"Head in the Clouds" by Karen Witemeyer

[reviewsbyerin]

After reading this book all the way through, I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it. I enjoyed it, the plot took unexpected turns, and there were plenty of references to Jane Austen and "Jane Eyre," so that's good. There were other moments that were so cliche that I often found myself literally rolling my eyes. Aside from the cheesiness, however, I found it to be a mostly fun story that I would recommend for a quick summer venture to the Old West.

Adelaide Proctor wants to get married, and she thinks she's found the man for her in a traveling book salesman. He has given her plenty of attention but has been shy to make a commitment, so Adelaide decides to quit her job as a schoolteacher and follow him to the next stop on his route in hopes that he will realize how serious she takes their relationship. Instead she's stunned when she runs into him with his wife and son in tow! Ashamed, embarrassed, and not knowing what to do next, Adelaide seeks God's guidance and ends up taking a governess position at a remote ranch.

Her charge is the adopted daughter of Englishman and sheep herder Gideon Westcott. Isabella is 5 years old and does not speak, having her voice stolen from her after witnessing the deaths of both her parents. Adelaide is able to see the need for joy in Isabella's life and the two form a quick bond at Adelaide's interview for the job, sealing her a new home and focus.

Adelaide dreams that Gideon Westcott could be the Mr. Rochester to her Jane Eyre, but she learned her lesson last time and does not try to make more of their relationship than it is. Gideon is quite attracted to the spirited and adventurous Miss Proctor, but does not want to distract her from the good work she is doing with Isabella. The two must join forces to protect the child when her evil uncle comes looking to steal Isabella and her inheritance away for his own purposes. After murdering both of Izzy's parents, the uncle is not shy to use dire tactics against anyone at the Westcott ranch.

My favorite parts of the book were how serious the main characters took their relationships with God and how they sought Him personally. I do need to issue a trigger warning, as there is an attempted sexual assault which involves beating the woman up that left me quite uneasy, as the violence really bothered me. The overall story did somewhat redeem the author from my first rather negative reading experience with one of her books, so much so that I can see myself reading more of her stories if given the opportunity.