Touching the Sky

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.
 

A Double Giveaway!

I thought it might be nice to make the final 2009 Book Giveaway a bit more interesting by giving away two books. To enter, all you need to do is to leave a comment to this post. Please include your name and email address in the following format: karenelange(at)gmail(dot)com.

The Giveaway ends this Friday, December 4, 2009 at noon. My lovely daughter will do the honors and draw two names. The first name drawn will get their choice of titles.

The first book is Dawn's Prelude by Tracie Peterson. To check out my review, click on the title.

The second book is Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist. Click the title if you'd like to hear what I thought about the book.

Happy Reading and Writing to all:)

Giveaway open to residents of the U.S. only. Books are my very gently used review copies.

Dawn's Prelude Book Review

Dawn's Prelude by Tracie Peterson
Bethany House Publishers

Recently widowed Lydia Gray is not sad; she is actually relieved that her late husband Floyd cannot torment her any longer. Lydia's marriage was a business arrangement between her father and Floyd, a practice not uncommon in 1870 in Kansas City. She is surprised to learn that she inherited Floyd's entire estate. Determined to break free from any ties to Floyd's greedy and insensitive adult children, she secretly makes plans to move to Sitka, Alaska, where Aunt Zerelda, her only remaining relative, lives.

A bit of intrigue ensues as Lydia makes her way to Sitka where she finds herself in the arms of Kjell Lindquist. Literally! Kjell catches Lydia right off the boat, sick and worn from her travels. The plot thickens as Lydia fights her way out of a web of bitterness and distrust from the treatment she received at Floyd's hands. Will Zerelda's gentle faith speak to Lydia? Will Lydia accept this new land as her own? Will Kjell have any part in Lydia's future? And what of Floyd's family, will their greed drive them to drastic measures?

The beauty of the Alaskan territory comes alive in Ms. Peterson's latest book. I have yet to find a book of hers that I disliked. She is a wonderful story teller; her stories have depth and an eternal message. Check this one out; adventure and surprises await!

Happy Reading:)

Bethany House provided this book free of charge for review purposes.

Book Review

A Surrendered Heart
Series: The Broadmoor Legacy Book Three
Authors: Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller
Publisher: Bethany House
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

I have been looking forward to the release of this third book in the series for some time. It all started when I got hooked on Book One and met Amanda, Sophie, and Fanny, three of the Broadmoor cousins of Rochester, NY. Naturally I was anxious to see where this book would take these young women. Amanda is still unattached and wishes to pursue a career in medicine. She has been assisting Dr. Blake Carstead at a local mission for the poor. Her parents, however, have been trying to discourage Amanda's desire to become a doctor, and would rather see her maintain her place in society by marrying well and raising a family. Despite their wishes, Amanda continues her work and risks her health by helping Dr. Carstead during the 1899 cholera epidemic that's sweeping across the city.

Amanda's father's business is in deep financial trouble, and he resorts to extreme measures to recover and save face in their affluent community. What will Amanda's role be in her father's ill-fated scheme? Can Sophie and Fanny rescue Amanda from any dreadful consequences? And what of Dr. Carstead's growing feelings for Amanda? Does Amanda return these feelings?

I enjoyed the journey that Peterson and Miller provide for the reader. It was much more than a physical one from Rochester to the lovely Thousand Island Broadmoor family vacation home. It was one that tried each cousin's heart and convictions, and was full of surprises and a bit of mystery. If you've enjoyed the team of Peterson and Miller in the past, I don't think you will be disappointed with this one. Go ahead, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and jump right in. Adventure awaits!

Happy reading:)