My Review - Summer of Promise

SUMMER OF PROMISE is the first installment in the Westward Winds series by Amanda Cabot. I was introduced to Ms. Cabot’s writing when I read TOMORROW’S GARDEN. I was not disappointed with SUMMER OF PROMISE

Abigail Harding has read and re-read her sister, Charlotte’s letters and gets the distinct feeling something isn’t right. So, she leaves her native Vermont to travel to Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to visit Charlotte and see for herself what is amiss. Setting out on a cross-country trip, Abigail survives not only the rugged terrain, but a stage hold-up as well. When she arrives in Fort Laramie, her instincts are proven correct. Charlotte is with child and in ill health. Abigail is completely unimpressed with Wyoming and knows she will return to Vermont as soon as Charlotte is well. But, while in Wyoming, she finds herself drawn to Lt. Ethan Bowles. She first meets Ethan on the stage, where he foils the attempted hold-up, and their paths continue to cross while at Ft. Laramie. Since she is betrothed to her beau in Vermont, she thinks nothing of the friendship she forms with Ethan. That is, until her heart tells her it is more than camaraderie she finds in Ethan.

Lt. Ethan Bowles’ life revolves around his position in the Army. He has no interest in finding himself a wife, even though the men around him try to persuade Ethan that is what’s missing from his life. Though he enjoys the time he spends in Abigail’s presences, Ethan convinces himself that it is merely companionship. When Abigail’s stay is prolonged and there time together becomes more personal, he questions his stance on marriage.

SUMMER OF PROMISE was delightful to read. I really appreciated the mystery Ms. Cabot injected into the storyline. It definitely added to the overall content and kept the story flowing. Though I am not a fan of the hero and heroine being kept at arm’s-length for an entire book, I felt the interaction between Abigail and Ethan was enough to keep me from becoming frustrated. I look forward to reading the next installment in the Westward Winds series.

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

Book provided for review purposes.