Posts Tagged ‘Tracie Peterson’
Review: House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson
December 11th, 2011 | 
Author: ABOUT THE BOOK
They vowed, as children, to be silent…
When her father orchestrates a surprise trip to the summer house of her childhood, Bailee Cooper is unprepared for what follows. What is intended to be a happy reunion for Bailee and her sisters quickly becomes shrouded by memories from the past.
Together again, the three sisters sift through their recollections of fifteen years ago…of an ill mother, and of their father making a desperate choice. One sister believes their silence must end and the truth be revealed. But they soon come to wonder if they can trust their memories.
Mark Delahunt arrives in the wake of this emotional turmoil. Determined to win Bailee’s affection, Mark becomes a strong fortress for her in this time of confusion, and what was once a tentative promise begins to take root and grow. Caught between the past and an uncertain future, can Bailee let God guide her to healing…or will she risk losing the chance to embrace love?
MY THOUGHTS
Tracie Peterson has been one of my favorite authors for years and years. However, I think House of Secrets might be her first contemporary novel that I’ve read. Aside from the superb writing, the entire book is completely opposite of her historical fiction book.
Gone are the streams of history and details, the romance that the plot revolves around (although there is a romance), and the 3rd person viewpoint. Written in first person, House of Secrets reveals the innermost thoughts of character Bailee Cooper. What makes this book unique in the Christian fiction realm are the weighty topics Peterson explores.
Bailee Cooper and her two younger sisters have vague memories of the night their mom died years ago. Sadly, the girls believe their father killed their mother. And for as long as she can remember, Bailee has felt responsible for her sisters, although she isn’t entirely sure why. When the Cooper sisters return to their summer house after years of absence, the memories come flooding back and Bailee reveals to their sisters that their mom was mentally ill with schizophrenia. To say that the Cooper girls led a dysfunctional life in a dysfunctional family would be an understatement.
Other weighty topics that tie into the plot are depression, psychiatry, repressed memories, abandonment, and medical illnesses. Author Tracie Peterson treats each topic with delicacy and accuracy. She offers a biblical perspective as well as a balanced perspective through the various characters.
Overall, House of Secrets felt very “real”, like the story could have happened to a neighbor or someone we know. The book is not overly preachy about religion but offers that the solution to many fears and difficult situations can be found in a relationship with God.
Like most of the books I’ve reviewed by Tracie Peterson, I highly recommend House of Secrets. If you’ve not read any of Peterson’s books because you don’t like historical fiction, consider picking up a copy of House of Secrets. It’s not a “light” read, and probably not something you would want to read during the holiday season, but it will be well worth your time.
As far as a recommendation for teens, I’m on the fence mostly because of the weighty issues mentioned above and whether most teens could grasp the seriousness of the book.
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Tags: contemporary fiction, house of secrets, Tracie Peterson | 
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To Have and To Hold by Judith Miller
ABOUT THE BOOK
When Audrey Cunningham’s father proposes that they move to Bridal Veil Island, where he grew up, she agrees, thinking this will help keep him sober and close to God. But they arrive to find wealthy investors buying up land to build a grand resort on the secluded island–and they want the Cunninghams’ acreage.Contractor Marshall Graham can’t imagine why the former drinking buddy of his deceased father would beckon him to Bridal Veil Island. And when Boyd Cunningham asks him to watch over Audrey, Marshall is even more confused. He has no desire to be saddled with caring for this fiery young woman who is openly hostile toward him. But when Audrey seems to be falling for another man–one who has two little girls Audrey adores–Marshall realizes she holds more of his heart than he realized. Which man will Audrey choose? And can she hold on to her ancestral property in the face of overwhelming odds?
If you would like to read the first chapter of To Have and to Hold, go HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. In 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests. Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max.
Judith Miller’s first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when she was commuting sixty miles to work each day. She wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. Through a co-worker, she was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from her. Having never met Tracie, Judith was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history. Since that first encounter many years ago, Judith has been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, she and Tracie had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, they have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free via Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Hearts Aglow by Tracie Peterson
ABOUT THE BOOK
The future should be bright for Deborah Vandermark, who is now pursuing her interest in medicine alongside Dr. Christopher Clayton, who is courting her. But the lumber town is resistant to the idea of a woman physician, and she feels thwarted at every turn.A more devastating blow occurs, however, when Christopher breaks off their relationship to return home to his troubled family. Despite her own love life going awry, Deborah is still intent to be a matchmaker for both her widowed mother and her brother, who has caught the eye of the spit-fire daughter of the local pastor.
But what will Deborah do when faced with the truth about Christopher’s family? Is there hope for the two of them…or will Jake Wyeth’s attentions finally catch Deborah’s eye instead?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Hearts Aglow, go HERE.
MY THOUGHTS
Hearts Aglow is the 2nd book in the Striking a Match series. You can read my review of the 1st book here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.
She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max. She’s active in her church as the Director of Women’s Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer’s retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books
Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson
ABOUT THE BOOK
The logging industry in eastern Texas is booming, and Deborah Vandermark plans to assist her family’s business now that she’s completed college. Unexpectedly, her best friend, Lizzie Decker, accompanies her back home–fleeing a wedding and groom she has no interest in.Deborah, the determined matchmaker, puts her sights on uniting her brother and dear friend in a true love match. Deborah soon meets Dr. Christopher Clayton, a much-needed addition to the town. As their lives intersect, Deborah realizes that she has a much greater interest in medicine and science than the bookkeeping she was trained in.
But when typhoid begins to spread and Lizzie’s jilted fiance returns, Deborah wonders if true love can overcome such obstacles…for those dearest to her, and for herself.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Embers of Love, go HERE.
MY THOUGHTS
As I’ve said before, it’s no secret that Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. She creates memorable characters, tosses in some history, chooses not-so-normal settings, adds a little turmoil, and before you turn the last page, she has you wanting to read the next book. And, there’s almost always a next book that’s equally good.
Embers of Love is the start of Tracie’s new Striking a Match series. This book focuses on Deborah Vandermark, a young lady who always believed her obligation was to return to Perkinsville, Texas, and help maintain the accounting records for the family logging business. Unlike the overwhelming majority of the local townspeople who may have finished part of elementary school, Deborah is college educated. She struggles with the differences she sees between herself and the locals and wonders how she will find herself a suitable and intelligent husband.
Accompanying Deborah on her trip home is her best friend, Lizzie. Deborah convinced Lizzie to run away from her wedding just minutes before it started. Of course, the disgruntled groom shows up in Texas wanting his bride back. To make matters worse, he brings along Lizzie’s overbearing suffragette mother. While the conflict between Lizzie, her mother, and her disgruntled groom is almost comical at times, it shows how Lizzie grows as an individual and finds what she truly wants in life.
The spiritual lessons in Embers of Love are strong, and each character demonstrates a different phase of the Christian walk. Some learn about reliance on God for His best, while others lead by example rather than preaching.
Nothing stands out to me as a strong dislike or like in the book. As a longtime reader of Tracie’s books, Embers of Love met all of my expectations, so if you are a fan of Tracie Peterson or historical fiction, you will likely enjoy this book. It is also appropriate for teenage readers.
Review: Dawn’s Prelude by Tracie Peterson
ABOUT THE BOOK
Newly widowed Lydia Sellers discovers that, through an unforeseen fluke, she is the sole recipient of her husband’s fortune. But instead of granting her security, it only causes strife as her adult stepchildren battle to regain the inheritance for themselves.
Lydia, longing to put the memories of her painful marriage behind her, determines to travel to Alaska to join her aunt. Lydia’s arrival in Sitka, however, brings two things she didn’t expect.
One is the acquaintance of Kjell Bjorklund, the handsome owner of the sawmill. Second is the discovery that she is pregnant with her dead husband’s child. What will this mean for her budding relationship with Kjell? And what lengths will her stepchildren go to reclaim their father’s fortune? Lydia soon finds her life–and that of her child’s–on the line.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Dawn’s Prelude, go HERE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 70 novels. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Ephesians 1:18 has become a cornerstone verse for a new non-fiction book she’s been working on — its also become a cornerstone in her life. The verse reads, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”
Tracie and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.
MY THOUGHTS
Tracie Peterson is one of my all-time favorite authors and I’m pretty sure I’ve read all of her novels. I absolutely love how she transports a reader to another era and place. I’m partial to historical fiction, and I know that Tracie Peterson is one of the reasons why.
I’ve not finished reading Dawn’s Prelude … having my car totaled in an accident and dealing with the insurance company kinda took away my reading time this week. However, I am definitely looking forward to finding out what happens to Lydia. I have to say that I love the character of Kjell. By character I mean his integrity and how he cares for Lydia inspite of her circumstances and the trouble following her.
I’m excited to see what happens in the remaining books of this series! Love, love, love historical fiction especially by great authors!