Shadows of the Canyon

Desert Roses #1

by Tracie Peterson

Book 1 of the Desert Roses series. Working as a Harvey Girl at the luxury resort of El Tovar, located on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, Alexandra Keegan feels she is in a dream come true. But when her father's indiscretions come to light and her mother is suspected of murder, Alex finds herself the center of some unwelcome attention. Will she soon find herself alone in the world?

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

359 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

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

[Sandy]

This was such a different kind of historical fiction. It has murder and suspense, and romance. Great read.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexandria Keegan or Alex, works as a Harvey girl at; El Tovar, a restaurant and hotel in Arizona. She left her father's house because she wanted to earn a way for her mother and her to escape her father's philandering ways and shame, but he only follows her. She has found a friend in Luke Toland, a trail guide who works for the hotel in bringing guest on tours of the grand canyon. He wants more than friendship with Alex, but she doesn't believe that "men" can be faithful and won't allow her heart to trust them. As more rich tourist come to the area so do politicians wanting to gain support for their run as president. One aide to Mr. Winthrop, Joel Harper is doing things underhandedly even illegally eliminating his boss' opponents without his knowledge. Alex and Winthrop's daughter, Valery are wrapped up in the plot. Will they be the next one to go over the edge of the canyon to their death or will the murderer be found and Mrs. Keegan be released of suspicion. I know adultry is a real situation but this book was quite depressing in that it focused so much on it. In the end Alex lets faith, trust and forgiveness win, but it wasn't my favorite book or topic of this author.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandria Keegan is tired of her father's philandering ways. She is a Harvey Girl at an exclusive hotel in the Grand Canyon, El Tovar, and her father now has political aspirations. Alex wants to leave the area with her mother but that would mean leaving behind lovesick cowboy Luke Toland, who has fallen head over heels in crush with Alexandria.

A political convention of sorts comes to El Tovar and Alexandria is forced to fend off the unwelcome attention of Joel Harper, a slimy political aide, and his jealous fiancee, Valerie Winthrop (the pre-Kim Kardashian). There is a lot of double crossing going on, as is the norm in politics. The villain, Joel, occasionally crosses into Snidely Whiplash territory but all the characters are, for the most part, realistic.

Alexandria and Luke both have awesomely funny snarky comebacks when insulted, and that's one of the high points of the book. They're very smart and this only makes them more likable. An interesting, witty read.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've ever read by Tracie Peterson. I loved this book and I have loved everything that I've read by her since then. Can't recommend her highly enough!

[R.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Gina Hott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hott Synopsis:
Alexandria Keegan just can’t get away from philandering, womanizing, selfish men! Her father has shown her from day one how destructive they are and she will not allow herself to be in the same position as her mother is now!
Saving her money so that she can hide her mother from her father’s promiscuous ways, Alexandra can’t help but think that marriage is a trap. But when she’s faced with the unwanted advances of an already engaged political aid and her father advises Alexandra to accept the unwanted attention, she decides men are worthless.

These greedy men are up to something and the more they try to force her into ‘knowing her place’ the more Alexandria wants to see them accountable for their actions. But will it cost Alexandria her life?

Hott Review:

What I liked: Shadows of the Canyon was a suspense-filled ride! It was very emotional and provoking — both in religious and political context. It’s definitely not a light read!
What I didn’t like: I almost put this book down. I wanted to quit reading several times before I reached 20% of the book because I thought it was boring and I didn’t like the characters. Luckily, I kept reading!!

More…

Author: Tracie Peterson
Source: Kindle Free Read on October 1, 2013
Grade: B+
Ages: 16+
Steam: YA
Setting: El Tovar, Grand Canyon, AZ
Series: Desert Roses Book #1

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of this book was very fun. I learned about an aspect of travel I had never even heard of, they were a chain of restaurants and hotels that catered to the railway travelers at the turn of the century. They were called the Harvey House Restaurants and they were run by the Fred Harvey Company. The specific hotel in this book was called El Tovar and was on the rim of the Grand Canyon and is still there today, although it is run by another company. I generally enjoy religious fiction, because I know there won't be a lot of unecessary garbage in them. I enjoyed the story of this book, but all of the references to being saved by grace were more than I cared for, especially because to my knowlege the particular phrasing in this book is more modern vernacular than would have occured around the turn of the century. I also felt like some of the language and names were too modern for the hitorical time it occured in.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of Tracie's books, and I just love them! I was very drawn into this book, especially since I love historical romance! It's not as good as some of her newer books(or even book #1 of her New Mexico Sunrise series, which isn't new at all), but this one was really good, nevertheless. I just fell in love with Luke...and how he had to fight for Alexs' love? Love it! It was a little predictable, but it's still totally worth reading!

I have the 3-in-1 series, and I tried to read the second one, but it starts out kinda slow, and I was just dying to read some of the books on my kindle that have been beckoning me...But I don't know, maybe it's still good...

Anybody who has read Across The Years? Is it worth it?

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

trust a politician? Yes I can believe the writer it her story.
Even though women had the vote men did not want to give up control over them. They were useful tools for many husband/father. The damage to the children in watching the men flirt, use women and keep their wives home, belittling them, yet many got their wealth through marriage.
the writer certainly portrayed the fear, suspicion, traitor/disloyalty. Joel in this story had no conscience of life being sacred, no fear of consequences, seen to have no justice especially in raping a virgin, hiring assassins. My feelings of anger of no justice, mistreatment of woman makes me somewhat thankful for todays laws.

[Stacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a typical Tracie Peterson book. I think I enjoy her newer ones better, but they always are fun. She usually has overly horrid, evil antagonists that always want to harm/hurt/kill our hero and/or heroine. As is with this book. Its a good story and I love the adventure, to see exactly what will happen. There's always a point in her books where you can't put them down. As is with this one.

However, with this particular book, I feel like she might have put some of our modern day lack of morality onto the early 1900's.

It was a fun book to read.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadows of a Canyon was a light pleasant read.

The first third of the novel was slow and didn't look too promising as it's entire focus was on the love triangles plaguing the characters. However, other plot elements and storylines picked up to add a bit of suspense and drama. Plus the romantic drama was resolved. Although the romance elements were still in the latter parts of the novel, they were more enjoyable with the mix of the other things.
The novel was good. It wasn't fantastic, but it was nice to go back in time and watch the story unfold.

[Mary Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked reading this book. I was hooked from page one. I loved the plot and characters. When I read a book I get drawn by very well written characters and this book had them. I loved Luke and Alex as characters and loved the ending for them. Also I liked now Joel's character was written. I hated him so much. I wanted to slap him no better hurt him. Now that is a good character. he got what he desered in the end and I was like yes! I can not wait to read the next book in the series.

[Dee Renee Chesnut · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was free when I downloaded it from Barnes and Noble to my Nook library. I read several books by Peterson that were free at the time of download, and this was the first one I could not bear to read anymore of it. I could not take any more of the repetitive whining of Alex and her harsh judgements of her antagonists. I wanted this story about about a Harvey girl who worked at El Tovar in the Grand Canyon to be better, and that is the only reason I read as far as I did.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in Tracie Peterson's Desert Rose series, and was a good beginning to a series that I plan to complete. This title takes place in the early 1920's at a resort on the edge of the Grand Canyon. Loaded with suspense, some really bad "bad guys", and Peterson's usual sweet romance with God at the helm made for an entertaining read. I am ready to find the other two in the series.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life can be hard and it is beyond our comprehension.

Alex has lived a very hard life amidst all of the riches and glamour that many a girl wishes for. She has experienced first hand what, wealth and power can do to a person.

When she is Black mailed what will she do to get out of this awful mess. Her only hope is in God, will He save her from those who threaten her very life?

[Sara Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't normally like romances, but this one had enough mystery and history in it that I didn't mind. Read it in one afternoon, a few hours. Nothing amazing about the writing but it didn't stink, either.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this series at our local library- it was a good clean romance set in the historical period of the early 1900's. Each book features a different girl- but the tying theme is they all work at the Harvey restaurants that are along the railroad in the southwest.

[Alissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read this for my book group. Our topic this month was Inspirational Fiction and we each read one. I actually listened to this on audiobook. It was ok. I thought I'd like this history and the mystery but really it was too contrived for me.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first third, maybe half of this book. The end was just a little too predictable, yet utterly ridiculous. Is it too much to ask for an enjoyable, realistic Christian romance to read on a Saturday afternoon?

[Kathy Dixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was dragging. I sped read it. Predictable storyline. I have read other books by this author I thoroughly enjoyed. This one disappointed me. I will not stop reading this author though. She has drawn me in.

[Debby Baumgartner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex is from Williams Arizona and working as a Harvey Girl at the El Trovar Resort at the Grand Canyon. While her family is rich, her father is constantly bringing scandal to the family with his affairs with other woman. Will Alex trust a man enough to marry him?

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. But I tried to read the second one and couldn't get into it. This one was good though.

[Gloria]

Don't bother.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love this era. So glad they showed how the Harvey Girls were important to this time in history. Great story with great characters to love. The whole series is good.

[Angela Sellers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the you are instantly thrown into the world of the main characters. The only problem was that it was fairly predictable.

[Catherine Clem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Tracie Peterson. I really enjoy reading historical Christian fiction. If you like that genre, you will love this series.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

woman deals with philandering father who's interested in politics

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story...once I got into it, it was very hard to put down. I kept you wondering who was doing the killing and then she reveals it right towards the end. I love Tracie's style.

[Chanel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sweet and a bit sappy. I used to read these types of romance books when I was teenager. I am old enough to know better now. LOL

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

History, action, love, and faith yup this booth has everything I enjoy reading in a novel. Thanks for the free read Amazon.