Book Review: Treasured Grace

In untamed Oregon Country, one young woman fights to keep her family safe. 
Grace Martindale has known more than her share of hardship. After her parents died, raising her two younger sisters, Hope and Mercy, became her responsibility. A hasty decision to head west seemed like an opportunity for a fresh start but has instead left Grace in a precarious position. When missionary Dr. Marcus Whitman and his wife agree to let Grace and her sisters stay at their mission for the winter, Grace is grateful. Until they hear from their uncle in Oregon City, the three sisters have nowhere else to go.

As Grace adjusts to life in the West, she meets a fur trapper named Alex Armistead who intrigues and infuriates her in equal measure. But when a measles outbreak threatens lives at the mission and among the native Cayuse who live nearby, it is Alex who helps Grace use the natural healing remedies she learned from her mother to help where she can, despite Dr. Whitman's disapproval. As the death toll rises, so do tensions between the settlers and the natives, and Grace soon finds herself and those she loves in more danger than she imagined possible.

My Reflections:

The cover is what drew me into the folds of this novel, I actually didn't even read the back. I have read quite a few books lately in this era, it must be an author theme?

This novel deals with a hefty dose of serious subject matters. Pain, death, heartbreak are constant. This is definitely not the sappy, happily ever after kind of read, but sometimes you have to live in reality and remember the atrocities that happen.
I do have to provide a warning that this novel deals with rape and unwanted pregnancy, some readers may find the subject matter a little too raw.

The story opens on the Oregon Trail year, 1847. Having just lost her not so endearing husband the Right Reverend T.S Martindale. 
(Ok bunny trail, why on earth is he called the Right Reverend?...so annoying!) Grace once is again left vulnerable and on her own to provide for her 2 younger sisters, one who is ailing. All parties are however relieved at the passing, as the reverend took advantage of this marriage of convenience, not even bothering to consummate the union.  

Upon arrival to the Whitman Mission, Measles and Cholera are two devastating epidemics that are victimizing both the native populations and the new settlers equally. 
A romance simmers quietly between Grace and a trapper she meets named Alex. There conflicting emotions run hot and cold throughout a good chunk of the book, not making this a sappy romance in my mind. I enjoyed how faith was a constant thread that wove this story together. Pain and sorrow can be stitched together with faith and love to provide a shelter in the storms of life. 

Treasured Grace was an emotionally charged read, that kind of left me feeling slightly depressed. The constant drama, with violent scenes, they really upset me. I would use caution if you are an abuse survivor, this book may be just too emotional for some sensitive readers.
It is however packed with historical events and many hours of research must have been poured into this volume. Though the ending is somewhat a token happy ever after, I am looking forward to the next installment.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

THE AUTHOR

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. 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. Learn...

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