Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson
When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.
Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.
Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?
MY REVIEW: "Chasing the Sun", by Tracie Peterson, is well-paced historical western romance set in Texas during the middle of the Civil War. Hannah Dandridge, a genteel young lady from Vicksburg, Mississippi, accompanies her widowed father and two younger siblings to a new home on a ranch in Texas. When he must return to Mississippi to bury his mother, Hannah is left to care for her brother Andy and her sister Marty. As her father's absence increases, so do Hannah's concerns for his safety and the welfare of the family and their home. When her father's business partner, Herbert Lockhart, informs her that her father is missing, he tries to persuade Hannah to marry him and move to his home in town. He insists that her father gave his blessing to the union, but Hannah has misgivings, and she feels no attraction to the older, domineering man. Hannah is a strong young woman with a mind of her own, a deep religious faith, and a great love for her family. One day Hannah's young brother Andy brings home two surprise visitors: an injured Comanche youth, and William Barnett, son of the original owners of the ranch property. Hannah treats the Comanche boy and tries to reconcile the knowledge that William has come back from the war not knowing that his ranch was taken over in his absence. Will is the only surviving member of his family, and he has come home from serving in the Union Army after receiving a serious leg wound. The fact that Will and his father and brother, natives of Confederate Texas, served in the Union Army made the Barnett family outcasts in their home area. Will did not want to go to war, but he stayed loyal to his father's wishes. Hannah's older brother was killed in the war fighting for the Confederacy, and her growing attraction to Will leaves her greatly conflicted. Will has never met a woman like the lovely Miss Hannah Dandridge. Strong-willed, caring, and sure in her faith, she makes Will realize how his own faith has lapsed since his experiences in the war. As Will begins to become more involved with the running of the ranch, he grows closer to Hannah and the children. Seeing the influence that Will has in the lives of Hannah and the children, Herbert Lockhart continues to scheme to gain control of Hannah and the ranch. Are greed and suspicion to have their way, or will abiding faith and a deepening love bring together a new family and keep them in their home? "Chasing the Sun" is an exciting, well-written historical romance. The story line flows smoothly, and keeps you involved until the very end. There are many issues explored in the book, and once again the great tragedy of the Civil War and the sadness of the plight of Native Americans is brought to light. Tracie Peterson is an author to treasure, and I look forward to the next two books in the "Land of the Lone Star" series.
Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
When Laura Marquardt first meets Brandon Reid, their encounter is anything but pleasant. But when the two are seated together at a dinner party, they soon find that they share similar interests--Laura desires to educate blacks, and Brandon, as a white officer over colored troops, eagerly supports her cause.
When Laura's sister, Carissa, marries her Confederate beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation when she overhears plots to kill Union soldiers. Though in her heart she feels she should share this information with Brandon, Laura fears she will betray her sister's trust and possibly endanger her sister's life. And when Brandon's motives for pursuing her come into question, her heart is even more conflicted. Where is God leading her?
MY REVIEW: Author Tracie Peterson is quite adept at including more than one side of
an issue in her historical romance works. While the romance is always
poignant and appealing, the characters often face conflicts due to their
beliefs and their chosen path in life. Faith and loyalties are
challenged by the behavior of others and the era in which they live.
"Touching the Sky" is the second book in Tracie Peterson's the "Land of
the Lone Star" series, and it vividly captures the turmoil of Civil War
Era Texas. Set just as the war officially ends, it focuses on the split
sentiments of Texans--those who were Union supporters, and those who
were committed to the Confederacy. The mid to late 1800's were a period
in time in which the world changed radically in a relatively short
number of years, and many of the themes in "Touching the Sky" reflect
what was to come before the end of the century. Laura Marquardt and her
family were Union supporters, and when she meets soon-to-decommission
Union Captain Brandon Reid, she is immediately drawn to his quiet
strength and deep faith. Brandon is captivated by Laura's beauty,
intelligence, and her desire to educate and assist freed slaves. When
Laura's somewhat frivolous younger sister Carissa marries a Confederate
suitor, all of their lives are forever changed. Carissa's new husband is
not what he seems, and his cruelty and subversive behavior threaten all
that Laura holds dear. Brandon is not quite through with his service to
the Union, as he begins working undercover to bring down a murderous
group of renegades. When Laura confides in him about the truth of her
sister's abusive marriage and her suspicions about her brother-in-law's
real nature, then Brandon must follow through with his last mission,
even if it costs him the love of his life. A very involving historical
romance, both touching and thought-provoking.
Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
A young widow nursing the wounds of her past...
A cowboy with demons of his own...
Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.
Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she's living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow's. And Carissa's daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.
Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?
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