Book Review: Valley of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling

Excerpt: After the last person was served and before the early dinners got up to leave, Jason Talbot stood up from the table off to the north corner that had become his. "Folks," he called. When the din continued, he raised his voice and clapped his hands. "I have an announcement to make." He paused and waited. Slowly the troupe quieted and stared at him, waiting.

"Much to my sorrow, I have to tell you that this has been the final performance of the Lockwood and Talbot Wild West Show. Pick up your pay envelopes. We are just not making enough money to cover expenses, and there is nothing else I can do but close the doors."

Cassie stared at him, her stomach wrapping around itself. Surely this couldn't be.

Not like this. Valley of Dreams, pg 25

Back Cover: WILD WEST WIND
Exciting New Series from Bestselling Author Lauraine Snelling

When Cassie Lockwood's mother died, Cassie began travelling with her father's Wild West Show. Along the way, she became an amazingly skillful trick rider and sharpshooter, likened by some to the famous Annie Oakley. When her father passed away, she continued to work with the show, having nowhere else to go.

Now Cassie has discovered that "Uncle" Jason, the show's manager, has driven the show into debt, and he's absconded with what little money was left. Devastated, Cassie decides to try to find the hidden valley in the Black Hills of South Dakota where her father had dreamed of setting down roots. She has only one clue. She needs to find three huge stones that look like fingers on a giant hand. With Chief, a Sioux Indian who's been with the act for twenty years, and Micah, the head wrangler, she leaves the show and a bundle of heartache behind and begins a wild and daring adventure.

Will they find the valley before winter closes in on them?

My Review: I usually enjoy books that are part of a series, especially the first book of the series. However, I was very disappointed with Valley of Dreams. Though the characters were well developed, the story felt like it went no where. I like books that raise questions in my mind, and then answer them as the story goes along. While Valley of Dreams raised many questions, very few were answered by the end of the book. This book does not work as a stand alone novel.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I do not recommend this book without the rest of the novels in the series.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.