THE MINER'S LADY, Land of Shining Water series, book 3, by TRACIE PETERSON

About

When Chantel Panetta's younger sister claims to be in love with Orlando Calarco, Chantel knows there is no hope. The Panettas and Calarcos have been sworn enemies for decades, and young love cannot heal the deep wounds between the two iron-mining families. Yet, unable to resist Isabella's pleas, Chantel agrees to help her sister spend time with Orlando...only to have a run-in with Dante, Orlando's brother.

Chantel can't deny the attraction that flares when she's with Dante. But when a tragedy occurs at the mine, is there any hope that the hatred that has simmered between these two families might be resolved? Or will Chantel and Isabella's hope for love be buried amidst decades of misunderstanding?

LAND OF SHINING WATER SERIES 

• Where to Purchase

  • Baker Retail
  • Amazon.com
  • Barnes & Noble
  • Christianbook.com

About Tracie

Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 95 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.

Tracie 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. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell and her daughter Jennifer.

Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women's conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA "Best Books 2011" Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love!.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max..

WEBSITE: http://www.traciepetersonbooks.com/

My Thoughts

The Panettas and Calarcos have carried on a vendetta in their homeland for several generations. Now it is still carried on between the two families even in America.  This makes it difficult for Chantel Panetta's young sister who has given her heart to Orlando Calarcos.  If their families find out they will never be allowed to marry.  No matter what Chantel says to her sister it seems to be ignored.  Now she has to deal with the rantings of Orlando's older brother Dante. She finds herself attracted to Dante which is very odd to her.

Dante and Orlando work in the same mine as Chantel's father and this does not set well with Dante's father. Their is so much hatred for the Panettas in Dante's father. What will the young couple do to convince their father's to let them marry or will they run away to marry?

I am sure that there are many families to this day that have vendettas.  I remember hearing about the historical fued of the Hadfield and McCoys which was worse than that of the Panettas and Calarcos.  So much pain over something that generations later has no validity yet still creates hatred and havoc for all involved.  

The author wrote a love story of a young Romeo and Juliet that were willing to sacrifice love and comfort of  their families in order to build a life together.  With faith and trust in God will they be together without causing heartache and bloodshed between their families? Trust the author to give you an experience in reading that will keep you guessing. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 our of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Baker Publishing/Bethany House Publishing for review. I was  in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.

FALL INTO LOVE ULTIMATE GIVEAWAY

Announcing the FALL INTO LOVE 

ultimate giveaway!

Join us as award-winning authors Tracie Peterson, Jody Hedlund, Nancy Mehl, Melissa Tagg, and Jen Turano take us on a journey for love in their upcoming novels. To celebrate the September/October book releases, we're hosting FIVE incredible giveaways with ONE fantastic grand prize drawing.  Enter all five contests and receive FIVE entries into the grand prize drawing with additional chances to enter the FALL INTO LOVE ultimate giveaway throughout the month of September!

The Prizes:

ONE GRAND PRIZE winner will receive the FALL INTO LOVE prize package - a $500 value! - containing everything you need to snuggle up with a great book...

• A 16GB Kindle Fire HD for all the books you want, right at your fingertips

• Fall into love as you fall into this beautiful free-standing wooden hammock

• A Sherpa & Micromink cream throw to keep you warm as the weather turns chilly

• A selection of gourmet caramel apples

• A copy of each novel represented (Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl  , Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund , A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano , The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson , and Made to Last by Melissa Tagg 

FIVE INDIVIDUAL PRIZE PACKAGES!   Fall into love with these beautiful stories from 5 amazing authors, and enter each contest for your chance to take home a meaningful part of their story.  To learn more about each novel and to enter visit www.FallIntoLoveContest.com

1) The Miner's Lady:   From award winning author Tracie Peterson, comes a beautiful story rich with the comfort of good food, the love of family, and the struggle for faith and forgiveness. Have a seat in Nonni's Italian kitchen with a basket of cultural delicacies and experience both the flavor and heart of Italian America with The Miner's Lady Giveaway!   ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 1st!

2) Unforeseeable:   Settle into your favorite reading chair with author Nancy Mehl's delicious story of intrigue, danger, and suspense, all set against the serene setting of the small Mennonite town of Kingdom. Enter the Unforeseeable Giveaway to bring the delicious tastes of Mennonite life right into your home…    ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 1st!

3) Made To Last:   From author Melissa Tag comes the story of Miranda Woodruff, star of a home-building television show who apparently has it all, until it all threatens to fall apart. Read, laugh, and enjoy the hilarious misadventures of a heroine with a tremendous amount of skill, a lot to lose, and even more to discover about her own heart. As part of the Made to Last Giveaway, experience the joy of having the right tools, the right guides, and something beautiful to reward yourself with on a job well done.   ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 15th!

4) Rebellious Heart:   From Best selling author Jody Hedlund, Rebellious Heart brings the history of 1763 Massachusetts to life with the story of socialite Susanna Smith and poor country lawyer Ben Ross. When Susanna's decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben's growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice. Bring the fight for justice and liberty to your home with this meaningful prize package.   ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 15th!

5) A Talent for Trouble:  Set in the early 1900's, Jen Turano's spirited new book,  A Talent for Trouble, will leave you feeling like you have lived in the Victorian era of New York City, strolled through Central Park with your best hat on, and had a hilarious and unpredictable adventure with a new friend. With the prize package for A Talent for Trouble you can continue the adventure and bring some of Felicia's journey home with you.   ENTER HERE…

AVAILABLE OCTOBER 1st!


How to Enter:
Click on one of the banners or visit www.FallIntoLoveContest.com  to submit your information. Each week during the five-week contest, we will reveal a new method of entering and increasing your chances for the grand prize.

Week 1: Enter one or all of the individual novel giveaways. For every individual giveaway you enter, you gain one entry into the grand prize drawing. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

Week 2: Like one or all authors on Facebook. Every author liked gains you one entry into the grand prize. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

Week 3: Refer a friend. One grand prize entry awarded per friend, per contest. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

Week 4: Submit a review of any book by one (or all) of the five featured authors. 3 entries awarded per review per author (limit one per author). (Possible grand prize entries: 15) **

Week 5: Pin a picture of you with one of the 5 featured novels. One grand prize entry awarded per picture per novel. (Possible grand prize entries: 5)

To enter via the methods available week 2-5, visit each individual giveaway and submit your information through the entry form. Follow the prompts for completing your bonus entries.
**Reviews can be submitted to Amazon , Goodreads, or your own blog. To enter the contest via this method, paste a URL to the review in the entry form where indicated. Entries will be verified before final grand prize drawing.

More Information:

For details about the contest, prize packages, entry methods, or contest rules, visit www.FallIntoLoveContest.com.

Thanks again!

__________

THE QUARRYMAN'S BRIDE, LAND OF SHINING WATER, Book 2, by TRACIE PETERSON ~ LITFUSE BLOG TOUR

About Book

The latest book in the Land of Shining Waters series.

Peterson Hits the Bestseller Lists Again and Again!

Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together . . . until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne's youngest sisters. Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated.

Years later, Emmalyne's family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne's father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin's father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.

Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?

Read Excerpt here.

• ISBN-13: 9780764206207
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group/Bethany House
• Publication date: 6/1/2013
• Series: Land of Shining Water Series , #2
• Pages: 336

Where to Purchase: Baker Retail, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com

About Author

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. 

Visit Tracie's Web site at www.traciepeterson.com

Landing Page/Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/author/tpeterson

  

Q&A with Tracie Peterson

Q. Tell us why you wrote The Quarryman’s Bride.

I wanted to write a story that would deal with old family traditions that get in the way of true love and life in general. I also wanted to utilize the Minnesota quarry business setting to share some of the historical aspects of life in that region. As I began to develop my research, I found so many interesting things about quarry work and life in Minnesota that it created a wonderful foundation for the book.

Q. Where in Minnesota did you set this story?

I chose the city of St. Cloud. The area has a wonderful park—the Quarry State Park—where you can walk around and see some of the old quarry works.

Q. What did you do to research this story?

I was able to spend some quality time in the St. Cloud area and get a firsthand look at granite quarries and the work required to get the rock out of the ground. I visited local museums and talked to people who worked in and around quarries, along with reading a great many books that helped me to better understand what quarry workers were up against in the late 1800s. This was difficult and dangerous work to be sure. I also wanted to have a cultural flavor for my story, and I chose those of Scottish heritage since they were heavily involved in quarry work. I’ve been to Scotland and have Scottish heritage myself, so I found it quite interesting to dig deeper and learn more about the traditions that existed.

Q. What’s the basic premise for this story?

Emmalyne and Tavin have been in love since they were young. Their wedding, however, is called off when a tragedy takes the lives of Emmalyne’s younger sisters. In her family there is a tradition that the youngest daughter remains unmarried to care for the aging parents. With the death of her sisters, Emmalyne must now take on that responsibility. Her father puts an end to the engagement and they move away, leaving Emmalyne and Tavin torn apart. Emmalyne desires to be obedient to her father and mother—to honor them as the Bible says. But at the same time she longs to reunite with the only man she’ll ever love. How can God possibly soften the hard hearts of two bitter men without crushing the dreams and hopes of a loving young woman?

Q. What is the basic spiritual message you want readers to take away from this story?

I wanted to address what it means to honor your mother and father. What does God expect of adult children in the ways of honoring and caring for their parents? I also wanted to show the painful consequences of the choices people make and how often one seemingly small event can ripple down through the years to completely alter lives.

Q. What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I loved the time I spent walking around Quarry State Park in St. Cloud. It was like another world. The setting transported me in time, and I could almost see myself there in the late 1890s. I love the way God works to show me things in that way. And it’s always such a pleasure to find people from the area who love their history. Minnesota folks are great, and they are proud of their heritage. I also did some additional research while in Scotland, learning about the Celtic language and traditional Scottish recipes. I even made a few to share with my family as I wrote about them in the story.

Q. What’s on the horizon for book 3 in this series?

Book 3 is set in the Ely, Minnesota, area and deals with Italian immigrants and iron mining. This story has a bit of a Romeo and Juliet theme with a strong spiritual message of learning to let go of past wrongs and forgive for the sake of the present and the future.

Welcome to the campaign page for Tracie Peterson's newest book in the Land of the Shining Water series, The Quarryman's Bride. Tracie is celebrating with a "True Love" $200 Anthropologie giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party.

 One winner will receive:

• A $200 Anthropologie gift card
• The Quarryman's Bride and The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the "The Quarryman's Bride" Facebook Author Chat Party on July 9th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also share an exclusive look at the next book in the Land of Shining Water series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Quarryman's Bride and join Tracie on the evening of July 9th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Hope to see you on the 9th!

My Thoughts

Emmalyne Knox and her family have suffered a great loss but Emmalyne is forced to suffer even more.  She is to break her promise of marriage to the love of her life Tavis MacLachlan to fulfill a Scottish tradition honoring her parents. She will see to her parents needs in their old age and she will never marry.  The love Tavis had for Emmie has now turned to an attitude of hatred which caused even more pain for Emmie.  As if all of this was not enough her father has decided to move to another state taking her further away from the quarry, Tavis and all her friends.  She wonders if her father has any love for God or his family .

Eleven years have passed and Emmie's father is moving their family back so he can work at the quarry owned by Tavis's father.  How will Tavis react to her family living a mere three miles from his parent's home?

This story caused me to have great sorrow for those under Emmalyne's father's tyranny.  The author has touched on a subject that has severe effects on a families emotional and physical being.  The character Emmie was created by the author to be a loyal daughter to her parents and to God.  The author shows how fear and loss of loved ones can eat a person alive until there is nothing left but bitterness.  Only God can heal such pain and that is how the author writes her story of love, forgiveness and reconciliation.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group/Bethany House and Litfuse Publicity Group for review.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

The Icecutter's Daughter ~ Land of Shining Water Series #1 ~ by Tracie Peterson

About Book

As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she's never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl--she'd rather work with her father’s horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she’s been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors.

When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle's carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build...until Rurik's former fiance shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.

Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God--and each other--when scandal threatens their newfound love?

Tracie Peterson's love for history and research fuel the bestselling stories she writes. She is the author of more than ninety novels and the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

ISBN-13: 9780764206191

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

• Publication date: 3/1/2013
• Series: Land of Shining Water
• Pages: 352
• Product dimensions: 5.50 (w) x 8.40 (h) x 1.10 (d)

Where to buy:  Amazon, Barnes&Noble, BakerBookStore, CBD

About Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over ninety novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. 

Visit Tracie's Web site at www.traciepeterson.com and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com.

My Thoughts

Merrill Krause has several very protective brothers that have been known to run off any potential suitors.  She is responsible for the care of the household chores and the cooking.  She works with the horses which is her favorite thing to do on the farm.  You will even find her working shoulder to shoulder with her father and brothers.  She jumps right in when it is time to cut, haul and store ice from the lake.  Ice-cutting is tough for the brawniest of men.  She stays so busy that it is very apparent she is having no luck in finding a suitable husband.  

Rurik Jorgenson is new to the community.  He is going into business with his uncle's in a carpentry business. He hopes to fit in with the community.  With his uncle's health becoming a concern he volunteered to go in his uncle's stead to help his uncle's friend to harvest ice from the lake.  This will definitely be a new experience for him, but he was willing to learn.  He got a big shock when he discovered one of the icecutter's was actually a beautiful young woman.  He got plenty of teasing by her brothers. Rurik would not let them intimidate him when or if he decided to court their sister.  But his former fiancee concocts some wild accusations against Rurik which puts his reputation into question.

The author has written a story of family bonds, love and loyalty to one another.  Then there is the deception that threatens to destroy a young man's future. I loved the dedication these characters had to their family through such selfless acts.  My favorite character was Rurik's uncle he was a very giving, wise and trusting man, with a strong belief in prayer and God's will for one's life.  

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House/Baker Publishing for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

Giveaway/Review TAMING THE WIND (LAND OF THE LONE STAR #3) by Tracie Peterson

About the Book:

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?


ISBN: 978-0-7642-0617-7
ISBN-10: 0-7642-0617-6
Number of pages: 336
Publication Date: Sep. 2012
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/dsGj5

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/author/TPeterson

Meet Tracie:

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

Visit Tracie's Website  www.traciepeterson.com and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com 

 Celebrate with Tracie 
by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 See what people are saying about Taming the Wind.

One winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
• The entire Land of the Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/25/12. Just click one of the icons below to enter. The winner will be announced at Tracie's "Taming the Wind" Author Chat Party on 9/26! Connect with Tracie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Taming the Wind and join Tracie on the evening of the September 26th for a chance to connect with Tracie and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN, RSVP TODAY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS VIA FACEBOOK or TWITTER AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 26TH!

My Thoughts

The widow Carissa Lowe and  her three year old daughter Gloria are on an extended visit with her sister, Laura and brother-in law, Brandon on their Texas ranch.  Carissa makes sure she keeps a close eye on Gloria fearing the dangers of this wild country.

Tyler Atherton visits the ranch often in hopes of spending time with Carissa and Gloria.

Carissa's fears are heightened when Brandon and Tyler along with a couple of other ranchers start planning a cattle drive.  The men will be gone approximately three months.  For the safety of the women they are to stay at Will and Hannah's ranch while the men are gone.  Hannah and Laura are expecting and the men plan the drive so they can be back in time for the birth of their children. 

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

Tyler leaves on the cattle drive unsure if Carissa has feelings for him.  He realizes she has been through some hard times and that she has a problem trusting anyone. When the drive is over he hopes they can become more than just friends. 

There are always dangers on a cattle drive and with the unrest of the Indians they must stay alert. Tyler has a strong hatred for the Indians and can't seem to let go of that hate. The Lord keeps leading and comforting him in this matter.  Will he ask God to give him peace and help him turn away from this hatred or will he get the revenge he wants so badly? 

These families have great deal of faith and trust in God. They know God will be there for them in goodtimes and bad even though they are not with mates they will trust in God to protect their loved ones.

This book series is definitely one of my 2012 favorites!  Tracie Peterson never fails to entertain and inspire me with her writing.

The Scriptures she has added all through the book touch my heart deeply.  I came away with a calmer Spirit after I finished reading this book. 

I highly recommend not just this book but all the books in this series.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse/Bethany House for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL 

VOTE YES OR NO HERE.

 

   

TOUCHING THE SKY - LAND of The LONE STAR series, BOOK TWO by TRACIE PETERSON

About Tracie

Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 85 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.

Tracie 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.

Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year.

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.

For more on Tracie visit her website

About Book

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?

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Christianbook.com

Published by Bethany House Publishing

My Thoughts

1865 in Corpus Christi, Texas you would think that people were glad the war between the North and South was over. Some were glad although they were still suffering the after effects of the war.

Laura Marquardt hurried along the street when she was confronted by some scruffy looking Confederate soldiers. She recognized one of the men. She thought if she was polite they would not see her fear. But they cursed her for being a Union supporter and a traitor to the South and accosted her. A couple of Union soldiers came upon them and ordered them to release the lady. The rebels did not cotton to taking orders from Black Union soldiers so they just laughed and ran. A White Union officer by the name of Captain Reid approached and boldly took matters in his hands. Without any further ado he dismissed the soldiers and proceeded to reprimand Laura sending her on her way not even allowing her a chance to explain the situation.

Laura and Captain Reid crossed each others paths again at a social gathering for Local Union Supporters. It became very clear to the Captain that he had wrongly misjudged Laura Marquardt as being a disgruntled Confederate sympathizer. Laura in a rather playful and straightforward manner set him straight about which side she supported. Finding they have the same goal which is to bring the North and the South together as one peaceful nation. Then there is a spark between the two of them that refuses not be ignored.

They come together to bring to justice several renegade Confederates one in particular a suspected murderer.

This is a story filled with intrigue and romance. Women had to be courageous back then and that is exacty how the author portrayed Laura and her sister in this novel.

I loved what the author wrote about the meaning of the books title, TOUCHING THE SKY.

I have read book one in the LAND OF THE LONE STAR series,CHASING THE SUN. Now that I have read book two I am anxious to read book three,TAMING THE WIND,expected publication date September 1st 2012 by Bethany House Publishers.

 

I highly recommend Touching The Sky.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

Chasing The Sun (Land of the Lone Star Series #1) by Tracie Peterson

About Tracie 

Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 85 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.

Tracie 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.

Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year.

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.

Website:  http://www.traciepetersonbooks.com/

Land of the Lone Star Series, Book 1 

About Book 

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?

Paperback, 347 pages 
Published March 1st 2012 by Bethany House Publishers 
ISBN076420615X (ISBN13: 9780764206153) 

Where to Buy:
Chistianbooks.com
Barnes & Noble
Amazon



My Thoughts

Hannah is in charge of her two motherless, half siblings. Ever since the recent disappearance of her father she is also responsible for the running of the new ranch that her father had uprooted her and her sibling to move to in the Lone Star State. Now her father has been reported as missing in war torn Mississippi. The Civil War has split many families and friends some fighting for the Confederacy and some the Union.

While Hannah is trying to hold things together on the ranch a wounded Union soldier and former heir to the ranch, William Barnett shows up to claim the ranch as his own.  William is angry when he hears that just over a year ago  the ranch was awarded to Hannah's father  for being a credit to the Confederacy.

William and Hannah come to the agreement that he stay and work the ranch while they await a decision from the Court Judge as to who is the rightful owner of the ranch.  He turns out to be a great help around the ranch. Plus he seems to really care for the well being of her and her young siblings.

This story will really stir your mind as to what families suffered and dealt with during and after the Civil War.  We all know it was brothers against brother and neighbors against neighbors.  But in this story a man and woman work together to rebuild their lives even though their loyalties were on different sides.

I highly recommend this book.  I can't wait to read more of this series.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.