About
the Book:
Author: Tracie Peterson
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: 2012
Series: “Land of the Lone Star” (book 2 of 3)
Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical
Rating: 4 out of 5
My Thoughts: Book
two in Peterson’s ‘Lone Star’ series tells an unrelated story with new names
from book one (though Will is briefly in ‘Sky’), and characters from the third
and final novel, Taming the Wind play
an important role. Set in a post civil war era, this weaves together the lives
of the affluent Marquardt
family and the challenges they face in the aftermath of their support of the
Union in a state that either considers itself for the south or not yet a part
of the U.S. It isn’t until youngest daughter, Carissa marries a known supporter
of the south and eldest, Laura meets the handsome captain, Brandon Reid that
their lives change. There is something interesting driving Peterson’s latest
series – but I am not entirely sure that I can pin down what it is.
Before I read very far into this, I found myself enjoying it
a great deal more than Chasing the Sun.
It seemed to tell a more appealing story with a better approach though it was
still rich in its time of history that was wrought with conflict, and characters
whose motives are much more believable. The
villain’s act was easier to “except” as something a bad guy may orchestrate,
and there wasn’t such a trite motive for revenge. Additionally, he wasn’t a man
to be trifled with (for the genre) being the abusive man he was. Brandon and
Laura’s courtship was charming if not slightly under-developed. It’s one of
wittiness and pretty blushing but instead of sappy romantics, the mysteries of
the story are what is most prominent, propelled by the events of history. It
reads as if Peterson really wanted this to be taken more seriously as a
historical but threw in a touch of romantics to satisfy her fans. From the
subtleties that build here, I predict that the up-coming book will be the most
romance-fueled of the trio.
In reading this, one of the things that I continually paid
note to, was how eloquent the speech was. It made me wonder if this is how
1800’s Texans spoke and piqued my curiosity about the elegance of the era in a
place I don’t usually associate with grandeur or events like balls and afternoon
tea. What it also informs is how genteel and educated its characters are. Laura
is a spitfire of a heroine who isn’t about to let anyone stomp on her dreams
and the dashing Brandon is anything but a broken solider. In fact, he is really
quite the flirt with Laura. *wink* Written with a practiced, skilled hand,
Peterson’s signature style shows in every nuance of the story – from the
opening chapter to the adorable ending, I just wish that it had been one that
came with that same signature chemistry between its leads.
In
Summary: Though not my favorite, this novel is still plotted well
with characters the reader come to care about and a subtle message to never give up on what you can achieve.
The
Story:
Though their first encounter is
hardly auspicious, Laura Marquardt soon discovers herself drawn to the dashing
Captain Brandon Reid. As an officer over the colored troops, he eagerly
supports her desire to educate blacks and seek harmony in a town where the
defeat of the South is a bitter reality.
When Laura's sister marries her Confederate
beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation after overhearing a
discussion with frightening consequences. In her heart she feels she should
confide in Brandon, but Laura fears to do so may endanger her sister's life.
Yet as the stakes continue to rise and Brandon's motives for pursuing her come
into doubt, Laura questions where to turn... and wonders if her own dreams of
love may be forsaken.
-
via the publisher
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing this
copy for reviewing purposes
I love historical books like this. This series sounds really interesting. Thanks for reviewing it! :D
ReplyDeleteTracie always writes a wonderful story. This isn't my favorite series by her but it is still charming. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, Lydia!