Distant Dreams

Ribbons of Steel #1

by Judith Pella, Tracie Peterson

The first book in a sweeping historical series from two bestselling authors; young Carolina Adams is fascinated with the expanding railroad in the 1830's.

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

419 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1997

About the author

Judith Pella is a bestselling, award-winning author whose writing career spans two decades. Her in-depth historical and geographical research combines with her skillful storytelling to provide readers with dramatic, thought-provoking novels. She and her husband make their home in Scapoose, Oregon.

Reviews

[Leona · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh....disappointing

- Extremely slow moving plot
- Overkill on railroad detail to the point I was snoozing.
- Cop out ending
- Annoying cast of characters

Good news:
+ Read for free with Kindle Unlimited.

Not interested in paying to read the rest of the series. (nice try though)

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Free download. I enjoyed the premise of the book, and it kept me interested for a while, but then it stalled. It totally bored me before too long. I got about 70% through the book and I could not bring myself to finish it; having looked into the rest of the series, I am glad that I didn't waste too much time (or any money) on it because it seems to take a VERY long time to get to the happy ending. As some of the other reviewers have noted, this book ends with a cliffhanger, but not the good, suspenseful kind... just the kind that makes you feel like you've wasted time on an incomplete story.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun book to read since I love the 1800. Joseph Adams is a southern gentleman who owns Oakbridge Plantation. He and his wife, Margaret, are loving people who enjoy their southern way of life. They have several wonderful children and life seems to be grand. Enter Carolina Adams. This 15 year old southern belle is anything but the belle of the ball. She longs for higher learning in a world where ladies run the household, care for the children and are the picture of society. Her father wants to please Carolina and her mother want her to become the southern lady that she was raised to be. Their oldest daughter, Virginia, is the picture of what a southern belle should be. She is nearly past the age to be eligible to marry a proper southern gentleman and she is determined to find a husband. The twists and turns throughout the story kept me on the edge of my seat and it made it difficult to put the book down. I enjoyed the historical facts and how the story shows how the struggles that each character went through.

[Goddess Of Blah · Rating 1 out of 5]

really interesting story ruined by self-absorbed "me me me" characters


The book is actually really good in many aspects, however, I experienced an overwhelming urge to punch the female protagonist (and the "hero" requires a kick up the backside), hence this is getting a 1*.

====================

The Plot
The heroine is a "poor little rich girl" who wants to study and pursue a career in the Railroad. However, due to her gender severe restrictions are imposed relating to her ambition. The plot starts off great - pioneer intelligent heroine and the author really has researched her subject matter with regards to the railroad (some audience may find a surfeit of historical detail).

In the interim we are introduced to the heroine's family and other supporting characters, all of whom are pretty well fleshed out. However, there were far too many subplots introduced too early in the book, which did overwhelm the actual story.

Overall, I think the author relied far too heavily on plot cliches without really thinking about her characters.
1. The pioneering heroine who defies all to pursue her ambitions ought to have been handled with some tact and sophistication. The immature renderings of the heroine were understandable as she's 15 (and no one enjoys reading about goody self-sacrificing types), however, this heroine was far too self absorbed with deplorable conduct.
2. The sibling rivalry put the heroine rather than the opposing sibling in a bad light. Again, another plot cliche that was handled poorly.
3. The b*tch fiance of the hero (who happens to be the heroine's older sister) is a plot cliche that can be well worked out, but here I felt sorry for the "other woman"!
4. The tall dark handsome cliche is not enough to make a hero. Give him a personality we can like! This guy flits about women, careers and is also self absorbed. The author uses a cliched "foil" against the hero by introducing a Blond suitor for the heroine, however, this self made hardworking man who says it like it is seems far better than the weak, selfish little hero.


=====================
The Characters:
Heroine: This is where the book really fails. I appreciate the restrictions society has placed on women, however, the heroine is so self absorbed while people (including poor slaves) are dying and living awful lives while all she can do is "poor me" herself and rage against her parents.

Even towards the end when there is a huge tragedy - she's still inflicting us with her "poor me" self absorbed monologue. It was tiring!


Another issue I took exception to was her callous disregard to her sister's feelings. Ok - I get it - her older beautiful sister only wants to marry the "hero" for the "wrong reasons" (avoid being a spinster). However, that is no justification for trying to steal her man! That's your sister! And if the "hero" was meant to be with you than he'd make that choice without interference from you! Hence, not only is she self absorbed she's also selfish devious scheming horrible and spiteful.


Hero: what a weak, spineless and selfish character. This dude needs a backbone. Another self absorbed "me me me" type. His friend dies in a horrible accident, he breaks his leg (and might possibly lose the function of it) and all he's concerned about is becoming a cripple! A man has lost his life and he thinks the dude who died is better off.

He's so ungrateful to his parents enacting the whole "poor me" routine that would rival the heroine's "poor me" monologue.

Also, this guy encourages a 18 year old gently bred girl to fall for him (he is openly courting her), however, feels trapped into marrying her while checking out her younger sister (the heroine). This despicable behaviour is of course not his fault - according to him - it's all due to his parents and his fiance's fault he's in this mess.

He could have easily rectified the situation by NOT COURTING her when it became obvious he was eyeing up the younger sibling. But no - the dude just lets others drag him along till he realises he "oh no I must account for my actions!". So while he plays one sister off against the other - he then proceeds to continue his self absorbed lifestyle where everything is about "me me me"

======================

Politics
There were many political issues dealt within this book which some people may find uncomfortable with or boring. The slavery references were a touch uncomfortable, however, I did enjoy reading about the banking details, how Texas was part of Mexico (and it was Mexico's opposition to slavery?) that created the rift which had the American govt steal(?) Texas from Mexico despite treaties. And the railroad politics were also fascinating.

I think most people will be impressed by the author's research, however, the may not agree with all the topics.

================

Religion
I didn't feel this book was a Christian book. Other than the heroine's father seeking God, the other characters were selfish and materialistic.

The slvve-owning was also a problem (I don't understand why the "need" for slaves was so great - just cut back on your lush cushy lifestyle). I also didn't feel they were good examples of Christians with all the spitefulness and self absorbed sentiments raging throughout the book. Although I'm not a Christian hence I'm not an authority.

[Kari LaMotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be an interesting book focusing on the emerging railroads of the US with a light romance spin to it. This is NOT a typical, bawdy romance novel, and would instead be completely appropriate for a religious, teenager who wants her heart to flutter a bit as she reads. (I haven't read the two sequels yet, so can't speak to those).

However, the story line was a bit slow for me, and even my own fascination with the railroad politics, etc was taxed by some of the time the author spent on setting the scene of the story. Also, the relationship is taking so long to develop, I'm losing a bit of interest in the book as a result (not enough 'moments' to keep me wanting to know what's next). Most importantly, if you are not Christian, this book is riddled with bible verses, and you might very well be irritated by that. On the flip side, if you ARE Christian, you are going to love seeing a 'romance' novel that actually ties scripture into the actual storyline continually.

So, interesting read, fun way to learn about the railroad, but if you are someone is a book-devourer like me, you probably want to get your fix on the emergence of the rail in America in a slightly more mature book that isn't quite so 'disney'd' up. :) GREAT FOR TEENS!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It had a great mix of historical and romance fiction action happening and the characters were quite loveable! The story largely centers around 16 year old Carolina Adams, daughter of plantation owner Joseph Adams and his wife Margaret. Carolina is a headstrong girl who is ambitious to attempt a different type of life when the railroad comes to town. However, can a young southern girl really follow her dreams when she is supposed to be worrying about getting married? That seems to be all that Carolina's older sister Virginia is bent on and she becomes hell bent on the son of a banker, James Baldwin. James also turns out to become Carolina's tutor and the sparks do seem to fly.

Fun fact to put in-Not too hard to remember the names of Carolina's family as they are all named after states- York, Maine, Hampshire, Tennessee, Virgina, Georgia, Pennsyvlvanua( Penny) and Maryland( Mary).


I am looking forward to reading more of the "Ribbons of Steel" series.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you didn't get to read this charming story in 1997 or 2009 when it was reprinted, I implore you to grab it when you can! I was impressed with the overall story, the characters and their growth, and the time it was set. The Railroad and trains were mysterious to Americans in the mid 1800's. Fear, uncleanliness, and misunderstanding of science plagued the city people in that day. What a wonderful story of a young sister who fell in love with the idea and science as well. You will keep up with several characters that add much to the story. I have ordered the sequel, Book II, today! Then there is Book III to look forward to! Happy Reading. A Historical to love.

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was well written and a good story, but it had a cliffhanger type ending. I don't mean there is suspense, but all the loose ends are left untied waiting for the next book. Thankfully the whole series is out so there is no waiting. These types of books/series are the worst when just released because you can end up waiting a year or more to find out what happens. This particular book is interesting and well written, but left me feeling kinda depressed. I am thankful that i have access to the next book and hopefully things will start to look up.

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, I wanted to give this book more stars but helb back. The reason for that is because it is not a stand alone book. I don't mind a series if it grabs me and I need to read the rest. This was not one of those stories.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters were interesting and well developed. The story was interesting. The biggest bummer is that my library doesn't have the third book in the series. I'm going to read book two and request that they add book three to their collection.

I thought this book was Christian, but the first three quarters of the book lacked any mention of God. I thought that was odd as it felt like I was reading a very clean secular novel. Toward the end, the characters started discussing God a bit but I never felt like it was an important part of their lives. Maybe they develop more of a relationship with God in the second book.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I realized this book was part of a series, but it's been awhile since I read a romance series where the relationship wasn't resolved in the first book. So - be aware that the romance continues over more than one book. Don't be frustrated like I was!

Beyond that, however, the book was fairly well written and presents an era of American history that isn't often explored in these sorts of novels. Yes, it does offer the "girl struggling against historical norms" trope which is typical of many historical romances, but it was fairly well done. A light, enjoyable read.

[Anne Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Distant Dreams Review

This is great reading. Any book with Tracie Petersons name is good. Great for anyone who loves clean wholesome reading. A story of happiness, sadness, love and some Freudian acts. Shows the true meaning of trusting God in all things.

[Susan Mathis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story!

[Gathoni Mwangi · Rating 4 out of 5]

first off, my 9 year old self would be proud. i can't remember the last time i read a whole book in one day. sheeesh!!

second off, my first time dabbling in historical fiction!! and i quite like it. it has been very intriguing to see just how far women have come. in carolina's culture, a woman getting a formal education was unheard of and that strikes me as totally bizarre.

i thought carolina and james' story would end here but no. oh welll... to book 2.

the last two books i read contained strong father-daughter relationships but this one definitely tops them all.

[Jazmine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quickly lost interest in this one. Details can add to the story but sometimes too many details can bring it down.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Jessalyn Plant · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Extremely* slow moving. I don't mind details and character development, but this was painstaking.

Although the subject of the novel is the railroad issue and not slavery, I felt that while discussing individual slaves they were portrayed in a one dimensional and romanticized way. The subject of slavery was not given the gravitas that it well deserved.

There is a decent age gap between the two main characters. Although they don't 'get together ' in this book, it is obviously building up to that. It is not written in an icky way, but although it is set centuries ago when age gaps between romantic partners such as this one were very commonplace I did feel uncomfortable with it. I am hoping that nothing progresses with their relationship in future novels until they have both aged up a few years.

Since becoming a mom, anything written or depicting children coming to some type of harm greatly disturbs me. There is a death of a child in this book and I had to metaphorically hold the book at arm's length to not allow myself to get too invested in something that would devastate me if I let it.

Things that I liked...learning much more about how trains from the early 1800s worked than I had known before. Very likeable main characters. The villains of the piece are irritating, but understandable. The conflict of the story is engaging, but ultimately not too stressful. As usual a significant writing strength of Judith Pella is her meticulous attention to historical details and accuracy. I appreciated the step backwards in time to an era I am not completely familiar with.

Will I read the rest of the series? Yes.

Because they are just that good? No, because I am the type of person that likes to finish the things I start.

Also, if this review has typos or is confusing throughout, please know that my 8 month old has been going through a sleep regression lately and it is a miracle that I am able to type anything at all🤣

[Leann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical novel, with an amazing amount of detail relating to railroads of the day. That amazing detail got a little old around 3/4 of the way through, but if I had researched railroads that much to write a book, then by gum I would bore the reader, too! There were also some unnecessary-to-the-plot encounters with historical figures and political discussions, but again, it was ok with me. I'd rather skip over too much historical detail than feel like an author knows nothing about the period.

Besides the rich historical and technical detail, I also liked how the authors did not shy away from the opinions of the day, or make those who had what we consider now to be bad things as bad people.

Surprisingly to me, I have come to the conclusion I like these types of novels that unfold over several months or years of a character's life. It gives depth of character you can't quite get in a short time frame. If you showed me the same in a movie I would die of boredom (where are the explosions or aliens or something exciting) but it works in books.

And, finally, although this is a Christian fiction book, the religious stuff is not over the top or cheesy or contrived.

Already bought book 2 and am looking forward to reading it!

[Trine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book as a free Kindle, and I should know to be careful around those when it turns out to be the first in a series. The story was okay, but too long-winded with no real resolution. Far too many pages were about people's thoughts (or rather the two main characthers' thoughts). It gets rather tedious to read the same thoughts and doubts and dreams again and again. The main problem with showing both main characthers' thoughts is that the reader know all about the other person's feelings so there are no anticipation, no speculation, no guessing. I used to love reading books where you had to guess and read between the lines for signs of when the hero or heroine discovered his/her feelings. Such books you can read again and again trying to discover new hidden signs. But modern books seem to be all about telling it all from page one making them read-and-throw-out types of books. Unfortunately, this belongs to that category and I doubt I'll use money on the rest of the series.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

It just seems to go on & on....

There's a black monster coming! The iron beast smelled as it belched black smoke. Sparks made the ground catch fire! Carolina Adams was 15, and her mother, Margaret, didn't like her father, Joseph, calling her a child. The parents conversation was drowned out by the noise, & Carolina moved closer to the machine. Philip Thomas, President of the B&O Railroad announced that the trip from Baltimore to Washington had been successful, having taken a little more than 2 hours. Carolina asked questions about everything, although sometimes her questions weren't considered appropriate for a young lady. Thomas announced that machines like the locomotive would be the key to unlocking dreams. Carolina was asked to be one of the first to ride the engine! The place where she was to ride was usually filled with coal. Others were chosen to ride, then the engine moved down the track about 20 feet. When she got off she noticed stains on her white kid gloves...

[Melissa Levine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not a fan of this book. I love historical romances but this was far from entertaining/pleasing me. The 'book' itself made me feel as though I were reading a history book, or more accurately a book on trains...how they got started, the problems, and whatnot. Not to include the government and overall history lesson, everyday life issues in the 1800's, aspect of it. BORING! There was just way too much focus on the detailing of how the first trains worked/ran and like 5% went to the actual story, that being Carolina and her family. The 'story' part was alright, nothing really 'out there' or new. So in the end I figured Carolina would have at least ended up with...whatever his name was? I can't remember. Needless to say, I had a really hard time finishing this book and will not be continuing with this series.

[Chandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

GENRE: Historical romance

SETTING: 19th century

CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTERS: Carolina Adams; plantation owner's 15 year old daughter; curious; intelligent; non-conformist.

CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: James Baldwin; only child; rebellious but willing to make a big sacrifice.

SYNOPSIS: She is strongly drawn to understanding how locomotives work. Mom wants her to take her place in society as a lady. He needs to rescue his family from financial failure and marry into money but the railroad is his love.

WHAT I LIKED: Humorous that each child named after a state. Action FINALLY picks up when "illness" hits.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Continuous hints of a relationship brewing wore me out.

I give this book (THREE) because I want to read romance NOT politics. Curious so onward I go to Book 2

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does an excellent job writing a historical romance which also introduces the reader to the history of how railroading began in America. There are societal expectations, danger, tragedy, faith, and forgiveness entwined in the plot. The heroine in the story, Carolina, is very intelligent and much more interested in learning and adventure than in coming out to society. Her sister, Virginia, is just the opposite; a true southern belle who wants to marry well and be a hostess for her husband. If you like stand alone books with the ending perfectly tied up, you will be disappointed in this one. The conclusion is not complete, and will be continued somewhat in the second book of the trilogy. Often this bothers me, but I enjoyed this one so much that I am eager to read the other two.

[Duchess Raven · Rating 2 out of 5]

*sigh* well this was a boring book. It started out well enough, but quickly went into long winded conversations. Most of the characters are very self centered. I liked the train aspect, but they did go on and on forever about trains. It's all well and fine that the main characters like them, but I don't need it so often. I'm pretty sure this book could have cut out a lot and been a much better read. The worst part? No ending. :/ Wah wah. Lame. Well, there was an ending, but it was a sad one. I don't read these books for sad/unfinished endings. I really had to struggle to finish reading past about the 60% mark. It was a free read, so I can't complain too much, but I won't read any more of this series. I'll assume it has a happy ending and skip torturing myself.

[Heather Hart · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually was really into this story - but then it ended, or more like it didn't end. I read the description for the next two books in the series and it looks like book #2 is the ending for this book - and the description of book #3 basically tells you how it all ended. It's like they took the book and chopped it in half - right in the middle at the climax and gave the first part away for free and want you to pay for the ending.

Since the description for the third book told me how it all ends, I have at least a little closure on the story - but I will probably not ever be picking up a book by these authors. Even though I have liked some of Tracie Peterson's other books, I just haven't liked them enough to risk another cliff hanger ending like this one.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Reminds the reader of those lovely olden days where:

-- The oldest daughter MUST marry before any other daughters.
-- Girls were expected to be married about 16 or 17.
-- A girl of 18 was considered an "old maid".
-- A girl shouldn't EVER get or even WANT to learn science or math. A girl's little head would just wobble at the thought.
-- The oldest son was expected to follow in his father's "business".


Should I go on???? This was the "high society" of the era of President Andrew Jackson's presidency. One key family in the book knew him well & dined with him at the White House & in their home.

I definitely would like to read the rest of the series.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this history lesson about trains. Cause the book talked so much about them that I felt it most be important. Carolina was a dreamer, she wanted to be educated like her brothers and was rather intelligent except when it came to men. She feel for her sisters, finance, James Baldwin because he too was a dreamer. Personally, I felt that they were both clueless. James was definitely all about the beauty before brains aka Carolina sister Virgina. And Carolina was more interested in proving she was just as good as any man and just as smart. Which was true to some extent. This book of course, does end the way most romances does with the guy getting the girl of his dreams. No, it ends with James leaving and Carolina relearning about God's love.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not all that religious of an individual, but I really love this book. Firstly because Carolina wants to defy all the traditions of the mid 1830's. She's got one thing on her mind, and she decides to go for it.
Another thing that I loved about this book is that you get the prospectives of several of the characters that are mentioned in the story.
I'm also thinking that the authors did a great deal of research with this book, especially having to do with the railroad. This is one of my favorite historical romance trilogies, and I think anyone into this genre should read this entire trilogy.

[Jane Alden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Distant dreams

Distant dreams

I wish I could give it more than five stars. This was an extremely interesting novel. I can't remember when I read a story that brought tears to my eyes. It was a story of a loving family, who experienced joy and sorrow, love and laughter, tragedy and dreams and failure. Also a lot of lessons to learn from these experiences, though not intentionally. I would have been very disappointed of the ending if this was "end of story", but there are two more books to this series and you bet your buttons I'm going to read them!! I learned a few interesting things about trains too. This is a must read!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the courage of Carolina Adams- a young high society woman wanting to learn all she can of the railroads. I felt like the setting and circumstances of the Adams family were very close to what life for a young woman in the 1830s would have been like. Arranged marriages, women would go insane if they "knew" too much of things. I liked the dream for freedom. I had to read the second book right away to get the conculsion of the love match that you want to happen in the first book. I really liked how it all fell into place at the end.