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Westward Chronicles #1
A Shelter of Hope
Jeffery O'Donnell is captivated by the mysterious Simone, who arrives at his office hoping to acquire a position as a Harvey Girl at the popular way-stops along the frontier rail line. Jeffery is torn, however, when he suspects that Simone may harbor a disturbing secret. Westward Chronicles Book 1.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1998
526 people are currently reading
1248 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
250 books3,129 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 126 reviews
July 21, 2023
What an original idea for a novel! The author wrote a series of three novels set in Fred Harvey restaurants. This is the first one. I think the three are all fairly unrelated except that the main characters work as Harvey girls.
I was tempted to give this one four stars, but finally settled on five. I had a few minor quibbles with the writing style and this is the first time I've read anything by this author. I will be happy to read more if they ever appear in my field of availability.
This was one of those precious Christian fiction novels I read as my literary candy when I should be reading something else. It is like snacking on cookies when I should be eating a healthy well-rounded dinner of some kind. This time I was supposed to be reading another Hornblower novel and/or Frankenstein, both for Booktube readalongs. But no, I had to read my Christian fiction instead. I'm glad I did.
This one started with a sweet innocent 17 year old girl living with the most brutally abusive father one could imagine. He didn't sexually abuse her but - everything else, and then some. She escapes but not without a huge burden of trauma, and makes her way from the remote mountains of Wyoming to the training center for Harvey girls in Kansas. That's all I'm going to tell you. If you want to know more, read the book.
Cleanliness factor 99% ... taking off 1% because there was some kissing and hugging. Like most Christian fiction this one doesn't cross any major lines for me. There's also a bit of violence. Such is life when there's an evil villain seeking to oppress a young woman in terrible ways.
Fun fact: The main character is named Simone -pronounced see-MOAN and my oldest daughter is named Simoné - pronounced see-mo-NAY.
I was tempted to give this one four stars, but finally settled on five. I had a few minor quibbles with the writing style and this is the first time I've read anything by this author. I will be happy to read more if they ever appear in my field of availability.
This was one of those precious Christian fiction novels I read as my literary candy when I should be reading something else. It is like snacking on cookies when I should be eating a healthy well-rounded dinner of some kind. This time I was supposed to be reading another Hornblower novel and/or Frankenstein, both for Booktube readalongs. But no, I had to read my Christian fiction instead. I'm glad I did.
This one started with a sweet innocent 17 year old girl living with the most brutally abusive father one could imagine. He didn't sexually abuse her but - everything else, and then some. She escapes but not without a huge burden of trauma, and makes her way from the remote mountains of Wyoming to the training center for Harvey girls in Kansas. That's all I'm going to tell you. If you want to know more, read the book.
Cleanliness factor 99% ... taking off 1% because there was some kissing and hugging. Like most Christian fiction this one doesn't cross any major lines for me. There's also a bit of violence. Such is life when there's an evil villain seeking to oppress a young woman in terrible ways.
Fun fact: The main character is named Simone -pronounced see-MOAN and my oldest daughter is named Simoné - pronounced see-mo-NAY.
May 13, 2018
Oh my I love Tracie Peterson's books and this one did not disappoint. It was great from beginning to end.
May 6, 2017
Argh...
Hate the whole religion theme in there.
I mean, don't get me wrong, but a freaking bible quote in each chapter? The heroine talking about it non-stop? I mean, sure, in the beginning, she doesn't even believe in it but still, she keeps thinking about it and mulling over it? Nope. I'm out.
Other than that, I'm sure it would have been an awesome novel!
Hate the whole religion theme in there.
I mean, don't get me wrong, but a freaking bible quote in each chapter? The heroine talking about it non-stop? I mean, sure, in the beginning, she doesn't even believe in it but still, she keeps thinking about it and mulling over it? Nope. I'm out.
Other than that, I'm sure it would have been an awesome novel!
April 7, 2023
The heartrending beginning hooked me in right away. It was shocking to see that a man would sell his daughter, but that does reflect certain real-life scenarios and it felt very realistic. My heart completely broke for Simone, that she had a father like that. Watching her break free and fight for the future God had designed for her was so beautiful. I love a good Harvey girl story, so this book was right up my alley. The sweet romance was exactly what I’d come to expect from Mrs. Peterson, as were the surprises along the way. Her plot twists are some of the best in the business, from what I’ve read.
Content: drunkenness, tobacco, saloon, alcohol, prostitute, gambling, menstrual cycle discussed
Content: drunkenness, tobacco, saloon, alcohol, prostitute, gambling, menstrual cycle discussed
July 25, 2014
In Tracie Peterson’s A Shelter of Hope, Simone Dumas’s childhood has been fraught with terror, murder, and emotional and physical abuse. In an ultimate act of betrayal, her father sells her, along with his property, to another man. In order to avoid the physical abuse which the man surely intends for Simone, for he intends her to be his “wife,” she hits him over the head with a pitcher and flees.
Convinced she has murdered the man, she steals his horse and gun and flees, leaving the remote mountain settlement she has called home for seventeen years. She takes a job as a Harvey girl working in one of the few respectable establishments in the late 1800s, the Harvey Restaurant chain that sprang up along the railroad. She finds friends and allies in both her boss, Rachel Taylor, and the man who hires the Harvey girls, Jeffrey O’Donnell. Eventually Simone, through her new faith in Christ and the love of her friends, learns to accept her past and to move toward trust, redemption, and ultimately love.
Simone is a heart-wrenching character. Peterson does a fabulous job with her character arc, from an abused child to an emotionally tormented young woman to a new Christian who has to lean on God to learn love and trust. The suspense escalates from the second half of the book towards the end as lawman Zack Matthews, as well as her father, close in on her. Of course, Peterson’s writing style, as always, is easy to read, and the words flow off the page. There are some rather long dialogues about prayer and trusting God, more so than I remember from the other books I have read from her.
As oftentimes happens in some of Peterson’s work, though, she does little with her hero character arcs. Perhaps more is planned for Jeffrey O’Donnell in the second or third book of the series. In this book, his sole purpose for existing seemed to be to help the character reach her story goals. We are told he comes from wealthy stock, that his mother is overbearing and determined he marry well, and that his relationship with Simone would not be accepted by his family. Otherwise, he had no goal of his own. Granted, this story was Simone’s, but I would have liked to have seen more angst from Jeffrey and a life apart from Simone’s, perhaps even goals that clearly conflict with his desire to keep her safe. We do sense that he is breaking protocol and rules in his effort to help her, but there isn’t enough to make the reader fear he could lose everything he has in his choices to help and love her. He too easily chooses to love her, and romance is never easy.
I also liked him at first and found him intriguing, but by the end of the novel, for some reason, I found him annoying and whiny. While I was rooting for Simone’s peace and her happy future, I couldn’t find myself wishing Jeffrey the same. He almost seems too desperate in his effort to love her near the end, and a desperate man is never attractive. At one point, I was even hoping she would convince him she couldn’t be with him ever, and she would move on to someone else, perhaps even the lawman Zach Matthews. I definitely wanted to hear more of his story.
And, alas, the romance just wasn’t there for me. But, I know when I read Peterson, I’m not going to get an “angst driven” romantic ride. That’s not the kind of books she writes, and it doesn’t detract from her as a writer and storyteller. She just doesn’t write gripping romance that shakes you to your gutt. That’s not her style. And that’s alright.
Fans of Peterson will not be disappointed in A Shelter of Hope, neither will readers who enjoy stories of heroines who battle terrible odds and come out sane on the other
Convinced she has murdered the man, she steals his horse and gun and flees, leaving the remote mountain settlement she has called home for seventeen years. She takes a job as a Harvey girl working in one of the few respectable establishments in the late 1800s, the Harvey Restaurant chain that sprang up along the railroad. She finds friends and allies in both her boss, Rachel Taylor, and the man who hires the Harvey girls, Jeffrey O’Donnell. Eventually Simone, through her new faith in Christ and the love of her friends, learns to accept her past and to move toward trust, redemption, and ultimately love.
Simone is a heart-wrenching character. Peterson does a fabulous job with her character arc, from an abused child to an emotionally tormented young woman to a new Christian who has to lean on God to learn love and trust. The suspense escalates from the second half of the book towards the end as lawman Zack Matthews, as well as her father, close in on her. Of course, Peterson’s writing style, as always, is easy to read, and the words flow off the page. There are some rather long dialogues about prayer and trusting God, more so than I remember from the other books I have read from her.
As oftentimes happens in some of Peterson’s work, though, she does little with her hero character arcs. Perhaps more is planned for Jeffrey O’Donnell in the second or third book of the series. In this book, his sole purpose for existing seemed to be to help the character reach her story goals. We are told he comes from wealthy stock, that his mother is overbearing and determined he marry well, and that his relationship with Simone would not be accepted by his family. Otherwise, he had no goal of his own. Granted, this story was Simone’s, but I would have liked to have seen more angst from Jeffrey and a life apart from Simone’s, perhaps even goals that clearly conflict with his desire to keep her safe. We do sense that he is breaking protocol and rules in his effort to help her, but there isn’t enough to make the reader fear he could lose everything he has in his choices to help and love her. He too easily chooses to love her, and romance is never easy.
I also liked him at first and found him intriguing, but by the end of the novel, for some reason, I found him annoying and whiny. While I was rooting for Simone’s peace and her happy future, I couldn’t find myself wishing Jeffrey the same. He almost seems too desperate in his effort to love her near the end, and a desperate man is never attractive. At one point, I was even hoping she would convince him she couldn’t be with him ever, and she would move on to someone else, perhaps even the lawman Zach Matthews. I definitely wanted to hear more of his story.
And, alas, the romance just wasn’t there for me. But, I know when I read Peterson, I’m not going to get an “angst driven” romantic ride. That’s not the kind of books she writes, and it doesn’t detract from her as a writer and storyteller. She just doesn’t write gripping romance that shakes you to your gutt. That’s not her style. And that’s alright.
Fans of Peterson will not be disappointed in A Shelter of Hope, neither will readers who enjoy stories of heroines who battle terrible odds and come out sane on the other
July 6, 2024
Tracie Peterson never disappoints. I've owned this book for years and have read it several times. Always gets me hooked with every reading just like it's the first time.
August 23, 2012
I generally enjoy Peterson's writing, and A Shelter of Hope has surpassed them all! I read it in one sitting in about five hours. I simply could not put it down. The story kept me engaged with out going into unnecessary sub plots that can sometimes drag on. Simone's past and upbringing are unlike anything I have experienced (or would wish to) and yet I was able to feel connected to her and anxious to know what her outcome would be. Excellent characters and storyline.
August 9, 2023
My Musings
What an amazing story with inspiring characters and an emotional plot. There's a perfect blend of romance and action along with a strong message of faith. Simone has to learn how to trust in God after suffering such abuse at the hands of the only father she's ever known. I didn't find this book at all preachy, and the author's use of scripture only enhances it. I am so glad I found this book in my TBR file in my Kindle. Happy reading!
What an amazing story with inspiring characters and an emotional plot. There's a perfect blend of romance and action along with a strong message of faith. Simone has to learn how to trust in God after suffering such abuse at the hands of the only father she's ever known. I didn't find this book at all preachy, and the author's use of scripture only enhances it. I am so glad I found this book in my TBR file in my Kindle. Happy reading!
September 7, 2022
Loved it. Historical fiction is a favorite and Tracie Peterson always does a great job. Just as in our day and age, the inhuman things that man does to man are often unbelievable. Praise God for His redeeming power. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and Kitty Hendrix did a great job narrating Simone and Jeffrey's story.
June 18, 2017
Story would be better if not so frequently interrupted by religious lectures. 2.5 star
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August 20, 2022
3.5 On the fence about how I feel about this book. The abuse and callousness of the father was very difficult to stomach. In stark contrast were the kindness of strangers, and it was refreshing to learn some things about the Harvey Girls.
January 22, 2024
A great story! The beginning was a bit hard to get through as I too had been a victim of spousal abuse. Thankfully he's no longer in my life. But God brought a gentle man into my life. Unfortunately...for me... he is now in heaven. I'm glad Simone too ended up with a gentle man.
July 23, 2017
The first part of this book was good. The second half was just okay, the ending was boring. Also I didn't connect with any character.
June 2, 2020
After being sold by her abusive father to a trapper named Garvey Davis to be his "bride," and fighting off Davis' lustful attentions, Simone Dumas escapes from the Wyoming Territory to Chicago, where her landlady tells her about an employment opportunity: the Harvey House Hotels are hiring respectable young women to be hostesses along the Santa Fe Railroad line. Simone interviews for a position and is accepted, then goes to Topeka, Kansas, for training. She is unaware that she is being followed by lawman Zack Matthews for questioning in the death of Garvey Davis, and also by her father, Louis Dumas, who plans to get rich by selling her favors ...
Editing oversights found in the Kindle edition: Page 11, Darkness engulfed Simon Dumas / Darkness engulfed SIMONE Dumas ; 45, she kicked at the sides of the horse and turned him toward the narrow, rocky path / she kicked at the sides of the horse and turned HER toward the narrow, rocky path (On page 44, the horse is identified as a MARE) ; 47, all manner of animal to harvest / all manner of ANIMALS to harvest ; 69, in some allfired hurry / in some ALL-FIRED hurry ;
Page 69, all manner of wild beast out there / all manner of wild BEASTS out there ; 81, She was fullgrowed / She was FULL-GROWED ; 86, celebrat-ing the independence of America / CELEBRATING the independence of America ; 91, quite so selfconscious / quite so SELF-CONSCIOUS ; 95, the well-todo folks / the well-TO-DO folks ; 110, Please call me Simone," she told them / "PLEASE call me Simone," she told them (needs opening quote) ;
Page 118, in the rapidfire French conversation / in the RAPID-FIRE French conversation ; 124, a couple of days journey to the south / a couple of DAYS' journey to the south (plural possessive) ; 126, a few dodads and notions / a few DOODADS and notions ; 129, He wern't hardly here / He WEREN'T hardly here ; 137, 137 "Are you all right, Simone?" / "Are you all right, Simone?" (page number is included in text) ;
Page 138, it was selfdefense / it was SELF-DEFENSE ; 158, FORATIME UNA sat in one corner / FOR A TIME UNA sat in one corner ; 171, I still feel quite the illmannered oaf / I still feel quite the ILL-MANNERED oaf ; 192, they're posted at most every street corner / they're posted at ALMOST every street corner ; 198, "How can I find a needle in a haystack," he muttered / "How can I find a needle in a HAYSTACK?" he muttered (a question) ;
Page 198, donning his out-ofplace Stetson / donning his out-OF-PLACE Stetson ; 202, Zack asked ticket agent / Zack asked THE ticket agent ; 206, Oh, I'm guilty of murder / "OH, I'm guilty of murder (needs opening quote) ; 213, aback a finetempered gelding / aback a FINE-TEMPERED gelding ; 216, No, it isn't that / "NO, it isn't that (needs opening quote) ; 234, into the simplistic structure / into the SIMPLE structure ;
Page 240, knew it was impos-sible / knew it was IMPOSSIBLE ; 258, to contra-dict his suggestion / to CONTRADICT his suggestion ; 260, only had a couple inches / only had a couple OF inches ; 261, What's the nearest towns? / WHAT ARE the nearest towns? ("towns" is a plural noun, so "are" must be used rather than "is") ; 267, years imbibing in one form of liquor or another / years IMBIBING ONE form of liquor or another (omit "in") ;
Page 270, Simone asked, a look of shock clearly registered on her face / Simone asked, a look of shock clearly REGISTERING on her face .
Editing oversights found in the Kindle edition: Page 11, Darkness engulfed Simon Dumas / Darkness engulfed SIMONE Dumas ; 45, she kicked at the sides of the horse and turned him toward the narrow, rocky path / she kicked at the sides of the horse and turned HER toward the narrow, rocky path (On page 44, the horse is identified as a MARE) ; 47, all manner of animal to harvest / all manner of ANIMALS to harvest ; 69, in some allfired hurry / in some ALL-FIRED hurry ;
Page 69, all manner of wild beast out there / all manner of wild BEASTS out there ; 81, She was fullgrowed / She was FULL-GROWED ; 86, celebrat-ing the independence of America / CELEBRATING the independence of America ; 91, quite so selfconscious / quite so SELF-CONSCIOUS ; 95, the well-todo folks / the well-TO-DO folks ; 110, Please call me Simone," she told them / "PLEASE call me Simone," she told them (needs opening quote) ;
Page 118, in the rapidfire French conversation / in the RAPID-FIRE French conversation ; 124, a couple of days journey to the south / a couple of DAYS' journey to the south (plural possessive) ; 126, a few dodads and notions / a few DOODADS and notions ; 129, He wern't hardly here / He WEREN'T hardly here ; 137, 137 "Are you all right, Simone?" / "Are you all right, Simone?" (page number is included in text) ;
Page 138, it was selfdefense / it was SELF-DEFENSE ; 158, FORATIME UNA sat in one corner / FOR A TIME UNA sat in one corner ; 171, I still feel quite the illmannered oaf / I still feel quite the ILL-MANNERED oaf ; 192, they're posted at most every street corner / they're posted at ALMOST every street corner ; 198, "How can I find a needle in a haystack," he muttered / "How can I find a needle in a HAYSTACK?" he muttered (a question) ;
Page 198, donning his out-ofplace Stetson / donning his out-OF-PLACE Stetson ; 202, Zack asked ticket agent / Zack asked THE ticket agent ; 206, Oh, I'm guilty of murder / "OH, I'm guilty of murder (needs opening quote) ; 213, aback a finetempered gelding / aback a FINE-TEMPERED gelding ; 216, No, it isn't that / "NO, it isn't that (needs opening quote) ; 234, into the simplistic structure / into the SIMPLE structure ;
Page 240, knew it was impos-sible / knew it was IMPOSSIBLE ; 258, to contra-dict his suggestion / to CONTRADICT his suggestion ; 260, only had a couple inches / only had a couple OF inches ; 261, What's the nearest towns? / WHAT ARE the nearest towns? ("towns" is a plural noun, so "are" must be used rather than "is") ; 267, years imbibing in one form of liquor or another / years IMBIBING ONE form of liquor or another (omit "in") ;
Page 270, Simone asked, a look of shock clearly registered on her face / Simone asked, a look of shock clearly REGISTERING on her face .
January 6, 2018
Out of pure terror and panicked desperation, Winifred Dumas flees her family cabin in the Wyoming Territory wilderness, to escape the constant and increasing violent drunken abuse from her husband, Louis. With a broken arm and a newborn babe, Winifred heads to Uniontown, the closest settlement, in search of a lawman to bring her justice. Ten-year-old Simone is still recovering from a bout with the measles and is too weak to travel. For this reason, her mother has decided that she must remain behind and await rescue. The terrified little girl is left in the lion’s den to fend for herself. In spite of her mother’s assurances of a speedy rescue, Simone had a haunting feeling of kismet……her mother never did return.
In 1890, Simone is seventeen and already a pretty girl with long dark hair and a shapely, full figure. All hopes of her mother returning to save her have long disappeared and she has resigned herself to her miserable lot. Her mother had taken pains to teach her how to read and write. She often read or had her read the bible, and she held great store in its lessons. The overwhelming misfortune that was her daily fare couldn’t be conquered by mere words. Her father returns one day from Uniontown with a stranger. The red-headed stranger, Garvey Davis, soon strikes a bargain with her father and she is once more deserted; sold, along with the cabin, pelt shed, and trap line. Simone, like her mother, is a girl with spirit. She refuses to bow to fate and escapes her situation to seek her own destiny. When you think her situation couldn’t possibly get any worse, it does.
This is a historical drama set in the high plains at the foot of the Rockies. Simone Dumas’s plight grabs at your heart and her struggle for survival holds your attention. I found myself empathizing with her dismal situation and cheering her on as she discovered a new world and hope for a happy and fulfilling future. I can well imagine that the premise of this novel is not so farfetched. The west, in general, was a wild place; inhibited with strong, desperate, and often unscrupulous men. Life was cheap in the wide-open spaces of the western territories. I do have my doubts about the Canadian Mounties tenacity and bull-headed persistence of Zack Matthews. I like the way Tracie Peterson uses facts to back up her story. I have never heard of the Harvey Girls and, thanks to the wonders of the internet and Wikipedia, I soon discovered something new. I also looked up the Fourth of July, 1890 to see if she had done the proper research. BINGO! It was on Saturday! It has all the trappings of a memorable tale that will stick with you long after the final word is read. I think many will agree with me and I highly recommend it to all.
In 1890, Simone is seventeen and already a pretty girl with long dark hair and a shapely, full figure. All hopes of her mother returning to save her have long disappeared and she has resigned herself to her miserable lot. Her mother had taken pains to teach her how to read and write. She often read or had her read the bible, and she held great store in its lessons. The overwhelming misfortune that was her daily fare couldn’t be conquered by mere words. Her father returns one day from Uniontown with a stranger. The red-headed stranger, Garvey Davis, soon strikes a bargain with her father and she is once more deserted; sold, along with the cabin, pelt shed, and trap line. Simone, like her mother, is a girl with spirit. She refuses to bow to fate and escapes her situation to seek her own destiny. When you think her situation couldn’t possibly get any worse, it does.
This is a historical drama set in the high plains at the foot of the Rockies. Simone Dumas’s plight grabs at your heart and her struggle for survival holds your attention. I found myself empathizing with her dismal situation and cheering her on as she discovered a new world and hope for a happy and fulfilling future. I can well imagine that the premise of this novel is not so farfetched. The west, in general, was a wild place; inhibited with strong, desperate, and often unscrupulous men. Life was cheap in the wide-open spaces of the western territories. I do have my doubts about the Canadian Mounties tenacity and bull-headed persistence of Zack Matthews. I like the way Tracie Peterson uses facts to back up her story. I have never heard of the Harvey Girls and, thanks to the wonders of the internet and Wikipedia, I soon discovered something new. I also looked up the Fourth of July, 1890 to see if she had done the proper research. BINGO! It was on Saturday! It has all the trappings of a memorable tale that will stick with you long after the final word is read. I think many will agree with me and I highly recommend it to all.
April 20, 2022
Good story about learning to trust after a horrible upbringing.
There were times the book seemed to drag. There were also some things that seemed quite unlikely. But overall this was a good book.
I was quite intrigued after visiting the home of Fred Harvey in Leavenworth, KS while on vacation. I saw this book in their gift shop and decided to give it a try. And I'm glad I did.
There were many characters in this book, and I grew to love most of them. The horribly abusive father was someone I came to hate. I'm sure writing him was quite the task. But justice was served in the end, and for that I was glad.
The main character, Simone, was well written. We could feel her pain and understand why she didn't trust anyone. I was so happy with the characters around her helping her to understand what she felt, and letting her know it was ok, but not to stay there. Una and Rachel are the kind of friends everyone needs.
I would recommend this book, but it does have stories of abuse, prostitution, rape (attempted and planned), and murder.
There were times the book seemed to drag. There were also some things that seemed quite unlikely. But overall this was a good book.
I was quite intrigued after visiting the home of Fred Harvey in Leavenworth, KS while on vacation. I saw this book in their gift shop and decided to give it a try. And I'm glad I did.
There were many characters in this book, and I grew to love most of them. The horribly abusive father was someone I came to hate. I'm sure writing him was quite the task. But justice was served in the end, and for that I was glad.
The main character, Simone, was well written. We could feel her pain and understand why she didn't trust anyone. I was so happy with the characters around her helping her to understand what she felt, and letting her know it was ok, but not to stay there. Una and Rachel are the kind of friends everyone needs.
I would recommend this book, but it does have stories of abuse, prostitution, rape (attempted and planned), and murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2017
This was a very impressive, very captivating book from the first word to the last. It tells how Simone, a girl from Wyoming, manages to flee her oppressive home and father, to find a new life, always with the danger of her father recapturing her hovering. How she finds love and trust again.
Actually I had the impression the romance part was just, if not a minor part, then at least not as important as the rest of the story, how trust and love between human beings, and especially how finding your trust and love in God, can show you the right path and help you overcome all obstacles.
We have very sympathetic and - thanks to the author's thorough research into history - authentic and realistic characters, a brilliant plot and narration style, with lots of minor characters who add to the flavour of this story.
I would just love to get my hand on more of this author's books, especially in this series.
Actually I had the impression the romance part was just, if not a minor part, then at least not as important as the rest of the story, how trust and love between human beings, and especially how finding your trust and love in God, can show you the right path and help you overcome all obstacles.
We have very sympathetic and - thanks to the author's thorough research into history - authentic and realistic characters, a brilliant plot and narration style, with lots of minor characters who add to the flavour of this story.
I would just love to get my hand on more of this author's books, especially in this series.
July 3, 2020
First of all - big fail on the editor's part. Three words into first chapter we hear of Simon: "Darkness engulfed Simon..." The character is a FEMALE named SIMONE. Seriously, how could anyone screw that up in the opening sentence of the book?!
The story starts off great, quite vividly and for a time it was already a 4-star read in my mind. Halfway through though, it started getting heavy with religion in a sense that started feeling like it was trying to portray moral stories through what was sometimes paragraphs long reams of bible passages, pouring the scripture on thicker than molasses.
And then the story started to turn unbelievably sappy. I eventually had to skim lightly to the end to get a gist what happens, I just couldn't get through reading it.
3 stars for the strong start, an epic fail on the editor's part, and not for those that aren't heavy on the Christianity.
Ugh.
The story starts off great, quite vividly and for a time it was already a 4-star read in my mind. Halfway through though, it started getting heavy with religion in a sense that started feeling like it was trying to portray moral stories through what was sometimes paragraphs long reams of bible passages, pouring the scripture on thicker than molasses.
And then the story started to turn unbelievably sappy. I eventually had to skim lightly to the end to get a gist what happens, I just couldn't get through reading it.
3 stars for the strong start, an epic fail on the editor's part, and not for those that aren't heavy on the Christianity.
Ugh.
June 6, 2021
What a relief.
A four was difficult to make. I lend my reading to much thought and always look deeper. To tell the truth, just to get to the end was difficult. So many readers will skip to the end and then go back and read the book. Ugh.
I plow through a book" just in case".
I didn't regret per se of reading it through but again it was the plowing ahead I didn't like.
At first I thought it would be gripping and liked the young lady getting away, and awed despite she had no idea about even the surrounding territory or where to grow, she gutted it out.
I totally feel understand how trying it is to figure out oneself is. What to do with freedom, and realizing there was a hardened heart to deal with. it took me forty years!
I have your books downloaded and I sure hope this " light" reading is or will do.
A four was difficult to make. I lend my reading to much thought and always look deeper. To tell the truth, just to get to the end was difficult. So many readers will skip to the end and then go back and read the book. Ugh.
I plow through a book" just in case".
I didn't regret per se of reading it through but again it was the plowing ahead I didn't like.
At first I thought it would be gripping and liked the young lady getting away, and awed despite she had no idea about even the surrounding territory or where to grow, she gutted it out.
I totally feel understand how trying it is to figure out oneself is. What to do with freedom, and realizing there was a hardened heart to deal with. it took me forty years!
I have your books downloaded and I sure hope this " light" reading is or will do.
February 4, 2021
Moves slow
This is a good story, like all of Tracy Peterson’s book, but it wasn’t my favorite. It’s a compelling story, sad, terrifying at times, but it lacked something. It moved slow, names became jumbled as the characters were referred to by first names then last names and back again. Some characters drifted in and out without really belonging or adding much to the storyline. I’m not regretting reading this book and would recommend Ms Peterson’s work highly. This story just wasn’t as well thought out as most other of her work.
This is a good story, like all of Tracy Peterson’s book, but it wasn’t my favorite. It’s a compelling story, sad, terrifying at times, but it lacked something. It moved slow, names became jumbled as the characters were referred to by first names then last names and back again. Some characters drifted in and out without really belonging or adding much to the storyline. I’m not regretting reading this book and would recommend Ms Peterson’s work highly. This story just wasn’t as well thought out as most other of her work.
April 9, 2025
This was a sweet historical Christian romance. I really enjoyed the Harvey House setting. It's a unique place and time in history that I could always read more about. The romance was so good. I liked how Jeffery kind of took Simone under his wing, and when she was accused of something terrible, he patiently listened to her side of the story instead of jumping to conclusions. I also enjoyed Simone's faith journey. The way she grew from questioning everything her mother had taught to trusting God for herself was uplifting. And the way Jeffrey encouraged her in her growth was so nice.
May 30, 2017
Excellent portrayal of hopeless despair being a constant companion , to learning to give Christ full trust and leaving the past behind . Then, one can look towards the future knowing He will never leave, nor lead where He is not there . What a transformation when that happens ! I was "on the edge of my seat " wondering how Simone would finally be free in more ways than one . I loved this book so much ; recommended !
July 5, 2024
The book started strong, petered out in the middle, then finished strong. The main female character (Simone) was the highlight of the book. That said, I found her male counterpart (Jeffrey) incredibly annoying and their interactions slowed the plot of the book. I actually took to skimming their dialogue as it added nothing to the story. It seemed that Peterson missed the mark in failing to develop the sheriff who seemed to have a story that would have added so much more to the storyline.
July 29, 2024
Enjoayble
I enjoyed the story. It definitely kept my attention and addressed some serious spiritual questions honestly.
I can’t say I really liked the male main character, Jeffrey, much though.
I would also have liked to have had some hint as to whether Simone’s mother might be alive somewhere and who her biological father might be. Perhaps these were left open for the possibility of a sequel.
I enjoyed the story. It definitely kept my attention and addressed some serious spiritual questions honestly.
I can’t say I really liked the male main character, Jeffrey, much though.
I would also have liked to have had some hint as to whether Simone’s mother might be alive somewhere and who her biological father might be. Perhaps these were left open for the possibility of a sequel.
November 18, 2018
Fantastic drama
This story of character, Simone's, enduring teachings from her mother about faith in God despite her hardships along with the intense worry about what would become of her makes this book one that I couldn't put down. I had to keep reading to find out what God has in store for her.
This story of character, Simone's, enduring teachings from her mother about faith in God despite her hardships along with the intense worry about what would become of her makes this book one that I couldn't put down. I had to keep reading to find out what God has in store for her.
February 13, 2019
Mesmerizing Story Telling
I loved the character writing. Some parts were agonizing to read, others were pure elation! With Simone being the main character in this story, she struggled but found that as long as she kept asking God for his guidance, she would follow down the correct path.
I loved the character writing. Some parts were agonizing to read, others were pure elation! With Simone being the main character in this story, she struggled but found that as long as she kept asking God for his guidance, she would follow down the correct path.
May 7, 2024
great book
This was an excellent read. It held your interest all the way through. There is sadness, abuse, guilt, shame, loneliness, laughter, joy, romance, mystery, love and learning to trust in God’s love and guidance. This book made you feel like you were right there with Simone through everything. Loved it!
This was an excellent read. It held your interest all the way through. There is sadness, abuse, guilt, shame, loneliness, laughter, joy, romance, mystery, love and learning to trust in God’s love and guidance. This book made you feel like you were right there with Simone through everything. Loved it!
November 20, 2024
Simone was left behind when her mother tried to escape her abusive husband. Eventually, Simone leaves and finds employment as a Harvey Girl, serving diners on railroad cars and building a new life for herself. She learned that not all people are like her selfish, abusive "father."
Simone was a strong character who was kind and paved the way for others to be helpful to her.
Simone was a strong character who was kind and paved the way for others to be helpful to her.
November 25, 2016
What a story! From the slums of life and hardship, lovelessness of a father, murder suspect to a life of God's love. Redeemed by His grace and given a new life, then God tops it with a more special gift. God is truly awesome and can change ugly lives to something beautiful.
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