Molly (Buuklvr81) -
Those that know me, know I love to read Historical novels, so it will come as no surprise at all that I love this novel. It's my first Peterson novel in a long time, and I was excited to see what she had in store for her readers with this one. Let me tell, I was taken on a whirl wind ride with this one and I loved every minute of it! Those that know me, also know that I love to be around horses and ride them (though it's been a while since I've ridden one!), so I definitely enjoyed this book for that aspect alone.
I adored Lizzy's character. She's beautifully chiseled and I loved that she was a trick rider in this story! I haven't read a book like this one, about women trick rider's, so it made Lizzy's story that much more fun for me. I felt a connection with Lizzy, having lost my mother a few years back, and I dealt with my own pain and struggles much like Lizzy did. Watching her blossom from that pain and struggle, seeing her connection with her horse, seeing how she realized that love is what she truly needs to get through it all, was a fantastic experience!
If you love novels that are beautifully written, filled with rich Historical detail, and filled with characters that come to life, then you need not look any further than Peterson's new novel. She has tremendous talent and fills her books with hope, understanding and love, along with some powerful messages for her readers. This book is fast paced, and before I knew it, it was over, so I'm highly anxious to get book 2 in this series, as I am not yet done with these trick riders and their stunning horses! Grab this 4 star novel now and see what I'm talking about! You won't be sorry.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I adored Lizzy's character. She's beautifully chiseled and I loved that she was a trick rider in this story! I haven't read a book like this one, about women trick rider's, so it made Lizzy's story that much more fun for me. I felt a connection with Lizzy, having lost my mother a few years back, and I dealt with my own pain and struggles much like Lizzy did. Watching her blossom from that pain and struggle, seeing her connection with her horse, seeing how she realized that love is what she truly needs to get through it all, was a fantastic experience!
If you love novels that are beautifully written, filled with rich Historical detail, and filled with characters that come to life, then you need not look any further than Peterson's new novel. She has tremendous talent and fills her books with hope, understanding and love, along with some powerful messages for her readers. This book is fast paced, and before I knew it, it was over, so I'm highly anxious to get book 2 in this series, as I am not yet done with these trick riders and their stunning horses! Grab this 4 star novel now and see what I'm talking about! You won't be sorry.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed When You Are Near (Brookstone Brides, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
When You Are Near, book #1 of the Brookstone Brides, begins what just might be one of my favorite series. Tracie Peterson is a talented, prolific, and very consistent author, in that the high level of historical detail, sheer entertainment, and spiritual elements in her writing has never wavered over the years. Filled with adventure, mystery and suspense, When You Are Near pulls readers into the life of a Wild West traveling show, and I enjoyed every minute spent with these characters.
This story introduces us to the Brookstone family and the world of trick riding â women trick riders, that is. I may have seen some trick riding at a circus as a child, but know next to nothing about this fascinating act. I loved how Peterson made this skill come alive through vivid descriptions, and let me tell you that it requires great skill, strength, concentration, and courage. It's mentioned at one point that some spectators even fainted during the performances.
A strong series foundation is laid in this first book, introducing a wide variety of characters â the Brookstone family, employees, horse wranglers, business investors, and horse breeders. Lizzy Brookstone, star trick rider, is a great heroine â independent, confident, not afraid to speak the truth. Two other women have strong supporting roles and will eventually have their own stories, I believe â Mary, a sharpshooter, and Ella, a Roman rider. These two, along with Lizzy, are convinced that the death of Mary's brother was no accident. Ella is fleeing from an arranged marriage forced upon her by a father I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
A key theme is how family and business associates are dealing with the death of Lizzy's father in their own ways, not all healthy ones. The faith of Lizzy's mother as she navigates her loss is inspirational and speaks to all of us. Shining throughout this story is the reminder that God is present with us always, especially through our difficult times.
The story comes to a satisfying conclusion, but there's a lot more to come and I'm eager to continue with the Brookstone family.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This story introduces us to the Brookstone family and the world of trick riding â women trick riders, that is. I may have seen some trick riding at a circus as a child, but know next to nothing about this fascinating act. I loved how Peterson made this skill come alive through vivid descriptions, and let me tell you that it requires great skill, strength, concentration, and courage. It's mentioned at one point that some spectators even fainted during the performances.
A strong series foundation is laid in this first book, introducing a wide variety of characters â the Brookstone family, employees, horse wranglers, business investors, and horse breeders. Lizzy Brookstone, star trick rider, is a great heroine â independent, confident, not afraid to speak the truth. Two other women have strong supporting roles and will eventually have their own stories, I believe â Mary, a sharpshooter, and Ella, a Roman rider. These two, along with Lizzy, are convinced that the death of Mary's brother was no accident. Ella is fleeing from an arranged marriage forced upon her by a father I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
A key theme is how family and business associates are dealing with the death of Lizzy's father in their own ways, not all healthy ones. The faith of Lizzy's mother as she navigates her loss is inspirational and speaks to all of us. Shining throughout this story is the reminder that God is present with us always, especially through our difficult times.
The story comes to a satisfying conclusion, but there's a lot more to come and I'm eager to continue with the Brookstone family.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
When You Are Near is the first book in the new Brookstone Brides series. I thought it was well-written story with strong female characters. The pacing is just right for this story (not too fast nor too slow). Lizzy Brookstone is a clever and determined woman who can do tricks on horses (wow). Her father's death has hit her hard and her heart is no longer in the show. Plus, she is now twenty-eight and the tricks are beginning to take their toll on her body. Unfortunately, Lizzy is the shows main attraction. The show would not last without her unless she can find someone else to fill her saddle. After seeing how her father's death affected her mother, Lizzy is afraid to let her love someone that completely. The author included historical details that enhance the story. The Christian elements are woven into the story beautifully and I appreciated the Bible verses included. One of my favorite phrases was âGod guides us through our sorrowsâ. I completely understood what Lizzy was going through since I lost my father three years ago. What Lizzy needs to realize is that God is always there for us. I enjoyed the adventure and action in this story. There are characters for readers to love and root for as well as those we will love to dislike. Tracie Peterson crafted wonderful characters for this series. I like that there is a mixture of people from an English gentleman to a horse wrangler. It was interesting to learn what went into to running a wild west show. When You Are Near has love, loss, faith, friendship, family, justice and God. I am eager to read the next Brookstone Brides novel.
Tracie Peterson does not disappoint in the new series, Brookstone Brides, about an all women Wild West Show. Beautiful trick rider Lizzie Brookstone has recently lost her father and is considering retirement to stay at their Montana Ranch with her greiving mother . However, the show needs her. She has many decisions to make, including whether to let Ranch Foreman Wesley into her life. Highly recommended!
