Name: Ride the Free Wind
ISBN: 9780821753439

Rosanne Bittner

Abigail Trent and her husband, Zeke Monroe, a half-Cheyenne scout, head across the wilderness to rejoin his tribe and start a new life together. Reissue.

Ride the Free Wind

The second book in Rosanne Bittner’s bold Savage Destiny series continues the love story of Zeke and Abbie Monroe. For the first five years of her marriage Abbie lives among the Cheyenne, learning their customs and beliefs and giving birth to a son who is as wild and free as his Native American family, and a daughter who will one day be forced to choose between her Indian and white blood. Through real historical events involving the government and Native Americans, Zeke and Abbie cling to one another through danger and torn loyalties. This story vividly depicts the “right” and “wrong” of both sides in the bloody conflicts that arose as the West was settled. Through it all Zeke strives to reach the point where he can provide his Abbie with a real “white woman’s “ home, where she can set a prized family heirloom, a mantle clock, over a fireplace in a house with real wood floors and a cooking hearth. Though his heart is as wild as his Cheyenne blood, Zeke will give up that life for his beloved Abbie. PRAISE: “Power, passion, tragedy, and triumph are Rosanne Bittner’s hallmarks. Again and again, she brings readers to tears.” —Romantic Times “Extraordinary…Bittner’s characters spring to life.” —Publishers Weekly

Lover of Romance 

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
 


“You are my peace and my refuge, Abbie girl. You are the most pleasing thing that has ever happened to me.”



  First Impressions

This story continues pretty much one year after the ending of book one and I was so fascinated by how the author would move forward with Zeke and Abbie and see their story unfold. I was super excited to delve into this book and yes I just had to jump right into this after the first book. There was something so captivating about the ending of book one and I just had to see what was next for Zeke and Abbie. I was more than happy with this installment which I enjoyed even more than book one, There was a unique flavor that spiced up this story and added so much depth and unique storytelling. I was beyond thrilled to get more Zeke and Abbie and see them begin their happily ever after together, but as this is Rosanne Bittner, I also knew going into this one, there would be struggles and trial that our couple would need to face but there was also plenty of joy and character growth that comes from the struggle that we see here.

But if you get times when you don’t feel so brave, then you just let me be your courage, and I’ll do the same. Sometimes you’ll be the strong one. That’s what husbands and wives are for, Abbie, if they really love each other.”


  Summary

Zeke and Abbie are reunited after being separated for a year when Abbie was injured and Zeke had to finish guiding the wagon train to Oregon. Now he has returned to his wife and they are journeying towards his home and his family where they will find the Cheyenne encampment Zeke and Abbie will be facing some trials, but also their marriage will grow stronger than ever. They both will have to learn how to adjust to their new life. Zeke and Abbie while home with their family, the reunion isn’t all peaceful, Abbie is still an outsider and it will take determination and love to find their way together with the Cheyenne people. But as Abbie and Zeke move forward in their relationship, they will also discover a beautiful strength in the love that they have for each other, and be blessed in ways they can’t begin to imagine.


  What I Loved

Ride the Free Wind was a beautiful start to the beginning of the marriage between Zeke and Abbie. I was so happy to see how this boo evolved, and while it did have some trials, it wasn’t quite as heartbreaking as what we see in book one. I was so thrilled that we got to see our pairing here really grow in their relationship and also grow on an individual level as well. I really loved the way we see Abbie mature in this book, and her growth was beyond amazing within this one. I was cheering her on in this one, and I also loved the relationships she builds with Zeke’s family and makes her own friends among the Cheyenne women. We also see what she has to face with and without Zeke and there was a sense of purpose in her journey into finding her Cheyenne heart. The relationship between Zeke and Abbie was beyond beautiful and I just wanted more of these two, Their romance just grew in such depths and I loved what they learn together. We also get to see their family grow in ways that are expected and in moments that you least expect. There is also some historical events that are intertwined here, and the author did a beautiful job in capitalizing on it while also being respectful and sincere of historical events and those that suffered surrounding those events. I am eager to continue on with Zeke and Abbie’s story.

It was as Swift Arrow had said. Always it would be Zeke and Abbie, Abbie and Zeke, forever.


  What I Struggled With

There wasn’t too much that I struggled with to be honest, I am not sure what keeps it from a five-star, I think I would have liked more page time with Zeke and Abbie. There is a big chunk of the book where they are separated but I understand why it was needed, but I do prefer more couple time on the page than less.


  Overall View

I found Ride the Free Wind to be a story of growth, change, and love that deepens with time, it shows the joys in learning and growing amongst the trials of life. Its a story of sacrifice and abiding love!


  Trigger Warnings: 

(view spoiler)[Violence, Bullying, Whipping, Animal Death, Death (hide spoiler)]