Head in the Clouds [Bargain Price] [Paperback]

Karen Witemeyer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2010

Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.

When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.

When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Witemeyer follows her delightful first novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, with another tale of romance in America's West. Teacher Adelaide Proctor follows Henry Belcher to Fort Worth, Tex., but discovers her Prince Charming is a rogue. Instead of the marriage she planned, Adelaide becomes governess to Isabella, daughter of English-born sheep rancher Gideon Westcott. Adelaide comes to love both the mute, troubled Isabella and her father, but forces beyond their control are heading from England to Texas. Viscount Reginald Petchey wants his niece's fortune and will do anything to get it, even murder and kidnapping. But Petchey doesn't factor in Adelaide's determination and Gideon's love for his daughter. A final standoff is a nail-biter as a child's life and a family's future hang in the balance. Witemeyer's sophomore tale is entertaining and exciting, though fans may wish for the insightful discussions of her first. Readers won't be disappointed, however, in the strong, lovable Adelaide and her ultimate Prince Charming.
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About the Author

Karen Witemeyer holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and the Texas Coalition of Authors. She has published fiction in Focus on the Family's children's magazine, written several articles for online publications and anthologies, and looks forward to the release of her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, this summer. Karen lives in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 366 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764207563
• ASIN: B0055X4SL4
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (108 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #924,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Two-time RITA® Finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#79 in Kindle eBooks > Religion & Spirituality

#79 in Kindle eBooks > Religion & Spirituality

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Head in the Cloud September 15, 2010

By Edna Tollison

Format:Paperback

Cisco, Texas-April 1883 Adelaide Proctor was a school teacher and had meet a book salesman and as she had never had a beau before, she was really taken with him, she gave up her job and went to find him after he changed his job. She was so surprised when the first day she met him alone with his wife and child. She had no idea what she was going to do until she saw an ad in the paper where a sheep farmer was needing a Governess for his small daughter. She applied and found out there were three more going for the interview. She got the job and she and the little mute girl bonded so well.

Adelaide always wanted a family as she really loved working here with the little girl and learned to love her as if she was her own child, she also liked the father. But will things work out and get Isabella to talk again and will she finally get the family she had always wanted since her father had died.

This book will catch you from the first page with it humor, love and mystery. This is the first book I have read from Karen Witemeyer but it will not be my last. She keep me so into the book I could not put it down, I read it in two days.

The review copy of this book was sent to me by Bethany House Publishers for review.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Read September 27, 2010

By Sharon A. Lavy

Format:Paperback

Tonight is the night. She could feel it.-- The opening line drew me in. Ms. Witemeyer did an excellent job of keeping my attention with her well crafted characters.

Adelaide tried to be respectful, tried to be content, tried to keep her place. She really did. But I loved her outspoken ways. And how she did the right thing because she used her God given brain and thought like a woman. I really liked that part!

As a book worm myself I loved to read about Adelaide and how engrossed she could be with her nose in a book. Just as I was when I read Karen Witemeyer's latest story: Head In The Clouds.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars fans of deanne gist and cathy-marie hake will feel at home December 28, 2010

By rachel

Format:Paperback

Adelaide Proctor is desperate to find a romance and subsequent family of her own. She spends her days literally with her head in the clouds, day-dreaming of the heroes in the stories she reads by the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen. When a knight-in-shining-armor turns out to be a rake in disguise, Adelaide throws caution to the wind and applies for a job as a governess to new rancher ( and British ex-pat) Gideon Westcott and his mute daughter.

Back story reveals that in true Valjean-Fantine tradition, Gideon is not Isabella's biological father; rather a stranger who promised to take her into his care upon the untimely death of her mother. Adelaide begins to fall madly for both of them and a happy ending can only be secured when dangers from Isabella's past and a hovering uncle bent on securing his niece's massive fortune is halted.

The story is very formulaic and will be very comfortable for those who enjoy this genre. There aren't any real surprises and it follows in the tradition of the Bethany House Historical Romance line. That aspect of the book, I found, to be a little too safe for me. I would love if Witemeyer had shaken and spiced the genre a bit; but I realize that my viewpoint and marketable interest are two very different things. Thus, for an offering in this often-frustrating genre, I found it to be above-average in execution and style.

I enjoyed the constant references into the actual literary world of Jane Eyre and the comparison of Jane's plight to Adelaide's own.

Readers who hanker after a great Romantic hero will be smitten with Gideon. Not only does he have dimples and a roguish sense of humour, Witemeyer does well to make him equal-parts rugged sheep herder and classic British gentleman.... By day, he wears work clothes and rustles in the field; brandishing a gun at times, riding a horse and basically appealing to a girl who loves a cowboy. By night, the golden cufflinks are polished, the manners tamed and a starched white handkerchief dabs at his masculine jawline. Gideon's concern for his ward, Isabella, is a charming addition to the romantic plot between he and his governess.

The governess-master plot has seen a real renaissance in recent Christian Historicals and Witemeyer does well in a genre already well-established with a topic that, unfortunately, is becoming a bit too familiar and bordering on the verge of cliche.

I look forward to checking out more of her writing in the future. Read more ›

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and engaging September 24, 2010

By M. Caldwell

Format:Paperback

This is the 2nd book I've read by Ms. Witemeyer. I admit I enjoyed this one more than the first. And, it is great when an author can improve their storytelling, as Karen has done. The female lead character, Adelaide, takes matters into her own hands with reliance on God's guidance. She's likeable and plucky. Gideon, the male lead, acts as a true gentleman. The story is historical fiction with a whirlwind romance thrown in. It moves along and is engaging to read, especially with the suspense of the "bad guy" events.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Swoon-worthy romance, charming wit, and heart-pounding suspense!" January 18, 2011

By Amanda Stanley

Format:Paperback

I first fell in love with the charming, romantic prose of Karen Witemeyer in her debut novel, "A Tailor-Made Bride", which came out earlier this year. I was so excited to discover that this new author had a SECOND book releasing this year, as well! I knew I was going to love "Head in the Clouds", I just had no idea how much! Swoon-worthy romance, charming wit, and heart-pounding suspense are the order of the day when Karen Witemeyer is behind the pen. I laughed. I cried. And, more often than not, found myself clinging to the pages for dear life. This woman knows how to write romance, let me tell you, but she takes it one step further- to the soul. Not often do you see God's Word incorporated so well and so naturally within romantic fiction. There is substance to what you read within the pages of this book. She effortlessly shows Scripture applied to everyday life, and how we, like her characters, need to trust the Lord in ALL things.

Adelaide Proctor is a dreamer, with a heart that longs for fairy tales to come true. Karen writes such genuine, relatable heroines, who become instant friends to the reader. Adelaide is certainly unconventional, but she has a sweet spirit, a servants heart, and a strength of character that quietly demands respect. She possesses beauty, yes, but more of the inner, lasting kind than of the outward, fleeting variety. With refreshing humbleness and honesty she readily admits her faults and seeks the Lord for guidance and ultimately His will above her own. And, it appears the Lord`s will is to send her to Texas as a governess for a little girl on sheep farm. An unlikely place to find prince charming, right?

Gideon Westcott is quite a hero. Strong, compassionate, with a kind heart and an easy smile (oh, that smile!).... Willingly and loving accepting an awesome responsibility, no questions asked, he is a man of integrity who protects all those in his care. The new governess intrigues him, challenges him, and is much needed sunshine wrapped in yellow calico to him and his daughter. She strikes an instant connection with the young, emotionally scarred girl, while capturing Gideon's heart in the process. Their love will be tested and tried when a horrific attack, with an uncertain outcome, find its way to the Wesctott Cottage. The Lord has led Adelaide to Texas, to this wonderful man and his precious daughter- does He intend for her to stay? And, if so, does Gideon have the strength to fight for his sunshine girl and their happily ever after?

All of Karen's characters are loveable, endearing, and will remain in your heart long after the book is closed. There is a real bond of love between them that reads like a big, warm, mixed matched family. The supporting characters are all so unique, adding many layers to this story, and they are also great friends and allies to our hero and heroine when danger comes calling. Gideon's sweet little daughter, Isabella, will pull every single heartstring you have, her emotional pain and journey to healing made me teary-eyed quite often. And, I think the villain, Reginald Petchey, whose name alone sounds sinister, was so well written- almost with a dark sort of comedy at times.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Head in the Clouds" and am greatly looking forward to Karen Witemeyer's next book, "To Win Her Heart", releasing April 2011! Read more ›