April 21, 2014
Peterson is a long-time fixture on Christian market bestseller lists with her more than 100 novels, and this second in the Lone Star Brides series will add to her shelf of successes. The tale, set in Colorado and Texas, features Marty Wythe—alone in Denver after husband Jake heads to Texas for work—and Alice Chesterfield, the young woman they took in after a terrible attack that left her scarred. Marty fears Texas because of the emotional hurts she experienced there, but Alice is eager to go to escape a stalker. Together they head south, finding renewed spirits as Marty’s sister welcomes them. Marty gradually relinquishes her fear, and Alice comes to enjoy the company of Robert Barnett, although he seems promised to another. Peterson may be overfond of Texas colloquialisms (“down Houston way”) and facile with spirituality (“You wear His brand”), but her perfectly serviceable tale will keep fans wanting more.
June 15, 2014
Alice Chesterfield never imagined that the murder of her father and the attack on her could ever lead to a better life than the one she had in Colorado. But when Alice's attacker returns, she seeks safety and refuge on a Texas ranch. There Alice meets and falls in love with Robert Barnett, who is already engaged. While Alice hides her feelings, Robert struggles with his waning love for his fiancee. Meanwhile, Alice discovers that the previous existence she experienced with her father in Colorado was a sham: her mother and brother, long thought dead, are alive. Disillusioned, Alice must trust God to help her find peace. VERDICT Peterson's second book in the historical series (after A Sensible Arrangement) offers a well-crafted narrative and engaging characters. A memorable and heartwarming pick for fans of novels by Beth Vogt and Cathleen Armstrong.
Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.