Remember Me Review

 

 About the Book

 Addie Bryant is haunted by her past of heartbreak and betrayal. After her beau, Isaac Hanson, left the Yukon, she made a vow to wait for him. When she's sold to a brothel owner after the death of her father, Addie manages to escape with the hope that she can forever hide her past and the belief that she will never have the future she's always dreamed of.

Years later, Addie has found peace in her new life as a photographer, training Camera Girls to operate and sell the Brownie camera. But during the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo in Seattle, Addie is reunited with Isaac. And when her past catches up with her, Addie must decide whether to run or to stay and face her wounds in order to embrace her life, her future, and her hope in God.

Bestselling author Tracie Peterson pens a tender tale where forgiveness, faith, and love conquers all. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

It has been years since I read Tracie Peterson's Alaskan Yukon Quest series and I was so excited to read another story that starts in Alaska. This book was very interesting to read with the many historical tidbits woven throughout the pages. I loved the Alaskan history but also the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo, of which I knew nothing about whatsoever. Addie's character was so well written and I appreciated her strength and how she grew and overcame obstacles. I struggled with Isaac's character and I never really grew to love him to be honest. He assumed too many things and was far too pushy for my liking. I still found this to be an enjoyable read tinged with mystery and romance and how Christ can heal past trauma to give us hope for a future.

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

In Places Hidden Review

About the Book

On her way to San Francisco to find her brother, Caleb, who went missing three months ago, Camriann Coulter meets Judith and Kenzie, who both have their own mysteries to solve in the booming West Coast city. The women decide to help each other, including rooming together and working at Kenzie's cousin's chocolate factory.

Camri's search for her brother, an attorney, leads her deep into the political corruption of the city--and into the acquaintance of Patrick Murdock, a handsome Irishman who was saved from a false murder charge by Caleb. Patrick challenges all of Camri's privileged beliefs, but he knows more about what happened to her brother than anyone else. Together, they move closer to the truth behind Caleb's disappearance. But as the stakes rise and threats loom, will Patrick be able to protect Camri from the dangers he knows lie in the hidden places of the city? (Goodreads)

 My Thoughts

I have read so many of Tracie's books so I pay attention when she starts a new series. I was intrigued by this story since it is set in San Francisco. This isn't a very long book and really just a quick light read. For me, I didn't love the characters in this story. I loved the setting but other than that I wasn't drawn into their lives, or sympathetic to their situation. 

While I have enjoyed many of Tracie's previous books, her latest stories have really fallen flat for me. The stories don't have much depth and are all together predictable. I know that Tracie is a talented author, and she has a huge fan base. I just feel like she is trying to put out so many books in a year that the quality of her work has turned into light and fast reads that don't hold a ton of depth. As a long time reader I am slightly disappointed. BUT I know she can write a gem of a story so I will hold out hope that one of her future books will be something to treasure!

"I received this book from Bethany House to review. All opinions are my own."

 

A Beauty Refined Book Review

 

About the Book

 Phoebe Von Bergen is excited to accompany her father when he travels from Germany to purchase sapphires in Montana. Little does she know that her father's plans--for the gemstones and his daughter--are not what they seem.
Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie--a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything. Phoebe is determined to stay in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger as the deception begins to unravel. (Goodreads)

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/29Sh70o

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Website | Facebook | Pinterest

 My Thoughts

Tracie Peterson knows how to create a unique story line. Pheobe Von Bergen is a good character and I liked how I felt like I got to know all of the characters pretty well. Things moved fairly fast but there was a lot that went on! Past hidden dangers collide with their present day which makes for a tad bit of suspense. The romance is predictable and not my favorite part of this particular story.
While I liked this book it isn’t my favorite as it was rather predictable. Tracie Peterson is a good author and I look forward to her future books.

Four stars.

“I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review.”

Little does Phoebe know that her father's plans—for the sapphires and his daughter—are not what they seem. If you love historical fiction, romance, and adventure, don't miss Tracie Peterson's A Beauty Refined. When Phoebe meets Ian, everything changes. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie—a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Join Tracie in celebrating the release of A Beauty Refined by entering to win her Precious Gems giveaway (details below) and by attending her author chat party on August 9!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of A Beauty Refined
• A sapphire jewelry set

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/9. The winner will be announced at A Beauty Refined Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and fellow fans of historical fiction, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

Refining Fire Review

 

About the Book

Militine Scott, twenty-two, is in training at the Madison School for Brides in Seattle, Washington. Though she has no intention of pursuing marriage–believing no man will have her–she has found the school provides the perfect opportunity to hide her unsavory past.

Thane Patton, though fun loving and fiercely loyal to his friends, hides a dark secret, as well. He finds himself drawn to Militine, sensing a haunting pain similar to his own.
Will they finally allow God to make something new and beautiful from the debris of the past? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I have read many of Tracie Peterson's books and I know she is a great writer. This book was so terribly slow for me and really hard to get into. I felt like there wasn't very much character depth or really a strong storyline. It was so predictable and I wish I could say otherwise. I didn't really like Militine's character though I did like the setting. Who knew there was a Madison School for Brides?! I love the historical setting I just wanted more out of the storyline. 

Four stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for an honest review."

A Sensible Arrangement Book Review

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About the Book

Marty Dandridge Olson is a widow looking for a way out of Texas. Widower Jake Wythe has secured a job as a bank manager in Denver, only to discover that the bank board wants him to be a married man. With Texas in his roots, he advertises for a Lone Star bride, and Marty answers the call. They both agree they are done with romance and love and will make this nothing more than a marriage of convenience.
Marty works to carve out a new life in high-society Denver as Jake works to guide the bank through a collapsing economy. But when money goes missing at the bank and accounting discrepancies point to Jake, he must find a way to prove his innocence. Yet all he wants to do is go back to Texas and own his own ranch. Marty, on the other hand, owns a ranch–one she’s never told her husband about. She hates Texas because it represents the losses in her life. But as the couple grows closer and love begins to bloom, Marty realizes she needs to tell Jake the truth. Can she come to terms with the past and her anger toward God in order to make room for love? (Goodreads)

 My Review

Tracie Peterson is a great story teller. She is understands characters and history and intertwines them in a captivating way. This is her hundredth novel! I enjoyed the setting as Colorado is my favorite place. I also found the bank perspective of the leading male to be interesting. I haven't read to many mail order type books that involve the husband being well to do in a city setting. This brought a unique aspet to the story line. Also, the first part of the book is entertaining as Marty takes on bandits while on the stage. This scene really makes the book what it is. The romance is witty and more like a friendship which was acutally refreshing. While predictable and a bit slow this book was still enjoyable! I rate four stars. 

Tracie's Website

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Welcome to the campaign launch for Tracie Peterson's 100th book! A Sensible Arrangement launches Tracie's new Texas-based series, Lone Star Brides, that’s sure to please. As a special treat, devoted fans will be able to catch a glimpse of several popular characters from previous series.

Tracie is celebrating by giving away an iPad Mini and hosting a LIVE webcast event on 4/29.

 

  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the A Sensible Arrangement Live Webcast Event on April 29th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of A Sensible Arrangement and join Tracie and friends on the evening of April 29th 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 by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

The Quarryman's Bride Litfuse Tour

Picture Credit

The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie Peterson is the second book in the Land of Shining Water Series.

About the Book

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?(Goodreads)

My Review

I am a Tracie Peterson fan, I have not read all of her books but when I found out she was writing this new series I got excited! I did read The Icecutter's Daughter before I read this one, yet they can be read individually. Also, the covers to these books are beautiful, Bethany House Publishers did a great job with the design. 

I had no idea what a quarry was so that was most interesting while reading the book. The character of Emmalyne is very real and she was definitely my favorite character to read, though I wanted to yell at her a couple of times. Tavin is a nice guy, but not my favorite hero for a story. The overall story line surrounds Emmalyne on a daily basis as she takes care of her parents house and her mother who is depressed. After a lot of pain brought up from the past, the final chapters turn into romance amidst tragedy. Tracie Peterson added a unique character, Fenella, who has become a crazy woman who has lost her mind. I would love to read more about how Peterson created this character and why, but it made for an interesting tweak in the story. 

Overall this is a unique well written story about a young woman trying to understand God's plan and how He really does have even better ideas!

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

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!

To Love and Cherish- A Review

To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller is actually the second book to the Bridal Veil Island series.  I did not realize it was a part of a series until I received the book but it could be easily read apart from the series.

Melinda Colson is a lady's maid who falls in love with a young man who works at the Bridal Veil resort she often visits. The story weaves through a tragic hurricane, a gambling brother, threats from a woman guest, and even an assassination of the president.

The setting of this book is beautiful in my mind and the cover helps put the mental picture together. I like the idea behind the plot but this was not my favorite book. It was a tad difficult to get into simply because it drags on for quite awhile and Melinda irritates me to no end. I like how she is learning patience but her goal to the end of the book is rather selfish and she is just to pushy of a character. The ending is predictable and I was a little disappointed with the lack of twist in the story line.

The authors are great and I have read many by them both before this is just not one of my favorite. I'm sure others will enjoy it though.

Check out this link to learn more about the book here.

Judith Miller website.
Tracie Peterson website.

"I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for this review. This is my honest opinion of the book."