I met Charlotte while reading Summer of Promise, the first book in Cabot's Westward Winds series. Charlotte dealt with disappointment, disillusionment, and the death of her husband. A resourceful widow determined to make a new life for her young son, Charlotte has moved to Cheyenne and put her skills to work as a dressmaker, keeping her questionable past a secret. Enter Barrett Landry, a man of integrity being pushed into politics--as well as marriage to a woman his sponsors believe will improve his chances of being elected.

The fun begins when Barrett meets Charlotte. The two form a fast friendship. Duty-bound to marry the woman handpicked for him, Barrett fights his feelings for Charlotte. Knowing her past could destroy his chances of being elected, Charlotte denies her attraction and aides him in his plans to propose to the woman who could further his career. Despite their best efforts, circumstances push Barrett and Charlotte together as they're forced to deal with her well-kept secret, one that tests their love and could threaten their very lives.

I enjoyed the interplay between Charlotte and Barrett, two well-intentioned, honorable people torn between doing what's right and following their hearts. Each is willing to sacrifice happiness for the sake of the other. Charlotte exhibits strength, courage, and determination. Barrett is honest, compassionate, and principled--traits that serve him well in life but could spell his ruin in the political realm. Watching these two wrestle with the challenges they face makes for a moving read. Add the element of mystery--and a mysterious stranger--and things get even more exciting.

When I'm in the mood for a sweet story with well-crafted characters I'm sure to like, I know Amanda Cabot will deliver. That's certainly the case with Waiting for Spring. Although meeting Charlotte in the first book of the series could add to your enjoyment, it's not necessary to have read it in order to enjoy the second in the series.

I love Charlotte's independence, her passion for dressmaking, and her devotion to her son, David, and her new best friend, Gwen. Barrett is also a strong and determined character, but I love the twist that he's unaware he doesn't know what he wants to do with his life.

Strong and likable characters, fun story, quick moving plot, and there's a twist at the end that you'll enjoy. Pick up your copy today.

I've been eagerly anticipating this novel since I read the first one in this series, Summer of Promise, and I was not disappointed. Waiting for Spring can be read as a stand-alone as it takes place in a different setting and time than the first novel, but I predict it will make you want to read her sister's story in the first book! However you choose to read it, this is a not-to-be-missed novel! Amanda Cabot creates characters that practically step off the page. Although Charlotte could be rather annoying in the first novel, hardship and loss have matured her, and I longed for her to find happiness and a safe haven. Cheyenne, Wyoming in its early days provides a setting that vacillates between the rugged Wild West and a more settled and civilized community. A bit of danger and suspense add to this delightful read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Looking forward to the third book :) I found the second was a more interesting read than the first one.

Waiting for Spring, book 2 in Amanda Cabot's Westward Winds series, can compellingly stand alone, but it does continue the story of Charlotte Harding Crowley. Widowed Madame Charlotte, a talented clothing designer and seamstress has opened a shop in Cheyenne, where she lives with her toddler son, David. She tries to keep her past hidden as well as hoping to remain hidden from "the baron," who seems to think she knows where an outlaw's stash might be.

One thing Charlotte has trouble hiding are her growing feelings for wealthy cattleman Barrett Landry, who appears to be courting one of her best customers and friends, Miriam Taggert. Pressured by his friends to enter the senate race in the soon-rising state of Wyoming, Barrett appears convinced the influential newspaper owner's daughter would be his best choice for a wife. But does his heart affirm the decision?

Horrible winter weather, water issues, cattle catastrophes, and financial struggles add to the drama, as well as the threat posed by the ruthless madman, the baron. All the major characters discover new insights as they face these trials. Charlotte comes to understand: "How wrong she had been! Asking for help was a sign of weakness, or so she had thought. ... She had been wrong. So very wrong. She had been so blind that she hadn't realized that by struggling to do everything herself, she was depriving others of the opportunity to be needed." (page 317)

The first book in the series, Summer of Promise, is another great read, and the third book, With Autumn's Return, will be coming out in January 2014.