Wyoming

Wyoming #1-4

by Colleen Coble

Leaving the security of their Eastern cities and the comfort of their homes and families, pioneers move west - where only small forts protect them from the vast wilderness. Men join the military to defend the frontier, while their women support them - striving to keep families together no matter what the hardship. Only after she agrees to marry another man does Sarah Montgomery realize her fiance was not killed in the Civil War. Fort Laramie is Where Leads the Heart, but does love still await her? Abandoned and pregnant, Emmie Croftner leaves her gossip-filled hometown, seeking refuge with old friends on the Plains of Promise. Can a gentle lieutenant convince her that all men are not the same? For Jessica DuBois, privileged daughter of an army officer, The Heart Answers only to money and male attention. But when her world changes, can she prove herself a woman of substance - worthy of a righteous man's notice? Thanks to her sister's meddling, Bessie Randall discovers that she is now married by proxy to Jasper Mendenhall. Shocked, Bessie travels to Fort Bridger to learn To Love a Stranger - and experiences the surprising things God has in store for them both. Discover love, faith, and adventure in the forts of frontier Wyoming.

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

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

USAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Arizona. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 6 million books in print.

Reviews

[Flo Jaeger · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this book is actually all 4 books in the Wyoming series in one book. With that being said, I enjoyed all the books in the series, but probably wouldn't read again. They are short, sweet stories with a little bit of action- kind of like Hallmark movies. Nice stories, but not great literary works. I found the plots very rushed and would have liked more details and time to really connect with the characters and love stories. Also, some of the spiritual moments were a bit corny and over the top, could have been more realistic. This was a fun, easy read over all.

[Dara S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where the Heart Leads

Sarah Montgomery's beau, Rand comes home from the Civil War to find she is engaged to another man after thinking him dead. Rand will not listen to reason and heads out west. Sarah decides to follow Rand to see if they can work things out. Unbeknownst to her former husband-to-be follows to stir up trouble.

Plains of Promise

Emily Coftner heads west to help a friend after learning some devastating news about her now dead husband. After her previous experience in her marriage Emily does not think she will ever love again. Isaac Liddle has other ideas about Emily. He tries wooing her, but Emily is reluctant and tries to resist his entreaties. Finally Emily agrees to marry Isaac, but she has made promise to someone that may interfere with her ability to keep her promise to Isaac.

The Heart Answers

Jessica Dubois was the adopted daughter of Major DuBois and she was always given whatever her heart desired. At times, Jessica is mean-spirited and unkind to those around her. Her only friend at the fort is Ellen. Ellen is the laundress and she has a young daughter Franny. Ellen suddenly dies. Jessica loves the little girl and helps her to learn her letters. Jessica is smitten with Clay, the preacher, who goes from fort to fort. Clay is a cousin to Franny and feels he is responsible for her. Jessica convinces Clay that she should be Franny's caretaker while he is traveling. Clay agrees, as long as she agrees to provide for Franny. He suggests that Jessica take Ellen's place and become the laundress. The position of laundress is a lowly one, and not looked on by the other women as desirable. Jessica reluctantly agrees, although she has never done such a thing in her life. Clay likes Jessica, but he cannot think of courting Jessica because she is not a Christian. Everything works out happily in the end for the couple and they raise franny together.

To Love a Stranger

Bessie Randall, a rather plain woman with a big heart learns by accident that her beautiful sister, Lenore has been corresponding with a soldier, Jasper Mendenhall stationed in a Wyoming fort. To make matters worse, Lenore explains she was married by proxy to this man, under her sister, Bessie's name. Bessie thinking this might be her chance to marry and feels bound to this commitment takes the stage to Wyoming. Jasper, expecting the beautiful, Lenore is at first disappointed, but there are very few women at the fort so he decides to give it a chance. They travel to a new fort in Arizona. Along the way Bessie finds and Indian baby by the side of the trail beside her deceased mother. Bessie takes the baby, whom she names Ruth, with them. Bessie worries all the time that she is not a good enough wife and that Jasper does not care for her. The family of Ruth after several months is found and Bessie must return the baby to her original family. Bessie is heartbroken. Jasper thinks the only thing to do is send her back east to her family. Bessie returns to Boston and realizes her heart belongs to her husband, whom she loves. She quickly returns to Arizona and Jasper greets her and tells her never leave him as he missed her and loved her.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read. There were a few words that were used that didn't seem to fit where they were used. The stories were built up well, but the "wrap-up" was too quick. Maybe it was that way to fit four novels in one book, but I wish the endings wouldn't have been so abrupt. They ended predictably, which for me, is actually a positive. When I read this type of book, I want and easy, feel-good read.

[Jess H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my third time through this collection. Fast, interesting and fun stories.

[Pamela Mettler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical fiction with rich layering.

[Jan]

Why five stars? Because I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I saw that one reviewer complained about the preaching. When I started the first part of this book I wasn't sure either. But as I continued to read I realized that this was one of the best portrayals of a true believer in Jesus Christ's relationship with God. It explains the struggles everyone has in life - mental struggles, emotional struggles, struggles with sin. It honestly portrays how God's Word and the Holy Spirit work in a believer to bring us to peace with God.
I also just enjoyed the stories and rooted for every heroine even though some of them are most unlikeable at the beginning of their tales.

[Marcie Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four romance stories of young ladies meeting Military. All seemed to be of loneliness, despair, turning to trust and faith in the Lord. Some adventure thrown in. Was not totally interested in the stories...not enough suspense that I am used to from the author.

[Partridge Public]

Coble, Colleen PB

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I love stories about the 1800s and early 1900s this is a book I'm enjoying. Easy read and quick. Stories about very strong women in a the brutal west.

[Louise · Rating 1 out of 5]

one-dimensional characters, predictable and not very well written...

[Courtcourt08 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorites!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This, thus far has been my favorie of the state, four stories in one books!!!

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four books about life in 1800's western forts. Pretty good stories. I could use a bit less of the preaching, but still okay.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

All 4 stories were very nice

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!