isabella felt like garbage because she just so happened to have some Native blood in her. I don’t have any Native American blood in me, but I can relate to great feelings of inadequacy. Like Isabella in this story, I had a moment with God where I realized my true worth. In my moment, I discerned that how I felt about my looks and my body were just lies fed to me by the devil to keep me from remembering that I am God’s perfect creation. And, Peter, too, is extremely relatable with his feelings of total unworthiness as a sinful, selfish man. One of my favorite moments in the book comes when Peter is on a ship. He looks up and sees the vast expanse of stars and suddenly feels dirty and full of sin and unable to look at the perfection that God created. I sometimes feel as small as Peter did in this scene. I think we all feel that way from time to time. But, the best part is that no matter how small we may feel, God will always be there with us and for us because He loves us unendingly. What a beautiful God we serve!
The love story between Isabella and Peter is one of the best romances I have ever read. I cannot adequately put into words just how good this aspect of the book is, so I won’t even try. But, I will say this: prepare for a heartbreaking journey. This may be one of the most realistic, painful, endearing, difficult, romantic, passionate love stories I’ve ever read. I rooted for Isabella and Peter. I cried for them. I cheered for them. And, I yelled at them. This is a gripping love story that will stay with me LONG after I have finished reading.
I could genuinely go on and on about this amazing book. I highly recommend it so much. If you are looking for a story rich in detail, honest in its themes, and that will leave you breathless, then run to your nearest computer and purchase this book today. It is SO, SO good. You will not be disappointed that you did.
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July 11, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (7/11/2018)!💝
Blurb:
A beautiful, half-Indian girl raised by the Californios finds her fate intertwined with an American frontiersman haunted by his past in 1850 California.
As California comes to statehood amidst the madness of the gold rush, Isabella Vasquez must wed a buckskin-clad American who wins her in a card game. Though their union is passionate, Isabella soon finds herself abandoned in a brothel, where she rises to fame as a singer known as the Bluebird. Yet because of her Indian blood, the Bluebird will always be bought and sold in the white man’s world. When more is demanded of the Bluebird than just singing, Isabella flees to Fort Ross in search of her Russian father and her own race of people.
Peter Brondi has battled Indians all his life. The last thing he wants is a half-Indian wife. While taming the West with Kit Carson and John C. Fremont, Peter has fought the Mexican War and lost his beloved fiancée, Maggie, to his half-Indian brother, Paul. To satisfy his father’s dying wish, Peter vows to find his brother and put an end to the hate that’s between them. But when history repeats itself and Paul steals Isabella away, Peter must come to terms with his past and the animosity he holds against all Indians, including his half-brother and the wife he has forsaken.
Chasing the Wind is the final story in the sweeping saga of California Rising, a tale of love, betrayal, and the ties that bind brothers together and California to the nation.
Blurb:
A beautiful, half-Indian girl raised by the Californios finds her fate intertwined with an American frontiersman haunted by his past in 1850 California.
As California comes to statehood amidst the madness of the gold rush, Isabella Vasquez must wed a buckskin-clad American who wins her in a card game. Though their union is passionate, Isabella soon finds herself abandoned in a brothel, where she rises to fame as a singer known as the Bluebird. Yet because of her Indian blood, the Bluebird will always be bought and sold in the white man’s world. When more is demanded of the Bluebird than just singing, Isabella flees to Fort Ross in search of her Russian father and her own race of people.
Peter Brondi has battled Indians all his life. The last thing he wants is a half-Indian wife. While taming the West with Kit Carson and John C. Fremont, Peter has fought the Mexican War and lost his beloved fiancée, Maggie, to his half-Indian brother, Paul. To satisfy his father’s dying wish, Peter vows to find his brother and put an end to the hate that’s between them. But when history repeats itself and Paul steals Isabella away, Peter must come to terms with his past and the animosity he holds against all Indians, including his half-brother and the wife he has forsaken.
Chasing the Wind is the final story in the sweeping saga of California Rising, a tale of love, betrayal, and the ties that bind brothers together and California to the nation.
April 24, 2018
Never in my wildest book dreams did I think I would read about a marriage starting from a poker game! But as crazy as that sounds, it totally worked in this novel. It was really the only way that Peter and Isabella would end up together with Peter’s dislike of Indians. From that first night together it was obvious they were meant to be, that God had put them together. But Peter, poor Peter. Sometimes I just wanted to reach my hand in the book and shake him. One minute he was this sweet, caring man who wanted to protect and help Isabella, and the next minute he was pushing her away and trying to pretend he wanted nothing to do with her. This back and forth was a little confusing at times, but perhaps it was because he had to resolve all his old issues. We all have that from time to time. We know what’s good for us, we just have to come to terms with it.
I really enjoyed all the different characters in this book. Even Clara brought an element to this story that was spunky, funny, and a break from the emotions. Now, I will say that there are some subjects that are brought up, not in great detail, more of an implication and behind closed doors, but mentioned nonetheless. Some readers do not appreciate this in their books, but I found that it was done tastefully, none of the scenes made me blush or feel uncomfortable. It really added to the storyline quite frankly.
The story is really about redemption and forgiveness. It’s about listening to God when He’s talking to you, and doing what He says. It seemed like there were times when Peter adhered to what the Lord was telling him, and other times he totally let the Lord’s words go right over his head. But again, isn’t that what we all do at times? We try to go our own way, make our own path, and do what we want to do. I enjoyed seeing Peter stumble, get up again, and learn why he needed to trust God.
The bottom line is that this beautiful story of overcoming odds, redemption, love, and reliance on the Lord, will take you back in time and pull at your heart strings. And if you haven’t read the others in the series, I promise you’ll want to after this! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed all the different characters in this book. Even Clara brought an element to this story that was spunky, funny, and a break from the emotions. Now, I will say that there are some subjects that are brought up, not in great detail, more of an implication and behind closed doors, but mentioned nonetheless. Some readers do not appreciate this in their books, but I found that it was done tastefully, none of the scenes made me blush or feel uncomfortable. It really added to the storyline quite frankly.
The story is really about redemption and forgiveness. It’s about listening to God when He’s talking to you, and doing what He says. It seemed like there were times when Peter adhered to what the Lord was telling him, and other times he totally let the Lord’s words go right over his head. But again, isn’t that what we all do at times? We try to go our own way, make our own path, and do what we want to do. I enjoyed seeing Peter stumble, get up again, and learn why he needed to trust God.
The bottom line is that this beautiful story of overcoming odds, redemption, love, and reliance on the Lord, will take you back in time and pull at your heart strings. And if you haven’t read the others in the series, I promise you’ll want to after this! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 12, 2018
With rich historical detail and descriptions, readers get a sense of life in California as it is on the verge of becoming a state. Wars with Californios and Indians, the gold rush, and unsettled land once made this land both exciting and dangerous.
Scott doesn’t shy away from writing about the consequences of her character’s actions and decisions, especially when those go against the Lord’s prodding. There are some hard truths in this book—sin exists, prejudice is real, and ignoring God’s voice leads to pain and heartache.
Yet there’s also hope. God doesn’t turn His back on His children when they’ve continuously done just that to Him. Nope, He longs to heal what we’ve so tragically broken and give us the lives He longs for us.
Isabella and Peter learn that lesson more than once in Chasing the Wind.
While Chasing the Wind is the final book in Paula Scott’s California Rising series, it is the first book I’ve read by this author. In fact, I was over halfway through the book when I began to wonder who the first two books were about and looked them up, so you definitely don’t miss any story if you start here. But now I want to delve into the first two books because this one was fantastic.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Scott doesn’t shy away from writing about the consequences of her character’s actions and decisions, especially when those go against the Lord’s prodding. There are some hard truths in this book—sin exists, prejudice is real, and ignoring God’s voice leads to pain and heartache.
Yet there’s also hope. God doesn’t turn His back on His children when they’ve continuously done just that to Him. Nope, He longs to heal what we’ve so tragically broken and give us the lives He longs for us.
Isabella and Peter learn that lesson more than once in Chasing the Wind.
While Chasing the Wind is the final book in Paula Scott’s California Rising series, it is the first book I’ve read by this author. In fact, I was over halfway through the book when I began to wonder who the first two books were about and looked them up, so you definitely don’t miss any story if you start here. But now I want to delve into the first two books because this one was fantastic.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 20, 2018
Full series review on Faithfully Bookish
Like many historical fiction fans, I go absolutely gaga over rarely explored (or new-to-me) settings! While territorial California isn't the exclusive setting, the California Rising series is an ode to California's roots and growing pains. This third and final book of the series is an epic culmination (although it can certainly be read separately, I recommend investing the time in these characters, completely worth it).
This series is loaded with nuggets of historical content related to and preceding the transitional period of the 1840-50s. The cultural climate is vibrant and rich with several diverse backgrounds thoroughly represented. Many race related injustices and tragedies are mentioned or explored yet the beauty of what makes each culture unique is respected and revered.
In my opinion, California Rising's crowning glory is its engaging tales of good versus evil and God's boundless redeeming grace which covers the heights, width, and depths of human depravity. Readers who don't shy away from the raw truth of sin and darkness will especially enjoy this series. Paula Scott has a uniquely straightforward writing style with complex interwoven story threads and I look forward to her future work.
I purchased Kindle copies of books 1 & 2 and received a complimentary copy of the third book in this series from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Like many historical fiction fans, I go absolutely gaga over rarely explored (or new-to-me) settings! While territorial California isn't the exclusive setting, the California Rising series is an ode to California's roots and growing pains. This third and final book of the series is an epic culmination (although it can certainly be read separately, I recommend investing the time in these characters, completely worth it).
This series is loaded with nuggets of historical content related to and preceding the transitional period of the 1840-50s. The cultural climate is vibrant and rich with several diverse backgrounds thoroughly represented. Many race related injustices and tragedies are mentioned or explored yet the beauty of what makes each culture unique is respected and revered.
In my opinion, California Rising's crowning glory is its engaging tales of good versus evil and God's boundless redeeming grace which covers the heights, width, and depths of human depravity. Readers who don't shy away from the raw truth of sin and darkness will especially enjoy this series. Paula Scott has a uniquely straightforward writing style with complex interwoven story threads and I look forward to her future work.
I purchased Kindle copies of books 1 & 2 and received a complimentary copy of the third book in this series from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 20, 2018
This was a really good book. I found that it had grit and faith, nicely balanced together. We as readers learn a lot about Isabella and Peter throughout the story. They both have extreme growth and are well written.
I love the history in this novel and wish it wasn't the last book, and the first one for me to read. It was as if I could see the history playing out in my mind from the details in the novel. The author did a wonderful job of making me crawl into the pages as a character and live their story.
I love the history in this novel and wish it wasn't the last book, and the first one for me to read. It was as if I could see the history playing out in my mind from the details in the novel. The author did a wonderful job of making me crawl into the pages as a character and live their story.
September 12, 2019
4.5 Stars!
Sweeping, aching and incredibly hard to put down; Chasing the Wind is a grand finale to the series.
Scott knows how to write compelling stories, that go deep and show us all our need for a Savior. Grace... Love... Mercy and forgiveness...
Sweeping, aching and incredibly hard to put down; Chasing the Wind is a grand finale to the series.
Scott knows how to write compelling stories, that go deep and show us all our need for a Savior. Grace... Love... Mercy and forgiveness...
June 10, 2018
Dragged to the gold fields by her greedy father, Isabella Vasquez soon finds herself lost in a card game to a frontiersman named Peter Brondi. Falling in love with Peter, she is determined to make him a good wife, but he has his own reservations about whether their marriage was a legal one. One of Kit Carson's men, Peter has been fighting Indians all his life, and he's not about to endure the mockery of having a half breed for a wife. Despite a clear word from God to take her with him, Peter abandons Isabella at a brothel.
But as much as Peter wants to forget her, the blue-eyed Indian girl keeps coming to mind. Making his peace with God, he eventually he returns to marry her properly but finds that his absence has made the hope of a new life together much harder than it would have been.
The third book in the California Rising series, this story concludes the saga that began with Roman and Rachel and continued with Dominic and Maria, allowing Roman and Maria's adopted sister Isabella to have her own story. The themes of the book deal with racism and brotherly rivalry. Peter must confront both his hatred of Indians and his hatred of his own half breed brother Paul if he is going to make a life with Isabella. The author makes many parallels to the apostle Peter, as his Bible-toting father Jedidiah calls him to, "feed my sheep" (both literally and figuratively). Mick, the villain of the story, was not as present or as terrifying as other villains of the series and gave Peter less of a chance to prove himself a hero.
All in all, this was a good read that kept me up late so I could finish in one sitting. It was probably, however, my least favorite of the three California Rising books.
But as much as Peter wants to forget her, the blue-eyed Indian girl keeps coming to mind. Making his peace with God, he eventually he returns to marry her properly but finds that his absence has made the hope of a new life together much harder than it would have been.
The third book in the California Rising series, this story concludes the saga that began with Roman and Rachel and continued with Dominic and Maria, allowing Roman and Maria's adopted sister Isabella to have her own story. The themes of the book deal with racism and brotherly rivalry. Peter must confront both his hatred of Indians and his hatred of his own half breed brother Paul if he is going to make a life with Isabella. The author makes many parallels to the apostle Peter, as his Bible-toting father Jedidiah calls him to, "feed my sheep" (both literally and figuratively). Mick, the villain of the story, was not as present or as terrifying as other villains of the series and gave Peter less of a chance to prove himself a hero.
All in all, this was a good read that kept me up late so I could finish in one sitting. It was probably, however, my least favorite of the three California Rising books.
April 17, 2018
Chasing the Wind has a strong message of God’s grace and forgiveness. The story had some elements of the Prodigal Son, though it was hard to tell if Peter was the Prodigal or the elder brother.
I was drawn into the story from the beginning. The style of writing was very engaging and it had an interesting plot. I liked the character development as well.
The story was not what I had been expecting. It was a lot rawer than I have come to expect from Christian fiction, and I have to confess that there was quite a bit in the book that turned my stomach. Though I liked Peter, he was a sinner and I did not at all like what he did at the beginning of the book when he left Isabelle behind in Marysville.
I would not recommend this book for a younger audience due to the subject matter. While the ending resolved the conflict, even it was harsh.
There were some closed door sex scenes in the book. While they were integral to the plot, I would have preferred the details to stop a little sooner than they did. There was also reference to a young girl who had been mistreated by at least one man and as a result did not speak and was troubled by a demon.
While I wouldn’t recommend this book to just anyone, readers who are not as squeamish as I am about reading about the uglier things of life would probably enjoy it.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Just Read Publicity Tours for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
I was drawn into the story from the beginning. The style of writing was very engaging and it had an interesting plot. I liked the character development as well.
The story was not what I had been expecting. It was a lot rawer than I have come to expect from Christian fiction, and I have to confess that there was quite a bit in the book that turned my stomach. Though I liked Peter, he was a sinner and I did not at all like what he did at the beginning of the book when he left Isabelle behind in Marysville.
I would not recommend this book for a younger audience due to the subject matter. While the ending resolved the conflict, even it was harsh.
There were some closed door sex scenes in the book. While they were integral to the plot, I would have preferred the details to stop a little sooner than they did. There was also reference to a young girl who had been mistreated by at least one man and as a result did not speak and was troubled by a demon.
While I wouldn’t recommend this book to just anyone, readers who are not as squeamish as I am about reading about the uglier things of life would probably enjoy it.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Just Read Publicity Tours for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
April 19, 2018
This is an intriguing story about the wild west.
A forced marriage. Misunderstandings.
Disagreements between family members.
Finding God.
These and so many other elements come together to make this an interesting read.
I think Isabella was my favorite character in this story. Her beauty and strength combine to make an unusual and very captivating character.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
A forced marriage. Misunderstandings.
Disagreements between family members.
Finding God.
These and so many other elements come together to make this an interesting read.
I think Isabella was my favorite character in this story. Her beauty and strength combine to make an unusual and very captivating character.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
July 17, 2018
Wow is all I can say. This book is so rich in history. And the romance has so many curves and twists. Many times, I wasn’t sure where it was going. But Paula Scott did such a fabulous job of weaving the love story among the history that it was hard to put the book down. I learned a lot about the times. In this book relationships are not as easy as 1 2 3. There is a lot of learning to rely on God and giving our lives over to him. Standing firm in the Lords footsteps is the only way that we as believers can deal with the forces we don’t see, and Peter finds this out with his father. Those forces are not to be taken lightly and this book shows that. There is also lessons about skin color and so much more. I highly recommend this book for inspirational historical readers.
July 15, 2018
Chasing thezwind
An interesting story. The gold,rush days saw a lot of drinking and gambling. Winning Isabelle in a card game was,not what Peter expected or wanted. With his background, he felt he wasn't fit to have a,wife and family. Varied characters, both good and,bad. Unexpected turns, of events. Everything works out in the end Peter is reunited to both his,father and brother. Reading this type of,story makes me glad I didn't grow up in those unsettled times. I gave it 4 stars
An interesting story. The gold,rush days saw a lot of drinking and gambling. Winning Isabelle in a card game was,not what Peter expected or wanted. With his background, he felt he wasn't fit to have a,wife and family. Varied characters, both good and,bad. Unexpected turns, of events. Everything works out in the end Peter is reunited to both his,father and brother. Reading this type of,story makes me glad I didn't grow up in those unsettled times. I gave it 4 stars
April 22, 2018
Well executed plot and characters
Paula has written an engaging story of love, rivalry, and revenge. Isabella, a continuing character from the first two novels finds herself alone and forlorn. The cry of her heart is to be loved, and not abandoned. Peter Brondi and his brother Paul love her, leave her and come again - but who will she choose? Paula keeps you guessing right to the end - will forgiveness and love triumph, or bitterness and envy? You’ll have to read to find out!
Paula has written an engaging story of love, rivalry, and revenge. Isabella, a continuing character from the first two novels finds herself alone and forlorn. The cry of her heart is to be loved, and not abandoned. Peter Brondi and his brother Paul love her, leave her and come again - but who will she choose? Paula keeps you guessing right to the end - will forgiveness and love triumph, or bitterness and envy? You’ll have to read to find out!
November 20, 2019
Loved it
The third book in the series, Scott does it again, this time finishing the story with the youngest Vasquez, Isabella. She's a quiet, beautiful girl.
I hated what happened to her and really wondered how God would redeem the entire lot.
Scott's writing is captivating. I love that she writes a Christian story while staying true to real world struggles and not hiding behind a curtain of "propriety."
I highly recommend all three books in this series.
The third book in the series, Scott does it again, this time finishing the story with the youngest Vasquez, Isabella. She's a quiet, beautiful girl.
I hated what happened to her and really wondered how God would redeem the entire lot.
Scott's writing is captivating. I love that she writes a Christian story while staying true to real world struggles and not hiding behind a curtain of "propriety."
I highly recommend all three books in this series.
June 30, 2019
Coming of age in young California
Faith-filled, this book set during the Gold Rush has it all. Men at their shining best and greedy worst. Women trying to survive the times in which they lived. And everyone eventually coming to accept God's will, with a lone exception who epitomizes the stark reality of brutish survival for those who deny the Lord a place in their lives.
Faith-filled, this book set during the Gold Rush has it all. Men at their shining best and greedy worst. Women trying to survive the times in which they lived. And everyone eventually coming to accept God's will, with a lone exception who epitomizes the stark reality of brutish survival for those who deny the Lord a place in their lives.
July 5, 2020
Chasing the Wind
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It is fabulous! The characters are interesting and engaging. I didn't want to put this book down and now I am disappointed because I am finished. It was a difficult life, but Peter and Isabella found love and peace that only God can bring.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It is fabulous! The characters are interesting and engaging. I didn't want to put this book down and now I am disappointed because I am finished. It was a difficult life, but Peter and Isabella found love and peace that only God can bring.
April 12, 2018
I was riveted from the first chapter. I really enjoyed the first book of this series, but believe the author just got better with each successive book. Although I really hope Paula Scott will write Pina's story, if not, this is an excellent end for a wonderful series.
July 27, 2018
Amazing!
I'm not a reader of romance, but this pulled me in immediately! Thank you for allowing me to live in Peter and Isabella's world for a short time!
I'm not a reader of romance, but this pulled me in immediately! Thank you for allowing me to live in Peter and Isabella's world for a short time!
August 19, 2018
Very good story ,good characters and the background in ca. Was wonderful ,great plot.
January 28, 2019
So good! I couldn’t put it down as I had to finish it.
April 21, 2019
Amazing
I could not put this book done then I learned you are coming to Marysville historic fair i would like to me you in person ! Great Book! Thanks Denise
I could not put this book done then I learned you are coming to Marysville historic fair i would like to me you in person ! Great Book! Thanks Denise
April 23, 2022
Really good
It was one of those books hard to put down. It didn't always go the way I thought it should have but was so so good. I'm sorry it has ended!
It was one of those books hard to put down. It didn't always go the way I thought it should have but was so so good. I'm sorry it has ended!
September 22, 2020
I finally finished this book. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get around to reading it, especially when I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series. But... sometimes life just gets in the way.
This was a great book! I highly recommend it. It had me pretty much at the edge of my seat the whole way through. Every time I got a little comfortable with what was happening, the author would throw in a twist to the plot. It was nerve-wracking!! Get ready to feel emotion!! This story will pull all those emotions out of you, anger, fear, hope.... The spiritual elements woven through give the book an extra level of depth.
I wouldn't recommend this book to the faint of heart, or those looking for just a quick easy read. This story tugs at your heart, there are topics not for the young, but it is also a story of love, forgiveness, grace, and hope. One that will stretch and grow you. I received this book courtesy of the author. I was not asked to write a positive review.
This was a great book! I highly recommend it. It had me pretty much at the edge of my seat the whole way through. Every time I got a little comfortable with what was happening, the author would throw in a twist to the plot. It was nerve-wracking!! Get ready to feel emotion!! This story will pull all those emotions out of you, anger, fear, hope.... The spiritual elements woven through give the book an extra level of depth.
I wouldn't recommend this book to the faint of heart, or those looking for just a quick easy read. This story tugs at your heart, there are topics not for the young, but it is also a story of love, forgiveness, grace, and hope. One that will stretch and grow you. I received this book courtesy of the author. I was not asked to write a positive review.
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