This was quite an enjoyable book that had me reading long into the night.
One of my favorite parts of this one was Eliza's personality. She was so feisty and always knew what she wanted to do, even if it wasn't well-thought-out. Eliza also grew a lot as a character just as those around her did.
I also really noticed the language of the book. It used a lot of words that are somewhat uncommon and I really liked how it flowed.
As for the adventure, it was perfectly woven throughout the whole novel, making it difficult to put down. Just when I'd think that the characters were out of danger, a new situation would arise.
All in all, I give this a solid 4/5 stars and recommend it to fans of adventure and history.
Thank you Kathleen for sending me this book. ( )

Waltz in the Wilderness is the first book in the Chaparral Hearts series by Kathleen Denly. It follows a young woman, Eliza Brooks, as she searches for her father in Southern California’s wilderness with the help of an honorable--and engaged to be married--gentleman, Daniel Clarke.
I enjoyed Eliza and Daniel’s story. The author’s research into the history of the time provided a rich detail to the story’s landscape, whether in the luxurious home of Eliza’s uncle or the mountainous wilderness of Southern California. The little details helped bring the story to life off the page and fill the reader’s imagination. I always love learning while I’m reading when it comes to historical fiction, and this novel fits the bill!
I related to Eliza’s struggle to maintain a sense of control when it came to her life and those she loves. She is headstrong, courageous, and has a fierce loyalty to those she loves, but I loved getting to know her weaknesses and watching her strive to improve herself with the Lord’s help. I also held great respect for Daniel and his unwavering honor. Life is full of trials and temptations, but Daniel was an example of remaining true to his word not only for his honor but for God’s as well.
Overall, I enjoyed this adventurous, charming, and heartfelt story. As I grew closer to the end, it grew harder and harder to put the book down. If you enjoy adventurous, western-based novels, you will enjoy Eliza and Daniels’ journey in Waltz in the Wilderness. I’m looking forward to the next novel in the series, Sing in the Sunlight.
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. It was captivating right from the start as we meet Eli who really is Eliza. She has lost her mother and blames herself. She is with her dad in the gold mines, poor, hungry and most of all definitely not being a lady. Her dad realizes that this is not the place for her and takes the chance of taking her to his brother in San Francisco. Eliza is none too happy about his decision and this is where the story truly begins for me.
Eliza is definitely very close to her father and I think a huge part of it stems from blaming herself for the death of her mom. She doesn't want to lose him too and wants to make sure that he is well. When he leaves her with her uncle without her knowledge she is furious but it is truly for the best despite her Aunt Cecilia. Seriously her aunt is one of those characters that you despise due to her attitude. Now back to Eliza, it took me a while to get to like her. On the outside she seems like a selfish, self centered brat. But once you get to know her inner being, you understand why she is like that.

We meet Daniel who is absolutely amazing! You know I am going to say it... he is definitely swoon-worthy! He is a true gentleman and even though he is engaged to Alice he can't help being drawn to Eliza. So when Eliza decides that she needs to find her father and boards a ship unchaperoned of course my man Daniel steps up to the job especially after he sees how the captain and the other men are eyeing her. (I told you he's swoon worthy) He treks it all over God's creation to help her find her father and during all of this you can't help but love Eliza because finally her shell is breaking and she sees that she can trust and open herself to something more than herself. That God is the person she needs to be trusting for everything. That was an amazing moment.
I know you are thinking of Alice... but don't worry about her. I assure you everything does get resolved for her in the best possible way. I will say that Alice was a great addition to the story and I do hope we get to see her in the next book as I would like to know what happens to her brother and mother.

This is Kathleen Denly's debut novel and I have to say I am very impressed! She not only did a great job at painting a picturesque setting in which you can lose yourself in but made some great characters that you can relate to. I for one cannot wait to read the next one, which just happens to be on my bookshelf!

I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

I really enjoyed Waltz in the Wilderness. The slow building chemistry between Eliza and Daniel was very believable. The characters were well written and had interesting personalities. They were flawed in a way that is very human. There was some air of mystery, but not overwhelmingly. The romance was not too heavy, either. A few scenes that were somewhat passionate, but very clean and again, well written and believable. I liked the time period and setting, 1850's California, during the Gold Rush era. Daniel is such a true gentleman, it was nice reading a character so honest, humble and honorable.
I recommend this book to readers who like christian historical fiction. ( )

This was a wonderful beginning to a new series. Can't wait to read more! This is Eliza's story and it's quite an adventure. Love the historical aspects of this story and learning more of California's early days. I didn't realize that they called the rest of the country The States as though they weren't part of the same country. The characters were well developed and quite interesting. The romance was great and very proper. Also loved the religious undertones and that it wasn't really "preachy". Very good read!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
( )