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Settling the Wind
The harsh and rugged Colorado frontier of 1875 is not the type of place most would consider suitable for a recent widow to establish a home of her own. Yet that is exactly what Henrietta Schodde determines she will do as she impetuously buys a cabin in the newly forming settlement of Estes Park. Despite assurances from Henrietta that the locals appear amiable, her relatives are concerned and recruit the assistance of long-time family friend Collan Wallace, who unbeknownst to Henrietta, has also just begun homesteading in the area.
The last thing Collan desires is to watch over the woman who has been his nemesis since childhood. But the pair quickly realize that there is more than each other to fight about when they discover an unscrupulous Englishman, Lord Dunraven, is hungry for their land.
Endearing and engaging, Settling the Wind, is historical fiction based on actual events that reveals the courage of Colorado’s pioneers in the face of more struggles than they could have imagined.
The last thing Collan desires is to watch over the woman who has been his nemesis since childhood. But the pair quickly realize that there is more than each other to fight about when they discover an unscrupulous Englishman, Lord Dunraven, is hungry for their land.
Endearing and engaging, Settling the Wind, is historical fiction based on actual events that reveals the courage of Colorado’s pioneers in the face of more struggles than they could have imagined.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2018
1925 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
October 31, 2020
In 1875, recently widowed Henrietta decides to head west to the Colorado frontier to try to overcome her grief. Her family asks Collan, one of her childhood friends who has recently moved to the same area, to watch out for her. She befriends an Indian woman and a group of neighboring cowboys. She makes her living by selling baked goods from her home. I liked the first half quite a bit, especially the friendships and the humor. However, it all fell apart in the second half, where it became yet another historical fiction with modern sensibilities. The plot becomes highly implausible to the point that I can only say this book is okay.
April 10, 2021
Predictable!
I make it a point to read a historical novel about new place I am about to visit. This is why I read Settling The Wind; my family will be gathering in the Estes Park area for a mountain vacation this summer, and I wanted to get a sense of what life was like in Colorado at the time of its early homesteaders’ settlement. The reader does get a bit of the average struggles and challenges the settlers faced, the food they ate,the dangers they faced, and the mentality and prejudice of the times. For that reason alone I finished the book. However, it was not a memorable read: the writing is mediocre, the editing poor, the plot is predictable and the characters superficially developed. The ending was worse: abrupt and rushed. Disappointed!
I make it a point to read a historical novel about new place I am about to visit. This is why I read Settling The Wind; my family will be gathering in the Estes Park area for a mountain vacation this summer, and I wanted to get a sense of what life was like in Colorado at the time of its early homesteaders’ settlement. The reader does get a bit of the average struggles and challenges the settlers faced, the food they ate,the dangers they faced, and the mentality and prejudice of the times. For that reason alone I finished the book. However, it was not a memorable read: the writing is mediocre, the editing poor, the plot is predictable and the characters superficially developed. The ending was worse: abrupt and rushed. Disappointed!
August 15, 2018
It's quite some time since I read a historical novel set in the frontier during the 19th century. Having enjoyed this one so much I wonder why I've waited so long!
Henrietta Schodde finds herself a young widow, living with her Clarissa - her sister, husband and their children. She feels quite out of place, and persuades her older sister that she needs to take a trip by herself to come to terms with widowhood. Setting out for a newly formed settlement, she unexpectedly finds herself feeling at home and buys a cabin there. We follow Henrietta as she finds her feet - both physically and emotionally - in Estes Park and makes the most unlikely of friends. Then her brother - under pressure from Clarissa to get Henrietta to return to the bosom of her family - contacts a long time family friend who is in the Estes Park area and asks him to check up on her.
What follows is a wonderfully warm tale. The author really knows how to grab the reader and pull them in between the pages until you almost believe that you can step outside the cabin with the great view of the mountains. Beautifully crafted, this is a really cleverly woven tale, encompassing just about every emotion going and it has some really funny laugh-out-loud moments. There is always something going on .. the characters are varied and charismatic; the story is one which will keep you glued til the very end when you will find you have a feeling of warmth and satisfaction. Would I recommend it? You bet I would!
My immense thanks to author Kari August for bringing her book to my attention. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Henrietta Schodde finds herself a young widow, living with her Clarissa - her sister, husband and their children. She feels quite out of place, and persuades her older sister that she needs to take a trip by herself to come to terms with widowhood. Setting out for a newly formed settlement, she unexpectedly finds herself feeling at home and buys a cabin there. We follow Henrietta as she finds her feet - both physically and emotionally - in Estes Park and makes the most unlikely of friends. Then her brother - under pressure from Clarissa to get Henrietta to return to the bosom of her family - contacts a long time family friend who is in the Estes Park area and asks him to check up on her.
What follows is a wonderfully warm tale. The author really knows how to grab the reader and pull them in between the pages until you almost believe that you can step outside the cabin with the great view of the mountains. Beautifully crafted, this is a really cleverly woven tale, encompassing just about every emotion going and it has some really funny laugh-out-loud moments. There is always something going on .. the characters are varied and charismatic; the story is one which will keep you glued til the very end when you will find you have a feeling of warmth and satisfaction. Would I recommend it? You bet I would!
My immense thanks to author Kari August for bringing her book to my attention. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
June 1, 2018
This was a wonderful American Frontier Historical about the settling of Estes Park Colorado and set in 1875. The story primarily focuses on Henrietta "Etta" Schodde and Collan Wallace, but there are MANY other characters that are both fictional and actual persons that contribute to the story.
Etta is living with her sister's family after the sudden death of her husband Charles, she loves her family, but wants some time alone. She sees an ad about Estes Park and decides to go for a visit. Once there, she falls in love with the area and makes friends, days before she is scheduled to leave, she is given the opportunity to buy an established claim share and jumps at the chance. Much to her family's dismay. But Etta longs for independence and feels like this is her way to achieve that. Her first days alone are a reality check, but she doesn't give up.
Collan Wallace is a life long friend of Etta's family and has been wandering for years, when he travels to Denver, he meets Abner and learns about an opportunity in Estes Park, he decides to give it a try, he writes to Etta's brother Herman and tells him of his plans and askes to buy some cattle. Herm writes back quickly, yes he will send cattle to him and while he is in Estes Park, will he please look in on his sister Henrietta? Etta was his childhood friend and there is no one in the world he likes to tease more than her. He realized too late that Etta was the girl for him years ago when she met her husband Charles. Back then he didn't acknowledge what he felt for her, but seeing her now, all those feeling come rushing back. But it is clear that her feelings are still engaged with her late husband. He tries to stay away from her and establish himself.
These two will have to face many trials and tribulations before they finally get their HEA - there will be a surprise pregnancy, greedy Englishmen, fire, abductions, good friends, some laughs, some tears, feelings of guilt and a lot of baking. But in the end, these two will finally realize they are meant to be together.
I thought this was a great story, but it was really more of a historical fiction novel vs a historical romance. The romance in this book is very understated and the steam level is nil. Added to that is the fact that there are a lot of historical facts interspersed in the novel, sometimes to the detriment to the story. The facts are interesting, but in most cases, don't really add to the story and make the book seem a bit wordy.
I did enjoy the book and would be happy to recommend it, but be warned, if you are looking for a romance novel, this isn't it. However, if you are looking for an interesting, well written historical fiction novel with wonderful characters and an engaging story - read this book!!!
Etta is living with her sister's family after the sudden death of her husband Charles, she loves her family, but wants some time alone. She sees an ad about Estes Park and decides to go for a visit. Once there, she falls in love with the area and makes friends, days before she is scheduled to leave, she is given the opportunity to buy an established claim share and jumps at the chance. Much to her family's dismay. But Etta longs for independence and feels like this is her way to achieve that. Her first days alone are a reality check, but she doesn't give up.
Collan Wallace is a life long friend of Etta's family and has been wandering for years, when he travels to Denver, he meets Abner and learns about an opportunity in Estes Park, he decides to give it a try, he writes to Etta's brother Herman and tells him of his plans and askes to buy some cattle. Herm writes back quickly, yes he will send cattle to him and while he is in Estes Park, will he please look in on his sister Henrietta? Etta was his childhood friend and there is no one in the world he likes to tease more than her. He realized too late that Etta was the girl for him years ago when she met her husband Charles. Back then he didn't acknowledge what he felt for her, but seeing her now, all those feeling come rushing back. But it is clear that her feelings are still engaged with her late husband. He tries to stay away from her and establish himself.
These two will have to face many trials and tribulations before they finally get their HEA - there will be a surprise pregnancy, greedy Englishmen, fire, abductions, good friends, some laughs, some tears, feelings of guilt and a lot of baking. But in the end, these two will finally realize they are meant to be together.
I thought this was a great story, but it was really more of a historical fiction novel vs a historical romance. The romance in this book is very understated and the steam level is nil. Added to that is the fact that there are a lot of historical facts interspersed in the novel, sometimes to the detriment to the story. The facts are interesting, but in most cases, don't really add to the story and make the book seem a bit wordy.
I did enjoy the book and would be happy to recommend it, but be warned, if you are looking for a romance novel, this isn't it. However, if you are looking for an interesting, well written historical fiction novel with wonderful characters and an engaging story - read this book!!!
November 6, 2021
Unique characters
I liked the uniqueness of the characters in Settling the Wind. The main character adopted every rag tag animal she found. The book starts out at a reasonable pace but gets drug out a bit long at the end. Overall was worth the time to read it once but not twice which makes it a three star
I liked the uniqueness of the characters in Settling the Wind. The main character adopted every rag tag animal she found. The book starts out at a reasonable pace but gets drug out a bit long at the end. Overall was worth the time to read it once but not twice which makes it a three star
May 1, 2025
A sweet love story set in Estes Park Colorado & vicinity. Loved the characters. Especially Etta and her fierce independence. Very entertaining historical fiction depicting the settling of CO in the late 1800’s.
December 5, 2018
Almost worth it
The author chose a fascinating period of Colorado's history but manages to ruin any credibility through her use of juvenile and clumsy dialogue. Her lead characters wind up wading into ridiculous exchanges and unbelievable reactions to what the author paints as life-threatening situations...boo.
The author chose a fascinating period of Colorado's history but manages to ruin any credibility through her use of juvenile and clumsy dialogue. Her lead characters wind up wading into ridiculous exchanges and unbelievable reactions to what the author paints as life-threatening situations...boo.
May 11, 2020
very immature...
somewhat entertaining, but shows inexperience ...by the author and her cast of characters...I wish the best for her..keep on keeping on writing...you,Il get better as time goes by. I,m not a pro either...just an old reader...
somewhat entertaining, but shows inexperience ...by the author and her cast of characters...I wish the best for her..keep on keeping on writing...you,Il get better as time goes by. I,m not a pro either...just an old reader...
Read
September 24, 2018DNF at 25%. Didn't care for any of the characters.
June 27, 2018
“Camping? You want to go camping? As a single woman?”
Author Kari August shares that she was in a graduate scientific field, but ‘I found, much to my personal amazement, that I preferred scribbling historical fiction novels. Especially if they made me laugh while I was either researching or writing them.’ Kari’s family lives in a DC suburb, but she enjoys travelling and visiting their Estes Park, Colorado, cabin adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park.
It is indeed a gift when a writer is both an accurate historian and a keen writer of parody and comedy and romance to make history come alive. Kari August has done just that with her books on King Richard III and now she turns to more contemporary times (1875) to explore the subject of pioneers of the old West. Though to many lovers of historic Old West pioneers the regions of the West Coast come to mind, Kari instead focuses on Colorado – a region she understands completely as it is her ‘second home’.
The ring of humor that infuses a story that otherwise would be one of hardship is evident in the manner in which she introduces her lead character – ‘1875 - Colorado Territory: My Dearest Sister, I trust the town of Fort Collins is still treating you well. Clarissa, I have the most wonderful news. I will be settling in Estes Park, having purchased a picturesque cabin, already built, with a cookstove. I have new friends and neighbors who can help me if trouble arises. I hope you will visit me in the future, but for now I request that you send my wagonload of belongings by way of the freight service. I know I have made the correct decision concerning my future. Love, Henrietta P.S. Give the kids a hug from me. Clarissa was a woman of action and didn’t dally long after receiving the letter from her younger sister. She wrote a note to their brother immediately. Dear Herman, Greetings from Fort Collins. Hope you and your cattle ranch are prospering in the rough country of Wyoming Territory. Eddie is doing well with his butcher shop and the kids remain lively. I don’t know where the hours go by each day, I’m so busy. Unfortunately, I am writing to you with some serious news. I am now convinced that our younger sister has lost her senses. Perhaps it is a reaction to her grief from losing her husband, or just plain foolishness. Whatever the cause, she has gone and bought a cabin in the mountainous backwoods of Estes Park, Colorado! Now before you get it into your head that I, in any way, contributed to this decision, I want to assure you that when Henrietta told me she required some time to herself, I encouraged her to visit the much more refined Manitou Springs. But you remember even as a child how
stubborn Henrietta could be—insisting that ragtag stray mutt she once found was the prettiest thing ever, comes to mind. Well, she just up and vowed to tour Estes Park, not listening to any kind of reasoning. Now look where this has gotten her. I would appreciate your help in any way you can. For now, I am placating her and sending her belongings on to Estes Park. Surely, one cold winter will be enough to convince her to come back and stay with me and mine. Your loving sister, Clarissa’
Given that infectious flavor of writing we proceed to the fine plot outline – ‘The harsh and rugged Colorado frontier of 1875 is not the type of place most would consider suitable for a recent widow to establish a home of her own. Yet that is exactly what Henrietta Schodde determines she will do as she impetuously buys a cabin in the newly forming settlement of Estes Park. Despite assurances from Henrietta that the locals appear amiable, her relatives are concerned and recruit the assistance of long-time family friend Collan Wallace, who unbeknownst to Henrietta, has also just begun homesteading in the area. The last thing Collan desires is to watch over the woman who has been his nemesis since childhood. But the pair quickly realize that there is more than each other to fight about when they discover an unscrupulous Englishman, Lord Dunraven, is hungry for their land. SETTLING THE WIND, is historical fiction based on actual events that reveals the courage of Colorado’s pioneers in the face of more struggles than they could have imagined.’
Following the progress of a writer of Kari August’s infectiousgifts is a joy on every level. Highly recommended.
Author Kari August shares that she was in a graduate scientific field, but ‘I found, much to my personal amazement, that I preferred scribbling historical fiction novels. Especially if they made me laugh while I was either researching or writing them.’ Kari’s family lives in a DC suburb, but she enjoys travelling and visiting their Estes Park, Colorado, cabin adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park.
It is indeed a gift when a writer is both an accurate historian and a keen writer of parody and comedy and romance to make history come alive. Kari August has done just that with her books on King Richard III and now she turns to more contemporary times (1875) to explore the subject of pioneers of the old West. Though to many lovers of historic Old West pioneers the regions of the West Coast come to mind, Kari instead focuses on Colorado – a region she understands completely as it is her ‘second home’.
The ring of humor that infuses a story that otherwise would be one of hardship is evident in the manner in which she introduces her lead character – ‘1875 - Colorado Territory: My Dearest Sister, I trust the town of Fort Collins is still treating you well. Clarissa, I have the most wonderful news. I will be settling in Estes Park, having purchased a picturesque cabin, already built, with a cookstove. I have new friends and neighbors who can help me if trouble arises. I hope you will visit me in the future, but for now I request that you send my wagonload of belongings by way of the freight service. I know I have made the correct decision concerning my future. Love, Henrietta P.S. Give the kids a hug from me. Clarissa was a woman of action and didn’t dally long after receiving the letter from her younger sister. She wrote a note to their brother immediately. Dear Herman, Greetings from Fort Collins. Hope you and your cattle ranch are prospering in the rough country of Wyoming Territory. Eddie is doing well with his butcher shop and the kids remain lively. I don’t know where the hours go by each day, I’m so busy. Unfortunately, I am writing to you with some serious news. I am now convinced that our younger sister has lost her senses. Perhaps it is a reaction to her grief from losing her husband, or just plain foolishness. Whatever the cause, she has gone and bought a cabin in the mountainous backwoods of Estes Park, Colorado! Now before you get it into your head that I, in any way, contributed to this decision, I want to assure you that when Henrietta told me she required some time to herself, I encouraged her to visit the much more refined Manitou Springs. But you remember even as a child how
stubborn Henrietta could be—insisting that ragtag stray mutt she once found was the prettiest thing ever, comes to mind. Well, she just up and vowed to tour Estes Park, not listening to any kind of reasoning. Now look where this has gotten her. I would appreciate your help in any way you can. For now, I am placating her and sending her belongings on to Estes Park. Surely, one cold winter will be enough to convince her to come back and stay with me and mine. Your loving sister, Clarissa’
Given that infectious flavor of writing we proceed to the fine plot outline – ‘The harsh and rugged Colorado frontier of 1875 is not the type of place most would consider suitable for a recent widow to establish a home of her own. Yet that is exactly what Henrietta Schodde determines she will do as she impetuously buys a cabin in the newly forming settlement of Estes Park. Despite assurances from Henrietta that the locals appear amiable, her relatives are concerned and recruit the assistance of long-time family friend Collan Wallace, who unbeknownst to Henrietta, has also just begun homesteading in the area. The last thing Collan desires is to watch over the woman who has been his nemesis since childhood. But the pair quickly realize that there is more than each other to fight about when they discover an unscrupulous Englishman, Lord Dunraven, is hungry for their land. SETTLING THE WIND, is historical fiction based on actual events that reveals the courage of Colorado’s pioneers in the face of more struggles than they could have imagined.’
Following the progress of a writer of Kari August’s infectiousgifts is a joy on every level. Highly recommended.
July 16, 2018
Oh my God what a wonderful story! Which is a totally amazing book. This story is extremely well written thought out period and extremely accurate. This is a frontier historic Colorado story.
This is Henrietta or Etta as she is called and Collen’s story. She is newly and this is her journey of independence. She makes herself home in an area that makes her happy. but her family is not happy for her at all. They are worried and uncomfortable with the purchase so they enlist family friend Collan to watch over her. He realized too late that Etta was the girl for him years ago when she met her husband Charles. Back then he didn't let on about his feelings for her, but seeing her now, all those feeling come rushing back. But it is clear that her feelings are still with her late husband. He tries to stay away from her and establish himself. But she is not the only one that wants the land. And now she has to fight to keep it. and he will be right there with her.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
This is Henrietta or Etta as she is called and Collen’s story. She is newly and this is her journey of independence. She makes herself home in an area that makes her happy. but her family is not happy for her at all. They are worried and uncomfortable with the purchase so they enlist family friend Collan to watch over her. He realized too late that Etta was the girl for him years ago when she met her husband Charles. Back then he didn't let on about his feelings for her, but seeing her now, all those feeling come rushing back. But it is clear that her feelings are still with her late husband. He tries to stay away from her and establish himself. But she is not the only one that wants the land. And now she has to fight to keep it. and he will be right there with her.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
August 12, 2018
One of the best books I’ve read in awhile!
Settling the Wind: A Frontier Historic Colorado Story by Kari August is a surprisingly accurate depiction of life in Colorado 1875! Henrietta is a widow who decides to make her home in a cabin in the recently formed Estes Park settlement. Henrietta is a determined and head strong woman determined to make life on her little homestead work. Along the way her family enlists the help of her childhood nemesis Collan, to help her and make sure she is okay. When these two stubborn forces meet they are a force to be reckoned with. They make a formidable team when they discover a local land collector is after their land. I love that this book has real history, add the touch of humor and romance and it is by far one of the best books I’ve read in awhile! I love the characters and the story line and I love that Kari August did fantastic research to put into the book.
Settling the Wind: A Frontier Historic Colorado Story by Kari August is a surprisingly accurate depiction of life in Colorado 1875! Henrietta is a widow who decides to make her home in a cabin in the recently formed Estes Park settlement. Henrietta is a determined and head strong woman determined to make life on her little homestead work. Along the way her family enlists the help of her childhood nemesis Collan, to help her and make sure she is okay. When these two stubborn forces meet they are a force to be reckoned with. They make a formidable team when they discover a local land collector is after their land. I love that this book has real history, add the touch of humor and romance and it is by far one of the best books I’ve read in awhile! I love the characters and the story line and I love that Kari August did fantastic research to put into the book.
November 3, 2018
Great reading! I liked everything in the book "Settling the Wind", from the inner words of the characters to the humorous inserts.
First, I would like to say that I read it with pleasure because the author Kari August is an expert in her field and she wrote a book with all the details of that time. This makes the book special.
A story about many heroes with their difficulties and their own way of life. This is a young girl who wants to become independent, also about Collin who was in love with Henrietta, but realized this when he met her. The author has perfectly revealed the character of the characters and plausibly described them. I liked the author’s style and I believe that everyone will like the book, because it is so cleverly written text that will help you to plunge into the world of the book from the first pages.
First, I would like to say that I read it with pleasure because the author Kari August is an expert in her field and she wrote a book with all the details of that time. This makes the book special.
A story about many heroes with their difficulties and their own way of life. This is a young girl who wants to become independent, also about Collin who was in love with Henrietta, but realized this when he met her. The author has perfectly revealed the character of the characters and plausibly described them. I liked the author’s style and I believe that everyone will like the book, because it is so cleverly written text that will help you to plunge into the world of the book from the first pages.
January 23, 2019
Settling the Wind: A Frontier Historic Colorado Story was such a great piece of frontier literature. This is one of the few frontier centered novels I have read and I can’t wait to read more of this genre. I really enjoyed this novel. It gave me Wilma Cather vibes, in the writing style and subject. The historically detailed journey seemed so believable and the book had such relatable characters. The most engaging part of the story is the way the novel is narrated. I enjoyed the diary entries and letters which were included. This is one of my favorite ways to tell a story so it was great to read.
I enjoyed that this book had a female-centered character which is often ignored in the story of the Wild West. Books all to often forget that women were around back then as well. I thought this was such a good read.
October 3, 2023
This is a delightful historical read. The main character in this character-driven story is a wily strong female living in the days of Custer's last stand, Colorado achieving statehood, and women being expected to tow the line, do their work, and mind their manners (i.e. keep their opinions to themselves). I enjoyed the slow-build in her relationship with Collan who could not help himself in teasing her lovingly as he had done since their childhood. I would have enjoyed a little more subtlety and less explaIning regarding their relationship. The author's best parts were allowing us to see the reactions of other characters to their barbs toward each other. I also appreciated the respect and dignity the author gave to the Cheyenne in this story. A satisfying read with just a touch of suspense.
November 16, 2018
Transported back in time to a world that is so different to what it has now become, this is he kind of writing that transported my whole being into what I was reading.
This has to be my favourite form of writing, so incredibly, intricately and delicately structured, that I really felt as if I was living in that time hundreds of years ago. While it is a fictional piece of writing it’s based on true facts and similar events probably did take place around that time to people in similar situations.
I can’t believe the lives people used to live, how bizarre how much life has changed from what in some ways was a much more simplistic time.
Entertaining throughout and thoroughly captivating, I finished the book feeling satisfied and as if I’d learnt a thing or two as well.
This has to be my favourite form of writing, so incredibly, intricately and delicately structured, that I really felt as if I was living in that time hundreds of years ago. While it is a fictional piece of writing it’s based on true facts and similar events probably did take place around that time to people in similar situations.
I can’t believe the lives people used to live, how bizarre how much life has changed from what in some ways was a much more simplistic time.
Entertaining throughout and thoroughly captivating, I finished the book feeling satisfied and as if I’d learnt a thing or two as well.
March 25, 2020
“Settling the wind: A frontier historic Colorado story” is a book written by Kari August, illustrated by Caroline Christner and edited by Tiffany Martin.
This novel is set in the Colorado frontier in the year 1875, a harsh place for a widow who is going to set up there alone. This is a historical fiction based on actual events of a moment when having land was having power.
This is the first book I read from this author and I must say that I adore the way she writes. I can bet that this is not going to be the last one on my list. Characters are very well depicted and the plot clearly constructed. I am giving this book five stars and I will definitely recommend reading Settling the wind because once I started it I could not put it down.
This novel is set in the Colorado frontier in the year 1875, a harsh place for a widow who is going to set up there alone. This is a historical fiction based on actual events of a moment when having land was having power.
This is the first book I read from this author and I must say that I adore the way she writes. I can bet that this is not going to be the last one on my list. Characters are very well depicted and the plot clearly constructed. I am giving this book five stars and I will definitely recommend reading Settling the wind because once I started it I could not put it down.
April 2, 2022
In 1875, fictional characters Henrietta and Collan settle in Estes Park. There, they meet the real historical characters who lived in the area.
I enjoyed the interesting personalities and their different motivations for choosing Estes Park as their home. Whenever I found a particularly remarkable character, I looked them up and learned more about the history of the area.
The mechanics of the writing was generally good, but unremarkable. The geographical descriptions weren’t vivid enough to really draw me into the place, but I’ve spent enough time there that my memory and imagination were able to fill in the details.
Swearing: A few mild swear words are used appropriately to highlight the roughness of some of the characters. Sex: Nothing super explicit, but there were mostly-oblique references to nudity and sexual touching. Conservative parents probably don’t want their teens reading this. Violence: People are injured and a few animals are killed. Racism: Racist and progressive attitudes of the time are depicted realistically.
I enjoyed the interesting personalities and their different motivations for choosing Estes Park as their home. Whenever I found a particularly remarkable character, I looked them up and learned more about the history of the area.
The mechanics of the writing was generally good, but unremarkable. The geographical descriptions weren’t vivid enough to really draw me into the place, but I’ve spent enough time there that my memory and imagination were able to fill in the details.
Swearing: A few mild swear words are used appropriately to highlight the roughness of some of the characters. Sex: Nothing super explicit, but there were mostly-oblique references to nudity and sexual touching. Conservative parents probably don’t want their teens reading this. Violence: People are injured and a few animals are killed. Racism: Racist and progressive attitudes of the time are depicted realistically.
June 25, 2018
More history than romance
Settling the Wind is the story of a newly widowed woman (Henrietta) and her journey of independence. She makes her home in an area that makes her happy but her family is uncomfortable with the purchase so they enlist family friend Collan to watch over her. The pair get more than they bargained for when someone wants the land she owns. 80% historical and 20% romantic, I leaned towards not enjoying the book overall. (It’s not my style typically.) I found that the details of the book made it feel super long. But I am glad I gave it a chance as it was an okay read. I believe that fans of the genre will enjoy it.
Settling the Wind is the story of a newly widowed woman (Henrietta) and her journey of independence. She makes her home in an area that makes her happy but her family is uncomfortable with the purchase so they enlist family friend Collan to watch over her. The pair get more than they bargained for when someone wants the land she owns. 80% historical and 20% romantic, I leaned towards not enjoying the book overall. (It’s not my style typically.) I found that the details of the book made it feel super long. But I am glad I gave it a chance as it was an okay read. I believe that fans of the genre will enjoy it.
August 16, 2018
History, romance and funny
I absolutely loved this book! Of course we know what the outcome will be, but the back and forth barbs between Etta and Collan are hilarious. He is the kind of man I could certainly fall in love with! This book mixes fact, the settling of Estes Park Colorado, and some of her early settlers, and fiction. Even knowing the outcome of the romance, there is so much more to the story, the historical aspects, the true characters, the exciting events. Then learning which parts of the story came into modern times and through who and how. Overall just amazing, couldn't put down. Read it in one day.
I absolutely loved this book! Of course we know what the outcome will be, but the back and forth barbs between Etta and Collan are hilarious. He is the kind of man I could certainly fall in love with! This book mixes fact, the settling of Estes Park Colorado, and some of her early settlers, and fiction. Even knowing the outcome of the romance, there is so much more to the story, the historical aspects, the true characters, the exciting events. Then learning which parts of the story came into modern times and through who and how. Overall just amazing, couldn't put down. Read it in one day.
November 3, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it was set in the area where I live in historical times focusing especially on Estes Park which is one of the most wonderful towns in the area located up high in the Rocky Mountains. This new-to-me author brought Estes Park to life in its very early days along with the small towns at the bottom of the mountain one of which I live. Her obvious research of the 1870 period when these towns along with Estes Park were just being developed was excellent. There is some obscenities and sex content which is why I lowered it to a 4.
October 17, 2025
In a nutshell, this book is a Hallmark movie. If you are looking for a strong female character this is not it. Its the mid/late 1800's and Henrietta is recently widowed. She wants to be independent much to her sister and brother's protests. She goes out to Colorado to homestead and makes a few friends along the way. She is gifted in cooking and baking so she makes a trade deal with the Ferrar brothers (hunters and fishermen) to cook their kill while they build her barn, hen house etc. She also meets up with a childhood friend who suddenly realized he is in love with her and always has. Nothing really tragic happens here. And although the book is set as a historical fiction, there isn't much history as there is fiction. Henrietta is supposed to be strong willed and independent woman usually just puts her hands on her hips, stomps her foot and declares 'oh poo!' when she gets mad. The book is also written on a third grade level or perhaps its just an easy read. Either way, I had hoped for a more interesting read but this wasn't it.
April 15, 2021
Historical Western Frontier Story, Great read with very likable and lively character's.
Henrietta wants to live on her own, being responsible only to herself, after the death of her husband. She moved to the Frontiers of Colarado and purchased a small cabin. She meets an Indian woman, who becomes her best friend, but her lifelong friend Collan shows up and her life and his become very busy.
Henrietta wants to live on her own, being responsible only to herself, after the death of her husband. She moved to the Frontiers of Colarado and purchased a small cabin. She meets an Indian woman, who becomes her best friend, but her lifelong friend Collan shows up and her life and his become very busy.
February 1, 2022
Historical fiction set around Estes Park
This is a good story leading the reader on to discover what happens next. I especially liked the community of people helping people. Judging people based on appearance is as alive today as it was in the 1800’s.
This is a fairly simplistic tale of light romance and the settling of an area. The influence of greed and croaked dealings is part of the plot.
This is a good story leading the reader on to discover what happens next. I especially liked the community of people helping people. Judging people based on appearance is as alive today as it was in the 1800’s.
This is a fairly simplistic tale of light romance and the settling of an area. The influence of greed and croaked dealings is part of the plot.
October 24, 2018
Being in a similar situation, recent widow trying to find my way in life. This book made my day! It is such a cute sassy story, which is right up my alley. The story line is very interesting and the book is well written. It's very refreshing to see a western set in 1875 Colorado with a strong female lead. I really enjoyed this book and will be recommending it to my friends.
March 21, 2020
Henrietta and Collie...and the wild west!
Henrietta has a lot of grit, along with a keen intelligence and mad baking skills! She befriends everyone she comes.across and feeds them well. You forget this is is a historical novel and get caught up in the antics of some real characters!
Henrietta has a lot of grit, along with a keen intelligence and mad baking skills! She befriends everyone she comes.across and feeds them well. You forget this is is a historical novel and get caught up in the antics of some real characters!
May 14, 2020
Eh, not my favorite
I love novels that are loosely based on history but this story really bordered on ridiculous. Etta was so silly that she never could have survived in her own. I know the concept is that she had such a good heart that everyone else looked out for her but still...there just wasn’t enough realism for me.
I love novels that are loosely based on history but this story really bordered on ridiculous. Etta was so silly that she never could have survived in her own. I know the concept is that she had such a good heart that everyone else looked out for her but still...there just wasn’t enough realism for me.
July 15, 2020
An easy- read!
Great holiday read. A novel based on some research. It makes you consider Indian settlement, land and knowledge, without preaching a sermon! The characters are awesome and varied . We are exposed to some of the difficulties of frontier life and survival. Gripping reading at times!
Great holiday read. A novel based on some research. It makes you consider Indian settlement, land and knowledge, without preaching a sermon! The characters are awesome and varied . We are exposed to some of the difficulties of frontier life and survival. Gripping reading at times!
July 28, 2024
Such a good Frontier read. Loved every minute.
This isn’t one of those stories that begins a long drawn out beginning, setting up characters, while you wait for something interesting to happen. It’s truly a good read from start to finish. Such history entwined as well. I felt that I was reading a fiction and non-fiction all at once.
This isn’t one of those stories that begins a long drawn out beginning, setting up characters, while you wait for something interesting to happen. It’s truly a good read from start to finish. Such history entwined as well. I felt that I was reading a fiction and non-fiction all at once.
August 3, 2024
Settling the wind
I enjoyed this story tremendously. It's refreshing to go back to a time of basic respect for others and helping neighbors and strangers alike. It's hard to imagine starting a life in an area that is totally without any conveniences, and for a woman alone is unthinkable. This book made it feel like a wonderful experience.
I enjoyed this story tremendously. It's refreshing to go back to a time of basic respect for others and helping neighbors and strangers alike. It's hard to imagine starting a life in an area that is totally without any conveniences, and for a woman alone is unthinkable. This book made it feel like a wonderful experience.
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