Taming the Wind

Land of the Lone Star #3

by Tracie Peterson

A young widow nursing the wounds of her past...
A cowboy with demons of his own...

Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.

Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she's living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow's. And Carissa's daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.

Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Historical Romance, Westerns

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

pen name: Janelle Jamison

Reviews

[Annie Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novel, Tracie Peterson deftly weaves together character, plot, and dialogue to make a quick-paced story that is almost impossible to put down. In fact, while I did manage to go to bed at a reasonable hour, I got up at 5AM to finish it before my family woke up!

I love the way the characters apply God’s Word to their lives as they face challenge after challenge. It’s natural, authentic, and true. There’s no preaching here, but lots of Christian living and growing. Tracie Peterson writes exciting books that point us to the truth while giving a break from everyday life. I’m very thankful, though, that I’m not one of her characters!

You can read my complete review on my website. http://anniekateshomeschoolreviews.co...

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with a heroine who showed tremendous growth of character from the naive young girl we met in the previous book. She was a silly young girl with her head in the clouds only concerned with getting married without really knowing the man she married.
In this one, she’s a few years older, a widow with a toddler. She does some deep soul searching looking for a new way to live, one that will bring her closer to God. I loved her spiritual journey which shows how our amazing God can transform someone.
The romance between the hero and the heroine is based on the feelings that will stand the test of time. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.
The suspense in this story is awesome and had me biting my nails, hoping the heroine would survive. I was riveted by the tale and couldn’t read/listen fast enough.
I also enjoyed how the author brought the characters from the previous two books together. That part was suspenseful as well.
If you enjoy Christian fiction with a strong romantic element and an amazing spiritual message, then you will want to read this book. Happy reading and listening!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I always enjoy Tracie Peterson's books and this one is no exception. However, there were parts of the story that were just...dull and redundant. The story has a strong Christian message and I usually enjoy that in books, but at times it just seemed too much.

Carissa has had to deal with a lot in her young life. Her husband, who before they married seemed like the perfect man (caring, thoughtful, loving, etc.), quickly changed once they were married - into an abusive man. So she has a fear of getting herself into a situation like that again.

Tyler is a man who fought for the South in the Civil War and now finds that he is no longer allowed to own his family farm. It has been taken away from him since he fought for the Confederacy and he is trying to get it back. Carissa has had a special place in his heart from the moment he met her - but at that time she was married, so he didn't act on it.

I haven't read the other two books in this series yet, but I think that the author did a fantastic job of giving just enough details from the other two books that it doesn't matter that I haven't read them yet - except that I now know some of the key points in those stories. If that is something that would bother you, I would suggest you read them in order.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing that always impresses me about Tracie Peterson's books is the manner in which they capture the flavour of the time period they are written in, and Taming The Wind is one such book. I found it fascinating how the characters struggled to live in post-Civil War Texas, dealing with the harsh feelings between Union and Confederate supporters, or how Tyler has to deal with the loss of his family's land due to fighting for the losing side. It is clear that the author has done her research well. However, I did find that this book lacks the vitality and swifter pacing of the prior books in the series, as I really struggled to get into the first half of the book. Nevertheless, there were sections of the book, especially towards the end, that captured my interest, and the book brings the series to a satisfying conclusion. Although the ending may be predictable, who can argue with a happy ending, both for Carissa and Tyler but also all of the prior characters who starred in previous books as well?

Overall, this is a series I would recommend for readers who enjoy historical fiction and who have been following the journey of the characters featured in the Land of the Lone Star series. I give this book a rating of 3.5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Land of the Lone Star series. The story centers on Carissa Lowe, a widow and mother of a little girl. Carissa’s past with her abusive husband haunts her along with the tragic events that resulted in the loss of her husband. The author does a good job in explaining briefly the events that occurred to Carissa (being the fact that Book Two was about these events) which lead to her fearfulness and caution. Tyler Atherton is very much a part of Carissa’s story. He saved her life on that tragic day in Carissa’s life and at the beginning of the story it is discovered that Tyler cares very much for Carissa and her daughter.

The author does a wonderful job describing these two characters and telling their separate yet intertwined journeys. So many these are reflected in this book such as forgiveness, trust, and love. I found that it wasn’t necessary to read the first two books in order to read this one. This was an entertaining read filled with adventure, suspense, and romance. Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taming the Wind is more than a love story.

Cassie Lowe has escaped a nightmare marriage to only be imprisoned in fear. She worries about letting people get close enough to hurt her and her daughter. She worries for her daughter's safety. She chooses to seal off her heart to anyone that could hurt them. Only through God does she learn that she has to turn her fears over to Him to truly be free.

Tyler Atherton is also living in a prison, but his is one of unforgiveness. His father was killed by Indians and he is overwhelmed by hatred and bitterness. Only when he comes face to face with the man who killed his father does he realize that he needs to forgive and turn all those feelings over to God.

Taming the Wind is a wonderful story of two people
that are broken by circumstances and healed through God's love.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taming the Wind is a wonderful romance about second chances, forgiveness and letting go of the past. To read my review in its' entirety, please click HERE.

[Melanie Tillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic ending to this series! I loved that we got to see the couples from the first two books in this final installment - I missed Hannah and William in book two. Being on their ranch again for the majority of the action was one of my favorite things. Carissa's little girl was absolutely adorable, and the way she and Tyler bonded melted my heart. Show me a big, tough guy with a soft spot for kids who makes an excellent father, and I'm a goner. The only thing that made me lower this from five stars to four was that Tyler and Carissa spent the bulk of the book apart. Hannah and William had a slow burn with lots of moments for you to believe in and invest in their relationship. With Laura and Brandon, there was immediate attraction, but it grew in a believable way as the book went on. I couldn't say the same for Tyler and Carissa. The cattle drive was exciting, but I could have used less of it just so I could see the main couple together more. Then as soon as Tyler returns, Carissa has been kidnapped. That seemed a tad unnecessary, especially considering all poor Carissa already went through in book two. I honestly didn't need to see the villain from book one escape from jail and come back. Carissa's trust issues from her abusive first marriage provided plenty of conflict without throwing in a kidnapping. Plus there was Laura's early delivery of her baby and the fear that one or both of them wouldn't live. I liked that plot point - I stayed up reading to make sure Laura was okay, and it seemed a believable struggle to face for the time period. So, yeah, I didn't need a kidnapping too. Plus, it got resolved so quickly, I kind of wondered what the point of it was except to just add more drama. Nevertheless, the entire book was fantastic and Peterson weaves such an amazing picture with her words. I can clearly see 1870s Texas in my mind's eye as I read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book in the series and was nail biting throughout. I found myself not wanting to put it down. Living in Texas during this time period (1868) you had to deal with Indian raids. Life as a rancher was busy. The cattle drive to Kansas took three months. That left the women alone but they had each other. Things turn bad when Laura delivers her baby boy early and nearly dies in the process. Course Brandon is on the trail and can't get home fast enough. Then Lockhart shows back up in the story. He had broken out of jail and wants revenge on Hannah and Brandon for their messing up his life. His hired hands kidnap Carissa instead of Hannah. But an all out search and rescue occurs. The sheriff and his men, William and Tyler and men from the ranch, and a neighbor, Ted Terry, lends a couple of his hired hands who know the territory where they think Carissa is at. They all head out to find Carissa. In the meantime, Carissa is left with no water or food and is getting weaker and weaker - will the men make it there in time? Yes - and in the process Lockhart is killed so no need to worry about him ever again. Carissa is too weak to travel so Tyler takes over caring for her because he tells her she can't die on him now because he wants to marry her. Carissa's daughter, Gloria, loves Tyler and calls him papa Tyler even before Carissa lets her heart love again. All's well that ends well - Hannah has another baby - a daughter. The wedding for Carissa and Tyler is at the Barnett's ranch. Carissa's parents come for the wedding. It is a simple affair but all their friends and people they have come to love on the ranch are there so it is the happiest day of Carissa's life.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taming the Wind was an entertaining wrap up to the Land of the Lone Star series. It was wonderful to see the rest of Carissa and Tyler's stories. It concluded all of the storylines very well from the other two books. The way the characters grow in their faith during this story is an excellent reminder for the reader of truths that apply to everyone's lives. There was romance, danger, action, adventure, faith, joy, peril, and hope. These wove together to make an enjoyable read. There was nothing super original about the story itself. Chasing the Sun was original with the ranch life and Hannah's story while Touching the Sky was original with the civil war aspects and city life. Taming the Wind had most of the same elements as the previous books. The cattle drive was an interesting addition, but overall, it is still more of a finish to the stories of unresolved characters that a new set up all its own. Not that this is a bad thing; it just doesn't give the story as much sparkle as the others. Altogether, if you liked the other two books, you will like this one as well.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the Land of the Lone Star series.
I was so happy that Carissa was the main character in this book. I was excited to learn more about her and was glad to have done just that.

After Carissa was saved from drowning by Tyler Atherton, her life went on while she was raising her daughter after her husband's death.

Tyler never forgot Carissa and was happy to have run into her again after learning that she was living nearby.

I loved how these character's lives were penned in the setting of a small Texas town. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book of the series brings together the characters from the other two books. Carissa is the focus of this book with the healing of her traumatized heart as the center. Her life experiences temper her prideful and flamboyant personality. The rest of the family is facing life against Indian raids, having no money and so needing the main men in the story to go on a cattle drive. The man who loves Carissa, Tyler, has some issues of his own to deal with.
It's a good read with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting all the way through.

[Hot Chocolate Confessions · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was a slow read. Not very good character development, as they hardly spend time with each other, but fall madly in love while miles apart. 🤨 only one star from me. I will say that I have read some of her other books and enjoyed them very much. So don’t give up on Tracie if this is your first by her. 😉

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a phenomenal series!! A beautiful Christian Romance set with both difficult circumstances and greater faith in God to see them through their lives! I am delighted with the narration and all the voices of this large cast! I’m awfully sad to have finished this incredible series!!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fitting ending to the 3 book series. Kind of predictable but with some twist. Things I thought would happen didn't and I was surprised by some of the things that did happen. All 3 books were an easy fast read with a very good message woven though out each one.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is becoming my favorite historical romance writer The first book with Will and Hannah became my favorite of 2017 now two and three just made my favorites list of 2020 I highly recommend this series so much

[A Busscher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worst book of the three- cheesy and carissa was not a head strong like the previous books. I didn’t even finish bc I knew what was going to happen. Tyler was going to save her, they get the family farm and oh look at that - perfect family.

[Laura Noble · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm usually a fan of Tracie Peterson, but this book was not very good. The writing is pretty basic and the story lacked depth. There is little development of the love story since the characters spend little time together on page.

[Carol Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys clean fictional reading. Tracie has a way of drawing me into the story. It’s like being a fly on the wall observing the happenings in the book.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good to read a fun, forget everything book. It was about "A young widow nursing the wounds of her past and a cowboy with demons of his own"

[LynnDel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writer assumes reader needs to be spoon fed.

[Emily-Jane Orford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too predictable. And, since I hadn't read the first books in this series, I was quite lost for the first part of the story.

[Aszha Luedecke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how this book intertwined books 1 and 2. It was the perfect ending to the trilogy! Would love a series on the children!

[Tina Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christian romance

I guess my favorite part of the story was when God told Tyler to forgive that Indian, forgiveness is what sets us free.

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic ending to a trilogy where both justice, forgiveness, and God's unique mercy and grace were shown. The characters, by this book, were fully developed, and I loved learning about the facts in this Historical Christian fiction series! I was able to read a copy of this book via Libby, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracie Peterson in her new book “Taming The Wind” Book Three in the Land Of The Lone Star series published by Bethany House takes us into the lives of Carissa Lowe and Tyler Atherton.

From the back cover: A young widow nursing the wounds of her past…
A cowboy with demons of his own…

Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.

Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she’s living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow’s. And Carissa’s daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.

Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?

I have to say I enjoy the Land Of The Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson because Historical Fiction is what she does best. If you have read my reviews before you know that I like history and ”Taming The Wind” is set during the beginning of the Reformation Period right after The Civil War. Both Cassie and Tyler have had painful traumatic pasts that are holding them back from embracing the present and enjoying the future. This is a book about healing, about giving our pain to God and letting Him heal our wounds so that we can be whole again. “Taming The Wind” is a lot of fun with plenty of action and suspense. It is a wonderful romance and the history is perfectly accurate. Ms. Peterson is an amazing writer and she has given us a great story with plenty of believable characters that we root for to win. I liked this book and, as always with a Tracie Peterson book, I am sorry that this is the last book and the series is at an end. The good news is we can look forward to another series by this wonderfully talented author.

Celebrate with Tracie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!
See what people are saying about Taming the Wind.

One fortunate winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire
The entire Land of Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 25th. Winner will be announced at the “Taming the Wind” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/25. Connect with Tracie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Taming the Wind and join Tracie on the evening of the September 26th for a chance to connect with Tracie and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes our past can be our personal prison. We have been so hurt in our pasts that we vow that we will never be hurt like that again, and we make a covenant with ourselves that we will do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn't happen. Even if it means keeping love out at all costs. That's just what Carissa Lowe believes she is doing. She is protecting not only herself and her heart, but that of her daughter Gloria. After the man who she left have her heart, not only broke it but broke her as well and she has resolved to spend her life caring only for her daughter and to keep love out. Even if that means from God as well.

Tyler Atherton is more than just a man of God, he is also Carissa's hero after saving her life from her abusive husband Malcolm. Now he can't seem to get her off his mind. While spending time serving in the Civil War, the United States feels that Tyler has turned traitor by choosing sides against the South by joining with the North. Now they want to claim Tyler's ranch land that was owned by his father because of his service to the North. The ranch lies in Texas and they haven't exactly let the past be forgotten even though the war is over. Now Tyler is working with his friend William on his ranch raising cattle, he hopes he can sell in Kansas on their upcoming cattle drive and hopefully buy back what used to be his. But sometimes the past can't be forgotten.

In the conclusion to the Land of The Lone Star Series by Tracie Peterson, Taming the Wild, reveals just how much the past can still affect our future plans. It can hold us back from the grace and blessings God can offer to heal broken hearts, it can also allow the spirit of forgiveness in to heal past wounds that only God can handle, it can also teach us all that revenge isn't the way to guide us in our futures. Sometimes the hardest thing we can do is to let go of the pain and let God deal with the outcome. In this beautiful conclusion to this series, Tracie Peterson weaves a valuable lesson through the lives of the characters of Carissa Lowe and Tyler Atherton. Each one knows what they are doing is wrong and even though other's try to help them in their walk with God, it's only a choice they can each make that will release them from their own prisons they have created and truly be set free.

I received Taming the Wind by Tracie Peterson compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. This was a wonderful series to see from beginning to end and Tracie continues to speak words of love to my book lover's heart and soul. Her characters are believable due to the flaws they possess make them more like us. There is a part in each one we can relate to and I personally feel that is why this series works so well. For those of you that love Christian Historical Fiction, you will LOVE this series. It can be read as a stand alone but I think you will miss the conflict that happened in Carissa's life prior and thus the need to read the series. It's well worth it and for that reason I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Land of the Lone Star" is a wonderfully-written inspirational historical romance series from author Tracie Peterson. Set in Texas during the Civil War and the years following the end of the war, the series deals equally with the effects of the war and other issues faced by those who lived during this era of myriad societal changes. I was born and raised in the mountains of Virginia, and reminders of the War Between the States are still a powerful presence in the Blue Ridge. Tracie Peterson really captured my interest, and also enlightened and entertained me, with the fascinating history of Civil War Texas. "Taming the Wind" is the third and final book in the series, and it is a rewarding, inspiring read for lovers of historical romance. Carissa Lowe survived a horrible, abusive marriage and the death of her dangerously deceptive husband, Malcolm. The only light in this dark time of trial is her young daughter, Gloria. Visiting the ranch owned by her sister, Laura, and brother-in-law, Brandon, brings Carissa back in touch with Tyler Atherton, the man who helped to rescue her when her husband tried to carry out the evil scheme which eventually cost him his life. While Carissa is drawn to Tyler's quiet strength and grateful to him for saving her life, she is reluctant to ever truly trust another man. Malcolm had preyed upon her youthful vanity and social aspirations for his own purposes. Once they were married, his charm gave way to cruelty. A sadder and wiser Carissa is very protective of her daughter, and she keeps her own heart closely guarded. Tyler has cared for Carissa from the time they first met, but kept his distance due to her marriage to Malcolm. Spending time with Carissa and Gloria makes Tyler long for the chance of a happy future for the three of them, but he is without the means to provide them with a home. Because he fought for the South during the war, he was considered to have fought against the United States, and his property was taken away. Tyler is also still grieving and seeking vengeance against the Comanche war party which killed his father during an attack at their family ranch. A cattle drive to raise much-needed funds will take the men away from home and leave the women to move together to one ranch for better security. Much occurs on the trail and back at the homestead, and lives will be forever changed. Will both Carissa and Tyler let faith fill their hearts and lift their burdens, making the way clear for a life together? A highly recommended series from superlative storyteller Tracie Peterson.

Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books