Summer of Promise

Summer of Promise is the first novel in the Westward Winds series, and it was written by Amanda Cabot. The book follows Abigail Harding as she travels to Fort Laramie in Wyoming based on concerns over her sister Charlotte. What was supposed to be a trip to see her sister during 1885 turns into one adventure after another. There was a stagecoach robbery, robberies, and a romance which was not in the plans since Abigail is practically engaged with a co-worker in Vermont. Ethan Bowles, who is Abigail’s romantic interest in Wyoming, is an Army Lieutenant whose last plan is to fall in love. Although neither wants to enter into a relationship, it seems that the attraction between Abigail and Ethan is going to be difficult to ignore.

I enjoyed this book and how realistic the characters were. I found myself really wanting Abigail and Ethan to forget their past heartaches and start a relationship with one another. Abigail’s bravery also impressed me; for a woman to travel in the 1880s was very difficult due to the dangers of stagecoach travel. The book was not as predictable as some romantic novels can be, and I found myself wanting to find out what would happen next at Fort Laramie. In addition to liking historical novels, I have also found myself recently reading many books set in the late 1800s. I have come to find a greater appreciation for this time in America’s history, and I am glad this book taught me even more about the 1880s and life on the frontier. I cannot wait to read more books in this series, and I am hoping to learn more about some of the other characters in Summer of Promise who were introduced in this book.

Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."