Book Review: "Unbridled Dreams" by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Dreams can come true

Irmagard Friedrich was living the life her mother wanted. She seemed destined to live the life of a proper lady with finishing school in her future. That all changes when Buffalo Bill come to town and Irma leaves home to fulfill her life long dream of become a rider in his show. With a new name and a new life ahead of her, Liberty Belle travels across the country and become the center of attention of two possible suitors. It's more than she could have ever dreamed of.

Who wouldn't want to star alongside Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley as trick rider in the Wild West show? I enjoyed seeing a young female be independent and following her lifelong dream in a time where women were supposed to be submissive and genteel. Maybe it's because in the West people had to focus more on survival than putting on airs. Either way it's always nice to see when a woman can stand up for her own self. Irma is a likable character. The time period is one that is very popular and romanticized. Everyone loves the Old West and would like to relive during that popular time period. I enjoyed seeing historical characters throughout the story. I've always loved reading about the Wild West shows. I wish I could have been around back them to see them. How exciting it must have been to watch the acts and see all the famous names in their glory days. The back story between Irma's parents is interesting as well although at times it detracts from her story. One could have written a book alone regarding her parents, as it is a story in its own self. My only complaint was that it took me a while to get into the book. It starts of a little slow with not a lot of action. Once Irma leaves to join the show, the story then picks up and is very fast paced. Horse fans will also enjoy this story as trick riding gets a good deal of mentioning throughout the book.

Unbridled Dreams by Stephanie Grace Whitson is published by Bethany House (2008)