Waltz in the Wilderness

Chaparral Hearts, Book 1

By: Kathleen Denly

Narrated by: Rosanna Pilcher

She doesn’t need his help. He doesn’t need another delay. But God has other plans…

Eliza Brooks’s worst nightmare has come true—her father is missing. Now she’ll do anything to find him, even if it means taking a chance on who she must trust. But once aboard the steamship bound for San Diego—her father’s last known whereabouts—she finds herself in far more danger than she imagined.

Daniel Clarke is a man of his word. Though he never imagined he’d be in California for four years, at least he’s finally earned the money he needs to get married. Now he just has to get back to his fiancée in Massachusetts…the sooner the better. Especially since she’s stopped replying to his letters.

When he boards a ship bound for San Diego, the first leg of his journey home, the last person Daniel expects to meet is his boss’s niece. What could Eliza be thinking, traveling with no escort? With the lecherous captain determined to ruin her, Daniel has no choice but to offer his protection.

From shipwreck to cavalry outpost to the Southern California mountain wilderness, Daniel’s entanglement with Eliza forces them—and their hearts—to face a future neither of them ever dreamed.

©2020 Wild Heart Books (P)2024 Kathleen Denly

Very good narrative

Enjoyed the animation and zeal of the narrator. The mfc Eliza was quite hard to like, the mmc Daniel was a saint to put up with her. haaha.

An engaging audible read of a well written book.

First of all, the storyline was very well written. It kept my interest the whole time. The narrator did an extremely well done job with intonation, accents, and all that you would expect to keep the story well-paced, exciting and engaging. The characters are very believable and I was able to visualize every scene well. Even the climates of the different locations could be felt with the audible reading. I hope the other books in the series are able to be recorded in the future. The team of Author and Narrator work very well together. I highly recommend this audible book.

From Seeking to Surrender

Listening to Waltz in the Wilderness felt like being swept into a graceful yet daring dance, where every step carried me deeper into a rugged wilderness filled with faith, growth, and danger. Kathleen Denly masterfully blends heartfelt spiritual truths with historical intrigue, and Rosanna Pilcher’s narration turns the experience into something unforgettable.

Eliza Brooks is a force to be reckoned with—determined, prickly, and fiercely loyal. She might stumble along the way, but her journey reminds us that God's plans often unfold in the least expected ways. Daniel Clarke, on the other hand, is a steady and selfless gentleman who embodies honor and unwavering faith. His decision to safeguard Eliza, despite the cost to his own plans, beautifully reflects the heart of a true servant of Christ.

Pilcher’s narration brought these characters to life with an artistry that felt like a performance rather than a reading. Her tones shifted gracefully, matching the story's moods—from moments of peril to tender scenes of faith and reflection. The raw emotion she conveyed during Eliza’s struggles and Daniel’s moments of surrender to God’s will made the story resonate in a deeply personal way.

From the crashing waves of a shipwreck to the untamed California mountains, the vivid settings were as much a part of the story as the characters. Pilcher’s delivery painted the wilderness in such rich detail that I could almost feel the wind on my face and hear the rustling chaparral.

This audiobook swept straight into my heart with its heartfelt themes of redemption, trust, and God's providence. If you’re ready for a journey filled with grit, grace, and romance, I highly recommend it. It’s a story worth every moment, and I’m eager to read the other books in the Chaparral Hearts series that I haven’t discovered yet.

I received an audiobook version of this book from the author. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this audiobook review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, the narration, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.