A Promise to Believe In

Brides of Gallatin County #1

by Tracie Peterson

Gwen, Beth, and Lacy Gallatin fashion a life for themselves in the Montana wilds, operating a roadhouse that is located at the crossroads of two major stage lines. When their father is accidentally killed, the oldest sister, Gwen, reasons that she's cursed. After all, death seems to haunt her mother, now her father...and she was married for a mere ten days before her husband died from a bout of measles.As Gwen and her sisters struggle to maintain the inn on their own, an unexpected visitor adds to the mayhem. Hank Bishop claims to be searching for something in the possession of Gwen's late husband. But mayhem of another sort builds in Gwen's heart as she finds a growing attraction to this man. Can she dare to hope that love might again be hers?

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

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

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

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the very best that I have read from Tracie Peterson so far. "A Promise to Believe In" is creative, moving, funny, adventurous, and endearing. I just loved it. It had all of the elements that I have come to love of historical novels from Tracie Peterson.

In many historicals, a reader can find a novel telling the story of three characters, in this case sisters, and then the next two books in the trilogy will continue the story of a different character. This is the first book that I have read that I knew was more about one sister than the others, but it did not feel that way. I got some insight and background on each sister and was feeling for them and loving them all from the beginning in different ways, yet not more than the other. It makes me even more excited for the continuing books that I would have been otherwise.

Gwen Gallatin learns or at least God attempts to put her in positions to learn of his love and grace and this book is a fabulous tool to learn some pure motives to check your own thoughts and opinions of yourself and those around you.

An absolutely pleasure filled read full of the glory and grace of God in the characters and their actions. I can definitely see a continuing story building of how good will triumph in the name of God. Keep the books coming Tracie, I want more!!

[Rachel Nicole Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.5/5 Stars!
I really enjoyed this book. Even though it took me FOREVER to read it because I started reading it during finals wrap up week for my Bachelor's degree in nursing and I didn't have much time to read it, and then after graduation it was Christmas break and we were SO busy. However, I finally finished it over the end of our break and I really enjoyed it. The ending is beautiful and the three Gallatin sisters remind me of my mom, sister and I so very much which made me feel really connected to the storyline. :) Great read!

xo,
Rach

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute, but the two younger sisters annoyed me so I won't be continuing the series since they are the focus of the rest of the series.

Recommended 13+ for violence, romance, death, and mentions of prostitution (not graphic), and abuse.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen Gallatin and her sisters, Lacy and Beth, have lost their dad, and now they are in charge of running the Gallatin Stage Stop in Montana which is a full time job for all 3 of them. Gwen lost her husband several years earlier and feels overwhelmed being mother to her two sisters and keeping the stage stop going. When her dead husband's brother, Harvey, shows up will everything change.

A very enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading the others in this series to find out what happens to Beth and Lacy.

[Janelle]

Dnf. I remember why I don’t read much in this genre. Lots of cardboard cutout characters, and a very predictable plot. By the third chapter I’d figured out not just the plot of this volume, but the two sequels. I had little incentive to continue reading.

[Bonnie Dieffenbacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three sisters run a stage stop in Montana by themselves after their father is killed by a stray bullet. They struggle with issues, both past and present, while continuing to run it. I liked it . It is a Christian Historical novel by an author I like.

[Kemily Presley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! And I immediately went and started the next book in the series where she’s picks up right where she left off! It literally had me laughing out loud within the first couple chapters which is very rare for me with books! Definitely recommend this series *chefs kiss* 🤌✨

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of love, loss, and guilt. Gwen thought she was cursed ever since her youth when she went to the fair and the fortune teller told her that death would follow her. She felt guilt for going against her mother's wishes that she not talk to the fortune teller and blamed herself that her mother shortly after died in childbirth. Her father dragged her and her two sisters, beth, and Lacy from one relative to another to live until then died of old age, then they moved on. Her father was labeled a wanderer until he stayed in Montana and bought the Galliton house. This was the stage stop which they made into a hotel and eatery to support themselves. They did fine until their father's accidental death after the saloon men were shooting in celebration and shot him. yet another loss that Gwen chalked up to her. If she didn't sent him out to get the knifes sharpened he wouldn't have been killed. Little did she know that Lacy felt it was her fault that she couldn't protect her father by being the boy he always wanted. Hank Bishop then show up and he is looking for answers as to the wife and murderer of his brother, who was married to Gwen but died of measles within a couple of days. Harvey had told lies about his family that they were dead and gone when really he ran from them and stole things too. Hank wants those things returned and Gwen doesn't know what or where they are. When they are finally discovered, Gwen feel betrayed and doesn't think that she can trust her judge of people, by this time Hank is in love not only with Montana, but also Gwen and she agreed to marry him until the latest discovery. He must return to Boston to secure the stocks that were stolen and then return to montana to open his store, but will he and what is the future of their relationship...can gwen learn to trust her heart? Meanwhile, the brothel and bar owner, Rafe, wants to buy the Galliton's stop shop and expand his business, but the sisters won't do it and are trying to help the other woman out of the lifestyle. Lacy, is bend set on finding an punishing the man responsible for her father's death with or without the laws help, until she realizes that she can't bring him back with justice and she doesn't want the eye for the eye punishment. She ruffles a few feathers with her persuits and accusations against the law no doing their job. Dave sheperd, the duputy is trying to look into it, but runs into dead ends and then finds he has an attraction to Lacy. Beth has many admirors too as there aren't many woman in the unsettled Montana area.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd probably give this a 3.5, but since that isn't an option I went with 4 stars since I did enjoy the story overall.

The story begins with the tragic death of Gwen, Beth and Lacy’s father. Each sister handles the passing in her own way but for Lacy she is set on vengeance. A great deal of the story focused on Lacy and her need for uncovering what really happened. I had a few suspicions but ended up being kind of disappointed with the whole thing. I understand the need to forgive, but for story purposes it would be been more interesting if it had been handled a bit differently. The relationship with Gwen and Hank was fun to watch unfold. Hank starts off as a pompous and mean. By the end he has grown a lot and become a much better person.

Throughout the story we were continually being switched around from multiple points of view. I can usually handle this when its each chapter, but when it sometimes switches 3 or so times in one chapter it can be a bit distracting. After awhile I got use to it and it and it didn’t bother me as much, but I would have preferred it if Peterson had just focused on Hank and Gwen, since this was their story in the first place.

Although in parts it moved a little slow or felt a little too drawn-out, I still became attached to the sisters and am curious to find out what happens with them in the other books in the trilogy.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though not spectacularly or breath-takingly written, it was none the less a rewarding book filled with its own bouquet all the same; the lightning-strike connections, truth behind the simple words, and the thought provoking questions that each of us, at some point throughout our lives, ask ourselves, God, and seemingly the air that echoes back with no answer, but only more doubt, confusion, or sense of helplessness give this tale more than a grain of truth, but true grit. This book draws together loose ends, questions unanswered, and sheds yet another dimension on the seemingly unending discovery our amazing savior Jesus - that promise to believe in: the love, the truth, and the way to trust. Though simple, this book of seemingly normal people in the outreaches of Montana during the gold rush hits the mark, really, in its simplicity. For they, the characters - the thoughts, words, actions, and hearts are like that of each of us, and therein lies the great success of this story. There are no flying bats, eccentric characters, or dazzling vampires...but real people, struggling with real issues, and a promise to believe in. And that my friends, is something truly amazing.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 in the Brides of Gallatin County series. Very good Christian western romance, set in Montana.

The only problem I had with the book is that I'm not a fan of a woman marrying one brother and then marrying another brother. I know this was common practice back in the day but I found it to be a little unsavory.

[Lydia Bryant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice for a lazy afternoon, but typical copy and paste Western fiction. The author really did draaaagggggg out the story line, which I believe could have been shortened by a third of the book.
A lot of running around- and more than one cringey romantic scene😒 Still, at the end of the day, I liked the funny joking and clean fun that the sisters had towards Hank:)

[Amy Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is really no arch in the story, it was pretty flat line the whole time. There was parts I enjoyed but overall wouldn’t read again. The Gallatin sisters are nice but kinda self centered. I still want to read the rest of the series to wrap up the story line, but I can’t decided if it is worth it.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out. I have not been able to put it down.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not get into this one. I didn't like the main characters and couldn't finish and I swear I have read this story before.

[Kourtney]

DNF at 199 pages. It was sweet and simple and I definitely could fly right through it but it just didn’t hold my interest. Although in the future I would try more of Tracie Peterson’s.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

3qGreat story!The beginning of a three book series, it's about Gwen Gallatin, oldest sister of the Gallatin girls. She has always felt responsible for her sisters since their mother's death many years ago. Now her father has died, and she feels like she is cursed. She was told she was cursed by an old fortune teller when she was a young child. She believes it, because her mother died, her husband died just days after they were married, and now her father is gone. A new man comes to town claiming to be her late husband's brother. He looks nothing like him, and her husband claimed he had no family. The more she gets to know him, the more she realizes he truly is his brother, and he had lied to her, for whatever reason. As their friendship grows, her feelings soften toward him. Great, clean story I enjoyed very much!

[Ayla Stierwalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well let me just start off with saying this is not my normal type of book, but this book was really just a great romances. The story takes place in my favorite time period and out where there is not much. Tiny little town. There are three women that go through some hard time and they use God in finding their ways. This story has a lot that could help you come with stuff you could be dealing with losing someone dear to you, finding what true love could be like and what evils are out there. I'm very excited to start the second book. I will not lie the book is a over written, not to much excitement I do feel a lot of emotions were left out. This is coming from so one who books with a lot more in it.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Promise to Believe in was an entertaining read. I loved the dynamic between the three sisters, and the business of running a stagecoach stop was intriguing. Setting it all in the untamed wilds of Montana also made for an interesting read. I thought the sisters' pranks in the beginning were a bit extreme, and I didn't find them as humorous as they were probably meant to be. The message of the story was very well done. All of Gwen's struggles with guilt, worry, and pride were very relatable and presented in a way where you could grow right along with her. The book started off with a bang as well instantly pulling you in. While it was not the most surprising plot, there are a lot of wonderful aspects brewing that should make for great adventures in future books.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars A nice historical story with the Christian values attributes without preaching (real people real problems). I like these characters enough that I have committed to read(listen) to the other rest in the series. Reading this book was part of a reading challenge "A book your parents love" my parents have passed but I know my mom loved Tracie Peterson and she loved series ( I don't love series I wish they could just be independent stories but a continuation if you want to go there. This book wrapped up loose ends that needed wrapped out) So, I get mom's favorite author and a series. Check!

[Heidi Vertrees · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise to Believe is another outstanding story by Tracie Peterson. She is such a wonderful story teller. I never get tired of her stories. I especially love those set in the west in the mid 1800s like this one, which takes place in Montana. The heroine’s two younger sisters shed much added spunk and humor to the story to counterbalance the heroine’s losses and struggles. So well done! The hero is heart warming. All the characters come alive and the human interest angles and mystery keep the plot suspenseful. I listened to the audio. The narrator does an excellent job with the different characters’ voices and personalities.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator did not seem consistent in voicing the characters. Hard to tell who was speaking half the time. Not sure why I decided to listen to this one since I’m not a fan of Westerns, nor do I like how women were treated basically like animals back in that time period. Made me mad how often it was said that the Gallatin sisters wouldn’t last “without a man around.” Best part was where the stocks were actually found. Long, mostly predictable, and kind of boring.

[Frieda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise To Believe In

A lovely, clean, Romance. I love how Ms. Peterson not only writes wholesome, family oriented stories that Christians can enjoy reading, but also includes the Christian beliefs behind them. I love how she reminds us of God's Love, & the Love Jesus shows for His Bride, The Church. In this world spinning ever faster toward atheistic & pantheistic lifestyles, it is so good to read books written by authors who don't compromise their beliefs simply to be "popular", or "accepted"! Thank you Ms. Peterson!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, predictable story. A little too sappy for my liking without much depth. Lots of reference to salvation and Biblical scriptures which can be typical of Christian fiction.

Somewhat anticlimactic. Could have used a more engaging plot. If you like a slow-paced story, this would be one.

Overall, it was an average read for me. It's not a story that will stick with me but a nice break from some of the heavier books I've read lately.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian fiction in the late 1800s in untamed Montana

This book captured my heart from the beginning to the end and led me on a delightful journey of three sisters, Gwen, Beth and Lacey as they work to keep their stage coach house afloat in the harsh land of Montana. I loved each sister's personality, their courage and strength as they met life's challenges head on. Great Read!

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between two and three stars. I felt like the plot/character development was a little meandering and circular—especially Gwen’s internal struggles and Lacy’s preoccupation with finding her father’s (accidental) killer—but I liked the themes of forgiveness, setting aside pride, setting aside hypocrisy/preconceived notions in favor of a truer and more empathetic understanding, having an open heart, etc.

[Leah B. Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this when I was a teenager and really enjoyed it! I did have a hard time keeping up with all the guys in the story...for some reason I couldn't tell them apart lol. Most likely because I was young. However I continued to read the series as it came out and the next two books are very good, better than the start of the series in my opinion. The 3rd is my favorite!! I always identified alot with Lacy...❤

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author created ladies I would love to have met. They were kind to the prostitutes that lived next door to them without approving of what they did for a living. When they said if there was anything they could do for them all they would have to do is just ask they actually meant it. I found this so amazing.

[Eileen Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic Christian Western

This book is well written. It takes place in Montana during the 1800s. Times can be tough in the frontier and the Gallatin sisters understand that. But through hard times, death and turmoil they know God is in control. Will they find joy, love and happiness? Only time will tell

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was like a Little House on the Prairie book without any kids.
Simple, sweet, intriguing. I loved the three sisters. Again, just what I needed.
Recorded Books Inspirational so I didn't have to contend with any bad language...