A Constant Love by Tracie Peterson ~ a book review

Set in the late 1880’s in the Wyoming ranch lands, this story is one of forgiveness, faith, family and commitment.

Charlotte Aldrich loves living on her family’s ranch.  Her father wants her to marry a local lawyer in town, Lewis Bradley.  During a particularly harsh winter, Charlotte’s father and brother die in a terrible snowstorm.  Micah Hamilton, a neighboring rancher and Charlotte’s brother’s best friend, loses most of his herd of cattle in the storm. His father, overcome with grief, commits suicide. Micah is left to deal with not only the loss of his livelihood but also the  heartache of losing his father and best friend.

Lewis Bradley claims that before Mr. Aldrich dies, he had made an arrangement for Charlotte and Lewis to marry and pledged a hefty dowry.  Charlotte, on the other hand, only has feelings for Micah, unbeknownst to him.  She is determined to never marry anyone but Micah. Lewis is determined that he will marry Charlotte and gain control of her dowry and ranch. He uses questionable and dishonest means to try to accomplish his goal.

As Charlotte and her mother endeavor to run the ranch, they enlist Micah’s help.  Will Micah realize how much Charlotte loves him and will he accept it? Will he be able to stop Lewis and his devious plan?

There is a very strong element of Christian faith in this story that reminds the reader of the constant love God has for His children.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Heartache has left them emotionally desolate, but traces of love and healing could forge a future.

In the wake of a harsh winter, Micah Hamilton and Charlotte Aldrich are grappling with loss and guilt after the disaster that took the lives of their loved ones. Struggling to cope with his grief, Micah abandons his father's dreams of a prosperous ranch and cuts himself off from the rest of the world.

Charlotte has loved Micah her entire life and is determined not to lose him as well. With her mother's help, she begins coaxing Micah to live again. Despite their enduring heartache, the affection between them deepens, but just as Charlotte thinks her dreams may come true, a scorned suitor threatens everything she holds dear. Micah and Charlotte must embark on a journey of healing and renewal to build a life founded on faith, hope, and love.”

This is book one of The Hope of Cheyenne series.  If you like faith filled, heartwarming, historical stories, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about Tracie Peterson and her other books 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary ARC** of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

**A word about ARC books.   Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) are a preview copy and are not a finished product. They may differ from the final published work and may include additional editing. My reviews may include some things that vary from the final published book.

 

 

 

Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel ~ a book review.

 

This story begins in the early 1900’s, in Ireland. Saoirse Fagan has had to leave her job and is set to begin a new one as maid in Drumboe Castle.  Upon arriving, she discovers that the castle has been closed down and there is no job available.  She has no family and can’t return to her former job. She has no money and no where to go so she begins walking, taking shelter on a nearby farm. Aileen McCready, the farm owner’s sister happens upon her and gives her shelter in their barn, unbeknownst to her brother Owen. Owen raises exceptional sheep for their wool and weaves much sought after fabric. His farm is often raided and sheep stolen, He is unable to catch the man he knows is responsible. He reluctantly agrees to let her stay with them, even though he doesn’t completely trust her because of the secrets she keeps.

Owen’s hand is severely injured after a vicious attack and he is unable to weave. He fears if he can’t complete a large order, he will lose his farm. Against his better judgement, he teaches Saoirse how to weave. They work many hours together and begin to have feelings for each other but both are reluctant to allow them to develop.

The author does a great job of transporting the reader to the old Irish countryside and culture. There is a glossary that helps the reader with some of the Irish words and terms. The characters are very believable and relatable.

Will their faith withstand the obstacles thrown in their way? Can they learn to trust each other? Will Saoirse ever forgive herself for what ever happened to force her away from home?

This is a story of trust in God, faith, love, courage and determination.

This is from the website:

“Can the lonely thread of her life be woven into a new and finer pattern?

When Saoirse Fagan arrives at Drumboe Castle to start her new job as housemaid, she is dismayed to learn that the lord of the house passed away a week prior. Already running from the tragedy that claimed the lives of her family members, Saoirse wanders the road through the darkening glen with nowhere to go until Aileen McCready offers her a lift and a place to stay for the night.

Aileen's brother, sheep farmer and weaver Owen McCready, is known for his intricate and impeccably woven tweed. But when he's injured, his entire livelihood is endangered. A new--and distracting--mouth to feed adds fuel to the fire, and Owen struggles to keep his family afloat. Though Saoirse is eager to help, even offering to learn the weaving craft, Owen is hesitant to accept aid from this strange young woman, no matter how inexplicably magnetic he finds her.

But Saoirse is not one to give up easily. She's determined to convince the McCreadys that they need her--perhaps as much as she needs them.”

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about Jennifer Deibel and her books.

 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary ARC** of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

**A word about ARC books.   Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) are a preview copy and are not a finished product. They may differ from the final published work and may include additional editing. My reviews may include some things that vary from the final published book.