A Matter of Heart

Lone Star Brides #3

by Tracie Peterson

When two very different men enter Jessica's life, will she choose to pursue her dreams of adventure or follow the gentle urgings of her heart?

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

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2014

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

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant story set in old Texas. I only give it three stars because in many places the writing was choppy (for example, at one scene the girl is pulling a shotgun on someone, and the next scene we see her in her home parlor with a gentleman visitor), and I felt like there was a great deal of telling. But I really did enjoy the Christian message.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

Tracie Peterson’s A Matter of Heart is definitely a story full of heart, as the fairly spoiled Jessica Atherton confronts her self-centered ways. Determined to change her ways and perhaps find love, Jessica experiences great character development over the course of the novel and I loved watching it. (I would imagine readers of the Lone Star Brides, more familiar with her starting character, would be even more astonished with her growth, knowing the character she was previously.) Add a love triangle to the spiritual growth and this story is both entertaining and inspirational. Fans of Tracie Peterson’s historical romance will definitely enjoy this one.

However, I need to note that with the Lone Star Brides, it is best to start at the beginning with A Sensible Arrangement. I have not read the previous two novels in the series, so I didn’t have all the information that would have helped me understand the backstory of some of the characters and the central conflict. While I still completely enjoyed A Matter of Heart and look forward to reading the other two novels in the series, I would definitely recommend readers to experience these books in order.

Thanks to Bethany House, I received a copy of A Matter of Heart and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s rare for me to give 2 stars, but this book has so many issues. It felt contrived. Jessica’s character was redeemed for the most part, and I liked Austin but I cannot buy the story. The plot had glaring holes. And inconsistencies. For me it just did not work. Also the writing is choppy. No transition from one scene to another. Sorry but I had to be honest. Oh, and the narrator isn’t strong either. Happy reading/listening!

[Sarah Hardisty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lonestar Bride series is a wholesome story that begs to continue on. Character development, storyline, and the ending - all perfect.

[Mindy Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Jessica, the flawed beauty in search of change. This is a wonderful story of transformation, and honesty.

[Kristiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do wish Jessica hasn’t been portrayed quite so negatively in book 2. Because it is hard to believe the change. However, I loved the process she went through. Overall, I enjoyed this one.

[Kathy Pyritz-qualls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the last in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed them! I'm a romantic so these books are right up my alley!

[Carrie Pagels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't listened to the first two audiobooks in this series yet but after listening to this one, I think I'll get them.

Privileged heroine Jessica Atherton may have lost her previous beau but she's got plenty suitors now. One is the rather insistent Harrison Gable, a lawyer who lays his attention on thick and a little too much. But Jessica is beginning to feel like she needs to get married and start a family, and Harrison obviously is interested in her.

Austin Todd, is also new to Jessica's Texas town. Previously a Secret Service agent, he's lost his entire family and is harboring some deep hurts. Although he's begun work as as a Texas Ranger cattle inspector he becomes involved in a dangerous case of forged gold certificates that involve Jessica's close friends.

Jessica has a huge character arc. At the beginning I was somewhat put off by her, because she was an anti-hero--spoiled, self-centered, and privileged. But she journeys on to correct her flaws, with God's help, and becomes a admirable young lady.

Will go back and listen to the first two series as the characters from the other stories are also mentioned in this book. You'll be rooting for Austin to win Jessica's heart. Will he?

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but I found the main characters too caught up in mistakes of the past and thinking back on them and not so much with getting on with life. Jessica still seemed pretty self absorbed - even though she was concerned about it, if you really are you start thinking of others instead of dwelling on how selfish you are and how you need to change. Jessica's mother is very unconcerned and just tells her she's fine as she is. Apparently when you are beautiful you don't need much in the way of character.

Austin Todd's character and that of Harrison Gable are so stereotypical they aren't even interesting in the least. Jessica and Austin seem to fall in love rather suddenly. They really don't spend much time together and all of a sudden they are pining for each other.

This was not Tracie Peterson's best by any means, but there's nothing terribly objectionable about it either.

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

.
The characters and main story plot were interesting and likeable.

For some reason, that I am having difficulty pinpointing, I was not as captivated by this series as I thought I would be. But after reading the first two books, I trudged on through this final book.

Again, there are so many different characters and subplots that vie for your attention, that it is hard to keep up. I was sure that this book would finally wrap things up and answer all the questions. But it didn't! I was truly disappointed with the outcome.

Just who was Harrison Gable, really? Was he part of the conterfeiting ring? What happened to him?

I prefer a series where each book in the series is able to stand on its own and delivers an HEA. Therefore, I was perturbed by the unanswered questions.
'

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this book 3. 5 stars. A Matter of Heart is the 3rd novel in the Lone Star Brides series and was my favorite of the 3 novels. Jessica Atherton and Austin Todd are the main characters in this novel. In the 2nd novel of the series, Robert Barnett tells Jessica who has been a close friend since childhood that he does not want to marry her. Austin Todd was introduced in the 2nd novel. Jessica is beautiful, wealthy and spoiled but comes to the realization of what kind of person she has been and desire to change. She also has a spiritual awakening. Austin Todd is burdened by grief over the loss of his brother, wife and son, and both of his parents ---and he feels he was to blame for all their deaths. Austin also formerly worked for the US Treasury Dept as a Secret Service agent specializing in dealing with counterfeit money. He gets involved with a situation involving other family members whose stories are told in the previous 2 novels. Although I found so many of the characters "too perfect" which often happens in Christian fiction. Jessica is definitely not and Peterson uses her emotional upheaval to deliver great Christian messages on how God works in a person's life. However, Austin Todd was a memorable character for me---there was more depth developed in his character than any other mail character in this trilogy.
As always, I enjoyed Peterson's Christian messages interspersed in the book. It was also interesting learning more about the history of the Dallas area in regard to the ranchers. My main complaint is that nearly all the characters are either completely evil or almost "saints." I wish authors of Christian fiction would be more realistic in their depiction of people. Very few people area as perfect as the characters in Christian fiction.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I found out that the third book in this series was about Jessica I didn't know how much I would enjoy following her around as a main character. She was very annoying in the second book. However, I am very happy to say that the Jessica presented to us in A Matter of Heart is very different from the previous one. Rather than seeing a self centered girl, we see one who is trying to change, recovering her faith, and realizing what is really important in life. Also apparently headstrong, outspoken, princess girls who live on ranches are named Jessica (looking at you A Man from Snowy River). There is a lot of wonderful growth throughout this book, not only for Jessica but for other characters as well. Once again Tracie Peterson is the queen of deep and moving backstories. These combined elements make the emotional side of this book very stirring. Add to that the counterfeiting adventures that are being resolved from the first book and the intrigue of this book just keeps coming. I very much enjoyed how all of the beloved characters are still present in this book. Everything was tied together splendidly in an ending that was both exciting and heartfelt. This very much makes me want to read the other series to find out the full stories of the older generation of characters in these books.

[Hope Elias · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very sweet continuation of the story! And I am very happy with how all the storylines got resolved!
I loved seeing Jessica's character grow and find love.
I do wish we could have seen more of Marty and Jake but I understand why we didn't see them that much as well as the fact that they had a rather "happy ending" already.

🚨 Spoilers ahead 🚨

Fave Chapter:
Chapter 20
I liked the idea of Jess being the one to propose to Austin. It was a fun thing to consider. And then Jess's first kiss with Austin at the end was so romantic!

Fave Character:
Jess
I liked very much that despite her selfishness and other shortcomings that Tracie Peterson gave Jess the good trait of honesty! Interesting how in the first book Marty struggled so much with lying and here Jess was only good at telling the truth 😂 But it was nice to see her work towards becoming a better person! And I related to her with a love of dresses and traveling!

Ship:
Jess x Austin
Austin is a widower so that right there already makes the ship one that I'd like. i loved the integrity of both of them! and that they both werent looking for a relationship but just sort of found each other. I liked them very much ☺️

[Mary Wilkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a successful read! A heart-warming story of romance with conflict as well. A easy read, Tracie Peterson has written this in character perspective (as she does with many of her novels) which makes the emotional aspect so much more powerful.
-Jessica meets two guys she is falling for, but she doesn't know what to do with her life yet, she just got out of a serious relationship which was hard for her to overcome at first. She found a peace in God and began to move forward, and changed her perspective on everything. As one guy begins falling for her lovely outside appearance, the other falls for her compassionate, stubborn, lovely, and charismatic personality.-
This novel is truly a breathtaking and captivating read! Especially when it's a rainy day, wrapped up in a big ol' blanket! :)

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

1866 Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri. Very well written Christian Historical Romance, as usual for Tracie. Katie is a fiery Irish girl, with tons of determination and lots of spit. I'm Irish too and understand :) She fights with Hans right from the start, and you just know they'll end up together. They both have a lot to learn and struggle through, hurting each other and themselves as the story is told. Love runs deep and God brings healing. Excellent story of Christian faith. Heart sighs.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#NetGalley #AMatterOfHeart #TraciePeterson #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistorical

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third book in the series. All three need to be read back to back as the trilogy is one long story. For the better part of the book I was not enjoying it. I don't like how the author repeats the same commentary more then once. Jessica is a bit wishy washy, but she's trying to mend her selfish ways. Harrison comes on way too strong. Austin is a good man wrestling with self-forgiveness.
Finally, with around a quarter of the book left I felt it got good. There was still a question of what happened with Harrison. There seemed to be some deviousness to him that wasn't fully uncovered.
Anyway, I'm glad to be done with this trilogy. While there are plenty of faith elements it just didn't work for me.
I don't recommend it.
All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Matter of Heart is the conclusion of a series I did not fully enjoy. Lone Star Brides was an okay series for me. This final book I did enjoy more so than the previous two, just barely. The characters were a bit more interesting, though repeating the same inner turmoil over and over again was a bit tedious at times. I like to see honesty with self and others become something valued in a story line, which was a topic of importance between the two main characters. Some scene changes seemed abrupt but conclusions popped up in dialog further into the story. Not my favorite writing style.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This three book series was good. I enjoy Tracie Peterson, she usually tells an interesting story with good characters and story line with an inspirational message. You need to plan to read all three books in order. None of the three is stand alone. When one book ends the next takes over telling the story. A Matter of the Heart was my favorite, since it took all the mysteries of the other two books and completed and answered questions. I liked all three and do recommend it especially if you are a follower of Tracie Peterson.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing as always

Ms. Peterson delivers yet again with this heartwarming story. I, apparently, missed books one and two, so I'll have to go back and read them!
The characters are either as lovable or as scoundrel as the author describes them and readers can't help but be pulled in by Jessica's desire to better herself and Austin's need to escape his past.
If you love Christian romance, Ms. Peterson never disappoints.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice finish to this series based in the West during the 1800s. This one follows Jessica, a young unmarried woman who comes to a self-realization of her immaturity and selfishness. We follow her as she tries to become a better person, finally realizing that it is only God who can help her do that. She is soon courted by two gentleman -- Harrison Gable is a successful and very ambitious lawyer while Austin Todd is a law man who is hiding great hurts. No sex or profanity.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I love this book but when I bought it, I got it at a half price book store and had no idea it was a 3 book series so I read #3 first. But I’m really glad I did because it kinda made me question who the characters were and why ( Mr M ) did what he did and now I’m reading #1 and now I’m like ohhhhh that’s who that is and now I get into who (Mr M ) is and why he’s doing what he’s doing and the background of his schemes so I definitely recommend the series lol

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiled, self-centered Jessica Atherton comes to the realization that she needs to change. Harrison Gable is a successful lawyer who intends to become president! Austin Todd, a Texas Ranger cattle inspector, feels responsible for the deaths of everyone he loved. I enjoyed this historical book in the Lone Star Brides series.

[Jackalyn]

This book was not up to the standard I have come to expect from Tracie Peterson. Although the story was good, at times the book seemed to be poorly written and the story somewhat disjointed. The first two books in this series were much better than this one, although this book did "tie up some loose ends" and finish the story started in the first two books.

[Sarah Nannette Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first series I have read by Tracie Peterson and I loved and enjoyed reading these three books in this series so much! The author writes beautifully and simply and she writes great love stories . I love how she talks about God and mentions His Word in these books and how her characters pray , and grow in their faith! I look forward to reading many more of her books.

[Theresa Rash · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to a series

I wasn't sure I wanted to read a book about the one that was so bratty in the last book but I wanted to find out about the others, I'm glad in did, Tracie Peterson didn't disappoint, already have more books of hers waiting to read. Would definitely recommend

[Amanda Lubecki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good enough, I’m not sure I loved the controversy spanning the 3 books. It felt too disjointed and forced almost by the 3rd book to tie it back in. I think each book in the series would have been better with its own separate story arc while still being able to keep the connection between characters.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so great! I loved that each book in this series built off of another character that you grew to love. The story was interesting and was well carried out throughout the series. A great romance with some adventure.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third in series, Jessie has best of the best, whereas the first, Alice had a scarred face. All rely on prayer without pushiness. The setting, the good people, new Texas, without Injun or white torture, keeps me enthralled over modern. Austin has secrets

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the first two books in the series tucked away in my TBR pile. After finishing the first 2, I definitely needed to read the last in the series. It did not disappoint. Loved Jessica's story and glad she got a happily ever after.

[Elise Basiletti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This booked was somewhat similar to a faith-based "Emma" by Jane Austen. I appreciated the immense growth we see in both main characters. I personally would have preferred more plot twists in the book but I still found it interesting