Disappearing was never at the forefront of Audrey Whitman’s desires. However, she felt like she did not have a choice. Escaping what her aunt planned for her was necessary. Propriety, and society be damned! Audrey would, and could never go through with any of it. Happily forever after was far to the west, and far from St. Louis.
Pinkerton Eugene Turner handled numerous murder and theft cases throughout the week. This new case that slid across his paper scrambled desk was new and… alarming. Finding a missing woman, let alone a wealthy heiress, in the vast and untamed America was like finding a needle in house fire.
As Audrey discovers the life she has dreamt about, will she be able to hold onto the fairy-tale whims and thrive on her own, or will society call her back?
This western took place in Missouri, Kansas & Colorado. Author included God and prayer references, but not in a preachy manner.
Sweet heiress Audrey ran away via train, westward, to avoid an unwanted marriage to her cousin. When she disappeared, cousin declared her dead. Pinkerton agent, Eugene investigated, & assumed Audrey was spoiled superficial. At one point, Audrey tried to do several jobs at a Denver hotel. She burned food & ruined laundry until the desk clerk job fit her, best. Even though wealthy, she showed genuine concern for all she met. And she made friends- a 1st for her. Eugene found/ read her diary to gain insight.
This had too much adventure and not enough romance. I could have done w/o the woman in orange. Eugene showed his hero qualities. And Audrey learned that not all new friends had genuine intentions.
The story is a clean western romance that begins in St. Louis, Missouri, but quickly moves westward. Audrey Whitman is under the guardianship of her aunt and cousin, who keep her basically in prison. She is determined to escape and begin a new life—one where she won’t be forced to marry her odious cousin, Thomas.
Pinkerton agent, Eugene Turner, is hired by Wilfred Darrow. If it were up to Aunt Georgiana Coldaire and Thomas, they want to have her declared dead so they can inherit the Whitman estate. Eugene must start his investigation in St. Louis and hope to find a lead as to where Audrey Whitman may have gone.
The story’s plot is a mystery, with suspense, lies, deceit, and escape. Audrey knows she must free herself from her relatives and begin a new life. She could care less about society and wealth, all she wants is to find love and happiness—not be a prize for her fortune. But, it is that fortune that will lead to nefarious actions that take this story on a battle of life and death.
I liked the characters and you can’t help but like Audrey and her bravery to begin a new life. No matter what is thrown her way, she tries to keep a positive attitude. The story definitely has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Eugene Turner respects Wilfred Darrow and wants to help him with this case—and hopefully, it will net him enough to be able to settle down, find a nice home to buy back in Philadelphia, and eventually find a wife. With Darrow in charge of the Whitman estate and the directive to see it to completion, he will eventually find himself going to Denver when he learns that Audrey may have been there and in danger—he didn’t expect to find her and Eugene together, after barely escaping with their lives. What will happen when they return back home? Where will this leave Audrey? All she wants is to find someone who will love her and allow her to have a happy life as her parents had.
“Love was a whisper on the wind that tousles the hair and kissed the face, lovingly and soft, it endears itself to the heart.”
If you're a fan of Anne Shirley (of Anne of Green Gables fame) you'll love the heroine of this book, Audrey Whitman. She's dreamy and kind, full of imagination and a little naive (in a sweet way) but firey and unafraid of challenges. I liked her instantly. There were so many enjoyable, funny parts to this book; when Audrey stabs the seat cushions in the carriage (I found it funny!) and when she tries to work at the hotel but keeps messing up - I couldn't stop laughing. There were some twists and turns that I didn't see coming and that added to my overall enjoyment of the story.
This was so entertaining and such a sweet tale. Audrey was strong willed and oftentimes hilarious in her nativity. Eugene was very likable and I loved seeing both of their thoughts. I wasn't sure just how their happily ever after would be achieved. Things certainly took an intriguing route. This was refreshing and so beautifully told. I am so very pleased to say that I absolutely love everything that Ms. Shanniak writes!! I can't wait to meet more of her wonderful characters!
This was so entertaining and such a sweet tale. Audrey was strong willed and oftentimes hilarious in her nativity. Eugene was very likable and I loved seeing both of their thoughts. I wasn't sure just how their happily ever after would be achieved. Things certainly took an intriguing route. This was refreshing and so beautifully told. I am so very pleased to say that I absolutely love everything that Ms. Shanniak writes!! I can't wait to meet more of her wonderful characters!
This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be reading/listening to more of her Westerns. (She appears to write a couple different genres.) This story was entertaining to say the least! The narrator would do better if she slowed her pace a bit, but I enjoyed her characters and her enthusiasm as the scenes got more exciting or nerve-wracking!
This is the story of a runaway heiress with an evil aunt trying to force her into an unwanted marriage and the handsome Pinkerton agent searching for her. This story started out with a lot of slow back story, but once it got going it was very good, filled with excitement and adventure. It is a good read and in found it enjoyable.
When an Heiress decides to runaway instead of marrying her cousin the adventure begins. Sheltered most of her life Audrey learns how the regular people live. Eugene a Pinkerton agent is hired to find here. Add a real kidnapping to give an added adventure. An interesting series of strong women living in the west.
I loved how Audrey and Eugene worked together so well for a common goal. Audrey bubbly personality was interesting to keep up with and how she trusted others so willing even after they had betrayed her.
Audrey Whitmore is a wealthy heiress in a gilded cage. Desperate to escape, Audrey fakes her own kidnapping and flees West. Eugene is the Pinkerton hired to find her. The light humor and romance made this a really fun read.
With that being said EA Shanniak doesn't make these seem like Westerns. They're just cute, good little stories. You'll love the characters and the story. 10 stars for EA Shanniak!!!
I love Audrey! She knows exactly what she wants and goes after it. And the trouble she gets into is daunting but her spirit never breaks. Definitely a story worth reading