Cheyenne in New York: A Novel

by Jack Weyland

She extended her hand. "Cheyenne Durrant. I'm a summer intern from BYU. Who are you?" She had an enthusiastic grin and a milkmaid's handshake. "I'm B. D. Morelli." Long pause. "Your name is Beady?" she asked. "B period, D period," I said. She fought back a smile. "Would you like me to call you B period or D period or Beady?" This girl definitely had an attitude. Ben Morelli is a brash, up-and-coming New York City ad agency executive. He's just landed a huge account, and his future looks bright. The last thing he needs is to share the spotlight with some hick from Idaho. Bright, outspokenly moral, and unfailingly honest, Cheyenne is everything Ben thinks he dislikes in a woman. She's also a Mormon, whatever that is. It doesn't help, either, that his most important client thinks Cheyenne is terrific. And so does Ben's family. In Cheyenne in New York, Jack Weyland introduces us to an intriguing pair of strong-willed, seemingly mismatched characters whose family backgrounds, interests, and ambitions are worlds apart. A contemporary love story played out in the aftermath of a horrific national disaster, this latest Jack Weyland novel reaffirms in an unforgettable way the power of love, faith, and family ties.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Lds, Young Adult, Clean Romance, Romance, Religion, Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

About the author

Jack Weyland is the best-selling author of young-adult fiction for the Latter-day Saint market. In fact, the modern genre of Latter-day Saint-themed popular fiction is one he is largely responsible for creating with his overwhelmingly popular novel Charly. His interest in fiction began with a correspondence course in creative writing taken during a summer at BYU where he was doing research work. Since then he has published more than two dozen books, and over fifty of his short stories have been published by the LDS Church magazine The New Era.

Born in Butte, Montana, Jack received a B.S. degree in physics from Montana State University and a Ph.D. in physics from BYU. Currently he teaches physics at BYU-Idaho. He formerly taught physics at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Jack and his wife, Sheryl, are the parents of five children and have four grandchildren. His hobbies include racquetball and singing.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I suppose my rating shouldn't be taken too seriously because I have a deep dislike of all his books (ask my husband..reading these books sends me on the warpath). Usually the premise is good...but from there I just want to strangle everything and anything. The only reason I finished it was because there was nothing on TV.

[Kenli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was amazing at the beginning then got worse as the story went on. B.D. Grew more and more rude and disrespectful and always took his family for granted. I didn't feel the connection to the characters that were killed that I did in some of Weylands other books and this book had a historical tragedy that doesn't feel as bad as it was. The story ends kind of suddenly. Cheyenne got more and more serious as the book went on and was a completely different character at the beginning of the book than at the end of the book and the place they work and where they met and how they fell in love is barely mentioned at the end of the book.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Normally love Jack Weyland books, but this is definately my least favorite. The characters. I did NOT like the characters at all. That's what turned me off to the this book. The "hero" is a jerk to everyone around him, including his awesome family. And the "heroine" starts out great, but turns into someone that I can't stand or connect with. They both are selfish and pathetic. It drove me nuts reading about them.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Jack Weyland as a teen and now my daughter is reading his books. I'm grateful for Weylands clean romances that illustrate important moral topics. This book was felt a little awkward for me because it's a fiction that included the tragedy of 9-11 as a plot devise, but maybe that's because I actually lived it. Also this story felt a little awkward because the couple is on and off again so often. But overall they learn and grow together and independently, so hopefully they live happily ever after.

[Estee Hull · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really know what to think about this book. All I know is that it is not one of my favorites from Jack Wayland. I never felt the heartwarming feeling I have felt in all of his other books I have read. This story was sad in parts and focused on the relationship of Ben and Cheyenne. Jack Wayland uses his amazing storytelling format in this book, but it didn't make it into being one of my favorites.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben was a TOOL!! It all turned out okay, but I felt like the end came too soon. There was a lot leading up to September 11, but after that, too much happened that didn’t have enough time for the set up. The end didn’t make sense to me I needed more to the story. With that being said, I did enjoy the story

[Addie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, easy read.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

shallow, poor character development, rushed plot, super cheesy

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised with the middle section of the book especially. The ending was a little weak and rushed.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had one of the most unlikeable main characters ever

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it was awesome!

[Railee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one started out laugh-out-loud funny! That's why I bought it- I couldn't put it down at the bookstore. The whole way home, my friend and I took turns reading it out loud to each other and cracking up hysterically from the descriptions and the funny situations and just the way that the main character thinks!
But the more I read it, the less funny and the more serious it became. It was a very good story, morally speaking, with a good message and all that jazz. But it was also rediculously unbelievable. It felt like a Mormon fairytale, with bits of unpleasant reality thrown in in unrealistic ways.
There were actually parts of it that I really liked, however. Somehow I'd missed through the first half of the book what year it was- 2001, in New York City. So when September rolled around for these characters, I was suddenly shocked when 9/11 came around and it was just like living through it all over again. Up until that point, it had been nothing more than a Mormon chick lit with some really funny parts in it and some rather rediculous parts in others. But at that point, the story became realistic and gripping. I could really relate and it brought back so many memories. I was at work when I read that part, and it made me cry reading about all of the New Yorkers who, in the last chapter, had been rude and noisy and unpersonal, and who now were hugging each other at random in the streets and talking to strangers as if they were old friends. I remember when it was like that! At work I had to rush into the bathroom to dry my eyes and fix my makeup.

Overall, though, I'd have to say that this book was just ok and I doubt I'll read it again.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheyenne grew up in Boise, Idaho and moves to New York City for the summer as an intern at an advertising agency. There she meets Ben, who she is forced to work with. Eventually, they develop a close friendship. Ben is not a member of the Church, but Cheyenne is not hesitant about sharing her beliefs with him. Ben falls in love with Cheyenne, but she returns to Idaho before the start of the school year. Then September 11th, 2001, hits and turns both of their lives upside down. Cheyenne goes back to NY to help Ben and his family cope with the loss of Ben's father, grandfather, and uncle. They eventually marry, but it's a very rocky relationship. Cheyenne eventually moves back to Idaho with her parents and Cheyenne's father plays a vital role in bringing the two back together again. This is a story of triumph over adversity and also a lesson in missionary work.

[Rex Cluff · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read with a shallow story line. It was not as good as Weyland's other books. His "Charlie" series was much better than this one. I felt Cheyenne's father was not characterized properly at all. He did change and become what he should have been all along. The two main characters both suffered trust issues that should not have been present. Yes, we all can relate to some of those issues but this was overblown. They both eventually settle down into the relationship that they should have demonstrated all along but the conclusion, or wrap-up of the story was way too quick. After lengthy build-up showing their flaws, the closure was too simplistic. Much more could have gone into their process of reconciliation. It was a quick and easy read and it is a good story with plenty to keep your interest. Overall, I liked it but not as much as I should have.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way Cheyenne's father mentors the male lead (can't remember his name) in how to be a good head-of-household. Cheyenne has a lot of faith and courage. I can see her praying pretty much non-stop in her mind, as she ponders what to do with her boyfriend. He just doesn't know how to be... but he's willing to try and to learn.

My first impressions of Jack Weyland's books were of Charly and how things turn out beautifully always... well, they don't always turn out beautifully or even well, in this life, and I've had to learn that in my own relationships. I'm glad to know there's hope... and instructions!

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheyenne in New York by Jack Weyland is about a girl Cheyenne who moves from Idaho to New York for a new job.She is always happy and has a corky sense of humor. Her boss on the other hand is not. Soon the two fall madly in love, however there are a lot of obstacles, and sacrifices along the way that could separate their long lasting love.

I like this book a ton because of all the genres it has to offer. Anywhere from religion, romance, humor. I sure do love a good book with romance and in Cheyenne in New York it has a lot of that. This book shows so much love to have towards everything and everyone and so much sacrifices that we have to make in life sometimes.

[Breanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cliche Mormon Chick Flick- or so I thought! The beginning quarter was adorable, love springing up out of nothing but pure faith. Then it was just bad- really bad. What LDS girl, who acted like she did at the beginning, would dream of doing what she did in the middle/end. I know I am being criptic but I can't spoil the ending. And the VERY end (like last couple paragraphs)- ugg it made me wish I had not read it at all.

[Shaumbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always like a Jack Weyland novel, and although this one was good and mildly entertaining, it didn't have the same "umph" to it as his other books. It didn't really speak to me, even though I related to many issues in the book, I did not feel as if it had helped me in any way. However, for a quick, easy read and for a few laughs, it is okay.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one of my "can't find anything to read" spells and because my sister had just read it and said it was good. When I started reading, it became apparent really fast that it was a great book that showcased problems faced when one marries outside of the church and is a strong member who is trying to have there spouse with them in the gospel.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the twin towers and the boy in the book losing his father, grandfather, and uncle. He goes through the hard times, as well as the good. He also finds what true love is all about. I loved this book. It made me cry on really non-emotional parts, It was a really good book, I suggest you read it. It's a mormon book, so if your mormon you will really enjoy it.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would probably give this book a 2 1/2 stars. I liked the beginning but then it got crazy with Ben loosing half his family during 911 and all of their money was invested in Enron while he leaves his job to try to run the families catering business that he hates. So half of the book I would give 3 stars.

[Jktannerfamily · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is about a love story during the time of 9/11. I admire cheyenne's bluntness(is that a word?) Im really shy and it always baffles me to almost become the opposite of what I am(because i try an put myself as the main character). Does that make sense? Anyways, I really enjoyed reading this book. Cute love story....happy ending..or does it? ha ha dont want to ruin it for you♥

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was predictable, the characters were pretty stock (strong, interesting Mormon girl; sort of clueless but well-meaning non-Mormon guy) but there were a couple of interesting plot twists. I enjoyed some of the supporting characters as much as, if not more than, the main ones. Whatever…it was a quick good-clean-fun read.

[Malina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Jack Weyland, that should be all you have to say right? The 9/11 twist caught me by surprise and I'm not sure I buy the reaction of the main character based on her actions in the first half of the novel. But then it was about how the events of 9/11 changed people. It had the happy ending I wanted from a cheesy clean romance so I guess I'm happy.

[Stefu Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very readable book, so I enjoyed it for that reason. Some of it bothered me and seemed too unbelievable. And it was a bit depressing during the last half or so. But overall it was uplifting. I've read two of Weyland's books now and he basically writes books that have a character needing to stay faithful to their beliefs despite some kind of horrible circumstance.

[Alanna Francom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Weyland was my bishop when I went to BYU-Idaho. When I went into a interview with him once I brought this book book with me into his office and got it signed. It was fun to have him as a bishop.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is based during the time of 9/11 and about a young girl who has graduated from college to intern in New York City. I loved the fact that it talked about part member families, and dating nonmembers. It's not your typical "happily ever afer" Jack Weyland.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was good, the middle was an emotional roller coaster, and the end ended happily. Jack Weyland ends his novels too abruptly, but I'll take it. I love the happily ever after stories he paints!

[Rachel Messel · Rating 2 out of 5]

not my favorite...it was not realistic, not that fiction has to be, but come on!

I also came with a predisposed level of expectation from Jack Weyland--my pre-teen mind can't let go of the love I have for his book, "Charlie".

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started out a cute story, funny, and a little sappy. Half-way thru the book there was a twist I didn't see coming. Turned into a page-turner, still funny in the right places, and a good tear-jerker. This book was not at all what I expected it to be.