WILLOW VALE Reviews
"I thought this book was really wonderful. It had everything."
--Top Pick Review from Barb at Night Owl Reviews
"Two people broken by World War I look to start over and take refuge in each other in this unique historical romance."
--Kirkus Reviews
" 'Willow Vale' is a moving read of the pains of immigrant life and the woodchipper that life can be."
--Margaret's Bookshelf at Midwest Book Review
"This book is definitely worth reading."
--Lilibet King on Lilibet's Book Blog
"The narrative is well crafted as a portrait of the changing attitudes of two people thrown together in a situation they are unprepared for."
--Anita Davison on Historical Novel Review
"Well-written in a casual, straight-forward tone, Willow Vale is a light read."
--Laura Lloyd on Historical Novel Society
"Willow Vale is a sweet and intriguing unfolding love story played out by two very real and likable characters."
--Siobhan Pratt on Facebook and on Amazon
"Alethea has done her research. You can feel it in the richness of her detailed scenes, the familiarity they bring."
--Laura Thomas on fuonlyknew
"This book is not only a fine read in itself, but it also could be a springboard to read with older teen-agers as an introduction to discussing what real love and real maturity mean. A lovely, hopeful story."
--Sharon Wildwind on Story Circle Book Reviews
"Williams’ brilliant use of imagery and description adds enchanting details to this beautiful love story."
--Liz Friedman on Portland Book Review
Reader reviews for Willow Vale on Amazon and Goodreads:
"Great read"
--Jacob Blasi
"Buy this book!"
--MuseGirl
"Good book!!"
--geh55
"The Housekeeper's Farmer"
--Arletta Dawdy
"Wonderful historical romance"
--ShonUK
"Excellent story"
--Stacy A. Kendrick
"Well-Written Novel of an Immigrant in Wyoming"
--Lilibet King
"Very good book!"
Angeli Haines "Gigi"
"A MUST READ!!"
--Donna Carter
"A fine historical romance"
--Terri Sedmak
"Love and Hope in the Wilderness"
--Sharon Wildwind for Story Circle Book Reviews
"Deep Emotions"
--Cherley Grogg
"Inspirational"
--Starrgirlapril
"I really enjoyed the journey of reading this book."
--Donna
"This was a very easy read and a "happy" book to read."
--Peggy
"One thing that I love about this book is that it's based on a true story."
--Amanda Cowan
"I enjoyed reading about Francesca and how she found herself in Wyoming. "
--Jennifer
"I became totally engrossed in this book!"
--Gayle Irwin
"It never ceases to amaze me how contrary people can be and how many ways people can create difficulties in relationships"
--Emily Jane Hills-Orford
"A love story that will have you wishing it were true."
--Jenni
"I loved this book."
--Mary Steiner
"I found it realistic, touching, and beautiful."
--Laurel
"This book is not only a fine read in itself, but it also could be a springboard to read with older teen-agers."
--Sharon Wildwind
"This historical romance captivated me."
--Greg Irwin
"I found this story adorable and just long enough to give it purpose, but just short enough to give it mystery and leave the reader wanting more."
--Marishka Valentine
"You will laugh and cry right to the end. Great read."
--Patricia Salamone
"This book is a beautifully written example of life and love."
pswinn
"It was short, only 150 or so pages, but every one was an enjoyable read."
--Donna
"All the reviews on Amazon gave this book 5 stars. They must have been friends or relatives of the author."
--Susan
"I thought this book was really wonderful. It had everything."
--Top Pick Review from Barb at Night Owl Reviews
"Two people broken by World War I look to start over and take refuge in each other in this unique historical romance."
--Kirkus Reviews
" 'Willow Vale' is a moving read of the pains of immigrant life and the woodchipper that life can be."
--Margaret's Bookshelf at Midwest Book Review
"This book is definitely worth reading."
--Lilibet King on Lilibet's Book Blog
"The narrative is well crafted as a portrait of the changing attitudes of two people thrown together in a situation they are unprepared for."
--Anita Davison on Historical Novel Review
"Well-written in a casual, straight-forward tone, Willow Vale is a light read."
--Laura Lloyd on Historical Novel Society
"Willow Vale is a sweet and intriguing unfolding love story played out by two very real and likable characters."
--Siobhan Pratt on Facebook and on Amazon
"Alethea has done her research. You can feel it in the richness of her detailed scenes, the familiarity they bring."
--Laura Thomas on fuonlyknew
"This book is not only a fine read in itself, but it also could be a springboard to read with older teen-agers as an introduction to discussing what real love and real maturity mean. A lovely, hopeful story."
--Sharon Wildwind on Story Circle Book Reviews
"Williams’ brilliant use of imagery and description adds enchanting details to this beautiful love story."
--Liz Friedman on Portland Book Review
Reader reviews for Willow Vale on Amazon and Goodreads:
"Great read"
--Jacob Blasi
"Buy this book!"
--MuseGirl
"Good book!!"
--geh55
"The Housekeeper's Farmer"
--Arletta Dawdy
"Wonderful historical romance"
--ShonUK
"Excellent story"
--Stacy A. Kendrick
"Well-Written Novel of an Immigrant in Wyoming"
--Lilibet King
"Very good book!"
Angeli Haines "Gigi"
"A MUST READ!!"
--Donna Carter
"A fine historical romance"
--Terri Sedmak
"Love and Hope in the Wilderness"
--Sharon Wildwind for Story Circle Book Reviews
"Deep Emotions"
--Cherley Grogg
"Inspirational"
--Starrgirlapril
"I really enjoyed the journey of reading this book."
--Donna
"This was a very easy read and a "happy" book to read."
--Peggy
"One thing that I love about this book is that it's based on a true story."
--Amanda Cowan
"I enjoyed reading about Francesca and how she found herself in Wyoming. "
--Jennifer
"I became totally engrossed in this book!"
--Gayle Irwin
"It never ceases to amaze me how contrary people can be and how many ways people can create difficulties in relationships"
--Emily Jane Hills-Orford
"A love story that will have you wishing it were true."
--Jenni
"I loved this book."
--Mary Steiner
"I found it realistic, touching, and beautiful."
--Laurel
"This book is not only a fine read in itself, but it also could be a springboard to read with older teen-agers."
--Sharon Wildwind
"This historical romance captivated me."
--Greg Irwin
"I found this story adorable and just long enough to give it purpose, but just short enough to give it mystery and leave the reader wanting more."
--Marishka Valentine
"You will laugh and cry right to the end. Great read."
--Patricia Salamone
"This book is a beautifully written example of life and love."
pswinn
"It was short, only 150 or so pages, but every one was an enjoyable read."
--Donna
"All the reviews on Amazon gave this book 5 stars. They must have been friends or relatives of the author."
--Susan
WALLS FOR THE WIND reviews
"The book was nicely written and the characters had depth. I especially enjoyed the scenes that described transporting the children on the trains. Fascinating."
--Sandra Nachlinger, Writing with a Texas Twang
"The author's descriptions of the settings make you feel like you're right there. Her characters feel real too."
--Sandra Nachlinger, Writing with a Texas Twang
"The knowledge of abuse and neglect of the children of immigrants disturbed me, but also the strength of a few select angels was inspiring."
--Kay Draycott on Amazon
"This book by Alethea Williams is captivating and engaging. A person can only imagine what our ancestors have been through."
--geh55 on Amazon
"The book takes place during the 1860s, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the day-to-day reality of life during that period would definitely enjoy this story. I did."
--Sandra Nachlinger, Goodreads
"Prevented by circumstances of birth and gender from taking control of her own affairs, Kit Calhoun offers a welcome and informative dimension to the traditional male-dominated western story where women characters usually receive little but superficial development and are largely treated as window dressing."
--Ron Scheer, Buddies in the Saddle
Review tour kickoff, meet and greet, at Reading Addiction
"This was a very eye opening read for me."
--A Life Through Books
"The adventure of a lifetime."
--Pure Jonell
“To transport the reader to another time.”
--Texas Book Nook
"This was my first time reading Alethea Williams and what a treat! I loved this story! This book was all heart and soul!"
--Diana Silva at Book Nerd
"I recommend this book to anyone that likes a well developed female lead, a western setting, the right amount of romance, and a story line that keeps your attention."
--My Tangled Skeins Book Review
"My husband read this book and he really liked it."
--Cathy Brockman Romances
"If you like stories of the old west, strong female leads, Orphans, gamblers, and a budding romance this is for you!"
--The Cat's Meow: Reviews that Purr
"Walls for the Wind is an interesting look at our history and a good adventure."
--Rochelle Weber, Roses & Thorns Reviews, on Amazon
“An enjoyable story, both for its historical significance as well as its sweet romance.”
--Toni V. Sweeney on Amazon
"There’s a richness in Williams’ writing that explores a painful and historical story. As a career social worker very familiar with the Orphan Train movement and foster placement, I appreciated this difficult tale so well and sympathetically told."
--Arletta Dawdy on Amazon
"In Walls For The Wind, Alethea Williams proves herself a master of description. She is as adept at describing the moralistic, religion-oriented world of the Rev. Howe’s Manhattan orphanage as she is in describing rough-and-ready boom towns of the West such as Julesburg, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming."
--Raanan Geberer for Readers' Favorite
"The book was nicely written and the characters had depth. I especially enjoyed the scenes that described transporting the children on the trains. Fascinating."
--Sandra Nachlinger, Writing with a Texas Twang
"The author's descriptions of the settings make you feel like you're right there. Her characters feel real too."
--Sandra Nachlinger, Writing with a Texas Twang
"The knowledge of abuse and neglect of the children of immigrants disturbed me, but also the strength of a few select angels was inspiring."
--Kay Draycott on Amazon
"This book by Alethea Williams is captivating and engaging. A person can only imagine what our ancestors have been through."
--geh55 on Amazon
"The book takes place during the 1860s, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the day-to-day reality of life during that period would definitely enjoy this story. I did."
--Sandra Nachlinger, Goodreads
"Prevented by circumstances of birth and gender from taking control of her own affairs, Kit Calhoun offers a welcome and informative dimension to the traditional male-dominated western story where women characters usually receive little but superficial development and are largely treated as window dressing."
--Ron Scheer, Buddies in the Saddle
Review tour kickoff, meet and greet, at Reading Addiction
"This was a very eye opening read for me."
--A Life Through Books
"The adventure of a lifetime."
--Pure Jonell
“To transport the reader to another time.”
--Texas Book Nook
"This was my first time reading Alethea Williams and what a treat! I loved this story! This book was all heart and soul!"
--Diana Silva at Book Nerd
"I recommend this book to anyone that likes a well developed female lead, a western setting, the right amount of romance, and a story line that keeps your attention."
--My Tangled Skeins Book Review
"My husband read this book and he really liked it."
--Cathy Brockman Romances
"If you like stories of the old west, strong female leads, Orphans, gamblers, and a budding romance this is for you!"
--The Cat's Meow: Reviews that Purr
"Walls for the Wind is an interesting look at our history and a good adventure."
--Rochelle Weber, Roses & Thorns Reviews, on Amazon
“An enjoyable story, both for its historical significance as well as its sweet romance.”
--Toni V. Sweeney on Amazon
"There’s a richness in Williams’ writing that explores a painful and historical story. As a career social worker very familiar with the Orphan Train movement and foster placement, I appreciated this difficult tale so well and sympathetically told."
--Arletta Dawdy on Amazon
"In Walls For The Wind, Alethea Williams proves herself a master of description. She is as adept at describing the moralistic, religion-oriented world of the Rev. Howe’s Manhattan orphanage as she is in describing rough-and-ready boom towns of the West such as Julesburg, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming."
--Raanan Geberer for Readers' Favorite
"When we read NAAPIIKOAN WINTER our hearts were swept back in time. Alethea Williams writes with the same authority and beauty that A. B Guthrie, Bernard de Voto, Wallace Stegner, and Conrad Richter imparted to the page. We marveled at the quality of her research, and the precision with which Williams recreated the world of the Blackfeet at the time of white contact. Find the first page, dear reader, and you'll fall effortlessly into a long-gone world filled with both the noblest of humans, and the dross that always follows. This is no Western romance, but the nitty-gritty reality of the Northern Plains. We call NAAPIIKOAN WINTER masterful!"
--W. Michael and Kathleen O'Neal Gear, authors of PEOPLE OF THE MORNING STAR
"An involving, richly atmospheric historical novel about the clash of cultures in frontier America."
--Kirkus Reviews
"What I don't understand is WHY haven't more people read this book? ... Brilliant."
--Mary on Goodreads
"The uneasy juxtaposition between these worlds is handled with a great deal of confidence by Williams, who very skillfully humanizes the conflict through solid period research and a series of well-drawn characters.Recommended."
--Historical Novel Society
"The author brings the old cultures to life with vivid descriptions and detailed narration."
--Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
"Each story kept me engaged and wanting to read more."
--Debra Schoenberger on Goodreads
"[T]his is not a political volume. It's a novel, and a compelling one."
--Susan Schoch for Story Circle Book Reviews
" 'Naapiikoan Winter' is a historical novel rich in traditions and a bit of magic."
--Sarah E. Bradley for In D'Tale Magazine
"The character development reflects the reality of flawed human decision-making, motivated by greed, emotions, and pride.
--Renee Hanlin, Children’s Services Librarian, Wyoming State Library Book Reviews
--W. Michael and Kathleen O'Neal Gear, authors of PEOPLE OF THE MORNING STAR
"An involving, richly atmospheric historical novel about the clash of cultures in frontier America."
--Kirkus Reviews
"What I don't understand is WHY haven't more people read this book? ... Brilliant."
--Mary on Goodreads
"The uneasy juxtaposition between these worlds is handled with a great deal of confidence by Williams, who very skillfully humanizes the conflict through solid period research and a series of well-drawn characters.Recommended."
--Historical Novel Society
"The author brings the old cultures to life with vivid descriptions and detailed narration."
--Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
"Each story kept me engaged and wanting to read more."
--Debra Schoenberger on Goodreads
"[T]his is not a political volume. It's a novel, and a compelling one."
--Susan Schoch for Story Circle Book Reviews
" 'Naapiikoan Winter' is a historical novel rich in traditions and a bit of magic."
--Sarah E. Bradley for In D'Tale Magazine
"The character development reflects the reality of flawed human decision-making, motivated by greed, emotions, and pride.
--Renee Hanlin, Children’s Services Librarian, Wyoming State Library Book Reviews
For wonderful period details, a tender love story, and frontier humor, this continuing saga is highly recommended.
--Kirkus
Beautifully written...Reading the story is a “joy that long endures” after the book is closed.
--B.K. Froman on Goodreads
The mule skinner's colorful dialogue in the opening paragraphs takes readers right into the scene and illustrates the author's meticulous research into the period's language and livelihoods.
--Sandra Nachlinger on Amazon
An immersive experience in Wyoming Territorial history, the vibrant descriptions and language right out of the 1880s brings complex characters to life and makes the rough an’ tumble towns flow cinematically from the pages. The writing seems to have stepped straight off the stagecoach of a by-gone era, bringing unforgettable characters that stay with you long after turning the last page.
Angela Wolff, Reference Librarian
Laramie County Library System
Wyoming Book Reviews