Color of the Wind

Baird Northcross is a remittance man - the son of English aristocracy sent to the wilds of Wyoming Territory in exile after being responsible for the death of his cousin and in general a disappointment to his family. His aristocratic upbringing has done little to prepare him to run Sugar Creek, the family's cattle ranch. Cocky and standoffish, Baird is the antithesis of your usual hero. Awaiting the arrival of his wife and children, he is shocked to discover his sister-in-law, Ardith Merritt accompanying his offspring, bringing the sad news of his wife's death.Ardith, a children's book author and illustrator living in Boston, has no intention of staying in Wyoming. All she plans to do is to simply deliver her two nephews and niece to their father. But when she arrives at Sugar Creek and finds Baird isn't prepared for his children, she has no choice but to stay until they're settled in. She does so reluctantly after all, Baird had betrayed her years ago when, on the day they were to wed, he ran off to Gretna Green with her younger sister. Besides, she is more than just a little bit interested in her publisher and friend, Gavin Rawlinson.Baird is as ill-prepared to deal with his children as he is with the ranch. He has never been around them much in fact, wasn't even present at their births - his children being named China, Khymer, and Durban - after the places their father was when they were born. He finds Ardith rigid and cold, staid and proper -- not the fun young woman he once knew.Ardith isn't quite prepared to deal with the children either. She has little or no experience and is always afraid of saying the wrong thing or doing something that's not quite right. But she comes to care very much for them - and eventually, to her surprise, to the wild west and to the children's father.Baird is an enigma - from the English aristocracy he has never been content to remain just from the manor born, he is an adventurer. The wild west, much to his surprise, fits that bill just fine. While it is clear he cares for his children, he has no idea just how to show his affection. The turning point in Baird's personality for this reviewer was when he was so supportive of Ardith's drawings.As expansive in its reader appeal as the wild west in which it's set, COLOR OF THE WIND is a story to savor. Elizabeth Grayson is one of the best historical writers today. Her characterizations are top rate and her storytelling ability keeps the reader turning pages at a frantic pace. She details the cattle round-up with such skill the reader gets such a sense of place they can almost smell the cattle and feel the dirt and grime. Adding to the rich texture of this book were Ardith's letters back to her publisher in Boston and the appearance of Hunter and Cassandra from Grayson's previous book, SO WIDE THE SKY. Writing a review for this book was difficult in a way, I was so excited to share the story, I could have easily made it 2 to 3 times as long. But this is a book readers

A story of redemption, about how people can grow and change even when they feel their life is at a standstill, this was an absolutely marvelous read, a definite keeper. All the characters were very believable, an intruiging mix of good and bad, and their struggle for growth and meaning in their lives made you root for them every step of the way. I especially like the realism in the situations they faced, and the fact that not every conflict was neatly vanquished and tucked away. There are things these people will still struggle with, but the faith and love they share as a family will see them through. It reminded me a bit of Summer's End, by Kathleen Seidel, another good book about families.

I admit I'm a Romance junkie and read more books per month than I care to count. This book stopped me cold...it started with two unlikable characters ; one betrayed and bitter the other shallow and uncaring. Slowly, through their journey from betrayal to redemption, my heart warmed to them. By the end of the book I admired and loved them both. It had just the right amount of suspense, passion, betrayal and forgiveness. You close the covers of the book and sigh with satisfaction.

Romance readers and western fans alike will enjoy this moving story of courage, selflessness, and love, set against the wild, rugged grandeur of 1882 Wyoming. A powerful, sweeping story with well-drawn -- and all-too-human -- characters, Color of the Wind is wonderfully written. I loved the kids! Kudos!

In 1882 Boston, Ardith Merritt's sister-in-law dies while giving birth to a stillborn child. Her spouse Baird Northcross has never been home for his wife and three children. Currently, his aristocratic English family has exiled him to manage a ranch in the Wyoming Territory. Though she dreads seeing Baird who deserted her for her sibling, Ardith escorts his three children west so they can live with their father. Many years ago in England, nobleman Baird left fellow aristocrat Ardith at the altar and eloped with her sister Ariel.Initially, the arrival of Ardith and her entourage of his two sons and daughter shocks Baird. However, the reprobate soon falls in love with the ranch and not long after that his family and Ardith. Though she returns his love, she has never forgotten his betrayal of her. She plans to return east once the children are settled unless Baird can convince he otherwise.Elizabeth Grayson demonstrates a graceful skill in scribing an exciting western romance. The story line takes two transplanted Victorian aristocrats with an ugly past and moves them to the Wyoming Territory. Ardith is a genuine heroine who will be well received by sub-genre fans. The metamorphosis of Baird turns the plot into an arousing love story. The lead characters are a warm duo and the children add to their personal dilemmas in a realistic but charming way. The support cast provides insight to the English aristocracy's lifestyle in the American frontier. Though the treatment of wild horses is real but brutal, the COLOR OF THE WIND will garner Ms. Grayson numerous fans and much deserved regard.Harriet Klausner