Winter Heart (3rd in Wolf McCloud series) [Paperback]

Jane Bonander (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1996

Dinah Odell is prepared for anything when she disguises herself as a nurse while on the run, except for Tristan Fletcher, who captures her heart, but the revelation of her secret may either shatter or strengthen their new relationship.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Half-breed Tristan Fletcher, adopted by Cecil Fletcher over the objections of his hostile wife, has survived his miserable childhood by holding his emotions in check. He plans to open a school at his ranch for reservation children but first must find a companion for Emily, his mentally frail older sister. The woman who appears as potential nurse and wife, sassy Dinah, is a lot more interesting and attractive than expected by the seemingly cold, taciturn man, even when her past secrets (and several pursuers) catch up with her. Unfortunately, our hero's woundedness is more backdrop from the past than central to Bonander's (Wild Heart, Pocket, 1995) 19th-century historical.?MKC
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Tristen Fletcher is fiercely loyal to a half-sister considered insane, and he will do anything to secure her safety. His first priority is to find a full-time caretaker, but gets more than he'd bargained for with the spirited Dinah Odell. From his first glimpse of the fiery beauty perched up a tree, hurling insults at his prized dogs, he realizes that she is more of a threat than a salvation - especially to his well-guarded heart. Still, something in her tortured eyes compels him to take her in. Willing to offer her shelter, protection and even marriage in exchange for companionship for his sister, Tristen is intrigued by the mystery surrounding the new nurse. Dinah Odell is on the run. Escaped from the mental asylum she'd been wrongly committed to by a vindictive uncle, she takes on the identity of a nurse. One look at her broodingly handsome new employer, however, immediately makes her question the sanity of her plot. But, where else can she possibly go? Further complicating things, Dinah feels a real compassion for Tristen's sister and is soon to learn of the painful memories of their tortured childhood. Her feelings grow for this man daily, as she watches Tristen care patiently for his unstable sister, as well as witnessing his determination to build a school for orphaned children of the streets. His protective nature and gruff exterior, she comes to understand, protects him from what she craves the most, love and trust. Once married, under the terms of the nurse's agreement, Tristen and Dinah are thrust into a battle of willpower, each determined to resist the attraction that threatens to consume them. But, before love reigns triumphant, the past that Dinah has desperately tried to put behind her becomes a nightmare that even Tristen might not be able to save her from. If you like romances that go beyond the typical to explore deeper issues, with a touch of mystery and intrigue, this one's for you. Jane Bolander lures you into her story with realistic, multi-faceted characters that you come to know. Then, once hooked, you feel their joy, pain, sorrow and rapture right to the very end. A most satisfying experience.Bravo! Winter Heart dares to be different and the romance is even better because of it! Ms. Bonander creates characters with that old friend feel to them. Winter Heart will leave a profound impression on you long after the last page.Lori Wright -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (May 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067152982X
• ISBN-13: 978-0671529826
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,371,150 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A warm, intense love story, August 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Winter Heart (3rd in Wolf McCloud series) (Paperback)

First of all, allow me to say that Jane Bonander is an excellent writer. She sets her scenes well and develops her characters, putting you right there from the great room to the ball game in the pasture. Dinah Odell, the heroine is a delight. Tristan, the hero is strong, caring and is there for her.

Ms. Bonander weaves in a dry humor that adds flavor to the serious, more disturbing aspects of life.

Winter Heart is an action packed story centered around the hero and heroine that keeps you turning the pages. You want to know what is going to happen next. And you will fall in love with Dinah and Tristan. Their constant banter is fun and brings them closer to the point where they are willing to admit that, yes, they find one another to their liking. The warmth and love that develops between these two will become your own. I recommend it as a good read that will hold you until the last page, and you want yet another.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great early america romance, February 13, 2005

By 

retroredux - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Winter Heart (3rd in Wolf McCloud series) (Paperback)

while upon first looking at the premise of Winter Heart-you may find the subject matter to disturbing for a romance. Miss Bonander handles the subject-mental illness-with class and sensitivity. The book is very emotionally gripping. You'll find yourself rooting for the hero and heroine-who have both faced abuse in their lifetimes but have not allowed it to make them failures. The book is great because it shows a mixed race character that is a sucessful man despite his harsh treatment early in life.

Very sensual lovescenes throughout the book and the author ingeniously deals with the heroines naivety with style and a lot of fun. A quick, thought provoking book.

Highly recommended-5 stars!