Head in the Clouds

By: Karen Witemeyer

Narrated by: Nicole Poole

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Following the stunning success of her high-spirited debut, Karen Witemeyer delivers this compelling blend of humor and romance. When Adelaid Proctor finds herself stranded in 1883 Texas, she’s hired by a British-born sheep rancher as governess for a daughter still grief-stricken over her mom’s death. As Adelaid gently draws the girl out of her shell of silence, the governess and sheep rancher, at first, resist their mutual attraction. But as a looming standoff draws near, it will either shatter or strengthen their developing romance.

©2010 Karen Witemeyer (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Love this book and author!

Great storyline, I love this author because she writes a great love story without smut!

Best Witemeyer story

It was a great story and the narrater did an excellent job. I was taken in by the story and loved how the author brought faith into the story. I am going to listen to it again.

surprisingly delightful and full of suspense

The book cover pulled me in...very unusual to have a heroine tumbling down the stairs while reading a novel. The story kept me reading/listening until the wee hours of the morning. It's a little too biblical but the suspense kept me reading.

Great story and great narration!

I love the story it is entertaining! I enjoyed the characters and the narrators voices for them!!

Fun and unique story that kept me engaged

Karen Witemeyer was a new-to-me writer. She had been on my TBR list for a while, and I chose this particular book of hers to for my first because of a recommendation from a friend. We both love Anne of Green Gables, and this heroine reminded her of Anne.. thus prompting her to recommend it to me!

I really enjoyed the unexpectedness that I found in Head in the Clouds. It included threads of both British and Texan culture, romance, suspense, and fancifulness, all woven into a creative story that kept me guessing. While there were some dark elements and difficult times in this story, overall it was pretty light, and the headstrong heroine, Adelaide, did in fact remind me of Anne too.

The storyline is a bit complex to summarize without saying too much… but not complex in a confusing way. There’s just so much good story…

Nicole Poole did a great job on this audio book, and I really enjoyed her — except for her voice for Bella.. but honestly, I think it’s got to be difficult trying to mimic a child’s voice for a recording.

I would like to compare this book with jalapeño cornbread. Comfort food with some spice. 🙂

Family, Honesty, Loyalty & Trust!

Would you consider the audio edition of Head in the Clouds to be better than the print version?

Although I did not read the print version of Head in the Clouds, I can't imagine it being better than actually hearing the excitement and anticipation of the narrator's voice.

What did you like best about this story?

What I liked best is how the emphasis of the story seemed to be family love and trust. As long as people behave as a family, and think of themselves as a family, they ARE a family.

Which scene was your favorite?

Two scenes were my absolute favorite; first, when Adelaid realized that she was in love with Gideon, and second, when Gideon's daughter spoke for the first time. I almost cried!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had a wide range of emotions with this book. Laughter, sorrow, anger, happiness, and ultimately satisfaction.

Any additional comments?

The audio version is definitely a must have because you will want to listen to it more than once!

Historical Romance that isn't Stuck in the Past

I'm going to assume you're already familiar with the hallmarks of the historical Christian romance genre (clean romance, religious themes, lots of old West stuff, etc.), and instead focus on what makes Head in the Clouds unique (and awesome!)

A Much More Modern Take on the Genre:
There are some great themes like crossing cultures, adoption, and some that I can't mention for fear of spoilers, but mostly, it's the protagonists that seem to be born in the wrong century (and I mean that in a good way!). Adelaid is very independent, passionate, and intelligent---one of my favorite lines is when she mentions how all little girls should dream up stories of "fair maidens who outwit dull princes to rescue friendly dragons." Gideon, though, is no dull prince; in fact, he's the sexiest male protagonist I've come across in this genre (don't worry, nothing scandalous). He's compassionate, occasionally sharp-tempered, and quite witty. Though he's got the whole protective vibe characteristic of the genre, he's characterized more by his humor and charm.

A Believable Romance
Gideon and Adelaid are so right for each other, and their relationship unfolds in a very real and endearing way. This genre is usually strife with romances that are all about how the characters' insecurities (particularly the heroine's) or lots of miscommunication get in the way of their happily ever after. For G & A, this is not the case (won't say anymore---you've got to read it yourself).

~Note on Narration: Poole does a great job, particularly with the funny lines. Although the accents weren't perfect, they were believable and really added to the experience. I could always tell who was speaking; the characterization was spot-on.

Sweet story

I love all of these books. Faith, family and love. A very good read indeed.

A WESTERN JANE EYRE!

Another favorite from Karen Witemeyer! Head in the Clouds is very similar to Jane Eyre, as Adelaid's heart leads her to a governess job in on a ranch in Texas. As she starts to love the child, Isabella, as her own, she also falls for the british rancher, Gideon Westcott.

While there are no secrets that come out of the wood work, like with Mr. Rochester, danger is coming for Isabella and Gideon. Isabella's uncle is a ruthless man, who will go to any lengths necessary for what he wants...and his eyes are on Isabella, but only for her money.

This really was truly a great one, as it has a little bit of everything in it!! Not to mention I loved all the Jane Eyre references and similarities. Nicole Poole did really good to! I am very anxious for more from Karen Witemeyer!

Loved the story

Great story. I struggled with performance only because I could hear her continually swallowing throughout