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Prairie Hearts #1
Where the Wind Blows
Chase Logan liked being a loner, a drifter, free and clear as a mountain stream. But one look into Jessie Strong's sky blue eyes and in the span of a heartbeat, he found himself agreeing to be her husband --- and a father!
Jessie knew it was all pretend. And only temporary. Just until the adoption went through for three-year-old Sarah. But the longer Chase stayed, the less she could imagine a long, lonely Wyoming winter without him.
Times may be tough --- supplies short and danger just outside the doorstep --- but with the strength of the pioneer spirit and the warm glow of love in their hearts, Chase and Jessie are determined to have a true family at last, no matter ... WHERE THE WIND BLOWS.
Jessie knew it was all pretend. And only temporary. Just until the adoption went through for three-year-old Sarah. But the longer Chase stayed, the less she could imagine a long, lonely Wyoming winter without him.
Times may be tough --- supplies short and danger just outside the doorstep --- but with the strength of the pioneer spirit and the warm glow of love in their hearts, Chase and Jessie are determined to have a true family at last, no matter ... WHERE THE WIND BLOWS.
291 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2009
2006 people are currently reading
1918 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Fyffe
30 books628 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Caroline Fyffe was born in Waco, Texas, the first of many towns she would call home during her father's career with the US Air Force. A horse aficionado from an early age, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from California State University-Chico before launching what would become a twenty-year career as an equine photographer. She began writing fiction to pass the time during long days in the show arena, channeling her love of horses and the Old West into a series of Western historicals. Her debut novel, Where the Wind Blows, won the Romance Writers of America's prestigious Golden Heart Award as well as the Wisconsin RWA's Write Touch Readers' Award. She and her husband have two grown sons and live in the Pacific Northwest.
Visit Caroline at www.carolinefyffe.com
See her photographs at www.carolinefyffephoto.com
http://facebook.com/caroline.fyffe
Twitter @carolinefyffe
Write to her at caroline@carolinefyffe.com. She loves hearing from readers!
Visit Caroline at www.carolinefyffe.com
See her photographs at www.carolinefyffephoto.com
http://facebook.com/caroline.fyffe
Twitter @carolinefyffe
Write to her at caroline@carolinefyffe.com. She loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
July 6, 2020
DNF 40%
Thought this had a virgin hero. It did not. It is also a clean read. Found out a little late. Was deceived by a "list" that had this under virgin heros.
Other things I did not like was the heros past with women constantly being thrown out and the fact he was hung up on a woman he loved who had died.
Not for me
Wrong.
The story itself is meh..thus the 2 stars. Bored.
Thought this had a virgin hero. It did not. It is also a clean read. Found out a little late. Was deceived by a "list" that had this under virgin heros.
Other things I did not like was the heros past with women constantly being thrown out and the fact he was hung up on a woman he loved who had died.
Not for me
Wrong.
The story itself is meh..thus the 2 stars. Bored.
October 29, 2020
Did not finish, but got halfway through. I bought this because I've been on a Western romance kick -- stories involving kids. This book fit the bill, set near Cheyenne, Wyoming about 1877, with two orphans playing major secondary roles. After buying the Kindle e-book, I got the audio from Audible for just an extra $1.99. Thank goodness, because the best thing about this whole deal is the narrator. Phil Gigante is top drawer. The story gets 2 stars, but his performance gets 4 (not crazy about how he portrayed the heroine).
There are a few nice scenes, like when Chase washed clothes with little Sarah. Gabe (age about 12) and Sarah (about 4) were my favorite characters. I liked how Gabe spoke to his papa, who died a few years ago. The writing is fine. No typos. No coarse language.
So, why only two stars? Why bin it?
The story is driven by stupid misunderstandings. And I was driven, too. Crazy. Nothing adds up. It's like these people live on some other planet, where you never say what you mean. I kept scratching my head.
These people never think things through. Never. Nathan's payroll issue drove me crazy.
Endless platitudes about silver linings and rainbows. Clichés are not inspiring.
A heroine who is too stupid to live. Jessie went to town alone at dawn, leaving her brand new orphans -- who moved in only three days ago!!! -- at home alone, all day, with a stranger. An injured stranger at that. She went alone, despite the fact that Chase had been shot (nearly murdered) by unknown snipers just two days ago. Why did she do this? What urgent reason?? To get away from her handsome stranger, healing in her bed. Why does she need to get away? Because he kissed her. Yup. So much ridiculous melodrama about A STUPID KISS!
Poor characterization. So many examples!! A few:
Jessie is supposedly warmhearted, yet never grieves for her first husband, Nathan -- who just died. She never even offers a prayer for him, or a memorial service. Never tries to bring his body home and bury it. Yet we are told she was fond of Nathan, and he was good to her. They were friends. Instead, she gets all cozy with Chase, ASAP.
Jessie is supposedly wise, and a careful mother to her orphans, yet she shared her bed with Chase, unmarried, for several nights. This created the need for a shotgun marriage via Mrs. Busybody Hollyhock. Why? Apparently, there was no other place to sleep. Not even on the rug, in front of the fire.
Jessie is supposedly poor, yet she buys almost all her food in town. No chickens? No garden? Why not? She lives outside of town, has land. The author did mention some peas.
Chase cannot read or even sign his name. However, his friend and mentor Frank Lloyd taught him how to handle investments, banking, bookkeeping. He never taught him to sign his name??? Chase never bothered to learn to read or write, to support his investments at the very least?
Some historic small-town or country romances with kids that I did like:
Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer
Terms of Surrender (entireTerms series) by Lorrie Farrelly
An Angel In The Mail by Callie Hutton
For the Roses and Prince Charming by Julie Garwood
Small Treasures by Maureen Child
There are a few nice scenes, like when Chase washed clothes with little Sarah. Gabe (age about 12) and Sarah (about 4) were my favorite characters. I liked how Gabe spoke to his papa, who died a few years ago. The writing is fine. No typos. No coarse language.
So, why only two stars? Why bin it?
The story is driven by stupid misunderstandings. And I was driven, too. Crazy. Nothing adds up. It's like these people live on some other planet, where you never say what you mean. I kept scratching my head.
These people never think things through. Never. Nathan's payroll issue drove me crazy.
Endless platitudes about silver linings and rainbows. Clichés are not inspiring.
"Everything will work out. Don't put your umbrella up before it rains."Lots of maudlin memories of the hero's former love, Molly. Once or twice is okay. After that? Big yawn.
"Everything happens for a reason. You just have to look hard enough..."
A heroine who is too stupid to live. Jessie went to town alone at dawn, leaving her brand new orphans -- who moved in only three days ago!!! -- at home alone, all day, with a stranger. An injured stranger at that. She went alone, despite the fact that Chase had been shot (nearly murdered) by unknown snipers just two days ago. Why did she do this? What urgent reason?? To get away from her handsome stranger, healing in her bed. Why does she need to get away? Because he kissed her. Yup. So much ridiculous melodrama about A STUPID KISS!
Poor characterization. So many examples!! A few:
Jessie is supposedly warmhearted, yet never grieves for her first husband, Nathan -- who just died. She never even offers a prayer for him, or a memorial service. Never tries to bring his body home and bury it. Yet we are told she was fond of Nathan, and he was good to her. They were friends. Instead, she gets all cozy with Chase, ASAP.
Jessie is supposedly wise, and a careful mother to her orphans, yet she shared her bed with Chase, unmarried, for several nights. This created the need for a shotgun marriage via Mrs. Busybody Hollyhock. Why? Apparently, there was no other place to sleep. Not even on the rug, in front of the fire.
Jessie is supposedly poor, yet she buys almost all her food in town. No chickens? No garden? Why not? She lives outside of town, has land. The author did mention some peas.
Chase cannot read or even sign his name. However, his friend and mentor Frank Lloyd taught him how to handle investments, banking, bookkeeping. He never taught him to sign his name??? Chase never bothered to learn to read or write, to support his investments at the very least?
Some historic small-town or country romances with kids that I did like:
Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer
Terms of Surrender (entireTerms series) by Lorrie Farrelly
An Angel In The Mail by Callie Hutton
For the Roses and Prince Charming by Julie Garwood
Small Treasures by Maureen Child
February 24, 2016
I picked this up because it was labeled clean. It was a sweet story and while not squeaky clean it was not offensive to me. Mild religious elements but not preachy. A little sappy in places but enjoyable and I would read another by this author.
Content: mild language, non descriptive fade to black sex scene between a married couple
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Content: mild language, non descriptive fade to black sex scene between a married couple
Source: Kindle Unlimited
June 24, 2010
Two wounded people. A setting that could have been real. A simple love story.
Chase Logan is not the perfect looking hero. A drifter and somewhat weather beaten he is on a mission. He knows right from wrong and is left with the job of telling his partner's wife that her husband has died. He wants to finish his business and move on but then he hasn't met Jessie and Sarah yet. People who will chip away at his heart.
Jessie has one goal in mind: to keep Sarah and love her. Chase comes along and weaves himself into her life. Not intentionally at first but because he is a good man. There are secrets, things both want to share with each other. And the story unfolds. Ms. Fyffe must be very proud that she wrote such a wonderful debut. If you are looking for a Hallmark movie but in book form this is for you. A keeper.
Montana Dawn, a 2007 Golden Heart Finalist and winner of three other national contests, is scheduled for an August 2010 release. I am looking forward to this and more from Ms. Fyffe.
Chase Logan is not the perfect looking hero. A drifter and somewhat weather beaten he is on a mission. He knows right from wrong and is left with the job of telling his partner's wife that her husband has died. He wants to finish his business and move on but then he hasn't met Jessie and Sarah yet. People who will chip away at his heart.
Jessie has one goal in mind: to keep Sarah and love her. Chase comes along and weaves himself into her life. Not intentionally at first but because he is a good man. There are secrets, things both want to share with each other. And the story unfolds. Ms. Fyffe must be very proud that she wrote such a wonderful debut. If you are looking for a Hallmark movie but in book form this is for you. A keeper.
Montana Dawn, a 2007 Golden Heart Finalist and winner of three other national contests, is scheduled for an August 2010 release. I am looking forward to this and more from Ms. Fyffe.
April 1, 2012
Caroline Fyffe's debut novel is well-worth the read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be checking into her other novels.
Since it falls into my favorite genre of historic romance, I couldn’t quite help myself when I saw it was available for a free Kindle download. You never know what to expect with some of the freebies you get, but I was hooked from the beginning.
The novel tells the story of Chase Logan, a good man who just can’t quite let himself set down any roots, and Jessie Strong, a young woman with a sad past, doing the best she can. Chase meets Jessie when he shows up at her door to give her the news that her husband passed away. Thinking he’ll deliver the news and continue on down the road, he ends up staying and losing his heart to the sweet and caring woman.
Readers who enjoy westerns and love stories will got lost in the story of Jessie and Chase. You might even find yourself unable to put it down as you keep turning pages to find out what happens next.
I wonderful read, I highly recommend it.
Since it falls into my favorite genre of historic romance, I couldn’t quite help myself when I saw it was available for a free Kindle download. You never know what to expect with some of the freebies you get, but I was hooked from the beginning.
The novel tells the story of Chase Logan, a good man who just can’t quite let himself set down any roots, and Jessie Strong, a young woman with a sad past, doing the best she can. Chase meets Jessie when he shows up at her door to give her the news that her husband passed away. Thinking he’ll deliver the news and continue on down the road, he ends up staying and losing his heart to the sweet and caring woman.
Readers who enjoy westerns and love stories will got lost in the story of Jessie and Chase. You might even find yourself unable to put it down as you keep turning pages to find out what happens next.
I wonderful read, I highly recommend it.
February 12, 2018
A completely mediocre romance set in Wyoming Territory, 1887 or thereabouts. Handsome Chase rides into town to tell cute little Jessie that her husband has died. Jessie lives way outside the edge of town. Plot device plot device plot device, then the two find themselves very attracted to each other, and forced to marry to save Jessie's reputation.
This is entertaining enough, but I find there is no sense of time and place - I want more mention of how hard life was back then, what Jessie & Chase have to do every day just to get by - not extensive details, but a few more throw away lines, a few more explanations. As it is now, they get up, she makes biscuits and coffee, she throws some stew on, and later they have a leisurely dinner and she cleans up. It bugs me that she buys turnips and potatoes and apples in town - why isn't she growing these? Why doesn't she keep chickens? Or a few sheep or goats or a pig or something!
*
Getting on towards the end now, and this has to be one of the stupidest romances ever. I had to go back and re-read a few passages just to make sure I grasped the full inanity.
This is entertaining enough, but I find there is no sense of time and place - I want more mention of how hard life was back then, what Jessie & Chase have to do every day just to get by - not extensive details, but a few more throw away lines, a few more explanations. As it is now, they get up, she makes biscuits and coffee, she throws some stew on, and later they have a leisurely dinner and she cleans up. It bugs me that she buys turnips and potatoes and apples in town - why isn't she growing these? Why doesn't she keep chickens? Or a few sheep or goats or a pig or something!
*
Getting on towards the end now, and this has to be one of the stupidest romances ever. I had to go back and re-read a few passages just to make sure I grasped the full inanity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2010
I really LOVED this story!
February 11, 2010
loved this charming book. Moves easily and effortlessly throughout the entire story, holding my interest.
March 7, 2017
2.5 stars
This wasn't really my kind of story, but I do recommend it to anyone needing a break from all the sex and dramatics in a lot of the romance these days. It's clean and sweet, but it's pretty predictable. It's kinda like a book version of a Hallmark show.
This wasn't really my kind of story, but I do recommend it to anyone needing a break from all the sex and dramatics in a lot of the romance these days. It's clean and sweet, but it's pretty predictable. It's kinda like a book version of a Hallmark show.
August 6, 2013
4 1/2 stars - good old fashioned Western performed by Phil Gigante. A definite one I'll listen to again.
March 15, 2010
When loner cowboy Chase Logan rides out to find Jessie Strong and tell her that she's now a widow, the last thing he expects to do his stay and pretend that he's her husband so that she can adopt two children from the orphanage in which she grew up.
Chase finds himself inexplicably drawn to Jessie and her new daughter Sarah, as well his ranch duties. Can it be that he is ready to settle down?
I read this for romance writers awards and really enjoyed it. Chase and Jessie are likeable characters and the inspirational story just flows and makes you want to keep reading. Highly recommended.
Chase finds himself inexplicably drawn to Jessie and her new daughter Sarah, as well his ranch duties. Can it be that he is ready to settle down?
I read this for romance writers awards and really enjoyed it. Chase and Jessie are likeable characters and the inspirational story just flows and makes you want to keep reading. Highly recommended.
July 22, 2010
Three and a half stars. . .
Very, very sweet story. While the writing was generally good, there was a problem with the over-use of similes and too-corny western speak. When Ms Fyffe let the 'little darlin' speak go, it was a lovely little love story about two decent people trying to live a good life.
Very, very sweet story. While the writing was generally good, there was a problem with the over-use of similes and too-corny western speak. When Ms Fyffe let the 'little darlin' speak go, it was a lovely little love story about two decent people trying to live a good life.
September 21, 2019
TOTALLY CAPTIVATING
I positively loved this story. I've read so many recently that seemed so formulaic; they all followed similar themes and gave you the feeling that not much thought went into writing the books, but this one shows the author's knowledge of life in the West during this time period, and knowledge of horses.
I just loved this story. There was a lot of romance and some suspense, too. I love Western romances, and this one definitely wasn't predictable.
I positively loved this story. I've read so many recently that seemed so formulaic; they all followed similar themes and gave you the feeling that not much thought went into writing the books, but this one shows the author's knowledge of life in the West during this time period, and knowledge of horses.
I just loved this story. There was a lot of romance and some suspense, too. I love Western romances, and this one definitely wasn't predictable.
January 19, 2023
Read and listened too. Both audible and book free on KU. I’ve read this author before, I know she is a clean read but she tells her stories so well I’m not bothered. This is the authors first book, I really enjoyed it.
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 23, 2023
Pure cringe. Actually didn’t quite finish it but I was close. The plot was super boring and there was hardly any true western feel- it was very forced and cheesy. Blehhhh
February 12, 2017
My Rating: PG (mild violence)
A sweet story. A breath of fresh air for a change.
Logan Chase
Jessie Strong
A sweet story. A breath of fresh air for a change.
Logan Chase
Jessie Strong
March 17, 2017
I loved this sweet book just a fun read even though there was serious content it was just plain fun and enjoyable. If real life didn't interfere it would have been finished earlier I will be reading more of her books in the future, first book I read by this new to me author.
July 27, 2011
Every now and then a book comes along that is just so tender, so lovely you can’t help the emotions that roll through you. Every now and then an author comes along, who can write such a story successfully. This is one of those books. A story of tender love growing between two strangers thrown together by circumstance and who try to make the best of things. Caroline Fyffe is an author to keep your eye on. This is her debut book, so her future definitely looks very bright.
Chase Logan is a loner, a cowboy who is constantly on the move from ranch to ranch, job to job, never lighting for any length of time. He’d been of a mind to try settling down once and got only heartache and guilt for the effort. When his friend, Nathan Strong, is killed one night after a poker game, Chase takes the responsibility to let the man’s widow know what’s happened to her husband. He never imagined the woman he finds in Jessie, nor the family that comes along with her.
An orphan who never found a family to take her in, Jessie Strong nearly succumbed to the pressures of a woman on her own in the wilds of Wyoming, but Nathan Strong rescued from a life of giving her body away for survival. When a handsome cowboy delivers the news of Nathan’s death, Jessie barely has time to grieve before the child she and her husband were to adopt shows up on her doorstep. Scared that the powers that be might change their mind upon discovering she’s now a widow, she jumps at the chance to pretend Chase is her husband. All goes well and they end up with two children, four-year-old Sarah and thirteen-year-old Gabe, a young man whom Sarah trusts and whom also desperately needs a family.
Not wanting to give his heart and risk hurt again, Chase is determined to make sure Jessie and the kids are prepared for the coming winter and then move on. But not only is it Jessie and all that she can offer him, family, love, hearth and home, but it’s young Sarah who immediately calls him Pa and the man Gabe is about to become who also call to Chase. They give him all he needs to feel and begin to love again, though he feels he doesn’t deserve it. Some of my favorite scenes are each time Chase picks Sarah up, whether she’s giggling or crying, and his reaction to her innocence and her unconditional love, especially because when we first meet her she barely speaks and is afraid of nearly everyone.
Chase does his best to guard his heart, Jessie does her best not to trap him, and when his secret is finally revealed and all seems lost, it’s the faith that each finds within their hearts that makes everything right. This is a lovely heart-warming story that pulls the emotions out of you and makes you wish for a simpler time when love really did conquor all and if you worked hard and believed, happily ever after wasn’t too far behind.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Chase Logan is a loner, a cowboy who is constantly on the move from ranch to ranch, job to job, never lighting for any length of time. He’d been of a mind to try settling down once and got only heartache and guilt for the effort. When his friend, Nathan Strong, is killed one night after a poker game, Chase takes the responsibility to let the man’s widow know what’s happened to her husband. He never imagined the woman he finds in Jessie, nor the family that comes along with her.
An orphan who never found a family to take her in, Jessie Strong nearly succumbed to the pressures of a woman on her own in the wilds of Wyoming, but Nathan Strong rescued from a life of giving her body away for survival. When a handsome cowboy delivers the news of Nathan’s death, Jessie barely has time to grieve before the child she and her husband were to adopt shows up on her doorstep. Scared that the powers that be might change their mind upon discovering she’s now a widow, she jumps at the chance to pretend Chase is her husband. All goes well and they end up with two children, four-year-old Sarah and thirteen-year-old Gabe, a young man whom Sarah trusts and whom also desperately needs a family.
Not wanting to give his heart and risk hurt again, Chase is determined to make sure Jessie and the kids are prepared for the coming winter and then move on. But not only is it Jessie and all that she can offer him, family, love, hearth and home, but it’s young Sarah who immediately calls him Pa and the man Gabe is about to become who also call to Chase. They give him all he needs to feel and begin to love again, though he feels he doesn’t deserve it. Some of my favorite scenes are each time Chase picks Sarah up, whether she’s giggling or crying, and his reaction to her innocence and her unconditional love, especially because when we first meet her she barely speaks and is afraid of nearly everyone.
Chase does his best to guard his heart, Jessie does her best not to trap him, and when his secret is finally revealed and all seems lost, it’s the faith that each finds within their hearts that makes everything right. This is a lovely heart-warming story that pulls the emotions out of you and makes you wish for a simpler time when love really did conquor all and if you worked hard and believed, happily ever after wasn’t too far behind.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
May 15, 2012
I wasn't expecting much from this story and ended up liking it a lot more then I thought I would. For a romance novel it had good characters and depth. I ended up liking these two and really hoping for a happy outcome for both of them. This was a Christian romance only because they believed in God and prayed. There was no preaching it was more of an underlining current that ran threw the book. This book was fairly clean, there was one sex scene that was there but not too detailed, but you know what was happening. PG13 if it was a movie.
October 29, 2011
I really liked this book, much more than I expected. Nice surprise, there, in fact. Chase Logan is a down-to-earth, sexy cowboy who comes to town to tell a young woman that she's been recently widowed. Events conspire to keep the two together in a charming, touching way. I think that's probably the best way to describe this book - charming and delightful. I will definitely pick up another from Caroline Fyffe.
January 11, 2014
This is the first book I have read by Caroline Fyffe and it will definitely not be my last! I loved Jessie and Chase's story! I was drawn in by the raw beauty of the historical west she described as well as the individual characters! This is a sweet, tender romance that will touch your heart as well as your soul! I loved every second of it and can't wait to read more by this talented author!
January 24, 2015
I enjoyed this book despite some flaws (misunderstandings, no communication). I liked these characters. But the very end was just too much for me. Fabricated drama just to force the ending. The h was TSTL. She overreacted to things that had happened months earlier. I mean, we could all see that things had changed over time. The ending just pushed it to 2 stars for me.
March 23, 2011
I ready this book way back when and I can still easily conjure up the characters in my mind. I adored Chase and Jessie. Caroline Fyffe writes the kind of books that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
May 18, 2011
It was a cute storyline although a little hard to believe. One short love scene that started to make me skim... but since the couple was married, I was just ok with it. Still a fun read for those who like a mystery, action, wild west romance.
September 24, 2012
I just accidentally found this book and I am so glad I did! It was so captivating that I could not put it down! It was a clean western romance- my favortite. I just loved all the characters! I will remember this author!
August 9, 2014
I can't believe this is her debut novel!
I can't believe this is her debut novel!
What a great story,with so many mini stories unfolding and entwined throughout. This would make a great movie or tv series. I highly recommend Where the Wind Blows.
I can't believe this is her debut novel!
What a great story,with so many mini stories unfolding and entwined throughout. This would make a great movie or tv series. I highly recommend Where the Wind Blows.
November 15, 2016
Caroline Fyffe's Where The Wind Blows was a beautiful, sweet historical romance that truly warms the heart. The lessons of betrayal, sacrifice, & family love, endures all. Truly an inspiration of how family comes together to help and love one another, even when they aren't alway blood related.
November 5, 2019
I love this series. There are intriguing characters and a smooth flowing storyline with just enough twists and turns which leads to a wonderful ending. A very entertaining clean read. I am on to the next installment in the series.
August 28, 2009
Nothing to write home about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews