Willamette Brides: Unveiling the Secrets of the Heart

Lauryn Olsen: Very mediocre in every way: plot, character development, godly growth of characters…just o.k. Needs more creativity and character development as well as a more exciting plot.

United States on May 23, 2023

Kat n Brid: This was an interesting story as regards the history at the time, though with limited perspective, as it revolves pretty much only around our heroine. Written almost like a diary or 'grocery list'.
I did read the entire book.....hoping for 'more'......

This reviewer grew up in Portland Oregon.... Different time period....so was familiar with some of the landmarks.
The author seems familiar with the area and the possible businesses built at the time of the story, but chief Joseph was prominent in Wallowa County which is on the Eastern side of the state of Oregon....qnd Portland is western Oregon, with only a couple of hours to the coast.

United States on Jul 11, 2022

Mrshagrid: Tracie Peterson is an exceptionally gifted writer. Quite often she weaves fact and fiction into a seamless tapestry In this tale, Nancy learned that her deceased husband was involved in a plot to incite an Indian War. There is a budding relationship between her and Seth, a childhood friend who was sent to investigate the illegal sale of guns and alcohol to the Indians.
The writing is delightfully descriptive but I became so annoyed by Nancy. She has had a crisis of faith and is struggling to find her way. I didn't mind that she was trying to reconcile herself with God. What bothered me was that this was the focal point of the story. I wanted less scripture and more of the adventure. The investigation was far from resolved and I assume that it is being carried over into the next book in the series. It just left me wanting so much more

United States on Nov 26, 2021

barb blais: This story kept my attention and I looked forward to reading another chapter each night before bed and I guess you left us hanging about Gerome on purpose. Lol

Canada on Apr 27, 2021

Eddist Rhett: Nancy is widowed living in Portland, away from her family in Organ City. Her married life was lived the past eight years with Albert Pritchard whom upon his death turned to be all secrets and deception. Albert had been involved in illegal business with ruthless men that bought Nancy's childhood friend Seth Carpenter back in her life. Nancy hired Lawyer John Lincoln a friend from church to help with Albert's Will and last request. Nancy had lived a lovless marriage, but, Albert had given her the best including a large beautiful home, which she asked Mr. Lincoln if she would be allow to turn into a boardinghouse for women. He saw no reason she wouldn't be allow this request, as he worked on closing and settling Albert's affairs for her, he was approached by Seth Carpenter with a secret investigation he had come to Portland on. Seth ( also a lawyer, was sent by government on Indian Affairs) needed to find truth of Albert's connection to the uprising of Indians, they were being sold guns and liquor illegally. End comes Albert's associate Gerome Berkshire part of a group causing the Indian uprising problem. The group was known to hate people of color and voice this openly to keep...

United States on Nov 02, 2020

SK: For the first quarter of the book I had little interest in the story as Nancy’s was bitter, unfriendly, angry at God & her own family. She struggles with anger towards God, judges God because she feels God owed her, and should have kept her beloved little brother alive, but she feels God just let him die. I liked that Peterson inserts the witness scene with the special Christian woman that witnesses the truth of God to her and for the first time, truly believes in the Lord, but she is in essence a baby Christian. Her relationship with the Lord is tested & refined because of Gerome Berkshire, supposed best friend to her husband Albert with political aspirations. Gerome’s character just exudes shadiness every time he knocks on Nancy’s door. You immediately do not like him. The story shares some of the hatred people had for those who were different, really quite shocking.
I would not classify this story as “great fiction,” as there were times it was a little “hallmarkish.” That said, it was a pleasant onetime read. Tracie Peterson should be strongly commended for her straight forward faith & practice elements. No apology, no “just praying at meals,”...

United States on Jul 06, 2020