Under Prairie Skies

Prairie Sky #2

by Cynthia Roemer

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~
Illinois prairie ~1855
Unsettled by the news that her estranged cousin and uncle are returning home after a year away, Charlotte Stanton goes to ready their cabin and finds a handsome stranger has taken up residence. Convinced he's a squatter, she throws him off the property before learning his full identity. Little does she know, their paths were destined to cross again.
Quiet and ruggedly handsome, Chad Avery's uncanny ability to see through Charlotte's feisty exterior and expose her inner weaknesses both infuriates and intrigues her. When a tragic accident incites her family to move east, Charlotte stays behind in hopes of becoming better acquainted with the elusive cattleman. Yet Chad's unwillingness to divulge his hidden past, along with his vow not to love again, threatens to keep them apart forever.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2018

About the author

Cynthia Roemer is an award-winning inspirational writer with a heart for scattering seeds of hope into the lives of readers. Raised in the cornfields of rural Illinois, Cynthia enjoys spinning tales set in the backdrop of the 1800s prairie and Civil War era. She writes from her family farm where she resides with her husband of thirty years.

Follow Cynthia on Bookbub to keep current on her upcoming book releases: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cynth...

Website: https://cynthiaroemer.com/
Author Newsletter: subscribepage.io/Hbu3vg

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under Prairie Skies

Cynthia Roemer


I have only read one other book by Cynthia Roemer before but after reading UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES I will read every book she writes. I instantly felt like I was on the prairie trying to keep the dust out of my eyes and my mouth! UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES is the second book in the Prairie Sky series. It's filled with twists and turns and lots of surprises. The life lessons Cynthia Roemer weaves into this story are amazing and I can't wait to read more by this wonderful author.


UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES is the second book in the series but you can easily read it as a stand alone. Please don't do that though because the first book, Under the Same Sky is just as wonderful. It is impossible to put down and you need to keep the tissues close by because this will be one heck of an emotional journey. When Charlotte meets Chad, neither of their lives will ever be the same. Will Charlotte be able to help Chad heal from his past? Once I started reading UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES I found myself cheering for all of these people and praying they could find their happily ever after. Sometimes, it just doesn't happen but I still had hope the whole time.


Cynthia Roemer really knows how to write about God's love, heartbreak, second chance love, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES is all about letting go of the past and learning how to move on. It is filled with likable and relatable characters that will find their way into the readers heart. If you are looking for a book about less than perfect characters then UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES is the story for you. Spend the afternoon on your beach chair or on your couch devouring this beautiful story. You will love every minute of it!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Misty Beller · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this second book in the series! The author does an excellent job bringing together two people who are vastly different, and showing how their differences make them better together. An excellent story. A must read!

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book two's main character, Charlotte, reminds me a lot of Nelly from Little House on the Prairie. She was definitely not likable in book one. In Under Prairie Skies, she is transformed by loss, forgiveness and love. While it was rewarding to see her transformation, it was at times difficult to believe. Main male character Chad went through several emotional peaks and valleys. Overall it was a good prairie romance and I look forward to reading Esther's story in book three. My favorite character in Under Prairie Skies was young Johnny.

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the spunk of the main character. Even as she grew in faith and her understanding of her faults, she retained the fire that made her uniquely her. An enjoyable story. I look forward to more by this author.

[Crystal Caudill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Historical Romance, 1850s

Plot Overview: Charlotte is a jealous, bitter young lady with no idea on how to improve herself until Chad Avery steps into her life as a new neighbor. Challenged to face her faults and change, Charlotte finds helping others is the first steps to becoming the woman God has called her to be.

Chad Avery is trying to fulfill the dream he and his late wife had together, to establish a cattle ranch. He has no desire to love again and struggles with the tug of attraction toward Charlotte as circumstances bring them together over and over again.

Can both Charlotte and Chad let go of the past to discover a better future?

What I loved:  These characters are so real and deep. Even though Charlotte was a woman we didn't like in the last book, Cynthia really brings us full circle with this character. We get a full understanding of why she is the way she is and absolutely relate to it. Chad is a sweet hero with his own struggles but a man who brings out the best in Charlotte.

Favorite Character: This is a toughy. I love both the hero and the heroine so much, but I have to admit, I really like Johnny. Without giving too much away, he is a determined little boy that helps both characters to move beyond themselves.

Who would like this: Anyone who loves stories with deep characters, characters who struggle with grief and learn to move forward, or sweet romances.

Rating and Why: I gave this a five-star rating because of the mastery of character development and solid plot line. Everything weaved together perfectly and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. The review above was influenced in no way by this and the above opinions are my own.

[Savanna Kaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happily revisited the 1850s and prairie life through this second novel by Cynthia Roemer. Once again, the historical details and sweet message of God’s love captured my heart. The setting and characters charmed their way across the pages and before I knew it – before I was ready to say goodbye – I’d reached the beautiful ending. And what a sweet ending it was.

If you love historical romance, this is one story I encourage you to pick up. The hero and heroine spend a lot of time together on the page and their story is endearing, yet challenging. These two have some hard lessons to learn, but their strength and determination is admirable. They’ll undoubtedly inspire readers to take a second look at their own lives and see where they might also be lacking in faith.

There were several surprises and twists along the way, some of which brought tears to my eyes, I’ll warn you. But the author never missed an opportunity to weave hope and joy throughout the darker moments.

I also loved seeing familiar characters from book 1 and watching their stories continue. It was like visiting with old friends. Such an enjoyable read. Our hero and heroine are different people by story’s end and I’m guessing you will be too when you finish reading it. 🙂

I received a copy from the author. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, sometimes difficult story about life on the Illinois prairie in 1855. I grew up in Illinois so it captured my interest from the start.
Charlotte Stanton is at home on the prairie in Miller Creek, Illinois. Her family are staunch Christians and have instilled values in Charlotte but she is immature and has a lot of growing up to do. Ms. Roemer causes us feel to the tension between Charlotte and her cousin Becky, but also shows us the soft spot she has for orphan Johnny and a warmth she has for new neighbor, Chad Avery, a prospective cattleman. Chad however, is a loner and Charlotte just has to find out why he is so reclusive. Circumstances deal hard blows to all of them and there are a few misunderstandings. But God’s grace shines through it all. This is just a great yarn about my home state in the mid 1800’s.
I am looking forward to hook three about Charlotte’s sister Esther, Under Moonlit Skies.

*I won this ebook in a contest. All opinions are my own.*

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Yes, this is book 2 of the series; however you can read it as a standalone with no trouble. But you won’t want to. Book 1, Under the Same Sky is a great book too.

Author Cynthia Roemer does a fabulous job of putting you in the lives of her characters. They are fleshed out so well that you’ll be sure they’re real people. You’ll love most of them but there are some scoundrels too. And I love her descriptions of life on the prairie in the 1800s.

A story of love and second chances, Roemer’s writing is reminiscent of Janette Oke and Karen Witemeyer. If you enjoy prairie tales of tests and victories you’ll love this book. I know I’ll be visiting there again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story that featured Charlotte. Charlotte was a strong and feisty young woman. She had to learn to be more loving and forgiving. She also had to learn to not be jealous. With the help of God, Charlotte was convicted of her wrongs and changed into a woman of faith.

Chad had a sad past and he really had a hard time getting over his sorrow. With the help of a young runaway boy, both Charlotte and Chad learned to trust in God for their futures.

This author includes heroes of the Bible in her books. This is so wonderful to me.

I can't wait to read the story of Esther, Charlotte's little sister in book 3.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical romance -- very straightforward and simple. Characters with one issue that they struggled with through all the different plot points. Resolution was that simple decision to think differently. There was a good bit of emotional telling instead of showing. Overall, it delivered what its genre promises, and I believe the characters will be happy together.

[Barbara Keigher · Rating 5 out of 5]

God can transform even the unlovable, self centered, mean spirited young woman.
And also those who decide never to love again, to avoid the pain of getting hurt again.
Great application of Biblical scriptures.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book just as much as the first in the series. Roemer's characters and descriptions are so strong, you feel like you could sit down for lunch with them and have a chat. The Gospel message shines through without a lot of "preachy talk." The characters portray it through their actions. I can't wait to read the 3rd in the series, but I don't want it to ever end!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book that holds your attention. The author has a way with words that makes the book come to life.
This is a book I would highly recommend to everyone that loves Christian fiction. I can't wait to read more books by this author.

[Amy Anguish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely loved this story more than the first. The author takes you through a full round of emotions as the characters both grow and heal from past wounds. Beautiful tale of love and growth.

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing sweeter than meeting and falling in love with someone who sees right through you and reads you like a book. To me that's the story of Chad and Charlotte. I disliked Charlotte in book one because of her attitude towards her cousin Becky. But God has a way of refining his children and refine he did to her in this book 2.
Charlotte had her own hurdles to cross, life dealt her a hard blow but I was impressed by her reaction to it all.
Chad had his own hurdles to cross and the needed jolt for him to cross came in a beautiful twist of the story.
I recommend this book to anyone who love stories of second chances and finding love again.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book. It inspires and shows God’s providence at work in our lives. When Charlotte first met Chad she couldn’t stand him, as time went by both are drawn to each other. Chad hangs on to the tragic loss of his first wife and son, unwilling to admit his love for Charlotte but finally when she leaves thinking he will never turn loose of the past, he is prompted to admit he loves her too much too let her go.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was a little harder to get into for me as you really, really dislike the main character right off. If you have read the first book in the series, that is.
However, she does redeem herself and I found myself rooting for her!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! Cynthia Roemer has written yet another wonderful story of life on the prairie with realistic characters and descriptions that made me feel as if I were there. This is a definite must-read.

Charlotte and Chad are two characters you can't help but like. Charlotte is feisty and independent while Chad is more reserved. The two balance each other perfectly. They are complex and genuine, and I soon forgot they were fictional.

The author's writing style is wonderful. Her word choices and descriptions make it easy to picture the scenes while reading. Her writing is comparable to Janette Oke and I have thought this since reading her first book. I think it even more so now. She creates stories that you just feel good reading.

Fans of stories about life on the prairie are sure to love this book. While it is the second of the series it can be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading the first book to get a complete understanding of what's going on in this book. Also, the first book is just as wonderful as this one and you don't want to miss out on reading it. Cynthia Roemer is on my must-read author list and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression of Under the Prairies Skies by Cynthia Roemer was disappointment. The first sentence revealed the main character as Charlotte Stanton, who was also in book one. I did not like her. She was spoiled, self-centered, and rude to her young grieving cousin in Under the Same Sky. OK, have an open mind. Maybe she has matured a bit or will.

I'm glad I did stay with the story, as Charlotte eventually developed into a loving young woman.

Chad Avery is a newcomer to this Illinois Prairie area. He seems courteous, but keeps to himself and is secretive about his past.

Poor little Johnny Langstrom, would he ever find a loving forever home? His ma died; his drunken pa, who often beat him died; another family took him in only to work him hard and beat him.

I don't want to give away the story, but there were ups and downs - smiles and tears.

Roemer set the scenes vividly and developed the characters. I felt like I was in the story. I decided that Cynthia Roemer is my new favorite author.

Under the Prairies Skies is the sequel to Under the Same Sky, but can be read as a stand alone book.

I was given this book free for my honest opinion. I would rate it 9 out of 10.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, and if possible enjoyed this one even more. It can be read as a standalone, but I certainly recommend the first book Under This Same Sky to get additional background on he characters. In this book this author has definitely captured the spirit of the 1850's and combined wonderful characters and a story line that kept me reading from the first pages I certainly enjoyed following Charlotte and Chad's story as they struggled to get beyond their pasts and find their second chance at love. I was given a copy of this book by the author, but a positive review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own, and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to the reader who enjoys a really good history romance. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under prairie skies

I loved how Charlotte changed, become more loving, responsible and caring. Chad comes to town and wants to raise cattle trying to make a new start. Also has a young boy in the book named Johnny that his parents had died. Him and Charlotte becomes close but he needs two parents. The book has some suspense, some action and I really enjoyed the book. This is second in a series, it has been a while since read the first one so would sense as a stand alone but both books are very good. I really felt like the characters were right there with me. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prairie Skies series continues with Under Prairie Skies and Charlotte's story. Charlotte is a well-written protagonist as she learns to change from a jealous, selfish person to the caring individual God meant for her to be. Handsome Chad Avery is an excellent male protagonist who helps Charlotte see that she needs to change but has difficulty seeing that he also needs to make some changes! The seven year old orphan, Johnny, is a wonderful secondary character. You will enjoy this tender story of life on the Illinois prairie. The Prairie Skies is part of a series and it was good to read about old friends but it can be read as a stand alone book. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment in Roemer’s “Prairie Skies” series. Though it could be read as a standalone, it’s best to read them in order to gain a better appreciation for the growth of the characters.

Charlotte and Chad are relatable and realistic. Charlotte has matured since the first book and is an independent spitfire. Chad’s a bit more reserved, so they balance each other out. They have challenges and hard lessons to learn along the way in this inspiring historical romance. A few twists are thrown in, as well.

Roemer has certainly found her writing niche. Fans of historical romance authors, such as Janette Oke, will want to give this book a try.

[Beth Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia's characters aren't perfect, but they are courageous and resilient as they face life on the prairie. On a collision course from the beginning, Charlotte and Chad learn that a loving friend helps the other person by telling the truth, even if it hurts. I like the way Cynthia uses Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" as a theme. I would recommend reading UNDER THE SAME SKY first, but UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES is a stand alone novel. I'm looking forward to the third book, UNDER MOONLIT SKIES.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story very much. From start to finish it held my interest. It very accurately depicted the guilt of not being able to save his family and inability to move on. Also how two people can help each other to grow and heal. All of this and an entertaining story well done.

[Allison Stults · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel is sure to keep butterflies in your tummy and have you grasping for the memory of what it felt like to fall in love, just as the first book did. I love that it depicts a true image of ourselves being our own worst enemy; because after all God for gives all and endures all!

[Susan J · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved book two

What a marvelous story. Wonderful twists and turns the characters evolving through their trials excellent resolution. Scriptural references in appropriate places…HEA and worth the time to satisfying resolution. Is there a book 3 ? I am going to look now…

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! Loved it!!

[rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

What another lovely book in this series and from this author. Seeing the growth and love of the characters was amaze.

[Sandra Bagwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing

Proverbs 27:17 We are not meant to have a solitary life. We need other people. Those left alone in this story are drawn together.