Dr. Carrie Vogel's heart is shattered when her groundbreaking medical research is stolen and falsely credited to her ex-fiancé. With years of diligent work lost, she grapples with the disastrous turn of her career and leans on her faith for strength. When she learns that her Pinkerton friend Spencer Duval is on a justice-driven mission to her hometown of Cheyenne, she agrees to an arranged marriage to provide him with a cover story. But merely pretending to be in love with Spencer becomes increasingly difficult the more time she spends with him.
Spencer is determined to apprehend the ruthless murderer who killed his father years ago, but his quest ignites unexpected emotions--both for Carrie and about the desire for revenge that has dominated his life. As the web of suspects tightens, Carrie and Spencer's futures hang in the balance, and they must learn to trust God's plan as unexpected love takes flight.
Return to Cheyenne, Wyoming, through a journey of healing and forgiveness on the frontier in this exquisite series finale from bestselling author Tracie Peterson.
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.
Great ending to this series, a bit slower moving than the other two, but I loved it just as much.
This time we have a Pinkerton agent and a doctor in a marriage of convenience situation, with him chasing the man who killed his father, and her the man who stole her research.
I love stories where the main characters get justice, and fall in love along the way. It was so fun watching them realise they weren't playing pretend anymore, and that they had real feelings for each other.
And I like how the other books got wrapped up as well, with past characters making cameos throughout. I'm sad that it's over, but I'm looking forward to checking out the prequel series all the same.
This is a generous three stars, more of a 2.5. God invaded this story way too much. I knew she was a Christian writer, but quoting bible verses and praying to God all the time, ruined this story. The love part was good, the preaching wasn’t.
I love marriage of convenience stories, and this one had everything I enjoy in a romance!
Carrie is getting over a broken engagement with a man who used her research and claimed it as his own. Spencer has spent most of his life as a Pinkerton agent, trying to track down the man who killed his father. Now that he finally knows where the killer is, he needs to get closer without being noticed. Carrie agrees to a marriage of convenience to help him. As his wife, Spencer can move around town without drawing attention and work closely with the law to hopefully catch the killer. For Carrie, it means returning home to her family and having a friend she can trust after her heartbreak.
What neither of them expected were the real feelings that started to grow between them. And once Spencer’s lifelong mission comes to an end, what will be left for him? What will happen to Carrie and Spencer after everything is over?
This was a sweet story. I loved the bit of science included, the message of forgiveness and faith, and the romantic tension between the characters.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Traice Peterson is a very good author, and her novels are enjoyable to read that always contain a prevalent Cristian/gospel message. She tackles the topics of forgiveness, self-worth, perseverance, trials and family relationships in a real and authentic way. The struggle for professional women to gain acceptance in the late 1800's is front and center. That and along with the budding romantic feelings between our two main characters that will satisfy those that want a romance that ends well. This one for some reason grabbed my attention and kept me reading in basically two settings. I will be reading more novels as they come out from this author.
A marriage of convenience is a trope I love and this story set in the historical wilds of Cheyenne, Wyoming is full of love, hope, forgiveness, and growth.
This author manages to weave an elaborate story with threads combining faith, advancements for this time, vivid characters with varying backgrounds, and a tenuous love that fills the reader’s life for a time. I haven’t read the other books in the series and this one can stand alone.
Devouring a story about a female doctor who is fascinated by and doing research on the brain in the late 1800s is such an anomaly and something that inspires me, and it was riveting to see how far things have come since then. Carrie has the fortitude to persevere and I found myself gasping at the web that emerges.
The way Spencer and Carrie came together to support one another in the beginning stages of their deep admiration and respect for each other, gently allowing everything to blossom, made me giddy. The familial ties are strong, as this is such a close and loyal family, despite the complications that arise from living in this time period. The way that Spencer fits right in and is able to look to the others for help and advice warmed my heart, as he closes in on his quest for revenge. Intense transformations and revelations abound and I was all in.
This is such a beautiful story and my time was well-spent.
Content: mild religion; mild romance; mild descriptions of medical issues
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
Loved having the wrap up of all of the characters from previous books into this installment of the Cheyenne series. It was a little bit of a slower storyline but I really enjoyed the setting and the romance.
I liked the way it wrapped up and how the other stories were connected into this book. The old town living and the marriage of convenience is always a great pairing for me as a reader.
*thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
A Moment to Love is a satisfying third addition to The Hope of Cheyenne series. It was a joy to journey back to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to catch up with some returning characters and to meet newcomer Pinkerton Investigator Spencer Duval. I was hooked by this story from the start and stayed up way too late to finish it. It was easy to make emotional connections with the beautifully crafted characters who left an unforgettable impression on my heart and mind. I enjoyed the tender, heartwarming way Carrie and Spencer's marriage of convenience romance developed as they supported each other in their individual quests. I valued the inspiring faith themes of forgiveness and hope. I totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend it and the series. I read an early copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to @authortraciepeterson @bethanyhousefiction and @austenprose for the #gifted book.
This captivating romance unfolds in the stunning backdrop of 1800s Wyoming, and it is nothing short of enchanting. This is the final book in the Hope of Cheyenne series.
I was thoroughly impressed by the formidable and inspiring character of Carrie, a pioneering female doctor dedicated to studying the brain, who valiantly fights for the recognition her groundbreaking work deserves. Her relationship with Spencer is not only tender and romantic but also beautifully complex. As they navigate the pretending to be married to uncover the truth behind Spencer’s father's murder, their initial bond of friendship deepens into something profoundly love-filled and genuine.
Carrie's family, her devoted parents and siblings, add warmth to the narrative, embodying the essence of love and support. The small-town setting enhances the story, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere that resonates deeply.
The writing is exquisite, vividly bringing the characters to life while illustrating their unwavering support for Carrie and Spencer. Themes of forgiveness and faith intricately weave through the narrative, offering invaluable insights that echo through our lives today. I was particularly moved by a poignant quote on forgiveness that perfectly encapsulates the central message of the story.
“Forgiveness isn’t saying that you approve or even accept his reasons for doing it. … forgiveness was letting go of a burden we were never meant to carry.”
This captivating romance is a remarkable tribute to the enduring power of love, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.
For those who crave a blend of historical romance and mystery, this book is an absolute must-read.
A Moment to Love by Tracie Peterson Pub DateOct 21 2025 ~Bethany House~ | Bethany House Publishers ~Christian~
I am reviewing a copy of A Moment to Love through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:
Dr. Carrie Vogel is heartbroken when her groundbreaking medical research is stolen and falsely credited to her ex-fiancé. After loosing years of diligent work is lost, her career path turns disastrous so she leans on her faith for strength. After learning her Pinkerton friend Spencer Duval is on a justice-driven mission to her hometown of Cheyenne, she agrees to an arranged marriage to provide him with a cover story. But just pretending to be in love with Spencer becomes more difficult the closer they become.
Spencer is determined to bring the ruthless murderer who killed his Father years ago to Justice, but his quest ignites unexpected emotions both for Carrie and about the desire for revenge that has dominated his life. When the web of suspects tighten their futures hang in the balance, they must learn to trust God's plan as unexpected love takes flight.
I truly loved Carrie and Spencer. The story beautifully highlights themes of forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation, making it all the more inspiring. Take a heartfelt journey back to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where healing and forgiveness await on the frontier, in this wonderful series finale by bestselling author Tracie Peterson. I would suggest this book to fans of Christian Historical Romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book and read it with pleasure. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
"A shared heart for justice pulls them together, but is their love strong enough to survive their trials?"
💭My Thoughts: What a grand ending for this fabulous trilogy! I was instantly swept into this story, and into the lives of Carrie and Spencer. From heart-break to heart-throb, this fake relationship trope will have you on the edge of your seat! I loved their shared sense of justice and how they worked together as a team so well. Their relationship may have begun under questionable circumstances, but no one can dispute that their hearts were in the right places - or their budding feelings for one another. How will they handle that?! After all, the plan was to have their marriage annulled and to never consummate it! 😅 5/5 ⭐️ I highly recommend this book! No language, no spice.
💕Read If You Like: •Fake relationship trope •Friends-to-lovers •Slow-Burn Romance •Pinkerton Agency intrigue •Female Doctor with grit •Gentle Faith Messages •1880's Western Frontier Town Setting
Hunting down a murderer, marriage of convenience, a brilliant FMC, & the road to forgiveness! I’ve long been a fan of Tracie Peterson’s historical romances & A Moment to Love is a new favorite. I loved the delicious tension a marriage of convenience brings coupled with a compelling story of revenge versus forgiveness. This stirring story kept me eagerly turning the pages with plenty of twists & turns along the way.
Dr. Carrie Vogel’s a brilliant doctor who’s study of the brain is groundbreaking, but when she finds out her fiancé has been taking credit for her work & threatens to damage her career if she exposes him, her world is shattered. When her friend & Pinkerton agent Spencer Duval needs to return to her hometown to track a killer, she agrees to enter into a marriage of convenience to provide him cover. Their marriage is in name only just until Spencer captures his man, but, Carrie underestimates how much she’ll come to love & care for him while she’s starting over in her career.
Spencer’s always admired Carrie & when he sees a chance to help her & pursue the criminal who murdered his father, he jumps at the chance. Promising to annul their marriage once the killer’s caught, his sole focus is on pursuing justice & vengeance, but as his feelings for Carrie grow, suddenly his need to avenge his father’s death becomes less important than making his marriage real.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Carrie’s intelligent, thoughtful, & compassionate. The knowledge of the brain during this time period was fascinating & I could feel her frustration at not being able to do more for her patients with the limited technology of the times. I enjoyed seeing her fall in love with Spencer & their cozy chats on the sofa. Loved seeing Spencer’s character growth & how supportive he is of Carrie. His single mindedness towards vengeance is replaced with his growing love for her & seeing his father’s killer in a new light.
There are plenty of twists in this story with humor & romance balanced perfectly with messages of forgiveness, faith, & family. I’ve loved the Hope of Cheyenne series & highly recommend it! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
Which book would you love to live in? I love historical fiction and while reading this book, I wanted to live in 19th century Cheyenne.
Dr. Carrie Vogel is a driven and gifted young woman who is a doctor at age 24 in a time when there were not many women doctors. She is engaged to another doctor, Oswald, 15 years her senior due to their mutual interest in medical research. After he steals her research and calls it his own, Carrie decides she is going to break the engagement and leave Chicago to return to her hometown of Cheyenne. Her friend Spencer Duval travels with her. Spencer is a Pinkerton agent searching for the criminal who killed his father. Carrie agrees to marry Spencer to provide him cover while on his mission. Will they become more than friends? Will Spencer be able to quench his desire for revenge?
My thoughts on this novel: • This novel is a clean read and sweet romance.
• I love the trope of marriage of convenience, and this was a good story in that trope.
• I enjoyed the theme of forgiveness.
• Maybe it was my love for Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman as a teen, but I loved that Carrie was a doctor and the medicine and science that was included in the story.
• The Cheyenne setting was great, especially as juxtaposed with the Chicago setting at the start of the novel.
• I liked getting to know Carrie’s family better when they moved back to Cheyenne.
• The romance between Carrie and Spencer was wonderful. I like how they both supported in each in their different endeavors.
• This novel is the third in “The Hope of Cheyenne” series. It can be read as a standalone, but it is also enjoyable as part of the series (I read the first book).
Overall, A Moment to Love by Tracie Peterson was an engaging sweet romance with unforgettable characters.
Book Source: Thank-you to @authortraciepeterson @bethanyhousefiction @austenprose for a review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.
Tracie Peterson has long since fascinated me with her storytelling and captivated me for countless hours with the characters and settings in her novels. With over 100 novels to her name, she is truly a master storyteller on steroids. I have never picked up a novel from her that I didn’t like. They are all unique and full of history, with each one weaving together faith, romance, trials, and more in ways that leave me in awe at such skill. I can only dream of someday being half as good a writer as Peterson. This latest book, the third in a series, continues the story of characters from the prior books while introducing you to new characters, as well. But even if this is your first time reading one of Peterson’s books or the first book you pick up in this series, you will still be able to read it and won’t feel like something is missing. It amazes me how she can continue with characters from book to book without you feeling like you are lost or missing a huge piece of important information. And she doesn’t repeat herself when reintroducing them, which is crazy to me because you still get to know the familiar characters without a literary history lesson. Speaking of history, I am always impressed at how much history is included in Peterson’s novels, and this one is no different. It transports you to frontier life in Wyoming in 1890, where times were tough, medicine was still developing, and you did what you had to do to survive. But despite all of this, there is a message of hope and a strong foundation of faith in the story. I love how Peterson embeds faith within her works in such a way that it is a natural part of the story. If you are looking for your next read and are a fan of historical fiction or frontier life, this is a book you won’t want to pass up. Add it to your list and you won’t be disappointed!
This is book three in The Hope of Cheyenne Series, and while it’s connected to the first two, I truly feel it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. Yes, you’ll miss some of the background and history of certain side characters if you haven’t read the earlier books, but that doesn’t take away from the heart of this one. In fact, the author does a wonderful job weaving in just enough context so you don’t feel lost. Of course, I’d still recommend reading the first two because they’re such good stories in themselves, but it isn’t necessary in order to fully understand or enjoy this book.
Dr. Carrie Vogel and Spencer Duval find themselves in a situation where they can only think of one way to truly help each other. What begins as a practical solution soon turns into something much deeper, and I loved watching how their friendship grew and how they supported one another. The way they step into each other’s lives, offering help, comfort, and healing, was both heartwarming and inspiring.
This story has such a wonderful mix of emotions—there are plenty of lighthearted moments that had me laughing, along with a few times of frustration that made the characters feel real and relatable. The book also carries touches of history, rich family connections, and an underlying theme of hope that ties it all together. It really captures the ups and downs of life in a way that keeps you turning the pages.
I also really enjoy the author’s writing style—it’s engaging, heartfelt, and easy to get lost in. Each character feels genuine, and the pacing keeps you interested from beginning to end.
Overall, this is a beautiful story about friendship, healing, and finding hope in unexpected places. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, and I can honestly say it’s one I’ll remember and recommend to others.
A MOMENT TO LOVE is the third novel in the Hope of Cheyenne series by TRACIE PETERSON. Although the novel can stand alone I suggest that you read the novels in sequence if you possibly can.
The beginning of the book gives us insight into what has gone before, and the unusual situation Carrie is in with the only mother she has ever known being her sister, which has led her to feel that her parents cannot possibly love her as much as their “real” children, although they have always treated her with love.
The story starts in Chicago in 1890 with Dr Carrie Vogel breaking her engagement to her fellow researcher Dr Oswald Nelson, because of his theft of her research on the human brain, publishing it in his own name. She decides to go home to Cheyenne to her family……
Pinkerton agent, Spencer Duval, after witnessing his beloved father being shot by bounty jumper Eugene Astor when he was ten years old, has made it his life’s work to find the man and make him pay for what he did. On hearing that the man he has been searching for for so many years is in Cheyenne, he and Carrie, being very good friends, come up with a plan which will change their lives forever……
This is a beautifully written story about faith in God, relationships, family dynamics and truth versus deception. Both Carrie and Spencer have a desire to walk in truth, which comes from their Christian upbringing and personal faith in God. I love the very appropriate Scriptures used by the author to show how the Lord is working in her characters’ hearts…….. I cannot recommend this wonderful novel highly enough. I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House. The opinions in this review are completely my own,
The Third and final book in the Hope of Cheyenne series. The series is set in a Small Town on the Western Frontier of Wyoming. Starting out in 1865 in Philadelphia, PA we meet our heroine, Spencer Duval as a ten-year-old boy. His father is a Pinkerton agent doing his job chasing the bad guys. The Astor brothers were on the run and had for years been making money illegally. There was only one left the others the law had taken care of. As the country was celebrating a victory his father was still determined to catch his man. Seeing him he set off and his ten-year-old son knew not to follow him into danger, but boys will be boys and he didn't listen. He got there just in time to see his father downed by this wicked man and carries his need for revenge into his adulthood. He becomes a Pinkerton agent himself and vows to get his revenge. As time slips into the future it is now twenty-five years later and Spencer is still on the hunt for his man. Brilliant female doctor is appalled her research material has been stolen by her former fiancé and he has been credited for it. She agrees to an arranged marriage to her friend Pinkerton agent Spencer Duval to provide him a cover story and when it involves moving to her hometown of Cheyenne, she is ready. Though once together they both have trouble remembering this is a fake marriage and want to make it work out. As time progresses, we find ourselves asking is the ruthless drive for revenge and justice morally right with the circumstances as they have presented themselves now? Quite a story. I really had to keep reading to see how this would be resolved.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to Austen Prose PR, Bethany House Fiction, and the author Tracie Peterson for the review copy!
It’s been a while since I’ve read a historical western romance, and I really enjoyed this one. A Moment to Love is a sweet, faith-filled story set on the Wyoming frontier. It is filled with courage, redemption, and the reminder that trusting God’s plan often leads to unexpected blessings.
Dr. Carrie Vogel is the strong, determined female main character I love to read about. In 1890, many still believed women shouldn’t be doctors, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing her calling or standing up for her hard-earned work. When her fiancé steals credit for her medical research (again!), she ends their engagement and plans to return to Cheyenne to rebuild her life.
Spencer Duval is a dedicated Pinkerton agent who followed in his father’s footsteps because his father had been murdered. He’s driven by justice and a deep desire to find the man responsible.
Spencer and Carrie first meet in Chicago through a local theater group, and their friendship takes an unexpected turn when Spencer discovers Carrie is moving back to Cheynne. Spencer has just discovered that his father’s murderer may be hiding there. To help him blend in with the locals, Carrie agrees to a temporary marriage of convenience. Still, as danger, faith, and growing affection intertwine, neither can deny that God might have a different plan for their future. 💕
This story beautifully combines faith, history, and heartfelt romance. I loved the message of integrity, forgiveness, and finding strength in purpose, even when the world tells you it’s impossible.
Another delightful installment into the Hope of Cheyenne series! I think some of my favorite things of this series is simply revisiting other characters from previous books and previous series. <3
Dr. Carrie Vogel. We've come full circle with Carrie's story. Her mom/sister's story kicked off the first series into Cheyenne...so i know we've all been waiting for little Carrie to finally get her story.
She battles with that sense of belonging and what makes a family. Knowing her mom is actually her sister due to adoption early in her life--she's felt a disconnect. Why would God not allow her the chance to know her biological parents? She feels different from the rest of her brothers and sisters like she doesn't belong. Carrie also battles the chance to be accepted as a woman doctor--especially one who specializes in neurological science! She rejects her fiance after discovering he's stealing her work--and decides to head home.
Meanwhile we also have the POV of her friend Spencer who is a detective detertmine to catch his father's murderer--and just so happens to also be in love with Carrie. When his journey takes him to Carries hometown--he decides to take a chance.
The story shows how their pretend marriage blossoms as they realize the depth of their friendships with one another. Together they also learn to battle their inner demons of abandonment and revenge with strengthening a relationship with God.
4 STars.
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.
I love that she always writes about strong women in history who were trying to break barriers in their careers. Dr. Carrie Vogel has always been fascinated with the brain and after her fiancé once again takes credit for her hard work and discoveries, she decides to head back to Cheyenne. A new start for her and hopefully with the help of her family she can get a practice started and eventually get back into her focus of the brain. A good theatre friend has asked to accompany her out west, but there's a catch. He needs a cover being a Pinkerton on the hunt for the man who killed his father, and if they do a marriage of convenience then she is protected for traveling and he will be seen as a trust worthy man and can easily get into trusted circles in Cheyenne. With a few agreements between the two of them, they decide this is the best option even though Carrie feels bad keeping this secret from her family. But secrets never stay secret and as the two try to settle into life in Cheyenne, her parents know there is something more going on with her and Spencer. As they decide how best to broach this subject with her family, they realize that maybe this really is no longer a marriage of convenience and that life in Cheyenne is really what was meant to be for them. Loved how this all played out with Spencer's search for justice and Carrie starting her own practice. Thank you to the author and publishers for the complementary novel and to AustenProse PR for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
A journey along the Wyoming frontier full of love, faith, and a little bit of danger.
It is one thing to have your heart broken but another to have your life’s work stolen by the man you loved. Dr. Carrie Vogel was on the cusp of groundbreaking medical research when her ex-fiancé steals her work and gets the credit for her discovery. Having to rely on her faith to get her through, she reluctantly agrees to an arranged marriage with Spencer Duval more as a cover story for his mission to find justice than anything else and they return to her hometown of Cheyenne. Spencer is trying to find his father’s murderer and revenge has been at the center of his life for so long he isn’t sure what to do with the feelings he develops for Carrie.
A Moment to Love is the third book in the series by Tracie Peterson and probably one of my favorites of hers. The dynamic between Carrie and Spencer was perfect, I hated the way her ex-fiancé betrayed her, it really sucked me into the story and had me rooting for a happy ending for her. Sometimes historical romance can be a little slow moving, but this one had just the right pace throughout the story with great tension between the characters and all they were going through. As Carrie and Spencer draw closer to each other and their feelings grow it is easy to see they are meant to be making for a great story. I recommend this to anyone looking for a faith filled historical romance novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
A Moment To Love is the conclusion of the heartwarming Hope of Cheyenne series which is the sequel to the Heart of Cheyenne Series. I will admit both these series' have a special place in my heart and I just loved the direction that it went in. Overall I was impressed with the storyline of this novel because it focused on Carrie Vogel who was a toddler in the first book.
We are introduced to Carrie who has managed to accomplish become a doctor. However, she has uet to be recognized for her efforts because any research project she's had has been plagiarized by her fiance. Deciding she has had enough she breaks things off with him. We are introduced to her friend Spencer a Pinkerton Agent who is trying to avenge the death of his father. Deciding that it would be a good idea to start over Carrie enters a marriage of convenience with Spencer and they move back home to Cheyenne.
Carrie's family manages to take the news pretty well and she manages to build a small stepping stone of her career as a doctor in Cheyenne. However, as time goes by she and Spencer realize that they truly care for each other. Meanwhile the outlaw who is responsible for the death of Spencer's father is on his own mission to atone for his crimes before it is too late.
Overall I was very impressed with the outcome of this story. I will miss these characters but I can't wait to read what Tracie Peterson has next!
“Life will always be an adventure with you. Here I thought I’d always be focused on my work, but with you I find reason to step away and enjoy other things in life.”
This wonderful marriage of convenience story has a Pinkerton investigation and interesting insight into the early stages of neuroscience. I was captivated and couldn’t stop reading.
Carrie is brilliant and caring. Her desire to learn all that she could to truly be able to help her patients was amazing. I loved seeing Carrie with her family and all of their supportive, honest conversations. Her realization that she truly did belong with her family and that there was no reason that she should have doubted was perfect. Spencer is protective and determined. I enjoyed Spencer’s investigation and seeing how incredibly well he fit in with Carrie’s family. I loved his path to forgiveness. I especially loved how supportive Spencer was of Carrie and her profession/research. I loved their encouragement of each other’s faith. Their connection and the growth of their love was amazing.
A few more quotes: “I have to tell you . . . my feelings for you have changed. I think I’m falling in love with you, Carrie. No, I’m certain that I’ve already fallen.”
“I will always do my utmost to protect you. I know you’ve told me how you never felt you belonged, but that’s all behind you now. You belong to me in every way, and I belong to you.”
A Moment to Love by Tracie Peterson is book number three in The Hope of Cheyenne Series. The book can be read as a stand-alone novel or to complete the series. Dr. Carrie Vogel is beside herself when her fiancé steals her research work. After breaking up with him she decides to go back home to Cheyenne in the Wyoming territory to start again. Her good friend, Spencer Duval, a Pinkerton Detective, needs to travel to Cheyenne for business. They decide to have a temporary marriage as a way to detract attention from Spencer. But it is hard when you start to fall in love with your best friend.
I was swept up in this delightful multiple POV story set in 1890. Carrie and Spencer had so much depth as characters, were committed to helping people, and grew so much in the story making them very endearing charters I was invested in. The author wove themes of redemption, forgiveness, family, and making peace with yourself into the book. I appreciated the beauty of the story, getting to know the people of Cheyenne, and learning about female doctors and medicine in the 1890s.
I enjoyed reading A Moment to Love by Tracie Peterson. The characters were so engaging, the story had beautiful spiritual themes, and the setting was so interesting. I very highly recommend A Moment To Love by Tracie Peterson.
I was gifted a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.
When her fiance steals her medical research work and publishes it as his own, Dr Carrie Vogel has had enough. Of their working AND their personal relationships. She decides to return to her home town of Cheyenne, and when she discovers that her friend Pinkerton officer Spencer Duval is also heading to Cheyenne on the trail of the man who murdered his father years before and needs a cover story she agrees to a marriage in name only to help him out. But it's not long before both of them wonder how long they can pretend a love which is becoming ever more real. I've enjoyed this series (which can all be read independently of each other) and this final volume wraps things up nicely. Carrie and Spencer have a lovely relationship and Carrie's family are wonderfully written too. Both of them have to learn to re-evaluate things they've long believed, and both have to learn to trust in their faith. We learn that situations aren't always what they seem, and that people can be affected by their pasts in many ways. It's a book of healing and forgiveness, and it could have been a bit saccharine, but for the very obnoxious Oswold Nelson, who takes a lot of convincing that 'NO' means no. An easy book to read, which yet encourages the reader to consider that life isn't black and white and things can be very different from someone else's perspective.
A Moment to Love is an excellent read. Tracie Peterson has been an author I’ve enjoyed reading and a talent I’ve been inspired by for two decades. Some of her books, I reread every couple of years, they’re just that good. I hadn’t read any new work in several years and then A Moment to Love caught my eye.
Really, the title is wrong. It should be ‘A Few Hours to Love’ because I thoroughly enjoyed all this story. The premiss involves Carrie, a pioneering neurologist whose work is stolen by her fiancé. After finally ending things, Carrie decides to return to her hometown of Cheyenne to regroup and try to rebuild her career.
Her plans are thrown for a loop when friend Spencer, a Pinkerton operative, asks her to marry him. Although drawn to Carrie, Spencer wants help tracking down a ruthless criminal who is thought to be residing in the Wyoming town, and being linked to Carrie will smooth Spencer’s path.
And so we are off on a rollercoaster of a journey. The book is everything you’d hope for in a historical romance. Details about the town’s growth and medical developments of the time, a real sense of place, and, of course, a sweet romance.
All in all, a lovely read that I’d highly recommend.
Ms. Peterson brings relevant issues into a sweet, romantic, marriage of convenience story. This time, Dr. Carrie Vogel is tired of being in the shadow of her fiancé and having him steal her medical research and passing it off as his own. Upon returning to Cheyenne, she agrees to a pretend marriage with Pinkerton agent Spencer Duval to allow him to operate undercover. Of course love blooms as the couple grows closer and discover shared values. Carrie questions her role as a doctor as not fitting the model of a Proverbs 31 woman. Spencer points out that her life of service can be different and still fulfill that model. In a twist, the theme of forgiveness is presented in an unexpected way. “Forgiveness was letting go of a burden we were never meant to carry.” I enjoyed this conclusion to The Heart of Cheyenne series. Ms Peterson never fails to give a fascinating, faith-filled story that entertains. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Hope of Cheyenne Series continues with the third novel by Tracie Peterson. After being betrayed both at work and her personal life, Carrie Vogel has decided to leave Chicago and return to Cheyenne. Spencer Duval, a Pinkerton agent is on the hunt for the man who murdered his father when he was a child. Spencer and Carrie are both members of an acting troupe for children. When he learns that this man has been hiding in Cheyenne, he turns to Carrie with a marriage of convenience proposal. After praying about in, she agrees.
While the story did have some slow spots, I always find that the verses from the bible enhance the storyline. Also, I enjoyed the inclusion of previous characters. It was easy to get emotionally invested in the characters. With themes of honesty, forgiveness and hope, it makes a wonderful edition to the Historical Christian Fiction Romance genre.
I would also like to applaud the author for the wonderful job that she does in including the history of the areas in which the books have been set. It adds so much to the background of the story.
I like this book because it was the closing of all the books in this series. The characters from the previous book make their appearances and also what really hit home for me was having a couple from a different series involved in this book. It was nice how Tracie Peterson wrapped it all up.
This is a friends to lovers where the romance was in a way a slow burn. Spencer fell in love with Carrie long before this book started. Then their marriage of convenience starts. It was sweet to see how Carrie grew to love Spencer in return.
Carrie has baggage because of her birth origin. Spencer is on the hunt for his father's killer. The story unfolds nicely. It is not rushed. Tracie Peterson writes to where it is very hard to put the book down.
There are Christian elements in this book. I personally like how it is intertwined in it.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
About the book: This story follows Dr. Carrie Vogel, a brilliant neuroscientist who decides to return to her hometown in Cheyenne after her groundbreaking research is stolen by her ex-fiancé. Enter Spenser Duval, a Pinkerton detective haunted by a personal tragedy—his father's murder. When clues lead them to Cheyenne, these two unlikely allies forge an alliance through the cover story of an arranged marriage.
My thoughts: The mystery element of this story is so intriguing, making this book impossible to put down. There are also beautiful themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption woven through A Moment to Love, creating a heartwarming journey from sweet friendship to love.
While the marriage of convenience trope is not my favorite, Tracie masterfully crafts this frontier story with depth and lovely faith elements.
Perfect for fans of historical romance!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.