Ramblings-n-Writings

Have you read Tamera Alexander’s From a Distance (Bethany House, June 2008)? You need to! This book blew me away.

“What happens when the realization of a dream isn’t what you imagined… and the secret you’ve spent a lifetime guarding is finally laid bare?

“Determined to become one of the country’s premier newspaper photographers, Elizabeth Westbrook travels to the Colorado Territory to capture the grandeur of the mountains surrounding the remote town of Timber Ridge. She hopes, too, that the cool, dry air of Colorado, and its renowned hot springs, will cure the mysterious illness that threatens her career, and her life. Daniel Ranslett is a man shackled by his Confederate past, and he’ll do anything to protect his land, and his solitude. When an outspoken Yankee photographer captures an image that appears key to solving a murder, putting herself in danger, Daniel is called upon to repay a debt. He’s a man of his word, but repaying that debt could reveal secrets from his past he would prefer remain buried.

“Forced on a perilous journey together, Daniel and Elizabeth’s lives intertwine in ways neither could have imagined when first they met from a distance.”


Ambition. Shattered dreams. Sickness. Perseverance. Lies. Murder. Friendship. Love. What more could you ask for in a story?

Tamera is truly a master of characterization, plotting and descriptions. From page 1, I felt like I was sitting down with the characters and listening to their story from across the table. Elizabeth, Daniel and even Josiah, Elizabeth’s assistant, grew on me as the story progressed.

Tamera’s writing style places the reader in the heart of the story. She makes you want to know just a little bit more and turn one more page…and another…and another. She uses just enough words, not too many, to paint pictures of not only the characters but also of the beautiful, rugged Colorado Territory in 1875.

The mix of characters and their burdens help add to the plausibility of the story – like it actually took place way back in 1875. As in most stories, the burdens are relieved by the end of the story, but I will admit that I wasn’t prepared for the final two pages. What a wonderful ending! Give me a tissue!!!

This may sound odd, but I appreciated the fact that the book wasn’t preachy. Sometimes inspirational fiction dwells on religious scenes almost to the detriment of the story. These characters never went to church or encountered a preacher in the story (at least I don’t think they did, but if they did, it wasn’t a big deal), but yet the characters experienced healing that only God can give.

Good book! Read it if you haven’t already. I’m adding Tamera to my favorite author list. I’m starting one of her Fountain Creek Chronicles books next. =)

Related posts:

1. Review: Beyond This Moment by Tamera Alexandar
2. What I Read in October
3. Review: Breathe by Lisa T. Bergren
4. The Lady of Bolton Hill by E. Camden
5. Review: Tour de Force by Elizabeth White

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