by Tracie Peterson
Bethany House Publishers
Laura Marquardt's family, though residents of Corpus Christi, Texas, are staunch supporters of the Union. The Civil War is over, yet unrest simmers just below society's surface. Laura is thankful that strong ties in the north have kept their family finances intact. She is not pleased however, with the "spinster" label that some, including her younger spoiled sister Carissa, pin on her. At 21, Laura is anything but a spinster.
Union Army Captain Brandon Reid oversees troops stationed in Corpus Christi. A chance encounter with Miss Marquardt leaves both Brandon and Laura with unfavorable opinions of the other. Shortly after their unpleasant meeting, they speak again and discover that their terse introduction was due to a simple misunderstanding.
Brandon's tour of duty with the Army is finished, but he agrees to stay in Texas to quietly investigate a series of mysterious crimes. He seeks Mr. Marquardt's permission to court Laura and their courtship begins just prior to Carissa's marriage to former confederate soldier Malcolm Lowe. Unfortunately, Lowe is Brandon's key suspect, but he cannot divulge this info to Laura. In addition to a tricky undercover investigation, Brandon is concerned that Laura will misinterpret his courtship motives. He truly cares for her, but will she understand when everything comes to light?
Touching the Sky is Book Two in the Land of the Lone Star series, but it can stand alone. I prefer this, as I am not a fan of cliffhangers or trying to get up to speed on a previous book. This post Civil War tale has enough strife, intrigue, love, and forgiveness to satisfy historical and other fiction fans. I've long enjoyed Ms. Peterson's stories, and this one is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
What are you reading these days?
Have a great weekend,
Karen
I obtained this book for free from Bethany House for review purposes. No compensation was received, and all opinions stated are my own.
Sounds like a good summer read. I just finished "A Severe Mercy."
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I prefer books that can stand alone too.
ReplyDeleteI recently finished A Fault in Our Stars by John Green. It was excellent.
Thanks for the review. I really like Tracie's work. I'm reading "Grant" by Mitchell Yockelson. It's a biography of General Ulysses Grant.
ReplyDeleteSince I'm currently visiting in Houston for the week, this book perks my attention. The era would be an interesting time to read about and the story premise sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI brought several books with me. Currently I'm reading a book about Biblical prophecy.
Lee
Wrote By Rote
Sounds like a story I'd enjoy! Thanks for giving us a flavor of Ms. Peterson's post Civil War book. Have a fantastic weekend, Karen.
ReplyDeleteI like series, but I like stand-alones, too. If that sounds like waffling in a politicianish fashion, it's not. I love both.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading some mystery/suspense, which is my favorite genre. After solving mysteries of my own all day (who took the last Oreo and where's my orange purse), I'm ready to let someone else solve the big stuff. And I'd like to read about it.
Waving and grinning,
Rhonda
This sounds like my cup of Starbuck's. Thanks for sharing, Karen.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading a book by Fred Rogers, The Many Ways to Say I Love YOU. Thanks for asking!
My husband and I are reading the 'Game of Thrones' books together. We are about to start the second on our trip to family this week. This is expected to be a 7 book series...we'll see how far we get.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Blood Bayou by Karen Young. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteGlenda,
ReplyDeleteI thought it was! :) Sounds like you read a good one too.
Theresa,
You are welcome! That book by Green sounds interesting.
Cecelia,
I enjoy her work too. The biography you are reading sounds like a good summer read. :)
Lee,
Yes, it was interesting to read about the landscape and the climate in society after the war. I didn't realize there were so many Union sympathizers there, but then again, why not?
Maria,
I think you just might! :) Glad you enjoyed the review. You have a good weekend too!
Rhonda,
No, I know what you mean about both types. I knew you were a fan of mysteries...Hope you don't lost that orange purse for too long!
Jen,
Ha - yes, me too! You are welcome. May have to check out that book. :)
Sally,
Sounds like a great thing to do together! Let me know how it goes! :)
Jessica,
You are welcome! Haven't heard of that one; maybe I should check it out.
Happy weekend,
Karen
Thanks for the review, Karen. The book sounds good.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, Karen. :) I sat in one of Tracie's writing sessions at a conference once. She's such a sweet one! And I love her books. I'll have to look out for this one. The last one I enjoyed as an audio book while I did my driving. Good way to 'hear' a story a little differently to when we read. Either way, Tracie's a super star writer.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful weekend,
Blessings
Dotti :)
Wow, that cover is gorgeous! After staying up late to finish edits on my m/s, I'm trying to decide what to read next. I'm leaning toward something fun just to recoup from the editing process. :)
ReplyDeleteRachna,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. It was a nice summer read. :)
Dorothy,
Oh, I bet that was interesting! She has long been an author I've enjoyed. I like audio books! They are a great alternative. :)
Sarah,
Yes, I'd say you were in for a treat now that you are done with edits!
Happy weekend,
Karen
Ooh, this sounds good. I love the time period. Laura sounds like a fascinating character, strong, resilient, stubborn. I'm looking forward to reading Touching Sky. thanks, Karen.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a great book. I am reading non-fiction right now. I'm just doing bits and pieces of my favorite books. I'm sort of on a fiction holiday.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good summer read! I'm reading Fire, by Kristen Cashore. About halfway done, now. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting time period. Sounds like an intriguing read. Thank you for recommending!
ReplyDeleteActually, my husband and I just finished watching the mini-series Hatfields and McCoys, set in the post-Civil War period and starring Kevin Costner. It was beautifully acted.
As for what's on my nightstand at the moment, I'm reading Truman by David McCollough.
Enjoy the weekend! :-)
I've been reading a number of YA fantasy and scifi books - currently . . .Seeds of Rebellion and the first Alex Rider book . . . keeping up with my kids fun fiction.
ReplyDeleteJoylene,
ReplyDeleteI love that time period too. There's so much potential there, don't you think? Hope you enjoy it!
Nancy,
I've got several books, fiction and non, started. I don't know if that's a good thing or not! :)
Lydia,
It is, thanks! Hope you enjoy your book! :)
Janette,
You are welcome! I've wondered about that series. I think I'd like to see it. Thanks for the info and recommendation. :)
Tyrean,
I always liked using my kids as an excuse to share good fiction. We'd read alot together too during our homeschooling days. :)
Happy weekend,
Karen
Tracie is a sweetie - thanks for the scoop on her book. I'm reading blogs lately - is that lazy?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, Karen!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Elizabeth Gaskell's North & South (after having watched the mini-series last month.)
Sounds like a good read - thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading an autobiography that is *terrible* yet strangely compelling.
I love Tracie's books!
ReplyDeleteI just read Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman (reviewed on my blog)... it's about a reality show involving two California families living in the style of the Amish. (a must read for burned out moms)
Thanks for letting me share.
Bless you, Karen!!!
Annie,
ReplyDeleteNo it's not lazy! I think we all need down time and it means something different for all of us.
Ruth,
I might have to check that one out. That period interests me too.
Talli,
You are welcome! Why is it that books like that do that to us? Go figure. :)
Cheryl,
I will have to check out that review. It sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the tip!
Blessings,
Karen
I've been reading a lot these days and the books are quite varied in genres:
ReplyDeleteThe Girl Who played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Have A Little Faith and
The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher, which I'm reading now.
Joy,
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like a varied assortment! I think that is a good thing. :) I have an assorted stack of books in progress too. :)
Blessings,
Karen