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NW Wind #1
To Catch the Wind
Love is a journey as treacherous as the Oregon Trail
Lynn Malen has finally reached her breaking point. Determined to escape an abusive marriage and get out of Independence, Missouri, she disguises herself as a young man and changes her name to “Larry” to get the last spot on a wagon train heading west. Accompanied by folks who are also looking for a new future, Lynn finds comfort and friends along the trail. What she didn’t expect to find was an attraction to Ben Alenson, the strong, brusque, and determined wagon master.
After this wagon train reaches its destination, Ben Alenson is done with the Oregon Trail. Having led two wagon trains across the prairie, he’s ready to plant roots in Oregon City and settle for an eligible woman in the town—if he can get his party there alive. The journey is rugged and filled with wild animals, disease, and dangerous terrain. Plus, there’s the suspicious “Larry”, a young man who may not actually be a man at all, and the last thing Ben needs is more trouble along the way.
When Ben discovers Lynn’s identity and the two form a connection, there’s no denying their attraction to one another. But as Lynn’s past catches up to her, she and Ben must decide if their love is worth fighting for. Can Lynn overcome her trauma and open up her heart, and is Ben strong enough to win Lynn’s trust? The Oregon Trail brings many trials, but love may be the most trying of them all.
Lynn Malen has finally reached her breaking point. Determined to escape an abusive marriage and get out of Independence, Missouri, she disguises herself as a young man and changes her name to “Larry” to get the last spot on a wagon train heading west. Accompanied by folks who are also looking for a new future, Lynn finds comfort and friends along the trail. What she didn’t expect to find was an attraction to Ben Alenson, the strong, brusque, and determined wagon master.
After this wagon train reaches its destination, Ben Alenson is done with the Oregon Trail. Having led two wagon trains across the prairie, he’s ready to plant roots in Oregon City and settle for an eligible woman in the town—if he can get his party there alive. The journey is rugged and filled with wild animals, disease, and dangerous terrain. Plus, there’s the suspicious “Larry”, a young man who may not actually be a man at all, and the last thing Ben needs is more trouble along the way.
When Ben discovers Lynn’s identity and the two form a connection, there’s no denying their attraction to one another. But as Lynn’s past catches up to her, she and Ben must decide if their love is worth fighting for. Can Lynn overcome her trauma and open up her heart, and is Ben strong enough to win Lynn’s trust? The Oregon Trail brings many trials, but love may be the most trying of them all.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2022
142 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 22, 2021
What a charming and wholesome read this was. Beautifully written, it tells the story of abused wife Lynn. Fearing for her life, Lynn manages to escape her violent husband and joins a waggon train heading to Oregon across the vast expanses of an America yet to be tamed. Terrified of her husband’s retribution if he catches her, Lynn is forced to rely on the kindness of Ben, the waggon train master, when he discovers that the puny and undersized lad, Larry, is actually a pretty and kind-hearted woman.
The author has clearly done her research about this exciting period of American history and her attention to detail made the story come alive in my mind. The characters were well-rounded and relatable and made you care deeply about their wellbeing and happiness.
The author pulls no punches about the grittier side of life, but neither does she rub the reader’s face in it. And although I don’t mind scenes of a more adult nature, it made a refreshing change that this book was one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone – whatever their sensibilities.
The ending was predictable, but in this book, it is the journey that is important, not the destination. And much in the way that Lynn undergoes a voyage of self-discovery, so the reader travels the route with her.
An easy five star read from a new author I look forward to seeing more of.
The author has clearly done her research about this exciting period of American history and her attention to detail made the story come alive in my mind. The characters were well-rounded and relatable and made you care deeply about their wellbeing and happiness.
The author pulls no punches about the grittier side of life, but neither does she rub the reader’s face in it. And although I don’t mind scenes of a more adult nature, it made a refreshing change that this book was one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone – whatever their sensibilities.
The ending was predictable, but in this book, it is the journey that is important, not the destination. And much in the way that Lynn undergoes a voyage of self-discovery, so the reader travels the route with her.
An easy five star read from a new author I look forward to seeing more of.
April 29, 2021
To Catch the Wind: Book One of the NW Wind Series
By Charli West
This is the comfort food of romance reads!
What more could you want from a western-style romance novel than to ride horseback with your protagonist at sunset next to her sweetheart, hearing the coyotes call at the moon in the distance. This wagon-train tale was that and so much more! From the Preface to the Epilogue—I was in reader’s heaven!
In To Catch the Wind, the reader follows Ben and Lynn from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon, on what is known as The Oregon Trail—a trip of a lifetime that transforms the protagonists.
Oh, yes—there are life and death fist fights and heroes, villains, and spoiled rich girls. The danger of the Wild West to struggle against and come out winning. A story of simple values of love of neighbor and love of self, is To Catch the Wind.
My favorite quote: “The prairie and its wonders were breathing life back into her very soul, and she felt laughter building up in her throat. She wanted to laugh for the sheer pleasure of life and all that it held at this moment in time.”
The theme of true love verses abusive love is explored, giving insight to overcoming domestic violence.
At times heartbreaking, in this delightful and wholesome love story, West shows realistically how love never fails, and how hurt people heal.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of westerns, historical fiction, and historical romance. Bravo Chari West!
By Charli West
This is the comfort food of romance reads!
What more could you want from a western-style romance novel than to ride horseback with your protagonist at sunset next to her sweetheart, hearing the coyotes call at the moon in the distance. This wagon-train tale was that and so much more! From the Preface to the Epilogue—I was in reader’s heaven!
In To Catch the Wind, the reader follows Ben and Lynn from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon, on what is known as The Oregon Trail—a trip of a lifetime that transforms the protagonists.
Oh, yes—there are life and death fist fights and heroes, villains, and spoiled rich girls. The danger of the Wild West to struggle against and come out winning. A story of simple values of love of neighbor and love of self, is To Catch the Wind.
My favorite quote: “The prairie and its wonders were breathing life back into her very soul, and she felt laughter building up in her throat. She wanted to laugh for the sheer pleasure of life and all that it held at this moment in time.”
The theme of true love verses abusive love is explored, giving insight to overcoming domestic violence.
At times heartbreaking, in this delightful and wholesome love story, West shows realistically how love never fails, and how hurt people heal.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of westerns, historical fiction, and historical romance. Bravo Chari West!
January 2, 2021
Light hearted easy read
If you are a fan of western romance you will enjoy this book. Action, adventure and romance. It is refreshingly clean fiction and that does not detract from the story at all. I recommend this to any romance lovers out there.
If you are a fan of western romance you will enjoy this book. Action, adventure and romance. It is refreshingly clean fiction and that does not detract from the story at all. I recommend this to any romance lovers out there.
September 28, 2021
Great story!
Load up your wagon and hitch up your team because you’re about to go on the Oregon Trail in To Catch the Wind! This book is filled with the best of people - and the worst, with the interactions between them told in candid and heartfelt prose. West equally captures the joys and hardships of the era, complete with a “will they or won’t they” romance that kept the pages turning.
Load up your wagon and hitch up your team because you’re about to go on the Oregon Trail in To Catch the Wind! This book is filled with the best of people - and the worst, with the interactions between them told in candid and heartfelt prose. West equally captures the joys and hardships of the era, complete with a “will they or won’t they” romance that kept the pages turning.
March 8, 2021
What a wonderful love story. After what Lynn had gone through, you just wish for her to have a happy ending. Although this is fiction, abusive swine like Jared exist. I will never understand why some people feel the need to torture and abuse a weaker person - only cowards do that. Men like that make me angry and they deserve anything that is coming to them. That being said, the romance blooming between the two main characters, as well as the amazing friendships Lynn gets to make, will warm your heart. I love the playful interactions and the swoon-worthy passion between Lynn and Ben... and then there is Carrie. A manipulative jealous brat, who thinks her body and looks is all a man wants. You know as much as I love strong and brave women, strong protective alpha males are also desirable. 😉 I mean who doesn’t find men attractive who are willing to stand up and fight for the women they love?
June 17, 2021
First let me say I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I'm not normally a historical fan, but love romance and supporting and reviewing indie authors, so it made my TBR list pretty quickly.
For a debut novel, I'm impressed! West took on the topic of abuse extremely well, bringing to light the issue without being too despairing. The historical aspects were good--not overdone and boring like I find so many others, but the details actually involved the plotline. (I was thoroughly enjoying feeling like I was in 6th grade again and playing Oregon Trail on the computer--what do you mean I died from a snake bite two miles from finishing the trail!! ARGH!!! LOL!) And the characters! Though I liked Lynn and Ben, what really got me were some of the side characters--especially Jad. (Cannot WAIT to read book #2) I wanted so much more of him in the book. I wanted to know the funny things he was saying and why he constantly had a grin on his face. And honestly, I LOVED Carrie's character as something different. Ben and Lynn were very similar and worked great together, but adding in Carrie's selfishness ended up making the whole plotline refreshing and added a zing of "What's she going to say now?!?" that I needed while waiting for the main plotline to come to fruition. And boy am I excited to read book #3 and she how she grows as a character!!!
West has awesome potential as a great historical romance writer. There was a lot of telling versus showing, but the growth that will happen with each book will be awesome to read! Bring on book 2 & 3!
I highly recommend to those who enjoy clean historical romance.
For a debut novel, I'm impressed! West took on the topic of abuse extremely well, bringing to light the issue without being too despairing. The historical aspects were good--not overdone and boring like I find so many others, but the details actually involved the plotline. (I was thoroughly enjoying feeling like I was in 6th grade again and playing Oregon Trail on the computer--what do you mean I died from a snake bite two miles from finishing the trail!! ARGH!!! LOL!) And the characters! Though I liked Lynn and Ben, what really got me were some of the side characters--especially Jad. (Cannot WAIT to read book #2) I wanted so much more of him in the book. I wanted to know the funny things he was saying and why he constantly had a grin on his face. And honestly, I LOVED Carrie's character as something different. Ben and Lynn were very similar and worked great together, but adding in Carrie's selfishness ended up making the whole plotline refreshing and added a zing of "What's she going to say now?!?" that I needed while waiting for the main plotline to come to fruition. And boy am I excited to read book #3 and she how she grows as a character!!!
West has awesome potential as a great historical romance writer. There was a lot of telling versus showing, but the growth that will happen with each book will be awesome to read! Bring on book 2 & 3!
I highly recommend to those who enjoy clean historical romance.
July 8, 2020
West’s love for this time period and subject really shows through with a story that is obviously thoroughly researched and written with enough detail that you feel as though you’re on the Oregon Trail with Lynn and Ben. I really liked how Lynn developed and changed throughout the story, gradually becoming stronger and believing she is worthy of Ben’s love. This is a sweet and tender love story with a happy ending. West has created many engaging characters whose stories (I’m guessing) will be in future books of this series. I can’t wait to return to Oregon City and find out the fates of other people on the wagon train. I’d like to see Suzanne get a chance at happiness.
May 28, 2021
I loved this story. And can’t wait to read the next one. The characters are so real the instantly capture your heart. The setting is amazing and really makes you feel like you’re in a wagon train heading west.
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February 8, 2022Fantastic book and series!
Love the NW WI d series! I love anything that has to do with time of the Oregon Trail and this one did not disappoint!
Love the NW WI d series! I love anything that has to do with time of the Oregon Trail and this one did not disappoint!
January 20, 2023
Hooked from the beginning
I love the way the characters were developed. It was very easy to become invested in each one. Some you love and some you hate. It was hard to put down. I’m looking forward to reading the next few books.
I love the way the characters were developed. It was very easy to become invested in each one. Some you love and some you hate. It was hard to put down. I’m looking forward to reading the next few books.
July 4, 2020
This book was so easy to read. It kept me wanting to read more. I enjoyed the humor and suspense of Lynn's journey. Looking forward to the next book!
June 21, 2020
Compelling Love Story...such real characters...against the backdrop of the Oregon Trail
I know this is a book I will read several times...it is so descriptive and drew me in from the start. I love a story about a young woman who is lost in life somehow. A story about her inner struggles and the loneliness and anguish that is going on in her mind but also a story of her finding love and happiness.
The plot of this book is so very engaging that I read it well past my bedtime. The descriptions of every detail of the people, the scenery, and even the scents are so vivid...and of what is happening to the people in the story, especially the main character, Lynn, are so well-written, you can feel what she is experiencing. Charli West does a wonderful job of putting Lynn’s thoughts and feelings on paper.
Each character is complex and multidimensional - real people that I loved getting to know. And especially with Lynn, I found myself caring about her and worrying about what would happen to her. Spoiler alert...it has a happy ending.
All of this against the backdrop of the journey on the Oregon Trail from Independence Missouri to Oregon City Oregon. Can’t wait for Book Two.
I know this is a book I will read several times...it is so descriptive and drew me in from the start. I love a story about a young woman who is lost in life somehow. A story about her inner struggles and the loneliness and anguish that is going on in her mind but also a story of her finding love and happiness.
The plot of this book is so very engaging that I read it well past my bedtime. The descriptions of every detail of the people, the scenery, and even the scents are so vivid...and of what is happening to the people in the story, especially the main character, Lynn, are so well-written, you can feel what she is experiencing. Charli West does a wonderful job of putting Lynn’s thoughts and feelings on paper.
Each character is complex and multidimensional - real people that I loved getting to know. And especially with Lynn, I found myself caring about her and worrying about what would happen to her. Spoiler alert...it has a happy ending.
All of this against the backdrop of the journey on the Oregon Trail from Independence Missouri to Oregon City Oregon. Can’t wait for Book Two.
January 4, 2022
Looking for a sweet romance that's clean and set in a western setting? This is the perfect read for you! Ben and Lynn are a match made in heaven and Ben is the kind of man a lady can definitely swoon over. Lynn is a strong yet gentle-mannered woman who one can root for all the way through reading. Together their love is the most tender and romantic love story that will stay with you long after you're done reading. Everyone deserves a Ben so go buy and take him home!
December 21, 2021
I read this story months ago, but I loved it enough I wanted to read the entire series together.
Where do I even start? I loved the cast of side characters from Maggie and Kyle to Grace and Allen. Each one added something special to the story and the love of everyone made Ben and Lynn's love even stronger. They fell fast after and unusual beginning, and I adored how, despite Lynn's hesitations, they grew to trust and respect each other.
I was yelling at Ben to grow a pair and deal with Carrie 😂, so I was glad when he did. That being said, I love a good character arc showing growth and redemption, so I look forward to book 3.
Sigh, I hope we get glimpses of Lynn and Ben in the rest of the series because I'm not ready to say goodbye to them.
Beyond the beautiful storyline and how masterfully the author captured the premise of catching the wind, I learned so much through this book. I am Canadian, so the Oregon Trail was not part of our history lessons, but this book felt o real and informative. That's the best kin of book... one that makes you feel and teaches you something.
Major kudos to the author. I'm so eager to read Jad's story!
Where do I even start? I loved the cast of side characters from Maggie and Kyle to Grace and Allen. Each one added something special to the story and the love of everyone made Ben and Lynn's love even stronger. They fell fast after and unusual beginning, and I adored how, despite Lynn's hesitations, they grew to trust and respect each other.
I was yelling at Ben to grow a pair and deal with Carrie 😂, so I was glad when he did. That being said, I love a good character arc showing growth and redemption, so I look forward to book 3.
Sigh, I hope we get glimpses of Lynn and Ben in the rest of the series because I'm not ready to say goodbye to them.
Beyond the beautiful storyline and how masterfully the author captured the premise of catching the wind, I learned so much through this book. I am Canadian, so the Oregon Trail was not part of our history lessons, but this book felt o real and informative. That's the best kin of book... one that makes you feel and teaches you something.
Major kudos to the author. I'm so eager to read Jad's story!
December 25, 2021
Very Enjoyable!
This was a nice surprise. I enjoyed this story immensely. I can't wait to explore the next one in the series because I really like Charlie's writing style.
This was a nice surprise. I enjoyed this story immensely. I can't wait to explore the next one in the series because I really like Charlie's writing style.
March 10, 2021
I loved this book and am so excited that it's a series! When it was over I actually missed the characters and wanted to know what they were doing. The character development was wonderful, you really felt what they were feeling and understood why they did what they did. The characters fit with each other and made each other better. I especially like any family scenes there were, it felt like home. Thank you for this book and for the series! Looking forward to the next book!
December 12, 2021
Throughly enjoyed it!!!!!!!!!
Can't wait to read the others.
Definitely will be a favorite series 😄😄😄😄
Can't wait to read the others.
Definitely will be a favorite series 😄😄😄😄
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December 10, 2023To Catch the Wind is clearly a work of love and dedication by the author. This is a book of adventure, hope and love.
December 23, 2024
This is the first in a series of four action romance books, this one set on the Oregon Trail at a time when settlers were heading across the prairie in search of better things.
A young woman, Lynn Malen, needs to get away from her cruel and abusive husband, Jared. It means taking a risk and secretly joining a wagon train set for Oregon. But with Jared unlikely to allow his wife to get away so easily, it means disguising herself as a young man to avoid questions being asked and him finding out where she’s gone. Life on the trail is tough, even more so for Lynn who has to deal with her difficult past and the constant worry of being found by Jared. Fortunately, she also finds kindness on the trail and the potential for love when Ben, who leads the train, finds out her true identity. But life is not going to be at all straightforward for either of them as they both try to come to terms with their feelings, hopes and fears for the future.
To Catch the Wind is a sweeping tale, set against the harsh backdrop of the West at a time when people were trying to forge new lives. It’s a love story but there is also, for those that enjoy drama, plenty of action to keep the reader hooked. The characters are well crafted, and we feel Lynn and Ben’s dilemmas as they try to come to terms with their situation. The setting and narrative in book 1 is great; plenty of scope to continue the story of the West in what is bound to be a super series.
A young woman, Lynn Malen, needs to get away from her cruel and abusive husband, Jared. It means taking a risk and secretly joining a wagon train set for Oregon. But with Jared unlikely to allow his wife to get away so easily, it means disguising herself as a young man to avoid questions being asked and him finding out where she’s gone. Life on the trail is tough, even more so for Lynn who has to deal with her difficult past and the constant worry of being found by Jared. Fortunately, she also finds kindness on the trail and the potential for love when Ben, who leads the train, finds out her true identity. But life is not going to be at all straightforward for either of them as they both try to come to terms with their feelings, hopes and fears for the future.
To Catch the Wind is a sweeping tale, set against the harsh backdrop of the West at a time when people were trying to forge new lives. It’s a love story but there is also, for those that enjoy drama, plenty of action to keep the reader hooked. The characters are well crafted, and we feel Lynn and Ben’s dilemmas as they try to come to terms with their situation. The setting and narrative in book 1 is great; plenty of scope to continue the story of the West in what is bound to be a super series.
June 25, 2021
It’s 1844 in Independence, Missouri. Lynn Maslen is pretty sure the next time her abusive husband, Jared, beats her, he will kill her. To get away from him, she dresses as a man and sneaks onto a wagon train heading west on the Oregon Trail. Along the way, she is revealed to be a woman, and two men fall for her. But she only has eyes for Ben, the wagon train leader. She is still married and pretty sure she can’t have children, so it will never work out. Plus, we know her husband is also heading west, seeking to make Lynn pay for trying to escape. But true love must win out, and evil must be vanquished. This book is almost unbearably corny and predictable, also riddled with typos and grammatical errors, and yet, I devoured it like a chocolate sundae. In this difficult time, it’s refreshing to go back to the cowboy days when men were men and women could make apple pie without a recipe. This book is the first in a series, so there are more for those days when I say to hell with the diet and order extra whipped cream.
August 2, 2024
Love Story
Charli West has written a heartwarming and heart breaking novel. Lynn flees a horrific marriage by joining a caravan to Oregon City. She is unaware that her husband wants revenge and follows in the next caravan. During the long journey she attracts the attention of the wagon master, Ben. Lynn has suffered so much pain and is afraid to follow her heart.
When you think there will be a happy ever after you are immersed into tragic events.
Will Lynn and Ben discover that family and love can conquer any obstacles or will they be defeated?
This beautiful love story will tug at your heartstrings.
Charli West has written a heartwarming and heart breaking novel. Lynn flees a horrific marriage by joining a caravan to Oregon City. She is unaware that her husband wants revenge and follows in the next caravan. During the long journey she attracts the attention of the wagon master, Ben. Lynn has suffered so much pain and is afraid to follow her heart.
When you think there will be a happy ever after you are immersed into tragic events.
Will Lynn and Ben discover that family and love can conquer any obstacles or will they be defeated?
This beautiful love story will tug at your heartstrings.
May 11, 2021
Set in the thrilling North West Pacific region in the mid 19th century, this is a novel of romance, resilience, recovery. From being a weak and scared, abused being, Lynn grows into strength and courage, ably backed by Ben, the hero you must fall in love with. The author Charli West charms us with her detailed authentic descriptions of the region, and the development of a sweet and clean romance between the two main characters. Enjoyed a lot!
February 26, 2022
You gotta read this
I don't like Carrie..she could be anyone in real life. There are too many Carries and not enough Lynns. This story not only about a wagon train but thru a valley ripe with crops, animals and a great of people that love one another and are in love with life. You will travel thru the rigger of living on a wagon train and on to a life in town where people are not what they seem. I highly recommend this book!
I don't like Carrie..she could be anyone in real life. There are too many Carries and not enough Lynns. This story not only about a wagon train but thru a valley ripe with crops, animals and a great of people that love one another and are in love with life. You will travel thru the rigger of living on a wagon train and on to a life in town where people are not what they seem. I highly recommend this book!
March 21, 2024
I was so caught up in this story; cheering Lynn on as she showed the courage to remove herself from a horrible life: loved Maggie and Kyle; actually cried along with Lynn and Grace after Lynn had been rescued from Jared; enjoyed all of the family characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series “Dance Within The Wind
June 2, 2025
In the 1840s, Lynn Malen escapes the hell of spousal abuse, disguising herself as a man and joining a wagon train. But escape is never that easy.
Whilst including harsh issues, Charli West provides the archetypal prairie romance, complete with the found family we all crave. Although it went the expected route, I enjoyed every wagon wheel turn of this one.
Whilst including harsh issues, Charli West provides the archetypal prairie romance, complete with the found family we all crave. Although it went the expected route, I enjoyed every wagon wheel turn of this one.
November 8, 2021
Must read for all romantics
Really enjoyed all the characters in this story. Very happy Lynn survived her abusive husband and wasn't sad about his death! Domestic violence affected my beloved sisters so I understand how Lynn felt! Loved the ending!
Really enjoyed all the characters in this story. Very happy Lynn survived her abusive husband and wasn't sad about his death! Domestic violence affected my beloved sisters so I understand how Lynn felt! Loved the ending!
September 12, 2022
A great contribution to the series
Sadie, Lynn such strong brave women. I really liked the part where Ben first sees Lynn trying to catch the wind for the first time. A great book ! A dream man to !
Sadie, Lynn such strong brave women. I really liked the part where Ben first sees Lynn trying to catch the wind for the first time. A great book ! A dream man to !
October 8, 2022
Enchanting book
I couldn't put this book down. Such a loving and amazing story of love, honesty, patience and wholesome reading. I can't wait to start book 2.
You are a wonderful author and waiting to start writing after you experienced life shows in your book.
I couldn't put this book down. Such a loving and amazing story of love, honesty, patience and wholesome reading. I can't wait to start book 2.
You are a wonderful author and waiting to start writing after you experienced life shows in your book.
October 19, 2022
sweet, western romance
I haven’t read very many western romance novels (especially not a “sweet read”) so I wasn’t sure what to expect… I loved Lynn!! This Oregon trail tale was paced well and I am excited to try the rest by this new-to-me author! So glad I picked it up.
I haven’t read very many western romance novels (especially not a “sweet read”) so I wasn’t sure what to expect… I loved Lynn!! This Oregon trail tale was paced well and I am excited to try the rest by this new-to-me author! So glad I picked it up.
August 27, 2024
A great interpretation of the old west, and the wagon trail times. A heartfelt story of how women were abused and heads turned. But alas a happy ending for those who push forward. This one’s for you if you love the Oregon trail and the struggles they faced.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews