The House on Windridge by Tracie Peterson *Bonus novella*

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Rediscover this classic romance from bestselling author Tracie Peterson.

Jessica is alone in the world except for her infant son. She returns to the ranch where her life began, but Jessica doesn't know whom she can trust. Will Windridge become the home she has always longed for, or will it be the scene of her final betrayal?

Also included is a bonus historical prairie romance from author Joyce Livingston.

MY THOUGHTS:

The prologue was actually my favorite part of The House on Windridge...and I wished the story had continued straight from there. It was good, had me hooked, and I was disappointed in the 20+ year gap that picked up the characters' lives. Oh well...

Still, the story was a nice prairie romance. Quite a twist to have a daughter come back 'home' to run a ranch she's never really been a part of. At times Jessica rubbed me the wrong way, but her insecurities, though not loveable, were understandable.

Devon, Buck, and Katie were the perfect characters to help a girl like Jessica along...and the romance was sweet.

Thank you to Tracie and Barbour through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the 1890s a nanny accepts a position in California, but upon arrival she learns that her six-year-old charge hasn’t spoken since his mother’s death, fueling troubling rumors about her employer that do not align with the man she comes to know.

MY THOUGHTS:
I'm not sure if Beyond the Silence was more Kimberley Woodhouse's work or not, but I enjoyed this much more than the last few books of Tracie Peterson's that I've picked up.

The prologue caught my interest immediately – how could it not?! – and I couldn't stop turning the rest of the pages for the rest of the story. In fact, once I ended the book, I was still thinking about the characters and wishing I could keep reading about them! They were well thought out and, except for the 'bad guys,' I loved all of them, from the housekeeper to the field workers to the mercantile man.

Woody and Little Jimmy's story is one that tugged on my heart, and sweet, but strong, Lillian brought such healing and hope into their lives that I couldn't help but love her. Beyond the Silence definitely ran the gamut as far as emotions go, everything from intrigue...sorrow...hatefulness...genuine compassion and love...and innocence.

I loved it...and I think you will too!

Thank you to Tracie, Kimberley, and Bethany House through Bethany House Blogger Review Program for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Taming the Wind by Tracie Peterson

A young widow nursing the wounds of her past...

A cowboy with demons of his own...

MY THOUGHTS:

Taming the Wind was a good tie-up to Tracie’s Land of the Lone Star series. I must admit that the beginning felt a bit slow to me. I love historical fiction, but some of the more historical facts felt forced into the dialogue which left me skimming certain passages. After setting the book down, whether attending to my children or doing my dishes or bedtime, I had no real desire to get back to the story.

Fortunately, the storyline picked up about halfway through the book, when Laura’s baby decides to make an early arrival, and I had no problems finishing the book.

Taming the Wind could be read as a standalone, but it was helpful to know the ending of book 2 to connect with Carissa. It was also nice to reunite with Hannah and William from Chasing the Sun (book 1), and a surprise that book 1’s villain even makes an appearance with a mistaken kidnapping!

I was glad that Taming the Wind ended happily. Carissa and Tyler’s painful pasts lend plenty of seriousness to the story, but steer slidin’ added some humor to the pages. If you like western-style romance, Tracie’s final installment to the series will please you.

That's what I thought! See what other reviewers are saying HERE!

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Tracie is giving away a Kindle Fire! Enter by clicking the contest icon below (or in my left sidebar)! Hurry! Entries accepted until September 25!

AND FOR YOU, a peek into the book:
Taming The Wind

Thank you to Tracie and Litfuse for sending me a copy to read and review!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Touching the Sky by Tracie Peterson

Aack! Forgetting a scheduled book review and letting blogger post a blank post. Hm, yep, that's what (a very crazy busy) summer does to you!! *blush*

Ok, let's fix it! :-)

I had the chance, through Bethany House Book Reviewers, to read Touching the Sky by Tracie Peterson, book 2 in her Land of the Lone Star series.

I enjoy reading chronological series, but it's also nice to have books that aren't, so that you can read them in any order! I'm not sure how book 3 will be, but 1 and 2 don't have any recurring characters, so read whichever one you can get your hands on!

Just like Chasing the Sun, Touching the Sky has a sweet Texan romance amid post-Civil War bitterness (one of my favorite time periods)!

I really liked Esther and her explanation of 'touching the sky,' and Laura's eagerness to educate black people, despite social opposition.

Historical fiction is the genre I enjoy most, and Tracie is one of those authors that does it well. She successfully combines a good balance of research, history, and fiction (don't forget the romance!) to equal an enjoyable read.

AND FOR YOU, a peek into the book:
Touching the Sky

Thank you to Tracie and Bethany House for sending me a copy to read and review!

Also reviewed on Amazon.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson

I had the opportunity to review Tracie Peterson's newest book, Chasing the Sun, courtesy of Bethany House Book Reviewers.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Hannah is desperate for help in protecting her siblings and Texas ranch. William is determined to regain his family’s land—the land Hannah says she owns. Bound by need but divided by their dreams, Hannah and William form an uneasy truce. In the face of unforeseen challenges, can the blush of first love survive?

MY THOUGHTS:

In the last few years, Tracie’s books have been hit or miss with me, but I really enjoyed Chasing the Sun, book one of her newest Land of the Lone Star series.

Hannah was a strong, yet vulnerable character who was easy to like and understand. I also loved the Texas ranch setting colored by the Civil War. I don’t think I fully realized that property was seized from Northern sympathizers during the war and given to more ‘worthy’ owners.

That idea made for an even better story when the original owner, William, arrives back home to see his family ranch is occupied. Occupied (of course!) by the lovely Hannah.

Hannah agrees to let Will stay as a ranch hand until the legality of true ownership is settled. Meanwhile, as somewhat predictable feelings begin to develop between Will and Hannah, she is being pressured into a loveless marriage by her father’s greasy partner, Mr. Lockhart. The story has a sinister vein as Mr. Lockhart is even more greasy than anyone realizes.

Chasing the Sun had all the right elements in all the right places for a sweet, engaging, Western-style story. I liked it and am looking forward to the second Lone Star book!

AND FOR YOU, a peek into the book:
Chasing the Sun

Thank you to Tracie and Bethany House for sending me a copy to read and review!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Hearts Aglow by Tracie Peterson

This week, CFBA introduces Hearts Aglow, book 2 in Tracie Peterson's Striking a Match series.

In Hearts Aglow, Deborah continues studying to be a doctor under Dr. Christopher Clayton, although the villagers think the medical world is no place for a woman. As Chris and Deborah’s relationship begins to develop, Chris has to leave town for a family emergency. Deborah prays he will soon return, but after a long absence, a newspaper headline has her assuming the worst.

Since my mother-in-law had just finished reading Embers of Love (book one in Tracie’s ‘Striking a Match’ series), I let her read Hearts Aglow before I did.

She really enjoyed it (finished it in just a few days!) and said the story was filled with many exciting and heartbreaking situations, like hurricanes, fires, and medical problems (I can’t tell you everything she said – you have to read the book yourself)!

Tracie weaves a strong theme of following God and trusting Him, no matter the circumstances. If you’ve been waiting to continue Deborah’s story, Hearts Aglow will not disappoint, although the ending will make you quite anxious for book 3 to be published!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.

AND FOR YOU, a peek into the book:
Hearts Aglow

Recommend: YES



**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson

This week, CFBA is introducing

Embers of Love
by Tracie Peterson
(Bethany House, October 1, 2010)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The logging industry in eastern Texas is booming, and Deborah Vandermark plans to assist her family's business now that she's completed college. Unexpectedly, her best friend, Lizzie Decker, accompanies her back home--fleeing a wedding and groom she has no interest in.

Deborah, the determined matchmaker, puts her sights on uniting her brother and dear friend in a true love match. Deborah soon meets Dr. Christopher Clayton, a much-needed addition to the town. As their lives intersect, Deborah realizes that she has a much greater interest in medicine and science than the bookkeeping she was trained in.

But when typhoid begins to spread and Lizzie's jilted fiance returns, Deborah wonders if true love can overcome such obstacles...for those dearest to her, and for herself.

MY THOUGHTS:

When I began Embers of Love, I felt like the beginning was rushed, almost as if I was starting a sequel. It seemed the characters had already been introduced, but I'd been left out of the introductions.

There were a few moments that I thought I might be reading about modern-day Emma. Well-intentioned matchmaker. But, then it wasn't. But, then it was.

I had a hard time figuring out many of the characters. Sometimes Euphanel spoke with a soft drawl and other times she seemed to speak primly and properly. Same with G.W. It was difficult for me to connect with any one character.

Really, Embers of Love wasn't bad. I've just read better books by Tracie. I am quite interested to see what happens with the second book in Tracie's Striking A Match series, Hearts Aglow (February 2011). I would love to see if Deborah will be able to pursue a medical career.

AND FOR YOU, a peek into the book:
Embers of Love

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.

Recommend: YES


**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links. If you click on them and decide to make a purchase, I receive a (very!) small commission. Hey, every little bit helps! So, I thank you! :-).** ___________________________________

What She Left for Me by Tracie Peterson

I give Tracie credit for mentioning in the front cover that What She Left For Me may not be appropriate for all readers and that moms should use discretion in the decision to let their teen daughters read this book.

Tracie knows how to write a wonderful story. I have read most of her books, and of those I haven't, I am constantly trying to find copies to read. What She Left For Me was well-written, but I don't believe I would recommend it to others. Tracie deals with some very difficult issues, including marital unfaithfulness and sexual abuse. I understand that some do not want to read "fluff," so this kind of reality might appeal to them. I also understand that issues such as divorce and abuse IS sadly prevalent in today's society and should not be "hush-hush" in our churches. I don't, however, feel that these types of subjects should be for "fun," fictionalized reading. Even though Tracie was careful in her descriptions, I just had an "icky" feeling after I finished parts of this book.

I believe Tracie's intent in dealing with some of these subjects was to open the eyes of some Christians. Many Christians are dealing with hurts and issues that we have no idea of. That Christians that have no experience in dealing with these subjects tend to still shun those that have. Opening our eyes to the shameful blaming of victims in these circumstances.

However, I, again, do not feel that a fictionalized story is the place to talk about serious sin issues. God gave us the perfect teaching tools in His Word and His local church. Too many churches are not teaching the WHOLE counsel of the Word of God (Acts 20:27). In God's Word we can find lessons on sin, compassion, healing, and comfort.

I still enjoy Tracie's books and will certainly read another. What She Left For Me, however, will not find a permanent home on my shelf.

352 pages by Bethany House.

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Tags: Tracie Peterson What She Left For Me Christian fiction Bethany House book reviews