Runaway Heart

Westward Dreams #1

by Jane Peart

'End of the line!' The stagecoach driver's shout sent a chill down Holly Lambeth's spine. What an ominous sound! Was Riverbend, Oregon, to be the end of the line for her? She had come West to escape the swirling gossip about her broken engagement. She had come to escape the humiliation of being jilted. She came here to find a welcome new life, but her cousin's chilly reception tells her she has made a terrible mistake. Here in Riverbend, 2,000 miles from Kentucky, in a town barely more than a mining camp, Holly faces the fact that she is unwanted and unwelcome. Knowing this unhappy truth, Holly reaches another conclusion. Only she can change her situation. Both the sophisticated editor of the local newspaper, as well as the town's dedicated doctor, are attracted to the pretty newcomer. But Holly has more than romance on her mind. An unforeseen opportunity presents a challenge that brings Holly to a decision that will not only change her, but alter her own vision of her future.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Historical Romance, Historical

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 1994

About the author

Jane Johnson Peart of Asheville, North Carolina, Humboldt and Marin counties, California, and in recent years, Hawaii, passed away in 2007. She was the author of more than 60 works of suspense, historical fiction and romance, which touched the hearts and minds of thousands of readers whose correspondence she treasured. She wrote for the secular and Christian market, and is best known for the Brides of Montclair series.

Reviews

[V ❣️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“End of the line!”

More in depth than I thought it would be, honestly. Once again, it just goes to show that these historical baddie authors know their stuff and aren’t afraid to write their hearts out!
We follow Holly Lambeth as she travels to Riverbend, Oregon. Her engagement has just been broken off and she’s in desperate need of a fresh start. However, the cousin who she’s living with is proving to be a real loser - jealous of Holly, but for what? Holly is a spinster while her cousin is happily married with two charming children! Holly is focused on changing the town, though. She opens up a little free library of sorts, becomes the new teacher, helps the townsfolk with so many things. She truly becomes HERSELF. Love Holly, actually. What a lady, what a gal.
In the midst of all of this change, she finds herself falling in love with the doctor of the small American town. And not only does she have his attention, but she has the lust of yet another prominent man. Holly really is a catch!
Tea with friends, heated catty arguments, Victorian era America, drama and love, the freaking small pox, an emphasis on the power of prayer… what a sweet novel. Holly, I love ya girl. So glad you didn’t stay with your dumb fiancé and got to find out who you really are - Riverbend’s Finest! Low stakes, predictable, but fun.

[drowningmermaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it’s not exactly a compliment to say: This is a great book to listen to while you have a concussion. But… I have one and it is.

Weird to see emotional abuse described in such detail in a fluff book like this. Interesting though.

Sweet somewhat saccharine growing up/romance novel with stock characters who are all nice and likeable. Her books used to strike me ad “not Christian enough” but now they seem about right.

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Emotionally deep in places, but some (not all) of the challenges presented were solved too easily to feel real. Pretty predictable, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing if you're after a more laid back read.

My biggest issue was with the overall writing style. That's a personal issue so not everyone will agree and that's ok. I found it hard though to stay lost in the story as I repeatedly had to stop and read again in order to catch what the author meant vs how her punctuation and grammar said it. The story is worth at least one reading though if you keep your expectations light. I did like the main character and seeing her grow. I also appreciated Blaine's character.

[Ronya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The old adage "don't judge a book by it's cover" fits this book perfectly. Really, I suppose looking at the cover doesn't turn me away, it just doesn't draw me in either. With that said, I received books from this series as a gift and was very pleasantly surprised. This first book in the Westward Dreams Series touched my heart and reminded me of how much God cares about and is intricately involved in our lives.

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

End of the line for Holly in Riverbend, Oregon. Holly was jilted and her cousin Hetty "invited" Holly to come west. Holly was suspicious of the invitation but went anyway. Thankfully Holly loved her cousins children and the townspeople. She became the teacher, and during the smallpox epidemic helped Dr. Blaine with the patients. Then there was little jack who needed a mother, Blaine loved her and so she had her family

[Debbie Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of this story was very good. Holly was extremely likable as was Dr Blaine. Unfortunately there was obnoxious cousin Hetty and the fact that as usual people died and one of them a favorite. But I would read it again and I would recommend it

[Elizabeth Dragina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful.... I didn't like it at first, but mom encouraged me to keep pressing on and I did enjoy it! Such a beautiful ending a Holly's character did a lot of changing! Such a great book!

[MK ( MaKayla)]

This was much too slow paced for me . I might try to read the paper back some time ,but books like this I can't listen to .

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars is pretty stingy, but I can't get past how slow paced and drawn out this book was. The events and story were sweet, but not written in such a way that they connected throughout. It seemed as though they were a collection of scenes, instead of a cohesive story. It had potential that wasn't lived up to.

I'll also say that again, though, that it was a sweet story. That's probably the best I can say for it.

[April Suter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family, romance, history, teaching and Christain living -- 5 of my favorite subjects that are in this book. The main character, Holly, arrives by stagecoach to 'the end of the line' in Oregon in 1882. She leaves her family in Kentucky for a new start. Holly grows up, makes friends and grows closer to God. Read the book to see if she even finds love or will she return to her family.
250 pages

[Jlebreton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takes a while to get into the story as the beginning is a little slow. But once you get farther into the story you get really invested in the characters and really want to know how it is going to end! Definitely a sweet story that sweeps me back to romances like those of Jane Austen!

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story. I enjoyed the independent female antagonist and how she was able to work through her obstacles before entering into a relationship, rather than the relationship making it possible for her to overcome the obstacles.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

good-happy-sweet little story-Western teacher tale

[Margaret Makewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story line - an enjoyable read.

[Beth Michaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect!