Ties That Bind

Ribbons West #3

by Judith Pella, Tracie Peterson

The Civil War has ended, and the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads are locked in a high-stakes competition to link the eastern states with their western counterparts. Jordana Baldwin's writing catches the attention of an eastern newspaper, and she takes on the guise of a man to report on the progress of the rail line...and to spy for the Central Pacific. She continues to correspond with Captain Rich O'Brian, who now works for the Union Pacific. When they meet again, romantic sparks fly, but Rich's past still looms between them. Will competing interests keep Jordana and Rich apart...or bring them together?

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

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2000

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

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the best in the series. Jordana had a love for the wild open spaces of the frontier. She dressed up as a boy (JD Baldwin) so she could interview men that worked on the railroad and those that had bought shares in the railroad. She is always getting in to some sort of trouble (like captured by the Indians), but Rich is always there to save her. Love the banter between the two. Both tried hard not to fall in love with the other but with all the encounters on the railroad and Jordana getting into trouble it happened. Took them long enough to admit it to the other person. So glad the book had a happy ending for them. Then of course, guess that was pretty predictable. At times I found myself just grinning with the rescue attempts of Rich to get Jordana out of trouble. Had a hard time putting this one down. The history of the railroad being built was interesting. What a time in history to have lived.

[Willadale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I had already read this book two years ago, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The third book in the "Ribbons West series", it was nice to be re-introduced to the Baldwin family and Captain Rich O'Brian. It is the story of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and contained many fascinating descriptions of the land, the trials of building the railroad and the threats of saboteurs.

There was so much history involved in this book that I found myself constantly referring to Google for maps and articles on the Transcontinental Railroad. I feel that I am much better informed now about that time period.

The book is well-written and the characters are well-developed. I highly recommend it to history buffs as well as readers who enjoy Christian fiction.

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion

of the “Ribbons West” series focuses on Jordana, the completion of the transcontinental railroad and all the challenges attendant to that life altering event. The character of Captain Rich becomes much more central in this volume as the other siblings become secondary to Jordana. The story also becomes a bit more of a mystery/adventure with just a touch of romance. All if the story lines are tied up but these are great characters that the authors could quite easily breathe life into some other time down the road and we would be quite happy to visit with them. Quite an enjoyable series.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

ebook version is so good when books were written sometime ago and don't reprint. O'Connor family and the Baldwin family journey across the US and then the train line built from east to west. Each of the siblings have a story. 1st book Victoria and Keiran, 2nd book Brenton and Caitlin , 3rd book this one Rich and Jordanna. Historical moment when the train line meets and train journeys make faster travel from east to west. good read

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final installment of the Ribbons West series, was as much a roller coaster ride as the previous books. These authors did not coast to the happy ending - they surprised me at every turn. It was a fun peek into the history of the transcontinental railroad and as "someone who is charmed by the Salt Lake desert regions" but never visited Promontory Point, I enjoyed my time with the Baldwins, the O'Connor's and Rich O'Brian. This series was worth the read and will be remembered!

[carl d thome · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great view of the people who built the transcontinental railroad and how God blessed them.

I enjoy historical novels and thought the author did a great job of portraying the huge job of building a. transcontinental line.
I also enjoy stories about families who lived during that time .

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book and worthy conclusion to the series. The Montegos reminded me of Don Mondego and Elena in Mask of Zorro!

Still love Jordana as a character, and enjoyed watching her develop in this installment.

[Deborah Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Entire Series


Have read many of Miss Pellas books, and these are among the best. As a Male reader, I look for the historical content more than the romantic and she never fails to deliver a great story. Thanks!

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordana and Captain Rich have been working with different rail companies to complete the transcontinental railroad. Rich worked for the Union Pacific and Jordana for the Central Pacific. Together they fell in love and worked through their differences

[Jo Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great trilogy!

I really enjoyed this series of books after the series of books that came before! Well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[JLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

IMO this was the best one of this series. Read them in order to extend your journey.

[Kathy Ary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

So loved this 3rd book! The adventures of Jordana Baldwin are nonstop and keeps you turning pages as quickly as you can. Highly recommend!

[Jennifer de Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Very entertaining . The history was insightful.

The history mixed with the adventure made for a fun read. The book is romantic and honors God at the same time.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ties That Bind by Judith Pella – If you like Civil War era fiction, this is a perfect series for you! Loved these! Happy Reading!

[Jane Boone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series that I enjoyed from the first page to the last!

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic Historical Christian fiction series!

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as pleased with this one.

[Gail E. Brennhofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ties that bind was a good ending

The third and final book in the series,Jordan's finally met her match, Rich was a fitting husband to be. Would like to see their story continue..

[Stacey Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly did enjoy this book, as I have the others. My biggest complaint is that it ended too soon. I would have loved an epilogue showing their wedding or even a couple years later with adventures and kids. But, overall, I loved this book.

[Trish Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story line!

I loved this story. There were tears of joy and sadness. Laughter and feelings of anger. You are really taken on a ride with this story. Really enjoyed this book. It is also a good read for young ladies to get into. I highly recommend this book!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. The character is so strong. She loves to defy convention and in the 1800's that is a lot! Women were certainly different back then!

[Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the last of a series of 3 books, Ribbons West Series with the railroads from the east meeting the railroads being built from the west and meeting at Promontory Summit in Utah.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters!

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series, as well as the first one. I would have liked to find out what happened to the rest of the family, even though it didn't exactly tie in with the railroad.

[Saralyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed all the loose ends being tied up and, again, it was very interesting, but I think I liked the second book best.

[Denise Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of Ribbons West series

I felt as if I were right there with Johana I felt her fear, her anger, her joy, all her emotions. Very well written.

[Mary Bullington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every book from this series:)

Love! Shows all the best qualities of love and faith. That God has a plan bigger than our knowledge or understanding.

[Mariah H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the entire series and I was so happy in this one that she found love.

[Jjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of adventures with characters you get to know - Family - Romance - a fast story that is a page turner! Interesting history of the beginning of the Railroad.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the entire Ribbons West series. It has spiked an interest in the early railroads and has encouraged me to read some of the history.