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Land of Shining Water #2
The Quarryman's Bride
Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together...until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne's youngest sisters. Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated.
Years later, Emmalyne's family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne's father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin's father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.
Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?
Years later, Emmalyne's family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne's father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin's father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.
Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
213 people are currently reading
1707 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
249 books3,120 followersTracie 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
pen name: Janelle Jamison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
August 12, 2015
Not a typical review... This is what I posted on my blog, though.
I generally like to rave on great father/daughter relationships in books I read and I adore a good father character. However, that was not to be the case with this book. Five pages in (yes, I checked… lol!), I already disliked Emmalyne’s dad. By the end of chapter 3, it was official: I could not stand the man! At this point, my family was getting an ear full (or, rather, several ears full) of my frustration with and anger at this character. Finally, Brother #3 asked me, “Why don’t you just stop reading it, then? Find another book to read.” And I replied, “I just might!” But, as you know, I didn’t stop reading. Honestly, I couldn’t stop. Something about the story just pulled me in and I could not stop reading until I knew how it ended. And I don’t mean how the romance ended — come on, I knew as soon as I read the back of the book how that was going to end! I’m talking about needing to know exactly how it would all work out and how Emmalyne’s dad would change by the end of the story.
One thing that surprised me was that Tavin and Emmalyne’s story was almost like a side story for me. It really should have been more important, but I already knew how it would turn out, so I wasn’t too worried about it. I was much more interested in the story of the Knox family — in particular, Mr. Luthias Knox. (Did I mention that even his name drove me crazy?! Is it just me, or does it make you feel like you’re saying Lucius with a lisp? Gah!!)
Mr. Knox is bitter, hateful, selfish, rude, inconsiderate… Yeah, you probably get the picture. Several times, he made me so angry that I had to put the book down for a moment and remind myself that he was just a fictional character.
Then, the author begins to give glimpses into what makes Mr. Knox the was he is. Mostly, he’s dealing with bitterness anger toward God over things from his past. This, of course, has separated him from God. The result? A very unhappy man who is hurting inside and not dealing with things the way he should. This is when my feelings toward him changed to pity and sadness. when I realized what he was dealing with in his life beneath the surface that everyone could see, I just couldn’t hate or despise him.
During the first “conversation” between Tavin and Mr. Know, Tavin tells him that he’s not a man of honor because he went back on his agreement to let Tavin and Emmalyne get married. I think this was the first time Mr. Knox had ever thought of his actions that way. Tavin tells him, “Your word means very little to me. You broke your word…” (Just a side note: How easy it is to lose someone’s trust and respect) I think this got him to thinking about how he had been treating his family and greatly influenced the change in him.
When Emmalyne is talking to her dad about loving him, he gives us a glimpse into his heart. He tells his daughter that he doesn’t deserve love, especially from her; he says he has never done anything to deserve her love. Imagine living this way! It would make you miserable!
Through others getting right with God, they were able to influence Mr. Knox life in a positive way that drew him back to God.
By the time I came to the end of the book, I found that I loved Mr. Knox. His ability to humble himself before his family and friends in order to make things right really impressed me. Many people wouldn’t be able to do that. He really did love his family, he just didn’t know how to show it to them because he was so consumed by his bitterness. When he finally got things right with God, he was able to forgive and love again. He ended up being one of my favorite characters.
I really liked that Mr. Knox was a secondary character, so the story wasn’t told from his point of view. I think that might have ruined it for me. It made it more real to me to be able to “get to know” this character much the same way I would get to know someone in real life — through my eyes and the eyes of others. Seeing how my opinion of him changed throughout the story made me re-think the harsh opinions I’ve had of people in real life. People I didn’t know. People who have gone through and are going through things in their personal lives that I may never know about. Who am I to immediately judge them the way I did Mr. Knox? Instead, I should pray for them, love them, and be willing and ready to help them if I can. And, perhaps, my prayers and love will help draw them to God. It would definitely be more likely to help than would a bad, judgmental attitude.
Anyway… I realize that this is pretty long and it isn’t really much of a book review, but it is what touched me the most about this book. Though I think I enjoyed the first book in the Land of Shining Water series better, The Quarryman’s Bride is a really great read!
I generally like to rave on great father/daughter relationships in books I read and I adore a good father character. However, that was not to be the case with this book. Five pages in (yes, I checked… lol!), I already disliked Emmalyne’s dad. By the end of chapter 3, it was official: I could not stand the man! At this point, my family was getting an ear full (or, rather, several ears full) of my frustration with and anger at this character. Finally, Brother #3 asked me, “Why don’t you just stop reading it, then? Find another book to read.” And I replied, “I just might!” But, as you know, I didn’t stop reading. Honestly, I couldn’t stop. Something about the story just pulled me in and I could not stop reading until I knew how it ended. And I don’t mean how the romance ended — come on, I knew as soon as I read the back of the book how that was going to end! I’m talking about needing to know exactly how it would all work out and how Emmalyne’s dad would change by the end of the story.
One thing that surprised me was that Tavin and Emmalyne’s story was almost like a side story for me. It really should have been more important, but I already knew how it would turn out, so I wasn’t too worried about it. I was much more interested in the story of the Knox family — in particular, Mr. Luthias Knox. (Did I mention that even his name drove me crazy?! Is it just me, or does it make you feel like you’re saying Lucius with a lisp? Gah!!)
Mr. Knox is bitter, hateful, selfish, rude, inconsiderate… Yeah, you probably get the picture. Several times, he made me so angry that I had to put the book down for a moment and remind myself that he was just a fictional character.
Then, the author begins to give glimpses into what makes Mr. Knox the was he is. Mostly, he’s dealing with bitterness anger toward God over things from his past. This, of course, has separated him from God. The result? A very unhappy man who is hurting inside and not dealing with things the way he should. This is when my feelings toward him changed to pity and sadness. when I realized what he was dealing with in his life beneath the surface that everyone could see, I just couldn’t hate or despise him.
During the first “conversation” between Tavin and Mr. Know, Tavin tells him that he’s not a man of honor because he went back on his agreement to let Tavin and Emmalyne get married. I think this was the first time Mr. Knox had ever thought of his actions that way. Tavin tells him, “Your word means very little to me. You broke your word…” (Just a side note: How easy it is to lose someone’s trust and respect) I think this got him to thinking about how he had been treating his family and greatly influenced the change in him.
When Emmalyne is talking to her dad about loving him, he gives us a glimpse into his heart. He tells his daughter that he doesn’t deserve love, especially from her; he says he has never done anything to deserve her love. Imagine living this way! It would make you miserable!
Through others getting right with God, they were able to influence Mr. Knox life in a positive way that drew him back to God.
By the time I came to the end of the book, I found that I loved Mr. Knox. His ability to humble himself before his family and friends in order to make things right really impressed me. Many people wouldn’t be able to do that. He really did love his family, he just didn’t know how to show it to them because he was so consumed by his bitterness. When he finally got things right with God, he was able to forgive and love again. He ended up being one of my favorite characters.
I really liked that Mr. Knox was a secondary character, so the story wasn’t told from his point of view. I think that might have ruined it for me. It made it more real to me to be able to “get to know” this character much the same way I would get to know someone in real life — through my eyes and the eyes of others. Seeing how my opinion of him changed throughout the story made me re-think the harsh opinions I’ve had of people in real life. People I didn’t know. People who have gone through and are going through things in their personal lives that I may never know about. Who am I to immediately judge them the way I did Mr. Knox? Instead, I should pray for them, love them, and be willing and ready to help them if I can. And, perhaps, my prayers and love will help draw them to God. It would definitely be more likely to help than would a bad, judgmental attitude.
Anyway… I realize that this is pretty long and it isn’t really much of a book review, but it is what touched me the most about this book. Though I think I enjoyed the first book in the Land of Shining Water series better, The Quarryman’s Bride is a really great read!
March 21, 2017
Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together...until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne's youngest sisters. Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated. Years later Tavin and Emmalyne meet again. Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?
I didn't think it was possible to have a second book that was even better than The Icecutter's Daughter, but Peterson did it. The plot was complex, the characters each unique, the drama rose to a dramatic crescendo, and the faith element was strong from start to finish. The story is touching and poignant filled with characters dealing with different problems and most believers who have lost their way for one reason or another. I admired Emmalyne for standing by what her faith led her to believe was her duty when she wanted so much to be with Tavin. My heart broke for Fenella who was lost in her own world. I thought Peterson did an excellent job with the historical detail of how mental problems were dealt with during this time period. And, for most of the book, I wanted to wring Emmalyne's father's neck! But God's grace and mercy brought each of them back to the plan God had for their lives and filled their hearts again with love.
Definitely recommend this book, and the series does not need to be read in order as they are done as stand alones connected only by the setting.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Jesus took on the curses and sins and wrath of God against all evil at Calvary. As God's children we might endure discipline, but surely not God's wrath. Jesus paid the price for that already."
"You can begin by doing and saying loving things.....Love is not an emotion but an act."
"Life without hope is no life at all."
I didn't think it was possible to have a second book that was even better than The Icecutter's Daughter, but Peterson did it. The plot was complex, the characters each unique, the drama rose to a dramatic crescendo, and the faith element was strong from start to finish. The story is touching and poignant filled with characters dealing with different problems and most believers who have lost their way for one reason or another. I admired Emmalyne for standing by what her faith led her to believe was her duty when she wanted so much to be with Tavin. My heart broke for Fenella who was lost in her own world. I thought Peterson did an excellent job with the historical detail of how mental problems were dealt with during this time period. And, for most of the book, I wanted to wring Emmalyne's father's neck! But God's grace and mercy brought each of them back to the plan God had for their lives and filled their hearts again with love.
Definitely recommend this book, and the series does not need to be read in order as they are done as stand alones connected only by the setting.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Jesus took on the curses and sins and wrath of God against all evil at Calvary. As God's children we might endure discipline, but surely not God's wrath. Jesus paid the price for that already."
"You can begin by doing and saying loving things.....Love is not an emotion but an act."
"Life without hope is no life at all."
December 8, 2021
Another charmer! I’m loving this series so much. Can’t wait to read book three.
The tangible, raw grief began on page one. I was thrilled that this was such an emotional story, because those are often my favorites.
I had no clue about the interesting tradition where the youngest child sacrifices her future to take care of her aging parents. I adore touches like that that show the author did her homework and found a neat tidbit in the heritage of her characters to weave into the story.
The tough, harsh father was a great choice for this story. It added depth, turmoil, and hope to the plot and made life difficult on the lead and the rest of her family. The melancholia the wife dealt with was so realistic! Emmalyne’s worries, reactions, and yearnings were realistic with such a tyrant of a father. I really admired her determination to love him through it. That could not have been an easy choice, but it certainly was heroic.
Once again, Mrs. Peterson delivered a fine plot with lots of twists and turns. Her stories always sweep me into the past in such superb fashion that I want to stay there for a while after I close the book.
Content: bars, alcohol
The tangible, raw grief began on page one. I was thrilled that this was such an emotional story, because those are often my favorites.
I had no clue about the interesting tradition where the youngest child sacrifices her future to take care of her aging parents. I adore touches like that that show the author did her homework and found a neat tidbit in the heritage of her characters to weave into the story.
The tough, harsh father was a great choice for this story. It added depth, turmoil, and hope to the plot and made life difficult on the lead and the rest of her family. The melancholia the wife dealt with was so realistic! Emmalyne’s worries, reactions, and yearnings were realistic with such a tyrant of a father. I really admired her determination to love him through it. That could not have been an easy choice, but it certainly was heroic.
Once again, Mrs. Peterson delivered a fine plot with lots of twists and turns. Her stories always sweep me into the past in such superb fashion that I want to stay there for a while after I close the book.
Content: bars, alcohol
January 1, 2016
This is my third Tracie Peterson novel and my favorite so far, but even so, I didn't love it. I think I can say that there is something about her writing that I don't seem to click with. The Quarryman's Bride is an entertaining story overall, but I just didn't feel much of a connection with the characters. For all that it's about the quarryman and his bride, there wasn't a lot of chemistry between the two of them.
The relationship between Emmalyne and her father was more compelling to me than the romance, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Although the subject matter is compelling, I never felt that the story went very deep. I felt that a lot of things are told to the reader rather than shown. It was good for a light, easy one-time read, but I am not in a rush to finish the series. Tracie Peterson has so many adoring fans, so take my opinion with a grain of salt if you love her stories already.
The relationship between Emmalyne and her father was more compelling to me than the romance, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Although the subject matter is compelling, I never felt that the story went very deep. I felt that a lot of things are told to the reader rather than shown. It was good for a light, easy one-time read, but I am not in a rush to finish the series. Tracie Peterson has so many adoring fans, so take my opinion with a grain of salt if you love her stories already.
July 13, 2022
Oh, to be back in the Midwest again. The story of Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan is a perfect book on love, friendship, family duty, and second chances.
Emmalyne Knox's family is devastated after a tornado rips through their town and kills her two younger sisters. But Emmalyne has a bright side, her upcoming marriage to Tavin MacLachlan, or so so thought. With the old-age duty of the youngest daughter to be unwed and take care of her aging family, with the death of her sisters, that role lands on her. She handles it with grace and dignity, though has her times, but her fiance leaves town and doesn't come back.
Eleven years later the Knox family returns and her father and brother begin working at the MacLachlan quarry. So much has happened since they left. Her best friend, and Tavin's sister lost her husband in a quarry accident, and is no longer the friend she left. Once hearing about the new quarry and his sister Tavin decides it is time to come home.
A great story of changing times, how tragedy affects people differently, and that second chances to come to those who wait. A lovely story that I was engrossed in from the very beginning. Again, another hit from Tracie Peterson for me.
Emmalyne Knox's family is devastated after a tornado rips through their town and kills her two younger sisters. But Emmalyne has a bright side, her upcoming marriage to Tavin MacLachlan, or so so thought. With the old-age duty of the youngest daughter to be unwed and take care of her aging family, with the death of her sisters, that role lands on her. She handles it with grace and dignity, though has her times, but her fiance leaves town and doesn't come back.
Eleven years later the Knox family returns and her father and brother begin working at the MacLachlan quarry. So much has happened since they left. Her best friend, and Tavin's sister lost her husband in a quarry accident, and is no longer the friend she left. Once hearing about the new quarry and his sister Tavin decides it is time to come home.
A great story of changing times, how tragedy affects people differently, and that second chances to come to those who wait. A lovely story that I was engrossed in from the very beginning. Again, another hit from Tracie Peterson for me.
December 31, 2015
The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie Peterson
1880's, St. Cloud MN. Loved the first book in this series, The Icecutter's Daughter and the timeframe. Was so happy to learn I could get this one and the next.
Emmalyne Knox and her father are staying at her fiancee Tavin MacLachlan family house due to the tornado that wiped out not only the younger girls but their house and Emmas' future.
She can not marry-now it's her responsibility to care for her father and mother=because now she's the youngest in the family. She chooses to obey God and not her heart...
11 years later we find Emma, Angus her brother and parents moving back to St. Cloud. Mr. MacLachian has a house they can rent and she's learned Tavin probably went to Maine to find quarry work after they had left the area.
The others in her family no longer had time for God, she still believed in his qualities to guide her in life.
The new doctor Jason, comes to see to her mother's ailments and he is taken with Emma. Emma is busy cleaning and whitewashing the rooms downstairs as the house is a disaster. When Angus becomes sick the mother, Rowena seems to have spark in her life again along with her faith in God.
The story also follows the MacLachian family and the hardships they endure at home with the sister and at work with union worker's problems and failure of equipment.
Tavin is to return home and help his father run the quarry. He has furthered his career working with stone. He is still in love with her and will hate working where her father and brother work but he gave his father a promise he would work for the contract.
Loved hearing how the stone is alive and can tell stories...Scotish traditions of churning the butter sound so magical-driving the fairies away.
Love how things are solved, not with fists but talking. The priest also helps them to understand that they must have faith in God about all the circumstances that occur to them and friends. Others talk more freely of God also and that sways others to think about Him.
Like that there are two families and few characters to keep track of-with a few others mixed in. So easy to keep track of the people. Love hearing all the detailed descriptions of things-I learned so much.
Many scriptures are quoted to help aide them in decisions and their faith.
I received this book from Net Galley via Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
1880's, St. Cloud MN. Loved the first book in this series, The Icecutter's Daughter and the timeframe. Was so happy to learn I could get this one and the next.
Emmalyne Knox and her father are staying at her fiancee Tavin MacLachlan family house due to the tornado that wiped out not only the younger girls but their house and Emmas' future.
She can not marry-now it's her responsibility to care for her father and mother=because now she's the youngest in the family. She chooses to obey God and not her heart...
11 years later we find Emma, Angus her brother and parents moving back to St. Cloud. Mr. MacLachian has a house they can rent and she's learned Tavin probably went to Maine to find quarry work after they had left the area.
The others in her family no longer had time for God, she still believed in his qualities to guide her in life.
The new doctor Jason, comes to see to her mother's ailments and he is taken with Emma. Emma is busy cleaning and whitewashing the rooms downstairs as the house is a disaster. When Angus becomes sick the mother, Rowena seems to have spark in her life again along with her faith in God.
The story also follows the MacLachian family and the hardships they endure at home with the sister and at work with union worker's problems and failure of equipment.
Tavin is to return home and help his father run the quarry. He has furthered his career working with stone. He is still in love with her and will hate working where her father and brother work but he gave his father a promise he would work for the contract.
Loved hearing how the stone is alive and can tell stories...Scotish traditions of churning the butter sound so magical-driving the fairies away.
Love how things are solved, not with fists but talking. The priest also helps them to understand that they must have faith in God about all the circumstances that occur to them and friends. Others talk more freely of God also and that sways others to think about Him.
Like that there are two families and few characters to keep track of-with a few others mixed in. So easy to keep track of the people. Love hearing all the detailed descriptions of things-I learned so much.
Many scriptures are quoted to help aide them in decisions and their faith.
I received this book from Net Galley via Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
May 5, 2021
This one was overflowing with tragedies. Not really my cup of tea.
There was a nice redemption that both Tavin & Luthias underwent. And that was beautiful.
But the author spent so much time building up a place for Fenella only to have her die. There was so much hope that she could regain her broken mind and then all the hope was completely drained upon her death. She left two small children behind. Talk about trauma!
So, there's a tradition in Emmy's family. The youngest daughter will forego marriage to take of the parents as they age. Well, Emmy wasn't the youngest daughter until a tornado took her two younger sisters. Now, her marriage to Tavin is canceled by her tyrannical father and he moves them across the state.
Tavin is livid. And is running on hatred and anger. Emmy is sad and lives to serve her parents. Her mother is devastated at the loss of her two young daughters. And when Emmy's only brother (Angus) falls ill, her mother rekindles her desire to live if for nothing else to see Angus well. He lives (sorry, spoiler!). Luthias blames all the deaths of his entire family and two daughters on his wife. No wonder she's lost the will to live! They are all a big mess. Thankfully, there's a loving G-d who helps them through it all and me through the book.
I've said this a million times, I read for entertainment. There were parts that were cute, thank you Angus & Emmy. But the rest was so heavy and depressing it made it very hard for me to enjoy it. I don't really have a popular opinion (par for the course) on this one.
The historical aspects were nice. But again, too sad and overshadowed for an enjoyable read. I find that Tracie is hit and miss for me. There are some of her books I love. And others that just bomb. But that's the way the coin flips, I guess!
You might like it. A lot of my GR friends do!! Try it out. It is part of a series but essentially is a stand-alone.
There was a nice redemption that both Tavin & Luthias underwent. And that was beautiful.
But the author spent so much time building up a place for Fenella only to have her die. There was so much hope that she could regain her broken mind and then all the hope was completely drained upon her death. She left two small children behind. Talk about trauma!
So, there's a tradition in Emmy's family. The youngest daughter will forego marriage to take of the parents as they age. Well, Emmy wasn't the youngest daughter until a tornado took her two younger sisters. Now, her marriage to Tavin is canceled by her tyrannical father and he moves them across the state.
Tavin is livid. And is running on hatred and anger. Emmy is sad and lives to serve her parents. Her mother is devastated at the loss of her two young daughters. And when Emmy's only brother (Angus) falls ill, her mother rekindles her desire to live if for nothing else to see Angus well. He lives (sorry, spoiler!). Luthias blames all the deaths of his entire family and two daughters on his wife. No wonder she's lost the will to live! They are all a big mess. Thankfully, there's a loving G-d who helps them through it all and me through the book.
I've said this a million times, I read for entertainment. There were parts that were cute, thank you Angus & Emmy. But the rest was so heavy and depressing it made it very hard for me to enjoy it. I don't really have a popular opinion (par for the course) on this one.
The historical aspects were nice. But again, too sad and overshadowed for an enjoyable read. I find that Tracie is hit and miss for me. There are some of her books I love. And others that just bomb. But that's the way the coin flips, I guess!
You might like it. A lot of my GR friends do!! Try it out. It is part of a series but essentially is a stand-alone.
April 3, 2024
The story takes place in 1886, in Minnesota. Emmalyne is engaged to marry Tavin but because she lost two younger sisters in a storm, her stern father forbids her to marry. She has to care for her family, he rules. She submits because she’s been taught to obey. She becomes a “Cinderella” doing most all of everything. This book tears at your heart strings but delivers a novel that absorbs the reader and also provides not only Biblical truths but their application. Loved this!
May 7, 2023
This book was sweet and wonderful, but it also held a lot more of a serious tone then her others have - dealing with death, depression, and almost like a PTSD like disorder.
I would have like to see more romance between Em and Tavin than I got, but it was overall really good and I can't wait to read more of her books!
I would have like to see more romance between Em and Tavin than I got, but it was overall really good and I can't wait to read more of her books!
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September 3, 2024
This one was better than the Icecutter’s Daughter, but still not my favorite. I just wish Emmalyne and Tavin would have just married right at the beginning and not have to spend all those years apart. Tavin is such a jerk when Emmalyne sees him again. I mean, he actually tells her that he hates her like what? The whole situation with Fenella was heartbreaking! For these reasons, I rated this book 1 star.
June 19, 2013
Life was perfect. Two families soon about to become part of each other. Tavin MacLachlan and Emmalyne Knox had just a couple weeks left before their much anticipated wedding. Until tragedy struck and now instead of a wedding, Emmalyne is attending a funeral. With the death of her two younger sisters in the tornado that came to St. Cloud, the tradition of remaining single and caring for her parents now falls on her shoulders. With that comes the end of all the dreams that Emmalyne and Tavin had for their future. There will be no changing her father's opinion.
Now eleven years later, fate is about to intervene. Emmalyne's father returns the family to St. Cloud to being work at the quarry owned now by the MacLachlan family. He is offered a job and a home in exchange for moving back to St. Cloud, something Emmalyne never expected would happen. She wonders if Tavin has married and started a family of her own. She realizes that her future is now sealed with her family's long standing tradition of the third daughter carrying for the parents until they die and she knows there is nothing outside of a faithful prayer to God that anything might ever change. She has had her hands full in caring for her mother who seems lost in sadness after the loss of her daughters so many years ago. Is there a way to help her her mother or will she sit back and watch her fall deeper into depression?
The last thing Tavin expected upon his return to St. Cloud was to be offered a job by his father upon his help completing their contract to fulfill a large quarry order. It will give him the independence he desires and enable him to be close to his family now that his sister Fenella is but a shell of her former self since losing her husband in a quarry accident. She must now remain locked in her room for fear of her hurting herself or her two young boys. Tavin's strength will be tested in ways he never imagined now that he has returned home. His greatest test will be how he will react when coming face to face with Emmalyne again.
I received The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie Peterson compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is truly a story about forgiveness, honor and restoration, not only for Tavin and Emmalyne who have both put their faith aside believing a truly loving God isn't capable of hurting those who love Him. It really does tell the story of why it seems that God allows bad things to happen to good people. There is hope and a restoration of faith through the diligence of prayer beginning with Emmalyne who feels that somehow God is still in the midst of everything she is going through and only through relying on Him will anything change in her family. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward in anticipation of the next novel in the Land Of Shining Waters Series. The Quarryman's Bride is Book 2, with The Icecutter's Daughter being the first.
Now eleven years later, fate is about to intervene. Emmalyne's father returns the family to St. Cloud to being work at the quarry owned now by the MacLachlan family. He is offered a job and a home in exchange for moving back to St. Cloud, something Emmalyne never expected would happen. She wonders if Tavin has married and started a family of her own. She realizes that her future is now sealed with her family's long standing tradition of the third daughter carrying for the parents until they die and she knows there is nothing outside of a faithful prayer to God that anything might ever change. She has had her hands full in caring for her mother who seems lost in sadness after the loss of her daughters so many years ago. Is there a way to help her her mother or will she sit back and watch her fall deeper into depression?
The last thing Tavin expected upon his return to St. Cloud was to be offered a job by his father upon his help completing their contract to fulfill a large quarry order. It will give him the independence he desires and enable him to be close to his family now that his sister Fenella is but a shell of her former self since losing her husband in a quarry accident. She must now remain locked in her room for fear of her hurting herself or her two young boys. Tavin's strength will be tested in ways he never imagined now that he has returned home. His greatest test will be how he will react when coming face to face with Emmalyne again.
I received The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie Peterson compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is truly a story about forgiveness, honor and restoration, not only for Tavin and Emmalyne who have both put their faith aside believing a truly loving God isn't capable of hurting those who love Him. It really does tell the story of why it seems that God allows bad things to happen to good people. There is hope and a restoration of faith through the diligence of prayer beginning with Emmalyne who feels that somehow God is still in the midst of everything she is going through and only through relying on Him will anything change in her family. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward in anticipation of the next novel in the Land Of Shining Waters Series. The Quarryman's Bride is Book 2, with The Icecutter's Daughter being the first.
October 14, 2013
The Quarryman’s Bride is the second book in Tracie Peterson’s Land of Shining Water trilogy. I have not read a lot of Tracie Peterson’s books, but I have enjoyed the ones I have read. The Quarryman’s Bride was probably my favorite of all the ones I’ve read though. The second book in trilogies are usually my least favorite, but seeing as the Land of Shining Water trilogy books are not really connected, The Quarryman’s Bride was definitely my favorite of the three.
Emmalyne and Tavin are weeks away from getting married when a tornado sweeps through St. Cloud, killing Emmalyne’s younger sisters. Family tradition is that the youngest daughter remain unmarried in order to care for her parents. With her younger sisters dead, Emmalyne is left as the youngest daughter and therefore must break her engagement in order to take care of her parents. Following her parents, Emmalyne moves with them to Minneapolis. Heartbroken, Tavin leaves town as well. However, eleven years later, both Emmalyne’s family and Tavin have returned to St. Cloud. Their feelings are as strong as ever but they both feel that they must deny those feelings since so many obstacles stand in their way. Amidst their resurfaced feelings Tavin works with his father at the quarry he owns. Working at the quarry, trouble arises, and Tavin and his father must find who is behind these “accidents.”
The heartbreak between Emmalyne and Tavin will pull at your heartstrings. I felt my heart breaking for them as they were forced apart and even when they were reunited, they still have so much standing in their way. The Quarryman’s Bride is a wonderful story about two lovers who must learn to rely on God and trust in his healing love. I fell in love with this story and I truly enjoyed the characters that Peterson brought to life.
I received a free ecopy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I did not receive any compensation for this review and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.
Leah B.
Must Love Books
mustlovereading.wordpress.com
Emmalyne and Tavin are weeks away from getting married when a tornado sweeps through St. Cloud, killing Emmalyne’s younger sisters. Family tradition is that the youngest daughter remain unmarried in order to care for her parents. With her younger sisters dead, Emmalyne is left as the youngest daughter and therefore must break her engagement in order to take care of her parents. Following her parents, Emmalyne moves with them to Minneapolis. Heartbroken, Tavin leaves town as well. However, eleven years later, both Emmalyne’s family and Tavin have returned to St. Cloud. Their feelings are as strong as ever but they both feel that they must deny those feelings since so many obstacles stand in their way. Amidst their resurfaced feelings Tavin works with his father at the quarry he owns. Working at the quarry, trouble arises, and Tavin and his father must find who is behind these “accidents.”
The heartbreak between Emmalyne and Tavin will pull at your heartstrings. I felt my heart breaking for them as they were forced apart and even when they were reunited, they still have so much standing in their way. The Quarryman’s Bride is a wonderful story about two lovers who must learn to rely on God and trust in his healing love. I fell in love with this story and I truly enjoyed the characters that Peterson brought to life.
I received a free ecopy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I did not receive any compensation for this review and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.
Leah B.
Must Love Books
mustlovereading.wordpress.com
June 28, 2013
My thoughts: The story is set in America and involves families who have Scottish heritage and strong Scottish accent. Meet Emmalyne's family the head of which, her father, is a Scottish, hard-nosed tyrant that believes in family tradition. He is also a man very angry at life and the people around him suffer from his anger and bitterness. His demands upon Emmalyne are hard, unjust, and unreasonable for any sane man to impose on his daughter. On the cusp of her wedding to Tavin, her father demands they not marry and she remain single as the caregiver (translate "servant") to her parents. But the demands and unreasonable attitude continue for years.
There are scenes you will nearly weep over and rail at the old curdmonger. There are also scenes of tenderness. You'll meet Tavin's family, also Scottish, who are handling their sorrows differently. Their family has seemingly unbearable tragedies, too.
This is a story of bitterness and anger, love and redemption, of grace and forgiveness.
Tracie Peterson has again written a story well worth the reading and one I recommend.
GIVEAWAY: The good folks at Litfuse Publicity group are graciously providing a giveaway copy for one of Chat With Vera's readers. Begins June 28 & ENDS July 15, 2013 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open to USA addresses only.
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. www.traciepeterson.com Purchase a copy
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group and the author in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. The giveaway copy is provided also by Litfuse and will be shipped directly to the winner.
There are scenes you will nearly weep over and rail at the old curdmonger. There are also scenes of tenderness. You'll meet Tavin's family, also Scottish, who are handling their sorrows differently. Their family has seemingly unbearable tragedies, too.
This is a story of bitterness and anger, love and redemption, of grace and forgiveness.
Tracie Peterson has again written a story well worth the reading and one I recommend.
GIVEAWAY: The good folks at Litfuse Publicity group are graciously providing a giveaway copy for one of Chat With Vera's readers. Begins June 28 & ENDS July 15, 2013 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open to USA addresses only.
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. www.traciepeterson.com Purchase a copy
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group and the author in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. The giveaway copy is provided also by Litfuse and will be shipped directly to the winner.
June 25, 2013
I have been a fan of Tracie Peterson's for years because I know whenever I pick up one of her stories I am going to find an adventure and meet characters that will stick with me. With "The Quarryman's Bride" I found myself finding both those things and more. I loved the setting and timeframe of the story, but more than that I found myself caring about what would happen to the characters.The character of Emmalyne did what was expected of her and that was to give up Tavin, the man that she loved, even if it broke her heart. When their lives intersect again eleven years later one couldn't help but hope that they might finally get what their hearts had always wanted. Can they overcome the hurt of the past and allow God to lead them to their future? I needed to know the answer to that question and that's exactly what kept me turning the pages. Ms.Peterson provides a few life lessons as this story unfolds, such as how anger and hurt can eat away at someone, but also how God often has a greater plan in store. While this book is the second in the Land of the Shining Water series it can be read as a stand alone work. Fans of very well written historical, inspirational romance will certainly enjoy reading this one.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
May 27, 2013
Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan 's wedding was just a few weeks away when a tornado devastates her family by killing her two youger sisters. Because of a long standing tradition of their heritage, Emmalyne is forced to take care of of her parents, thus calling off the wedding.
Tavin leaves home and takes many different jobs trying to rid his memories of the wonman that he loved. No matter what he did he was not to get Emmalyne out of his mind. Eleven years later he returns home to work with his father, Robert MacLeachlan who owns and operates a quarry.
Can love survive? Check out this wonderful story and find many twists and turns to this story. This is the first book that I have read by Tracie Peterson and I must say that I will be reading others She grabs you from the first page and doesn't let up until you close the book at the last page.
The Quarryman's Bride is the second book in Tracie Peterson's series called The Land of Shinning Water. It can be read as a stand alone book.
Thank you Net Galley and Bethany House for this ebook in exchange for a review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
Tavin leaves home and takes many different jobs trying to rid his memories of the wonman that he loved. No matter what he did he was not to get Emmalyne out of his mind. Eleven years later he returns home to work with his father, Robert MacLeachlan who owns and operates a quarry.
Can love survive? Check out this wonderful story and find many twists and turns to this story. This is the first book that I have read by Tracie Peterson and I must say that I will be reading others She grabs you from the first page and doesn't let up until you close the book at the last page.
The Quarryman's Bride is the second book in Tracie Peterson's series called The Land of Shinning Water. It can be read as a stand alone book.
Thank you Net Galley and Bethany House for this ebook in exchange for a review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
October 20, 2022
Beautiful Historical Romance!
After reading the story blurb, my heart already ached for the two main characters, Emmalyne and Tavin. Then fast forward eleven years to the continuation of this heart-wrenching and poignant story that was, at the same time, so moving and uplifting. The author did an amazing job dealing with tough issues and weaving a magnificent story of forgiveness, trust in God, and the power of prayer. So inspiring! I read this title via audiobook with excellent narration.
After reading the story blurb, my heart already ached for the two main characters, Emmalyne and Tavin. Then fast forward eleven years to the continuation of this heart-wrenching and poignant story that was, at the same time, so moving and uplifting. The author did an amazing job dealing with tough issues and weaving a magnificent story of forgiveness, trust in God, and the power of prayer. So inspiring! I read this title via audiobook with excellent narration.
September 17, 2013
The Quarryman's Bride ..By Tracie Peterson..In 1897 Irish immigrants settled in Minnasota, they brought along old traditions. There were some very tragic events in the family, these things made the father very bitter,blaming others. The daughter always believed God could forgive and bring new love and happiness to the family. Putting her marriage on hold she never gave up, and prayed for healing in her family. Prayers were answered .Love was restored.
May 29, 2021
♦️ În urma unei tornade, casa familiei Knox este distrusă complet, motiv pentru care aceasta se mută în casa familiei MacLachlan, pe care îi leagă o frumoasă prietenie. Ba mai mult, cele două familii urmau să se înrudească prin căsătoria a doi dintre copii lor. Din păcate, tornada a provocat o tragedie mult mai mare familiei Knox prin moartea celor două fiice mai mici, de aici durerea și disperarea tuturor.
♦️Viețile tuturor i-au o întorsătură și mai dramatică atunci când tatăl Emmei decide să plece cu familia departe de acele locuri, refuzând să își mai lase fiica să se căsătorească. O tradiție veche spune că cea mai mică fiică este obligată să renunțe la propria viață, fericire, pentru a avea grijă de părinții săi. Și, conform lui Dumnezeu, copiii nu au niciun cuvânt de spus, sunt obligați să asculte de cuvântul părinților!!! 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
♦️În numele unei tradiții absurde și din egoism, stâlpul casei Knox distruge fericirea tinerilor Emma și Tavin, fără nicio remușcare. Și mai grav, mama Emmei acceptă totul, închizând ochii la durerea fiicei, preferând să se complacă și să se afunde în propria durere, provocată de pierderea celor două copile mai mici.
♦️După zece ani, reîntâlnim familia Knox care, aflată financiar vorbind tot într-o situație dificilă, primește - încă o dată! - ajutorul vechilor prieteni MacLachan. Se reîntorc pe meleagurile natale, pentru că așa hotărăște seniorul Knox, însă armonia familiei este și mai proastă ca în trecut . Întâlnim multă amărăciune, nepăsare, slăbiciune, mult egoism - și prostie, aș zice eu!!! -.
♦️Inevitabil, Emma și Tavin se reîntâlnesc, dar amândoi sunt complet schimbați. Mai ales Tavin, care o urăște pe Emma pentru slăbiciunea sa în fața tatălui, acceptând cuvântul acestuia și o tradiție absurdă care nu își mai avea sensul de mulți ani.
♦️Viața își cere drepturile ei, dreptatea sa și fiecare personaj va învăța lecția umilinței și iubirii.
❗Sincer, mi-a lăsat un gust amar povestea, una tristă, din cauza mentalității învechite, din cauza egoismului celor mai în vârstă, dar cel mai mult m-a enervat așa zisa credință în Dumnezeu, tocmai a celor care ar trebui să ofere tinerilor un exemplu de înțelepciune, bunătate, iubire: cei vârstnici, părinții. Noroc că am citit-o repede, altminteri o abandonam 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️!!!
♦️Viețile tuturor i-au o întorsătură și mai dramatică atunci când tatăl Emmei decide să plece cu familia departe de acele locuri, refuzând să își mai lase fiica să se căsătorească. O tradiție veche spune că cea mai mică fiică este obligată să renunțe la propria viață, fericire, pentru a avea grijă de părinții săi. Și, conform lui Dumnezeu, copiii nu au niciun cuvânt de spus, sunt obligați să asculte de cuvântul părinților!!! 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
♦️În numele unei tradiții absurde și din egoism, stâlpul casei Knox distruge fericirea tinerilor Emma și Tavin, fără nicio remușcare. Și mai grav, mama Emmei acceptă totul, închizând ochii la durerea fiicei, preferând să se complacă și să se afunde în propria durere, provocată de pierderea celor două copile mai mici.
♦️După zece ani, reîntâlnim familia Knox care, aflată financiar vorbind tot într-o situație dificilă, primește - încă o dată! - ajutorul vechilor prieteni MacLachan. Se reîntorc pe meleagurile natale, pentru că așa hotărăște seniorul Knox, însă armonia familiei este și mai proastă ca în trecut . Întâlnim multă amărăciune, nepăsare, slăbiciune, mult egoism - și prostie, aș zice eu!!! -.
♦️Inevitabil, Emma și Tavin se reîntâlnesc, dar amândoi sunt complet schimbați. Mai ales Tavin, care o urăște pe Emma pentru slăbiciunea sa în fața tatălui, acceptând cuvântul acestuia și o tradiție absurdă care nu își mai avea sensul de mulți ani.
♦️Viața își cere drepturile ei, dreptatea sa și fiecare personaj va învăța lecția umilinței și iubirii.
❗Sincer, mi-a lăsat un gust amar povestea, una tristă, din cauza mentalității învechite, din cauza egoismului celor mai în vârstă, dar cel mai mult m-a enervat așa zisa credință în Dumnezeu, tocmai a celor care ar trebui să ofere tinerilor un exemplu de înțelepciune, bunătate, iubire: cei vârstnici, părinții. Noroc că am citit-o repede, altminteri o abandonam 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️!!!
November 25, 2019
So glad I found this author
4>
This summary/review may have been copied for other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any personal notations are for my recollection only.
**
Life was perfect. Two families soon about to become part of each other. Tavin MacLachlan and Emmalyne Knox had just a couple weeks left before their much anticipated wedding. Until tragedy struck and now instead of a wedding, Emmalyne is attending a funeral. With the death of her two younger sisters in the tornado that came to St. Cloud, the tradition of remaining single and caring for her parents now falls on her shoulders. With that comes the end of all the dreams that Emmalyne and Tavin had for their future. There will be no changing her father's opinion.
Now eleven years later, fate is about to intervene. Emmalyne's father returns the family to St. Cloud to being work at the quarry owned now by the MacLachlan family. He is offered a job and a home in exchange for moving back to St. Cloud, something Emmalyne never expected would happen. She wonders if Tavin has married and started a family of her own. She realizes that her future is now sealed with her family's long standing tradition of the third daughter carrying for the parents until they die and she knows there is nothing outside of a faithful prayer to God that anything might ever change. She has had her hands full in caring for her mother who seems lost in sadness after the loss of her daughters so many years ago. Is there a way to help her her mother or will she sit back and watch her fall deeper into depression?
The last thing Tavin expected upon his return to St. Cloud was to be offered a job by his father upon his help completing their contract to fulfill a large quarry order. It will give him the independence he desires and enable him to be close to his family now that his sister Fenella is but a shell of her former self since losing her husband in a quarry accident. She must now remain locked in her room for fear of her hurting herself or her two young boys. Tavin's strength will be tested in ways he never imagined now that he has returned home. His greatest test will be how he will react when coming face to face with Emmalyne again.
**
Emma's dad...Mr. Knox is bitter, hateful, selfish, rude, inconsiderate… Yeah, you probably get the picture. Several times, he made me so angry that I had to put the book down for a moment and remind myself that he was just a fictional character.
Then, the author begins to give glimpses into what makes Mr. Knox the was he is. Mostly, he’s dealing with bitterness anger toward God over things from his past. This, of course, has separated him from God. The result? A very unhappy man who is hurting inside and not dealing with things the way he should. This is when my feelings toward him changed to pity and sadness. when I realized what he was dealing with in his life beneath the surface that everyone could see, I just couldn’t hate or despise him.
During the first “conversation” between Tavin and Mr. Know, Tavin tells him that he’s not a man of honor because he went back on his agreement to let Tavin and Emmalyne get married. I think this was the first time Mr. Knox had ever thought of his actions that way. Tavin tells him, “Your word means very little to me. You broke your word…” (Just a side note: How easy it is to lose someone’s trust and respect) I think this got him to thinking about how he had been treating his family and greatly influenced the change in him.
When Emmalyne is talking to her dad about loving him, he gives us a glimpse into his heart. He tells his daughter that he doesn’t deserve love, especially from her; he says he has never done anything to deserve her love. Imagine living this way! It would make you miserable!
Through others getting right with God, they were able to influence Mr. Knox life in a positive way that drew him back to God.
By the time I came to the end of the book, I found that I loved Mr. Knox. His ability to humble himself before his family and friends in order to make things right really impressed me. Many people wouldn’t be able to do that. He really did love his family, he just didn’t know how to show it to them because he was so consumed by his bitterness. When he finally got things right with God, he was able to forgive and love again. He ended up being one of my favorite characters.
**
The plot was complex, the characters each unique, the drama rose to a dramatic crescendo, and the faith element was strong from start to finish. The story is touching and poignant filled with characters dealing with different problems and most believers who have lost their way for one reason or another. I admired Emmalyne for standing by what her faith led her to believe was her duty when she wanted so much to be with Tavin. My heart broke for Fenella who was lost in her own world. I thought Peterson did an excellent job with the historical detail of how mental problems were dealt with during this time period. And, for most of the book, I wanted to wring Emmalyne's father's neck! But God's grace and mercy brought each of them back to the plan God had for their lives and filled their hearts again with love.
4>
This summary/review may have been copied for other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any personal notations are for my recollection only.
**
Life was perfect. Two families soon about to become part of each other. Tavin MacLachlan and Emmalyne Knox had just a couple weeks left before their much anticipated wedding. Until tragedy struck and now instead of a wedding, Emmalyne is attending a funeral. With the death of her two younger sisters in the tornado that came to St. Cloud, the tradition of remaining single and caring for her parents now falls on her shoulders. With that comes the end of all the dreams that Emmalyne and Tavin had for their future. There will be no changing her father's opinion.
Now eleven years later, fate is about to intervene. Emmalyne's father returns the family to St. Cloud to being work at the quarry owned now by the MacLachlan family. He is offered a job and a home in exchange for moving back to St. Cloud, something Emmalyne never expected would happen. She wonders if Tavin has married and started a family of her own. She realizes that her future is now sealed with her family's long standing tradition of the third daughter carrying for the parents until they die and she knows there is nothing outside of a faithful prayer to God that anything might ever change. She has had her hands full in caring for her mother who seems lost in sadness after the loss of her daughters so many years ago. Is there a way to help her her mother or will she sit back and watch her fall deeper into depression?
The last thing Tavin expected upon his return to St. Cloud was to be offered a job by his father upon his help completing their contract to fulfill a large quarry order. It will give him the independence he desires and enable him to be close to his family now that his sister Fenella is but a shell of her former self since losing her husband in a quarry accident. She must now remain locked in her room for fear of her hurting herself or her two young boys. Tavin's strength will be tested in ways he never imagined now that he has returned home. His greatest test will be how he will react when coming face to face with Emmalyne again.
**
Emma's dad...Mr. Knox is bitter, hateful, selfish, rude, inconsiderate… Yeah, you probably get the picture. Several times, he made me so angry that I had to put the book down for a moment and remind myself that he was just a fictional character.
Then, the author begins to give glimpses into what makes Mr. Knox the was he is. Mostly, he’s dealing with bitterness anger toward God over things from his past. This, of course, has separated him from God. The result? A very unhappy man who is hurting inside and not dealing with things the way he should. This is when my feelings toward him changed to pity and sadness. when I realized what he was dealing with in his life beneath the surface that everyone could see, I just couldn’t hate or despise him.
During the first “conversation” between Tavin and Mr. Know, Tavin tells him that he’s not a man of honor because he went back on his agreement to let Tavin and Emmalyne get married. I think this was the first time Mr. Knox had ever thought of his actions that way. Tavin tells him, “Your word means very little to me. You broke your word…” (Just a side note: How easy it is to lose someone’s trust and respect) I think this got him to thinking about how he had been treating his family and greatly influenced the change in him.
When Emmalyne is talking to her dad about loving him, he gives us a glimpse into his heart. He tells his daughter that he doesn’t deserve love, especially from her; he says he has never done anything to deserve her love. Imagine living this way! It would make you miserable!
Through others getting right with God, they were able to influence Mr. Knox life in a positive way that drew him back to God.
By the time I came to the end of the book, I found that I loved Mr. Knox. His ability to humble himself before his family and friends in order to make things right really impressed me. Many people wouldn’t be able to do that. He really did love his family, he just didn’t know how to show it to them because he was so consumed by his bitterness. When he finally got things right with God, he was able to forgive and love again. He ended up being one of my favorite characters.
**
The plot was complex, the characters each unique, the drama rose to a dramatic crescendo, and the faith element was strong from start to finish. The story is touching and poignant filled with characters dealing with different problems and most believers who have lost their way for one reason or another. I admired Emmalyne for standing by what her faith led her to believe was her duty when she wanted so much to be with Tavin. My heart broke for Fenella who was lost in her own world. I thought Peterson did an excellent job with the historical detail of how mental problems were dealt with during this time period. And, for most of the book, I wanted to wring Emmalyne's father's neck! But God's grace and mercy brought each of them back to the plan God had for their lives and filled their hearts again with love.
April 14, 2025
This book starts out super depressing. It didn’t scare me off and I was really looking forward to a hope filled story. But it never really happened. There was redemption, but it felt contrived? I don’t know. As something was off and I never got into it like I had hoped.
December 31, 2021
Great novel to finish 2021.
June 26, 2023
Second in the series... long lost love found. light Christain romance
June 26, 2013
I really enjoyed The Quarryman's Bride. I felt such a range of emotions: anger, irritation, frustration and joy. While I didn't agree with the reason that Emmalyne and Tavin didn't get married I found it interesting to see the different ways each of them handled their disappointment. Emmalyne has accepted that she is to be alone for the rest of her life and while she is saddened and hurt by the abuse her father heaps on her and her mother she keeps trudging through a life of sorrow and unhappiness. Her mother has given up on life and taken to her bed, her father is so angry and grieving so deep that he takes out his emotions and fury on his family. The only one in their family that has really made strides forward is her brother. Living in this family would be awful and it's amazing that Emmalyne kept her spiritual life growing.
Tavin on the other hand is angry - he has taken his disappointment to the other extreme by making choices in life that a Christian has no business taking. When he returns home after his father becomes ill it's to a family that is still functioning but his sister is ill and his parents really need his help and he needs to decide if he is going to hang around and help his parents or risk disappointing them.
Outstanding book! I'm really hoping that there is a sequel to this book - I'd love to see Emmalyne's brother in a book of his own. It would be wonderful to see him grow spirtually and find a love of his own. =D
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of the book to read & review on GivingNSharing. No money exchanged hands and I was not required to have a positive review. Thanks for reading GivingNSharing!
Tavin on the other hand is angry - he has taken his disappointment to the other extreme by making choices in life that a Christian has no business taking. When he returns home after his father becomes ill it's to a family that is still functioning but his sister is ill and his parents really need his help and he needs to decide if he is going to hang around and help his parents or risk disappointing them.
Outstanding book! I'm really hoping that there is a sequel to this book - I'd love to see Emmalyne's brother in a book of his own. It would be wonderful to see him grow spirtually and find a love of his own. =D
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of the book to read & review on GivingNSharing. No money exchanged hands and I was not required to have a positive review. Thanks for reading GivingNSharing!
February 11, 2025
As sad as the book began, as happy the book endet. I saw the change in every person and I realized that even when we don't feel God near us, He is there and prayer has great power.
April 21, 2022
The second book in Tracie Peterson's Land of Shining Water series is shaping the trilogy into one of my favorite ones. I thought the first book, The Icecutter's Daughter, was a good one, The Quarryman's Bride is right there on par with it.
Here, a young, engaged-to-be-married couple, Emmelyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan, are torn apart because of a tragedy that hit the Knoxs' family and Luthias Knox's (the father) harsh decision to move the family from the area. Eleven years later, they return, and old, hostile feelings are stirred up again between Tavin and Luthias.
Luthias is a despot and a tyrant. Chapter after chapter the limited and joyless life of the Knoxs' household is revealed. The way Peterson describes it, leaves very little hope for any change ever happening. It would take the act of God to heal the relationships within and outside the family.
And God is whom Emmelyne trusts to restore hope and love among the two families. Beautiful Bible truths are woven into the dialogues and thoughts of the characters reminding me why Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite Christian historical fiction authors.
Clean, wholesome, uplifting.
Here, a young, engaged-to-be-married couple, Emmelyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan, are torn apart because of a tragedy that hit the Knoxs' family and Luthias Knox's (the father) harsh decision to move the family from the area. Eleven years later, they return, and old, hostile feelings are stirred up again between Tavin and Luthias.
Luthias is a despot and a tyrant. Chapter after chapter the limited and joyless life of the Knoxs' household is revealed. The way Peterson describes it, leaves very little hope for any change ever happening. It would take the act of God to heal the relationships within and outside the family.
And God is whom Emmelyne trusts to restore hope and love among the two families. Beautiful Bible truths are woven into the dialogues and thoughts of the characters reminding me why Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite Christian historical fiction authors.
Clean, wholesome, uplifting.
March 26, 2020
I finished this book in about a day and a half, but it would have been sooner if I had more time to read. I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen with Emmalyne, her family, Tavin, and the others.
One of my only issues was that the names aren't common, so it's a little hard to read them in my mind.
This story stuck out for several reasons: we had a tornado nearby recently and people were killed, just as in the book. Emmalyne is bound to help her parents, feeling it is her duty... I've been helping with my grandpa (and grandma before she passed) for 5 years. My hometown is the Rock Capital of TN and this book is about quarrying. She feels isolated and at one point there is a Measles outbreak... we are in the midst of the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic, forcing social distancing to help lessen the spread of the virus.
I really loved the book. 💗 (But I don't understand why it's part of a series because none of the previous characters were in this.)
One of my only issues was that the names aren't common, so it's a little hard to read them in my mind.
This story stuck out for several reasons: we had a tornado nearby recently and people were killed, just as in the book. Emmalyne is bound to help her parents, feeling it is her duty... I've been helping with my grandpa (and grandma before she passed) for 5 years. My hometown is the Rock Capital of TN and this book is about quarrying. She feels isolated and at one point there is a Measles outbreak... we are in the midst of the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic, forcing social distancing to help lessen the spread of the virus.
I really loved the book. 💗 (But I don't understand why it's part of a series because none of the previous characters were in this.)
April 30, 2013
Tracie Peterson tackles a number of important issues in this novel through the circumstances the characters face, as well as the way they respond to tragedy and difficulties. The struggles of the characters are real, relatable, and Peterson does a splendid job in developing these characters and painting them vividly. I especially enjoyed her portrayal of Scottish culture, which seemed to be reasonably well researched. While it was certainly an enjoyable read I felt as if the story never really reached a climax, and had a regrettable sense of predictability throughout.
I was given a digital copy of this book by Netgalley, which in no way influenced this review.
I was given a digital copy of this book by Netgalley, which in no way influenced this review.
July 22, 2013
I've read a lot of Tracie Peterson over the years. Some are better than others. This one was really pretty good. It's book 2, but it stands alone. Tavin & Emmalyne have to learn to let go of their past hurts and anger to seek help for his sister and the quarry. But they do still love each other. And finding their way back is a sweet story.
July 12, 2017
I was wary but honestly very intrigued by this story, so I picked it up against my own personal judgement. I couldn't get into it, couldn't get past the first few chapters because of the girl's father and this custom where the youngest daughter must stay single...just discouraged and frustrated me too much that I couldn't read on. Not my kind of story.
February 1, 2019
Land of Shining Water book of 3. Emmalynne and Tavin's story. I'm glad to be able to get past books of Tracie's on ebook in the library. I found the father's character a little hard to like (relate somewhat) and I wanted to stop reading but I did continue as a choice to keep going. Yes God can do the impossible and thankful he does.
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