Book Review: When You Are Near

From The Back:

Come one, come all to the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza!
After her father's death, Lizzy Brookstone, a trick rider in the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, wants nothing more than to quit her role as the star of the show and live a quiet life on her family's ranch. But returning home would bring Wesley DeShazer, the ranch's foreman and the man who broke her heart, back into her life. In addition, the troupe's new manager fears that Lizzy's departure could doom the already cash-strapped show.

Hope grows in Lizzy during a stopover at Fleming Farm. Ella Fleming not only has a natural talent for trick riding and could easily replace Lizzy, but she's eager to join the show to flee a forced betrothal. However, while there, one of the show's wranglers is killed in a manner Lizzy finds suspicious. And during her escape from the farm, Ella stumbles across a secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza.

My Reflections: 

I was lassoed from the start. Tracy Peterson is my go-to authours for spunky characters and strong female leads. This story takes us back to the 1900s where Lizzy Brookstone finds herself fulfilling the wishes of her departed father. Her passion has died alongside her dad and she just wants to settle down, even if it's not in the normal way with a husband. Experiencing her father's passing and watching her mother grieve seems like far too big of a risk to her tender heart. Will God have other plans for Lizzy? 

Though I know little about trick riding the descriptive narrative and authentic setting made this a joy to explore. Tracy Peterson had me from page one and on.  Another aspect of Peterson's work is her intense research, the time period and the characters were spot on. You become so entwined with each character and the pain they are going through that you really want the best outcome for all involved.

This is a richly illustrated novel depicting "the old west" perfectly, what else would you expect from this authour?

 If you are looking to start off your summer with a new series, "Brookstone Brides" is that perfect start. I am over the moon because book two "Wherever You Go" just landed in my mailbox. You won't have to wait for months for the next installment friends. I know, Happy summer!

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

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) 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...

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