A Life So True

Minnesota Legacy #2

by Tracie Peterson

Evelyn Turner is determined to work at her physician father's side as he opens a hospital for Minneapolis's poor. But when nursing makes her physically ill, she faces an impossible choice between the promises she's made and her own limitations.

Maxwell Garrison helps manage his father's investments through the financial crisis of 1893, with special interest in their sawmill businesses. At a Turner family fundraiser, he is horrified when he overhears his father and other mill owners plotting to commit arson and insurance fraud. When Evie and Max meet at the same fundraiser, a connection sparks between them. As their interests in each other grow, they confide their secrets and agree to guard each other's trust.

Then a suspicious and devastating fire sets Minneapolis ablaze, and Max and Evie fear the worst. Can they build a life together amid the ashes of deception?

Heartfelt romance, steady faith, and the power of redemption collide in acclaimed author Tracie Peterson's newest novel set in 1893 Minnesota.

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

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2026

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

[(Katie) Paperbacks]

Another wonderful book from the queen of historical romances!

I really enjoyed this story and the characters. The faith woven throughout is always spot on for Tracie Peterson. I loved the romance and the characters we got to meet again from the first book in the series. So make sure to read them in order. I can't wait for the next book!

*Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary book, all thoughts are always my own.

[Emily]

I love it when I get to read a historical fiction set somewhere that I’m really familiar with, and this is one of those books and setting for me! “A Life So True” is set in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1893. I lived there for ten years, so it was fun to “visit” the town in the 1800s.

I absolutely loved Evelyn Turner and her entire family. The faith elements of this story are handled beautifully, and I found that this story had just the right amount of romance, action, faith, and complications to navigate. Maxwell was the perfect MMC for this story. There’s a lot that I could say about him, but I don’t want to give anything away!

This is the second book in a series titled, “A Minnesota Legacy,” but I feel that this story could be read as a stand-alone as well. The third book in the series, “Devoted to Love,” releases early in November of this year, and I’m so happy I don’t have long to wait before I can be reading this series again!

If you’re looking for a Christian, historical fiction with romance, make sure to check out the “A Minnesota Legacy” series!

[Susan]

The second book in the Minnesota Legacy series, A life So True, is an engaging novel that can definitely be read as a standalone. It is a seamless blend of history, romance and faith. I absolutely adored Evie and her family. Their close relationships, faith and love for the underprivileged is wonderfully rare.

At the heart of the story are the ways that Evie and Maxwell both try to break free from parental expectations and explore the way they can make a mark and serve others with the gifts and talents they have been given. After meeting at a garden party, the two develop an unexpected friendship that continues to grow through one crisis after another.

I love the historical detail Ms. Peterson weaves through her stories. The effects of the Great Minneapolis Fire of 1893 and its effects on the sawmills and its workers were life altering for many. I like that the reader gets to see events like this through the eyes of the privileged and its effects on the underprivileged.

Readers will be delighted with this story filled with the power of healing redemption, growing faith and a heartwarming romance set in 1890's Minnesota.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Melissa]

The second installment of Peterson's "Minnesota Legacy" didn't captivate me as much as the first. I just never became invested in Evie's character or dilemma in the way that I did with her parents' story.

[Anelise]

I feel like something was lacking with this book, and I don't know what. The storyline was kind of meh, and there really wasn't a climax of the book.

[Linda Galella]

Evie wants nothing more than to please her father by joining him as his nurse while serving the poor workers from the mills and railroad at the new, city hospital. Unfortunately, Evie has a problem; a BIG problem. She gets physically ill from the sight of blood! If it weren’t for a compassionate nursing supervisor, Evie wouldn’t have survived nursing school. Now, she doesn’t know how to tell her father about this snafu.

Max works for his wealthy business mogul father. Business is bad in 1893 Minneapolis. Father and his business associates are considering taking actions that will jeopardize the working poor who keep the mills and railroad running. Max doesn’t want to participate in what he considers detrimental business practices.

Because they’re part of wealthy society, Max and Evie have responsibilities to uphold by attending social events. For them, meeting at a fundraiser for the new hospital is the beginning of their relationship. With Evie worrying about telling her father about the situation around having serious problems with blood and Max having heard possible illegal solutions to managing the financial crisis, neither one is thinking about romance; but, watered seeds do grow.

A LIFE SO TRUE is a standalone story by excellent Historical Fiction author, Tracie Peterson. Her ability to draw readers into a time period and location, create an immersive reading experience. Well developed characters, snappy dialogue and deft use of humor add to the enjoyment. Peterson’s books are free from gratuitous violence, sexual scenes and foul language. She infuses biblical truths in an honest and natural manner without preaching.

Evie and Max grow together as their challenges overlap. This is a couple that’s easy to cheer for. I wouldn’t be surprised if they reappear in another book or two. Evie is a twin to brother, Evan, and they have 8 additional siblings; perfect elements for a series. Max moves to separate from his father and manipulating stepmother. I’d like to know more about the relationships in this family, especially the two brothers running the eastern office for the family businesses.

Perfect for readers of Historical Fiction, late 19th century, Minnesota fiction, character driven fiction and clean romance with a thrillystery story line📚

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley e-ARC via Kindle with thanks to the publisher and author.

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi]

“You’re a favorite of mine. I love you, Evie Turner. You are an amazing woman, and I will always cherish having you at my side.”

This wonderful story blends history, family, romance, and a lot of faith. I loved the reminder that what you think is God’s plan may truly be all your own and how important it is to seek His will.

Evie is caring, devoted, and generous. I loved her desire to help her father even with how ill she would become. I loved the family conversation when she admitted her secrets. I loved Evie’s closeness with her family. I absolutely adored them all. Their faith, care for the hurting and poor, and love for each other was beautiful. And the way they accepted Max and poured the love of God into him was amazing. Max is intelligent, charming, and determined. I loved his desire to step out from under his family’s expectations. I loved his open, willing heart to learn more about God. I loved his determination to discover truth and to help the displaced families. The attraction between Evie and Max quickly developed into a true romance. I loved the open, honest conversations they shared and how they shared their “secrets” with one another. Their happily ever after was beautiful.

A few more quotes:
“Father always says that when we are unhappy with our duties, it’s most likely because it has nothing to do with extending ourselves to others. He believes that in helping others, we will find our true purpose and fulfillment.”

“Am I dead?” “Wake up. You aren’t dead.” “But I saw an angel.” “Wake up now!” “You’re a bossy nurse.” “Yes, I am.”

“You should know it now, because I adore you. And that adoration grows stronger by the moment. I will always cherish you, Maxwell Garrison.” “I will relish being cherished by you, Evie.”

[Ifeanyi Omoike]

This is my first book by Tracie Peterson, and I’m really happy I read it. It was filled with love, beautiful family relationships, sweet romance, and loads of faith. I didn’t realize at first that it was part of a series because it didn’t feel like one. I enjoyed it as a standalone, but once I realized there was a story before this one, I found myself wanting to know more.

My favorite character in this story was Evie’s mother, Judith Turner (who I now know is the main character of the first book in the series). She was selfless, funny, loving, and resourceful—everything I love in a mother. I could totally see her reflected in Evie, the main character in this book, and it was lovely to see. I also enjoyed watching Evie’s relationship with Maxwell blossom and seeing how they encouraged each other to pursue their true calling.

I also liked the contrast between Evie’s relationship with her parents and Maxwell’s relationship with his father and stepmother and the way they both navigated those relationships. It made me appreciate family relationships more and think about how we navigate them, especially when our parents don’t fully support the calling we believe we’re meant to pursue. The fear and apprehension they both experienced, especially Evie, felt very relatable.

The only thing that didn’t quite work for me was the prologue. I would have preferred the book to begin with Chapter One and have the information from the prologue woven more seamlessly into the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and plan to go back and read the first book in the series. I’m also looking forward to the next book, which comes out this November.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Angela]

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Tracie Peterson brings the reader the second novel in the Minnesota Legacy to the reader with 'A Life So True'. While part of a series, this novel can be read as a stand-alone. In this novel, the reader finds Evelyn Turner all grown up and training to be a nurse. She wants to help her father open a hospital for Minneapolis's poor. Unfortunately for her, she becomes physically ill when doing her nursing duties. She has returned home with the problem of telling her parents and finding a new way to help.

Maxwell Garrison is the male lead character. He is helping his father with his investments during the 1893 financial crisis. They are at the Turner fundraising event when he overhears his father and other mill owners plotting to commit arson for the insurance money. Max also meets Evie there and they strike up a conversation. They begin to spend time together as well as share confidences. When a suspicious fire is set and Max is injured, Max and Evie work together to find out the truth.

This historical christian romance is filled with a charm that reflects the period. Filled with a wonderful family and sibling relationship, I am thrilled to learn more about their life. There is a balance of romance, action and faith that had me turning the pages. The characters are well developed and their growth helps the story line progress in not only their friendships, but faith and romance. Well done. With the next book out in November, I will be watching for it.

[Lisa M.]

This novel picks up about 20 years after book 1 in the series. The end of book 1 concluded with the birth of a set of twins--this book follows the life of the girl twin. The Minnesota town they live in has now grown delightfully. Much charity work has been done by the Turner family as they maintain their place in the wealthy society--yet they keep down to earth. The father Roman is a brilliant doctor eager to start working side-by-side with his daughter a newly graduated nurse.

And there is the rub. Evie has discovered that she gets incredibly sick in around blood and surgery. Not exactly the best thing for a nurse.

The bulk of the book is connected to Evelyn battling with her inner demons about her fears of letting her family down. We also get to meet Maxwell, son of another wealthy businessman who is trying to find his way in life OUTSIDE of his father's demands. He struggles with his own life choices. But through the meeting of Evelyn at a party, the two of them become drawn to each other.

All in all, I've not honestly been a big fan of this series. It just seems to be lacking something that others by the same author have.

There were no big spiritual revelations. No big plot developments. No major twists. Just pretty much a Christian romance with "meeting family expectations" as the biggest challenge.

I'd probably give it 3.5 stars, but for this site, I'll go with 4 through I definitely didn't like it as much as other 4 stars.

[Deanne Patterson]

A Life so True is the second exciting book in the Minnesota Legacy series.
I am a longtime reader of the author's books, and her books are auto reads for me, all of them. I can't say I've found one I haven't enjoyed.
It's wonderful to know I can count on her books being quality written with high values for the characters and they are faith filled but it's not overwhelming either.
The Turner family is wealthy and do such good with their time and contributions momentarily, opening a hospital for the poor and doing a lot of volunteer work. All the children have been taught these wonderful values. Daughter, Evelyn is determined to work alongside her doctor father as his nurse and eventually take over his position when he retires and he's looking forward to it. She's hiding a secret though one that won't let her do this.
When Max and Evelyn meet the sparks fly and he knows he has to do the morally right thing as his family is hiding secrets that will affect her family in the long term.
They both have the same values.
There's a lot going on in this book and once again I am impressed with the authors writing and the strong morals and strength she writes into her characters.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.

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

[Susan]

A Life So True is the second book in A Minnesota Legacy . Evie Turner had a plan to follow in her father's footsteps. Roman Turner is her father and he is a physician . Evie wants to be a nurse and work by his side. She has a problem she cannot stand the sight of blood. She finishes her training but is apprehensive of telling her father she can't do this work. She does not want to disappoint him. She meets Max Garrison at a charity fund raiser function. His family is wealthy he assists in his fathers investments. However, the country is in a financial crisis and the sawmills, banks and railroads are failing. The wealthy men discuss possibly burning down the sawmills to collect insurance money. After the fires Max has questions he needs answers to and will not stop until answered. It is a well written story. What I liked was the community and families working together in difficult times to help one another. It also has a strong element of faith, Evie and her family are strong in their faith praying about all matters. Max Garrison did not have the same beliefs and Evie at first. This book can be read as a stand alone or continue in the series. I would recommend this if you enjoy historical fiction.

[Helen]

A Life so True is the second book in the Minnesota Legacy series by Tracie Peterson. This is such a good story. It is well written with wonderful characters. This story does follow after the first in the series, so it is best to read them in order. However, the author does a wonderful job of giving background information, so it is also an enjoyable stand-alone story. In this story we get introduced to the Turners children, especially Evelyn and sawmill manager Maxwell.

Evelyn’s parents are very much involved in charity work and help those less fortunate. While Evelyn has gone to college to be a nurse to work alongside her father, it is with the fund raising that she really excels. Maxwell meets her at one of the fundraising events and they quickly become friends, do things with her twin brother and his girlfriend. Maxwell has been overseeing his father’s sawmill business and wants to keep them operating during the hard times. When a major fire takes the mill, many homes and business, he works with the Turner family to help those affected by the fire. I really enjoy how the Turner family does what they can to help others. I especially enjoy how Maxwell thinks about keeping the mill operating and keeping his good employees when other businesses are shutting down. This is a really good story that show so many ways to help others. I especially appreciate the change that comes over Maxwell’s father and the different conversations they had.

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

[Michele]

An enjoyable second book in this series based in Minnesota in the late 1800s. I enjoyed this one more than the first one. In the first one, the female protagonist was not my favorite character, but I enjoyed all the characters in this one. Almost all of the characters were genuinely good people and those that weren't had only a small role in the book. Here we follow the daughter (Evie) of the main characters in the first book some 20 years later. She has always dreamed of being a nurse and working beside her physician father helping the poor. Although she achieved this goal, it is not what she thought it would be. Max, a son of a rich businessman, becomes acquainted with Evie at a fund raiser and his life takes unexpected turns. It is an unapologetically Christian novel with strong Christian themes and lacking offensive elements such as sex and profanity. This author shows how a great book can be written without that. My only slight criticism is that the book moved very quickly. I do not like drawn-out books and much prefer fast pacing. This one was almost too fast, but this is a very minor criticism.

[Maureen Timerman]

This is a read that reads like a gift, from beginning to end I was page turning, but hoping I could go on forever!
A beautifully written faith based book, and I looked and their is a gift of a third book coming in November! I did read the first book in this series and you don't need to read it to enjoy this one, but it also was so good!
We are offered a glimpse into the Turner's family life, and a young man, Max Garrison sees what he never had, rather sad. Max also sees Evelyn Turner, and we are given some sweet romance.
The Turner family have a heart for those less fortunate, and we are with them as disaster strikes the area, we are also wondering if there was intent on what happened?
We also learn of some secrets being kept by members of the Turner family, some that will make you chuckle, and others, well, I love this family!
With the romance in the air, and life changing for the Turners, I can't wait to come back!
I received this book through Net Galley, and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Carolyn Bryant]

A Life So True is an engaging addition to the Christian historical romance series A Minnesota Legacy. A well-tuned plot, unforgettable characters, tender romance, and a beautifully rendered faith thread combine perfectly to create an inspiring, satisfying read that kept me completely absorbed from beginning to end. The author always does a fantastic job of seamlessly integrating real history into her stories, adding interest and authenticity. In this case, she powerfully features the Great Minneapolis Fire of 1893 that left thousands homeless and the area devastated. I love the Turner family and the way they live out their faith through compassion and charitable endeavors and just genuinely care about people. I totally enjoyed this book that left me waiting expectantly to read the next book in the series! Note: This book can easily be read as a standalone, but having read the first book in the series, which offers valuable background information, enriched my reading experience.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nichole]

I do not know why it has been years since I read a book by Tracie Peterson but after reading A Life So True, I will be searching my local library for earlier books of hers. I loved this story and read it in three days.

Every member of the Turner family was fascinating yet seemed real. In contrast, the Garrison family was shallow and worldly. Tracie used these differences to show God loves us all.

Evie struggled with worry about disappointing her family while Max battled being true to himself while honoring his father.

The firm emphasis that the Turner family focused on serving others with kindness and dignity was an inviting challenge to me. Their examples were widespread and inspiring.

This story was first God- honoring. The Historical location of Minnesota was a fresh setting for me. The romance was tender. I recommend this book!

Baker Publishing and NetGalley provided me with an E-copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Marie Girulat]

I loved the first book in this series, A Minnesota Legacy, so when I spotted this one at the library, I couldn’t wait to read it.

Once again, Tracie delivers a captivating story featuring a strong woman, redemption, faith, and the transformative power of love, set against the historic backdrop of 1893 Minneapolis.

Evie is an inspiring character whose unwavering faith guides her. When she meets Max, she’s instantly enchanted. What I admired most was her steadfast commitment to her values, as well as her parents’ dedication to helping those in need.

This beautifully written novel brings its richly developed characters to life, while meticulous historical research shines through on every page.

If you love stories that celebrate the enduring power of love and faith, this book is a must-read. I’m already looking forward to the next installment, Devoted to Love, publishing November 3, 2026.

[Courtney Pityer]

Tracie Peterson always manages to write the best stories! She managed to once again prove that in this second Minnesota Legacy novel. This fabulous story takes place twenty plus years after the events of Faithful of Heart. I have to say I was quite impressed with this book because the message it gives is that it is okay to follow your heart and sometimes you can't please everyone in your life.

We are introduced to Evie who is trying her best to be a nurse however, there are some things that she is struggling with. She wonders if she will ever get her career staight. Meanwhile she meets a a young man named Max who has grown up in a life of privilege but he starts having visions of wanting to do something more meaningful with his life. Is there a possibility for love for these two lost souls looking for something meaningful in life?

[Kristi]

It has been forever since I've read a book by Tracie Peterson, and I had forgotten how good an author she is. Her stories are so easy to become immersed in, and time flies so quickly as the pages turn. I found this book a comfort to read.

This is the second book in the series. I haven't read the first, but I was not lost at all. This book completely stands on its own. I will be going back to read the first book because this one was so good. The characters she created felt so real, and I absolutely adored the budding romance between Evelyn and Maxwell. I found their friendship and growing romance to be a good balance to the book's more serious subject matter.

The pages of this book practically turned themselves. This book is so well-written, and the pace is just perfect for the story. I began reading this book late at night during a storm-caused power outage, and the next thing I knew, I had read 20% of it. I felt like I had just been reading for a few minutes.

I can't wait to read the first book in this series and am anxiously awaiting future books. I loved spending time with the Turner family, and I think you will too!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

[Kristin- Kristin's Bookstack]

There are so many things I loved about this book! I loved the relationship between Max and Evie. They were perfectly suited for each other. I also liked that the Turner family was so generous and proactive at helping people in their community. It was so inspiring! Lastly, I enjoyed the theme that …” People are important to the Lord and therefore should be important to us.” Go out and serve someone today!

Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Mary Shreffler]

Evelyn has wanted to be a nurse since she was a little girl. They were going to work together in their home town. In 1893 things were tough in Minnesota but Evie's family was well off. Max and his parents were investors and Max took care of his parent investment here while his much older brothers did the same in NY. Once Evie was a registered nurse she tells her parents how sick she gets at the sight of blood. Max knows this but the 2 fall in love

[Mary Mccauley]

Loved this story

This author weaves the message of God's love and grace for all and the path to salvation into a story of an amazing family.
How people choose to use their blessings is so important. So many were in need then and are still today.
Great life lessons in this series. I loved this series set in the Midwest.

[Angelina Brown]

Set in Minnesota in 1893, we pick up the story of Evie's family. Faithful of Heart is the first book in this series. As in the first book, we explore themes of doing what is expected from your family and from society. Society had a lot to say about women could and could not do in 1893. Evie also learns that honesty can save a person from a lot of unnecessary anxiety and misery.

[Caroline Irwin]

Tracie Peterson has been one of my favorite historical Christian romance authors for nearly 15 years. I absolutely loved the first in this series about Evies parents however, this one was just missing the grab and hold of the plot. I kept waiting for “something” to capture me and it just didn’t. It was a sweet redemption story but the storyline was lacking.

[Victoria]

I enjoyed the book, but I felt it was not up to her usual standard. The story was rather on the light side, though it kept my interest. It would be a good summer read. The editing was well done, and the characters were mostly believable. I give this a 4 out of 5-star review.

[Mary]

Enjoying this legacy series, Evie can't stomach being a nurse but how does she tell her folks. Evan, her twin, knows something is amiss. Max is home and spies Evie across the room and their friendship ignites that night. Looking forward to the 3rd read!

[tacocat]

3.5 stars for me. I so badly wanted to give this book more. It started out strong for me but then I felt like a lot of the dialogue kept repeating and overall the book was so anticlimactic. I felt like the author had so much potential to create a more thrilling plot.

[Heidi Morrell]

This was a Fantastic Historical Christian fiction book in the series. The story was believable and the characters were heartwarming. I was able to read a physical copy of this book by borrowing it from my local library. All opinions are my own, and I was not influenced by anyone or anything.

[Amanda]

A Life So True is the second in the Minnesota Legacy Series. As always, Ms. Peterson wraps sweet romance around a historical event. Readers will learn about the effects of the Great Minneapolis Fire and the importance of the logging industry. The character Maxwell Garrison was believable, and this reader rooted for his independence as well as a romance with Evie. The relationship between Evie and her brother was also believable and kept the story interesting.

Readers of Tracie Peterson will not be disappointed, and new readers who enjoy a well-written historical romance should give this title a try. This reader can not wait for the next installment in the Minnesota Legacy series.


I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review.