A Choice Considered

The Heart of Cheyenne #2

by Tracie Peterson

Melody Doyle has spent years following her father across the country as the transcontinental railroad is built. When she announces her desire to settle down in Cheyenne, her father presents her with an unconventional He will allow her to stay if she finds a husband before his departure. As word spreads and the men in town vie for her hand, she wonders if she could ever be happy with a husband chosen in such a way.

Charles Decker, the heir to a banking dynasty, has been sent West to manage the bank started by his brother. His heart yearns for a simple life of teaching, but banking is the family business, and Charlie feels obligated to fall in line. When his friendship with Melody blossoms, he's drawn to this remarkable woman who defies conventions. Will he be able to come to terms with his growing feelings for her and confront the true desires of his own heart before it's too late?

In this captivating series sequel, Tracie Peterson weaves a tale of sweeping romance, resilience, and self-discovery amid the evolving landscapes of the American West.

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

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 2024

About the author

Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

pen name: Janelle Jamison

Reviews

[Morgan's Endless Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried.

I love Melody, I love Charlie, I love her Da.

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody follows the railroad with her father, but decides to stay in Cheyenne. Her father will only allow her to do that if they find her protection...in the form of a husband.

I loved this second installment in Tracie Peterson's new series. Peterson always seems to write the best antagonists and keeps you wanting to read more. I loved the sweet romance, and adding a touch of matchmaking mischief into the mix.

*Thank you to Bethany House and #netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review, all thoughts are my own.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

1868 Cheyenne, Wyoming

Tracie Peterson has a talent for blending the western frontier with a compelling story line.

After traveling for years along the Union Pacific rail line with her father, Melody has found what feels like home in Cheyenne. She has friends and a mother figure in the town. When she discusses her plan to stay in Cheyenne when her father moves on with continued expansion of the railroad, he agrees on one condition...she marry first. Melody's dad announces the search for a husband and begins to interview men that are interested. It's a rather unusual approach to finding a husband, but it's clear Melody's dad loves her and she trusts and values his opinion.

Banking heir Charlie is in Cheyenne to fill in for his ill brother, but his heart's desire is to teach. Charlie is an honorable man and does his very best at the bank and makes friends in Cheyenne.

Their journey to love was a sweet one. I look forward to continuing the series.

My gratitude to Bethany House for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been curious to see how Melody’s story would play out in A Choice Considered since I read book one in this series. I really liked Melody’s character from the beginning and the friend she was to Marybeth when the latter needed one most. And honestly, that’s Melody in a nutshell – a friend. She was made for close relationships, despite having led a mostly impermanent lifestyle with her railroad-employee father (whom I adore), and I loved the community she has gathered around her in Cheyenne. From her prayer partners – Marybeth and Granny – to her new employer Mrs. Cooper and others, I can see why she doesn’t want to leave this time when the railroad workers move further west again.

Melody’s relationship with her father is so sweet, and their mutual affection for one another reminded me of my relationship with my own dad. It had me shedding a few tears, too, for the same reason. Her protective Da’s unconventional means of making sure her future is secure before he leaves Cheyenne both mortified me on Melody’s behalf (the church scene – oh sweet mercy! LOL) and delighted me as a reader. (Plus, I loved her dad’s wisdom and discernment and how much he valued his ‘darling daughter’.) And then there’s Charlie who – like Edward in A Love Discovered – is just such a genuinely good guy. He may be a banker out of obligation, longing to be a teacher instead, but he has good instincts nonetheless. Not only did I enjoy watching him tackle his new assignment at the small savings & loan in Cheyenne, I also (and even more so) enjoyed watching his friendship with Melody develop and then evolve into something deeper. His respect for Melody’s dad, his love for God, and his servant’s heart toward Melody cemented my love for Charlie early on in the story.

Bottom Line: A Choice Considered by Tracie Peterson is a sweet historical western romance with likable characters you’ll be rooting for from the beginning. The road to happily ever after for Melody and Charlie starts with an almost-instant friendship and mutual respect, and their story will take you through a range of emotions and some layered plot turns. I appreciated the emphasis on a personal relationship with God that affects their daily lives and their decisions, and I appreciated even more that it wasn’t presented in a preachy manner or one that felt forced. If you enjoy western/frontier romance by Lauraine Snelling, Kimberley Woodhouse, and Janette Oke, then you really need to be reading Tracie Peterson too! While characters from the first book do recur in this one, A Choice Considered can easily be read as a standalone, so there’s no reason to delay!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. I do recommend reading the first one first but if you don’t, it does work as a stand alone. Melody is in need of a husband and her father is the one to go through in order to court her. And the men do line up when they hear. Charlie is new in town. Charlie and Melody quickly become friends. I loved how this story had a little bit of matchmaking involved. I also enjoyed both main characters. We even have a little bit of a bad guy thrown in. As always, with this author, there is strong Christian content throughout the entire book. I really appreciate that. Overall this was a cute story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Choice Considered, in which Ms. Peterson’s wonderful gift for telling a heartwarming, inspiring story shines through, is an ideal addition to the Heart of Cheyenne series. I enjoyed traveling back to 1868 Cheyenne, Wyoming, reconnecting with some of the most memorable characters from the first book and meeting new ones who fast became favorites. I love Melody and Charlie as a couple, and I enjoyed the way their romantic relationship develops as the story unfolds. The plot flows at a fitting pace with both humorous moments involving possible suitors and serious moments related to illness, grief, and criminal activity. I greatly appreciate the strong faith thread in the story regarding trusting God’s guidance and relying on His all-sufficient grace. I thoroughly enjoyed this light, entertaining story and highly recommend it as a satisfying read for Christian Historical Romance fans like me! Note: Although there are carryover characters, this book can be read easily as a standalone.
For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers via Interviews & Reviews.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book!! I loved everything about it. The setting of Cheyenne is rustic but on the verge of becoming an important city. There's some intrigue and the sweetest friends to lovers romance.

The characters are written brilliantly! Some are familiar from book 1. In this book, we meet Charles. He's very loyal to his family; so much that he puts aside his dreams of teaching to work in his fathers bank. He's intelligent, compassionate, and kind. Marybeth is the definition of a best friend. She offers advice, but she also prays with Melody.

The saddest part is when Clancy Doyle passes away. His legacy of faith is passed down to his daughter and to everyone he came in contact with. Understandably, Melody is heartbroken, but Charlie reassures her. " No person can fill that emptiness, but Jesus can. He'll be your comfort and assurance for better days to come."

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second book of The Heart of Cheyenne series, Melody Doyle wants to stay in Cheyenne when her father moves on with the railroad. She wants stability and has made friends. She seeks the will of God and wants to honor her father. Clancy Doyle poses that she should marry and is prepared to interview possible suitors. Charlie Decker has some choices to make after traveling from Chicago to oversee the bank his father started in Cheyenne. His heart is actually yearning to open a school for boys, which Cheyenne desperately needs. Not wanting to push Melody into an awkward situation by offering marriage too soon, Charlie opts to become a friend first.
With strong faith portrayed by the main characters and some problems along the way, this story took me back in time to 1868 when the town was being established.
One of my favorite authors has once again brought the old west to life with a sweet romance and a story of good versus evil where right prevails.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Christine B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Choice Considered, is a touching and inspiring historical Christian romance. Melody wants to stay in her small town when her father continues over to the next town. He insists that she must marry or else come with him. Thus starts the race for her hand in marriage by all the eligible bachelors. Enter Charlie a handsome banker. Their connection is adorable and the faith content in this book is great! I loved reading it and look forward to this author’s third book.

YouTube Review: 04/17/24
YouTube Handle: KeenCat

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody Doyle has traveled with her father across the country while the transcontinental railroad is
Built. Her mother died when she was ten and now she wants to make a life with a real home in
Cheyenne. Her father who’s been a wonderful dad has one stipulation -marry a man who will care for
Her when he leaves. Dad decides to choose a man for her and his choice is Charlie Decker the head of
The bank. As their friendship grows Melody suspects that her dad is sicker than she thought and is
Dying. This is a heartwarming story with action, love, great characters,and a satisfying conclusion.
Recommended.

[Conny Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

“As word spreads and the men in town vie for her hand, she wonders if she could ever be happy with a husband chosen in such a way,” the online description states in Tracie Peterson’s novel, A Choice Considered.

~ What ~
The second book in The Heart of Cheyenne series, this three-hundred-page advanced reader copy targets those interested in a historical romance about a young woman in Wyoming whose ailing father is determined to find a suitable mate for his daughter. With no profanity, topics involving theft, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers.

Set in 1868, twenty-six-year-old Melody and her father live in a tent since he works for the Union Pacific Railroad and they often have to move. While she wants to settle down in the growing town of Cheyenne, her dad insists that she find a husband that he approves. As Melody goes on arranged dates with her suitors, she befriends Charlie, the new banker in town, who puts friendship first before marriage. Only when tragedy strikes, do the two protagonists come to terms with what the will of God is for them.

~ Why ~
The establishment of the Wild West has always interested me, and this one references how the small town of Cheyenne became more popular and civilized when the railroad ran through it. I greatly appreciate that the story has the eternal plan of salvation and that we cannot disappoint God (yet He can be saddened by our actions). The love between Melody and her da contrasts nicely with the angst of Charlie’s relationship with his father. I like that the female tries to live her faith, even when revealing her faults.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story that focuses on God’s will and not oneself or others. Some may not like a couple of the characters appearing pious or perfect in many ways.

~ Wish ~
Since this is a series, it may be helpful to include a map of Cheyenne and a list of characters.

~ Want ~
If you like a historical romance about building a town in the wilderness while making life decisions dealing with grief and frustrations, this one that includes love arranged by God is heartwarming and interesting.

Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Choice Considered was such a lovely, endearing story. It’s a friends to more romance with delightful characters, a touch of humor, a dash of suspense, and a sweet father/daughter relationship. I enjoyed the way Tracie Peterson brought 1800’s Cheyenne, Wyoming to life.

Melody Doyle has been uprooted constantly in her life as her father moves with his railroad position. This time, after her father recovers from an injury, she wants to stay in Cheyenne when he needs to move own. She’s built lasting friendships and feels confident she can make it on her own. But, her father has other plans. He wants to see her married & makes it known to everyone that he’s seeking a suitor for his daughter. They have to pass his muster though.

Charles Decker is the son of a banker who’s expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. Though he’d rather be a teacher, he’s agreed to take over the running of his father’s savings & loan in Cheyenne when his banker brother suddenly becomes ill and has to leave. Charlie does his best but has his hands full with an unruly employee who seems to resent his presence. He meets the beautiful Melody when she visits the bank & despite the suitors lined up to date her, he offers his friendship.

I loved Charlie & Melody! Charlie has the right idea of courting Melody by first becoming her friend. I loved their sweet relationship as he’d patiently listen to her sometimes disastrous dates all while being there to support her. Melody’s a kind, thoughtful daughter and I loved her relationship with her darling Irish father.

I enjoyed how faith was gently woven throughout this story. When difficulties come & faith becomes difficult, I enjoyed the way friends were there to offer support and encouragement. There’s also a bit of suspense which adds an exciting layer to the story.

Highly recommend this enjoyable, friends to more romance! Even though it’s part of a series, I had no trouble reading it as a standalone but look forward to reading the first book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A Choice Considered" is a romance set in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1868. It's very slow-paced, with many details about cooking or planting a garden (or watering it by bucket and ladle...she could have used a watering can as they did have them back then, but, no). Some details were questionable, like why she deliberately cooked a roast a day early and then thought it'd still be perfectly cooked after sitting in an oven as the oven cooled and then leaving it in there with no refrigeration. Or the way Melody and her father lived in a tent but regularly left the stove untended (which was somehow in the tent without causing smoke problems) and food was left out on the table, which should have been snatched in no time by animals. Or how one of the suitors pointed a shotgun at a friendly dog who was near Melody; he'd have known it was dangerous to shoot a rifle in her direction, and using shot was even worse as it'd likely hit her! Not the way to win a wife, but that wasn't what upset Melody.

Any conflict in the story was soon resolved (or good or bad) in a way that didn't create suspense. Things could have caused suspense, like Melody's father's health preventing him from working, but everything just works out, and usually pretty quickly. I still can't believe that Charlie somehow forgot to take back the keys when he fired an employee, even though the employee had just stated he regularly unlocked and locked up the bank and Charlie was about to lock up the bank himself. Anyway.

The story was basically Charlie spending time with Melody so that they could become friends (with the intent on his part to marry her) while she dealt with the marriage prospects and cared for her father. They got along well. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this to people looking for a sweet romance with minimal suspense.

I received an ebook advanced review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Things in the story may be changed before the final version comes out.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Tracie Peterson's books. Even after reading them for over 30 years, I'm not tired of them. Each book delights me and I'm always looking forward to the next one.

This is the second book in the Heart of Cheyenne series, and I've found the historical facts about life in Cheyenne so interesting.

Melody's mother died when she was very young, she has happy memories of her but sadly, like the memory of her face they are slowly fading. Her death has brought her into a closer, loving relationship with her father.

Her father is a wanderer, never happy to live in one place for long. His railroad job is perfect for this as it requires constantly moving along to where the work is. Despite her strong relationship with her father as Melody is now a young woman, she is tired of the constant picking up and moving around and wants to stay in Cheyenne as she considers it home of all the places they've traveled to.

As her father ponders her choice of wanting to settle down, he comes up with a challenge. She must find a man to marry before he departs for his next railroading job. As possible suitors here of this challenge they are hopeful of being the chosen one.

Most of the potential suitors hit a sour note with Melody but one is patient and wants a strong friendship first.

When Charles Decker arrives in town it is with the intention of managing the family's new bank. He was sent west by his father for this intent though it's not his hearts wish. He wants a simple life but feels obligated to fall in line with the banking business.

I thought the continuation of the railroading series taking place in Cheyenne in the late 1800's was fascinating. This is a book about compassion, strength through hard times, keeping a strong faith, friendship before romance. There is grief and recovery. I suggest you read this series in order though not absolutely necessary.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Carla Hostetter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got sucked into this book by the interesting premise. Melody's father, a rail worker is ready to move on. Melody, 26, wants to stay in growing Cheyenne and put down roots. Her father will not let her stay alone and so announces in front of their church congregation that he will now accept interviews with men who want to court his daughter who is beautiful, kind, above all godly. How embarrassing, but she trusts in her father and God. Despite some really bad blind dates, some funny, there is no doubt from the very first pages who she will marry and who is the bad guy. Charlie wishes to befriend her before wooing and so they weed the garden together. He plays checkers wit her father and the story crawls slowly forward to a predictable and very smooth ending. Not even having Charlie's bank robbed adds much excitement and seems stupid. Who doesn't take the keys from a fired employee? The single spat between Melody and Charlie is ridiculous and soon solved. His parents accept Melody immediately with no misgivings.
Then there is the historical detail on the history of Cheyenne-businesses and schools opening, the number of school children in town, how many newspapesr, all pretty dry and boring compared to the city in its wild days. And yet, there are so many slips like leaving a roast overnight in a cold oven and its still being prefect the next day. Fried chicken appears often on the tables-at this time it would have been a dish for special occasions as chickens were of more use for eggs until they stopped laying and then were very tough. Melody, who lives in a tent, but does have money, also has a remarkable wardrobe changed often. Anyhow, those who want God mentioned on every page will still llke this.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable, easy read. It has likeable characters and an interesting premise. I appreciated the clear proclamation of the Gospel (which doesn’t always happen in “Christian” novels). It was wonderful to see so many healthy relationships - romantic, family, and friends. I also feel that the novel generally handled grief in a sensitive and thoughtful way.

Tracie Peterson is obviously a beloved writer. However, I think the story would have been even better with a few changes. Most of the characters were too perfect and the “bad” character a little too sneeringly villainous; a bit more depth and opportunity for growth would have added nuance and interest to the story for me. And though the writing is generally good, there were a few anachronisms (e.g., “Maybe he’s the one”, “hooking you up,” “dreams come true”). The writing was also quite heavy-handed (a lot of "telling" rather than "showing") - though I agree that is necessary when proclaiming the Gospel. There were also two pretty big types of deceit that originated with a Christian character. Why did Clancy Doyle, Melody's father, insist on the charade of her going on dates with other men and lead them on when he knew that Melody was going to marry Charlie? For these reasons, I give the book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I still enjoyed the book and I recommend it to others who enjoy historical Christian romance. I could see myself trying other Tracie Peterson novels in the future. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the free eARC! This review contains my honest opinions.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Choice Considered by Tracie Peterson is the second book in The Heart of Cheyenne series. It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read A Love Discovered. I thought A Choice Considered was easy to read. I enjoyed getting to know Melody and her father as well as Charlie. The characters, though, needed more depth. The characters are a little too perfect with the bad guy being the sneering, twirling the ends of his mustache type of villain (the type you see in cartoons). We get to visit Cheyenne in 1868 just as the railroad tracks have been finished and the workers are ready to move on to the next site. I do not blame Melody for being ready to settle down in one location after years of travel. I did find some of the details to be inaccurate (two small examples are you do not leave a stove unattended in a tent for long periods of time nor do you leave food out on the table because a dog will snatch it—or a hungry vagrant). The story follows Melody and Charlie as they get to know each other. In between the pair go to work and Melody goes on the dates set up by her father. There is a touch of suspense when a disgruntled bank employee makes off with funds. A Choice Considered is a clean, Christian story (no intimate relations or foul language). While A Choice Considered is a nice story, I thought it was very predictable. I could foresee how the story would play out early on. I felt this book was not on par with Tracie Peterson’s earlier works. While A Choice Considered was a miss for me, it will not keep me from reading Tracie’s books in the future.

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone that has read a Tracie Peterson novel will be thrilled with this new addition to their library.

Melody Doyle has followed the lines of the railroad along with her father and after years she decides she wants to take a step back and settle down. Her father wishes for her to find a husband before he leaves her and if she can’t do that before his next departure she will go with him. The men in town hear word of her wanting to settle down and there is a race to become her husband. When the heir to a banking fortune heads her way at the request of his father, Charles Decker, wants nothing more than to settle down as well and when he meets Melody his life will never be the same.

Tracie Peterson is a star in the Christian fiction world for a reason, her writing is sweet, heartfelt and just what the readers will want. A Choice Considered had all that and more, the way she writes these characters gave me all the feels. Melody and Charles were the right combination and readers will route for them to come out happy in the end. They have a sweet romance and plenty of obstacles in their way to find that happy ending making for plenty of tension throughout the story. The tension is really what drove it forward for me and kept me glued to the pages. It was a job well done by Peterson. As the second book in the series, I will be curious to see what happens next. Readers that love historical romance will not want to miss this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally enjoy Tracie Peterson's books, but this one left me wanting a bit more. Melody McGregor lives in the railroad tent village in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Her Da, Clancy McGregor, has been off work because of a back injury. What she doesn't know is that her father has been hiding a more grave illness. She knows the railroad will soon be moving to the next stop but she wants to settle down. Her father says he will allow this as long as she chooses a husband before the railroad moves. What he really wants is for her to find a husband before he dies. He decides to set her up on a series of blind dates that were disastrous from the very outset. The man he really wants her to marry is someone else entirely.
I enjoyed reading A Choice Considered for the most part, but it fell a little flat--it was overly sweet, predictable, with not a lot of activity in the plot. It is clear from the beginning who Melody's husband will be, who the bad guy is, and while the bad guy is easily discerned before he shows his true colors, his actions are tame compared to other books I've read. Even though I didn't care for this book as much as others, I will continue to read Tracie's books. She is usually a good author. This one was just a miss for me.

Three Stars

Bethany House provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing historical romance, full of faith, friendship and hope. Set in 1868 Cheyenne, Wyoming, this second book in the series features a young woman whose concerned father wishes to see her find a good husband before he moves on with the railroad. Characters from book one appear in the story, but this one can easily be read as a stand alone.

"...those good things we long for are the desires that God has put in our hearts. Trust Him to know what to do with your dream."

Perfectly paced and easy to read, with a squeaky clean romance, this would be a good book for teens and young adults especially. The heroine is a sweet, kind, hard working person who loves and respects her father, whose main concern is for her future; he just wants the best for her. There are many discussions of faith, and the main characters are Christians who look to God for hope and answers to their problems. It had some touching moments that brought tears and made me miss my own father. I enjoyed the ending and look forward to reading the other books in the series.

Recommend to readers who enjoy a good clean historical romance with plenty of faith.
4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley and LibraryThing Early Reviewers. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Choice Considered
by Tracie Peterson
Pub DateJul 02 2024
Bethany House |Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance


Bethany House publishers and Netgalley provided me with a copy of A Choice Considered for review:



Even the best laid plans can be derailed by love.


Melody Doyle spent years following her father across the country during the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Her father offers her an unconventional challenge when she announces her desire to settle down in Cheyenne: he'll let her stay if she finds a husband before he departs. As word spreads and the men in town vie for her hand, she wonders if she could ever be happy with a husband chosen in this way.


Decker is heir to a banking dynasty and has been sent west by his father to manage the family's new bank. Although Charlie longs for a simpler life of teaching, banking is the family business, and he feels obligated to follow suit. When his friendship with Melody blossoms, he is drawn to this remarkable woman. Can he confront his true desires before it's too late and come to terms with his growing feelings for her?


I give A Choice Considered five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

[Sarah Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I lasted around 54% of the Kindle copy I was reading, and the dramatic plot twist with one character that I was really hoping would not happen, did happen so I did not finish reading this novel. The beginning seemed rushed with the whole marriage market-esque exchange between Melody and her father. Melody seemed a little whiney when talking to her friends about not wanting to leave Cheyenne, and I don't know why a banker who hates banking and loves teaching doesn't just already find a teaching position instead of going on and on about honoring his father, even though he doesn't enjoy it. I didn't like Jefferson, the bank assistant, at all... too calculating and snooty. If readers can handle the situation that Melody faces halfway into the novel, then they would probably enjoy this book by an established Christian fiction author. I, however, don't want to read fiction that makes me sad and worry about the people in my life. One of the random cute parts was the novelty of potato chips!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild West 🤠
Union Pacific Railroad 🛤️
A fathers love 💕
Arranged marriage 💒
Bank robbery 🚨

Melody Doyle has always been at her father’s side as he worked on the Union Pacific Railroad. The railroad has made it to Cheyenne, Wyoming and Melody makes the decision to stay behind when the railroad moves on. This is not an easy decision as Melody and her Da, have a close and beautiful relationship.

Clancy, her Da, took a fall at work and she is helping nurse him back to health. Her decision is not a complete surprise but his demand that she marry before he moves on, is a twist.

As Melody is courted by the prospects that her dad has approved , you feel as if you are there with her - and feel her uncertainty and frustration over her future. Enter Decker - the local banker who has arrived in town to manage his family’s bank after his brother has left town. His interest in Melody increases as he gets to know her and her father but will the bank robbery end his career and time in Cheyenne?

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

[Susan Faloon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melody Doyle is tired of the life of travel that railroad workers live. She has come to enjoy living in Cheyenne as she has made friends and looks forward to living in a house rather than a tent. She is close to her father and shares with him that she would like to settle there. He agrees that it would be good but gives her an ultimatum. She can stay, if she has a husband when it is time for him to move on.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this, the second book in the Heart of Cheyenne series from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. This is my own personal opinion about the book. I enjoyed reading and thinking about the way of life for those workers and their families that traveled with the train line in the 1860's. It's interesting to me how towns formed, and businesses moved in. I really like Melody's father. He truly is a character. He has a plan, and amusing scenes take place as it unfolds. He also has a secret which lends heart touching drama to the story. A disreputable character causes problems too.
The building friendship of banker Charlie Decker and Melody is sweet. They are two good people who honor their fathers. Faith is important in the community.
This is a story of friendship, community and of course, a sweet, clean romance. It would be a fine read for teens to older adults. It would work as a stand-alone. This is a 5-star read for me.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Choice Considered is an inspiring and beautiful Christian Historical Read. Cheyenne, Wyoming is seeing growth in 1968 with the railroad going further west. Melody Doyle has been traveling along with her dad, Clancy, since he started working for the railroad. She adorned him but was ready to settle and wanted to remain in Cheyenne with the friends she had made. There was a stipulation she needed to marry. The men came forward but only God could orchestra the right man with her father’s intuition and leading from His faithful Heavenly.

Charlie Decker came to Cheyenne to work at his family’s business, not looking for a wife. There is plenty of action with unexpected twists and turns that Charlies found shortly upon his arrival. Charlie’s friendship with Clancy and insuring he would be there to assist him was penned with depth. The Irish brogue of Clancy made the story that much richer along with all the historical events and beautiful faith message. Will Charlie be able to fulfill his heart’s desire? Peterson created a lovely conclusion with all the wonderful characters—new and ones from book one.

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about a daughter and father's love for each other. The mother had died years ago and the father and daughter became extremely close.

Melody Doyle thought the world of her father. He had turned his life around and became a great witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. Mr. Doyle worked for the railroad and he and Melody moved around a lot and lived in a tent. Melody did not mind this kind of life.

One day, Melody was very content with staying in Cheyenne. Her father had an accident and was temporarily laid up. She told her father of her desire to stay in Cheyenne, so he decided she needed to find a husband. Mr. Doyle announced at the end of the church service that he was looking for a devoted husband for his daughter, which embarrassed Melody.

The husband search was on and there were quite a few bumps along the road.

There was some drama and danger in Cheyenne. Mr. Doyle was very discerning in finding the right man for his daughter.

I loved the devotion that Melody had for her dear father.

[callistoscalling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @netgalley and @bethanyhousefiction for the eARC of A Choice Considered by @authortraciepeterson in exchange for an honest review!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Cheyenne, Wyoming 1868, A Choice Considered is a rare glimpse back into the Wild West. Melody is the daughter of an Irish immigrant who is building the railroads out west. She falls in love with Cheyenne and makes a deal with her father to marry in exchange for permission to stay in her beloved town. This book is so beautifully written, feeling like time travel back yet with a glimpse of modern day feminism ahead of its time. Melody is coming of age in a rough and rowdy time and place, yet she follows her heart and speaks her mind. Charlie Decker is a descendant of Dutch immigrants finding his way as the next generation banking heir who befriends Melody. Their story intertwines seamlessly to create a beautiful tapestry of finding your own personal epic story in the throes of the American dream.

[Lisa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Choice Considered is the second book in the Heart of Cheyenne series by Tracie Peterson. This book picks up where book #1 left off and I think while you could do this as a stand alone, you won't be able to really understand the other characters that are mentioned in the story.

Melody is one of those beautiful wouldn't-hurt-a-fly type of women who always has a kind word for everyone. I really liked her from the first book and I think she was given a good story. Charlie is a great guy and I think it was interesting to see how he progressed through his experiences with banking to teaching. There is always a great faith message in Tracie's books.

This book wasn't highly intriguing, nor did it have a lot of deep moments. It was just one of those easy-solid reads.

4 stars

*I was given a complimentary copy of the ARC by the publishers and NetGalley. I wasn't required to write a positive review and all thoughts are my own.

[Sara Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Choice Considered by Tracie Peterson is the perfect Book 2 to the Heart of Cheyenne series. This novel follows Melody Doyle as she decides to stay in Cheyenne after the railroad moves on. The only problem: her Da wants her to marry so she will be safe when he moves on with the railroad company. Among her suitors, but unknown to Melody, is new-to-town Charlie Decker who has come to replace his brother as the manager of a bank. Tragedy strikes Melody. Can Melody and Charlie's friendship survive secrets revealed and turn into something more?

One of the things I appreciate the most from Tracie Peterson is that both Melody and Charlie are strong in their faith. I find that many Christian fiction books that I have read recently have women who "fix" the man and then the man comes to faith. I know this may seem picky, but I truly appreciate reading a story where the man AND woman's faith guides them and leads them to each other. If you are looking for a clean, sweet romance filled with faith, A Choice Considered should be on your list.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for sending an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Choice Considered, by Tracie Peterson, is the second book in The Heart of Cheyenne series. This is a well written, easy to read and imagine Christian historical romance story. This story does contain characters from the first book in the series, so it is best to read the series in order. I enjoyed catching up with the characters in the story and seeing what change the town is going through. I enjoyed the main characters and got caught up in the story, especially Melody and her father's loving relationship. It was enjoyable to see the change in Melody and Charlie's relationship as the story progressed. I appreciate how thoughtful her father was with how he looked out for her and her future. This is a nice story that shows the different ways families love each other and how strong the main characters' faith is and how it gets them through their struggles.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.