Category Archives: Land of the Lone Star Series

Bog Tour Stop & Book Review: Taming the Wind by Tracie Peterson & Kindle Fire Giveaway

Title: Taming the Wind by Tracie Peterson
Land of the Lone Star Book Three
Publisher: Bethany House Publishing
Genre: Historical, Inspirational, Fiction
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher

Summary:

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?

The Review:

Set in Texas following the end of the Civil War, Taming the Wind is a wonderful faith-based novel about letting go of anger, hatred and past hurts. This third installment in Tracie Peterson’s Land of the Lone Star series features characters introduced in the first two books and perfectly wraps up all of the various storylines. Enough background information about the prior works is included which makes it easy to read as a standalone novel.

Carissa Lowe has matured since we last saw her in Touching the Sky. She has a newfound faith and trust in God that she is carefully nurturing. But following her first husband, Malcolm’s betrayal, she now cautiously guards her heart. Having been so deceived by Malcolm’s charming facade, she is deeply suspicious of men and she doubts her ability to judge men and their intentions. Carissa is extremely protective of herself and her young daughter Gloria. As her feelings for Tyler Atherton grow, Carissa must decide whether to put her trust in God, let go of the past and open her heart to love.

In Touching the Sky, Tyler Atherton saved Carissa’s life. He has never forgotten her, and he is delighted to discover she is now living near him. Although he has strong feelings for Carissa and Gloria, the demons of Tyler’s past are getting in the way of a future with Carissa. His hatred of those responsible for his father’s death and his need for revenge are uppermost in this mind. He is also struggling to reclaim the family ranch which he lost due to his service in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Tyler discovers he must reconcile his hatred and desire for vengeance before he can fully give his heart to Carissa.

Taming the Wind is a captivating novel that is well written and historically accurate. Ms. Peterson never minimizes the injustices in the aftermath of the Civil War nor does she gloss over the terrible events leading up to the unrest of the Indian tribes in the area. Life on the frontier was often quite harsh and eking out a life was often marred by illness and untimely death. Attention to the details of the time period create a fascinating and educating read that is quite compelling.

Taming the Wind is a wonderful romance about second chances, forgiveness and letting go of the past. The characters are richly drawn with all too human flaws and imperfections. The storyline is engrossing with just a hint of suspense. All in all, a wonderful conclusion to Tracie Peterson’s fabulous Land of the Lone Star series that I definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys inspirational novels.

Read my review of Chasing the Sun HERE.


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 and her blog.


Celebrate with Tracie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 See what people are saying about Taming the Wind.



One winner will receive:

  • A Kindle Fire
  • The entire Land of Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 25th. Winner will be announced at the “Taming the Wind” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/25. 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. FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

Follow the rest of the blog tour HERE.

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Filed under Bethany House Publishers, Blog Tour, Historical, Inspirational, Land of the Lone Star Series, Rated B, Romance, Taming the Wind

Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson

Title: Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson
Land of the Lone Star Book One
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Genre: Historical, Inspirational, Romance
Length: 355 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher

Summary:

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?

The Review:

Set in Texas during the turbulent years of the Civil War, Tracie Peterson’s Chasing the Sun is a faith-based novel with plenty of adventure along with a sweet romance. Hannah Dandridge is an obedient daughter who follows her father to Texas following the death of her stepmother. She is helping raise her younger brother and sister when her father disappears on a trip to war-torn Vicksburg. Pressured by her father’s partner to marry him, Hannah steadfastly refuses. When William Barnett returns to his family’s ranch, they form an uneasy alliance while William tries to regain his land.

Chasing the Sun has a vibrant and well-developed cast of characters. Hannah Dandridge’s experiences on the wild frontier have toughened this former Southern belle. She knows her own mind and refuses to let a man order her around. She is a compassionate young woman that treats her employees with respect and considers them part of her family. She has a deep and abiding faith that God is guiding her path in life and that He is always with her.

William Barnett is a peace loving man whose obedience to his father drew him into the war between the states. While he believes in God, his faith is nowhere near as strong as Hannah’s. He is a gentle man who butts heads with the strong-willed Hannah on quite a few occasions.

Chasing the Sun is rich with historical detail and Ms. Peterson does not minimize the harsh realities of the time period. Life in Texas was complicated by Indian raids and loyalties during the Civil War were often divided. The difficulties facing Hannah and William paint a vivid portrait of ranch life and the devastating impact the war had on the Southern population.

There is a strong undercurrent of faith in Chasing the Sun. Hannah demonstrates her belief in God in both action and speech. The novel occasionally becomes a bit preachy, but the overall message is that God has a plan for everyone and to keep faith that He is guiding us through both good and bad times.

Chasing the Sun is an engrossing romance with an emphasis on compassion, redemption and forgiveness. The plot is interesting with plenty of action and suspense. Fans of Christian historical fiction are sure to enjoy this first installment of Tracie Peterson’s latest series Land of the Lone Star.

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Filed under Bethany House Publishers, Chasing the Sun, Historical, Inspirational, Land of the Lone Star Series, Rated B, Romance, Tracie Peterson