The Wayfaring Widow

Bird's-Eye View, Book 1

De: Casey Cline

Narrado por: Noah Wall

To escape her grievous past and avoid her bleak future, twenty-eight-year-old widow Victoria Clarke joins her friend, Isabella Bird, on a once-in-a-lifetime journey from England to America in 1854. But Harrison Wright, the man acting as escort to the women on their journey, is cold and gruff, and his mannerisms conjure up the pains of Victoria’s past, especially her former husband’s mistreatment. Victoria doubles the defenses of her already fragile heart, but will it be enough to endure what she now feels is an ill-fated expedition?

Twenty-nine-year-old New York lawyer, Harrison Wright, has made a promise to his friend, Isabella Bird, to escort her around his home country. And unlike his father, Harrison keeps his promises. Since Harrison has sworn off women due to his own troubled past, he is not pleased Victoria will be joining the trip. But as a declared bachelor, he’s built an impenetrable safeguard around his own heart that should withstand a few weeks in this other woman’s company.

As the trio explores Boston, Detroit, Chicago, Niagara Falls, and New York City, surviving fires, disreputable innkeepers, sickness, and storms, Victoria and Harrison are loathe to find that they cannot avoid each other’s company. But in such close proximity, will Victoria and Harrison’s initial flared tempers lead to even stronger and more unavoidable feelings about each other? Feelings that have them questioning whether their journey will have the most unlikely of destinations: love and healing—and happily ever after—with each other?

©2025 Scrivenings Press (P)2025 Casey Cline

An absolutely delightful story!

A lovely, heartfelt story with humor, healing, and adventure. This one was a delight to listen to. The narrator, Noah Wall, gives Casey Cline’s story exactly the right voices. Her delivery fits these characters in a way that made the journey feel even more vivid, and I loved how naturally she brought out their personalities.

I genuinely enjoyed the snarky back-and-forth between Harrison and Victoria. Their bickering had a spark to it that made me grin, even though there were a few moments when Harrison’s judgments felt a bit sharp. Thankfully, he learns that assumptions are not the same as truth, and watching him grow in grace was really satisfying. Victoria’s arc touched me even more. She learns to heal and trust again, and that felt like a huge, hard-won victory for her peace and future. These two souls really deserved their happiness.

And Isabella. Bless this woman. Her quiet, patient nudging is downright genius. I do not think I could sit on all that knowledge and let things unfold naturally the way she does. She is the kind of friend who sees the whole board and lets others move at their own pace.

I also loved that this story takes creative license while still building off a journey Isabella Bird might have taken. Before this novel, I knew absolutely nothing about her. Now I am fully fascinated. She lived such a full and adventurous life, all while dealing with chronic pain, and I am already looking forward to more historical fiction featuring her explorations and the people she encountered along the way.

I was gifted an Audible code for this audiobook, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Entertaining story

I enjoyed listening to this story. Victoria and Harrison have an interesting dynamic and don’t particularly like each other when they meet. Casey did a wonderful job writing this story, it was captivating right from the start.
This is the second time I have listened to a story narrated by Noah Wall, she does a wonderful job making this story come to life.

Loved Every Minute!

This book will transport you on a journey that is sweet, can be intense, and so lovely. Casey Cline did such a good job weaving this world that I didn’t want to leave. Harrison and Victoria were LIFE, and Isabella (Harrison’s cousin who is on the journey with them) is perfection. Side note: Isabella is based off of Isabella Bird who is known for her travels as a single woman during a time when that was not heard of. She wrote books about it and some of the events in the book are based on actual things she witnessed. Which is a delight! And slightly terrifying, since one of the things was a duel in downtown Chicago!

I digress. Harrison and Victoria. They start off as true enemies and as you read, it slowly melts into this beautiful love story. They both have dealt with some pretty awful things in their past and don’t want anything to do with love. Alas, love sneaks up on them. They both fight it for a long time but can’t hold off anymore. This story was so well done! I can’t wait for the next book!!

Also, Noah Wall narrates this one and she is incredible!! She is one of my favorite narrators and did such a good job on this one!

Amazing

Loved this book! I loved the love story between Harrison and Victoria. There were a few twists that I didn’t expect. This made the book exciting and kept me wanting to listen to know what would happen next !

Divinely written and narrated

Wow! I loved this book from the first line. This is my first book from Casey Cline and it will not be my last. I already can't wait until the next book comes out!

Casey's written word is divine and beautiful to read. It kept me engaged and in awe. The kisses were steamy without the spice and kept within propriety's standards. A truly read-worthy book.

There are no swears, alcohol drinks mentioned and consumed rarely, and level 3 kisses only.

I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved the narration by the lovely and talented, Noah Wall @barefootnoah. She is one of my most favorite narrators.

I was gifted a copy of this audiobook by @caseycline and all opinions are genuinely my own.