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Heirs of Montana #4
The Hope Within
1886 Montana stands on the brink of statehood, and Dianne Selby finds her world turned upside down. Cole takes her and the children to Kansas to care for his dying father, but after the funeral, Cole's mother insists he stay and take over his inheritance. Unable to deal with her mother-in-law's cruel treatment, Dianne takes the children back to Montana alone. There, blizzards devastate the area, trapping a now pregnant Dianne at the ranch. Through the twists and turns of life and nature, Dianne comes to realize that the hope within--Jesus Christ--is the only hope that lasts. Book 4 of the bestselling Heirs of Montana.
398 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
213 people are currently reading
983 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
250 books3,131 followersTracie 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
pen name: Janelle Jamison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 28, 2016
great book! so many twists in this plot. this series dealt with so many changes. The war between the states, the Indian wars, statehood, Teddy Roosevelt, love, loss, faith and most of all hope. I highly recommend.
March 23, 2022
This was an intriguing end to the Heirs of Montana saga! I loved the characters, the plot, it was a super interesting book. I was really drawn into the story.
September 8, 2020
Diane and her loved wrap up this story and series nicely. Diane and Cole travel to Kansas where his father is dying and makes him heir. Cole, proud of his family takes them along. However, his wife and children are mistreated at the hands of his mother and sisters who manipulate Cole into staying but without his family. Diane has no choice but to leave without Cole in the middle of winter to protect her children. She loses her baby and becomes deathly ill.
Arteth, her sister, tries her hand at performing in New York. Because her daughter is half Su Indian, she cannot take her along. Arteth has to come to terms with what is important in life and attempts to mend the relationship with her daughter.
Trenton decides to involve the law to clear his name.
The law has caught up with Diane’s enemies. There are challenges and there are resolutions.
Great series!!
Arteth, her sister, tries her hand at performing in New York. Because her daughter is half Su Indian, she cannot take her along. Arteth has to come to terms with what is important in life and attempts to mend the relationship with her daughter.
Trenton decides to involve the law to clear his name.
The law has caught up with Diane’s enemies. There are challenges and there are resolutions.
Great series!!
December 1, 2016
The final book in the series didn't disappoint! I thought the writer did a great job of tying up all loose ends and really bringing everyone's story to an end. Would love to read a branch off series about Dianne's kids!
June 24, 2017
I loved all 4 books in this series but this one was my favourite! I had so many feelings during this book. Anger, joy, sadness and even despair. I loved following Dianne from age 16 to where her life takes her. I will remember many of these characters for a long time. Can't there be a book 5?
October 17, 2009
This is the last of this saga in montana with dianne Selby and her family. After the devestation on the fire that took the ranch and Levi, things changed. Cole started a freighting business in Virgina city to make money while they slowly rebuild at the Diamond V and Ardith took up playing the piano to fill her heart. Neither were happy though. Cole takes his family to kansa when he learns that his father is on his deathbed. His father deeds the farm to him and he struggles with what to do with his family loyalty to his wife and her desires or his aging mother. His mother and sisters have been awful to dianne and the children but place all the blame on Dianne and want her gone but Cole to stay. When they finally accomplish the task, cole realizes the situation that he placed his wife in for what it was and that his mother was the one that was full of deception. This only after George sends a telegram that says he fears for Dianne's life and that she has had a baby that was stillborn. Ardith chooses to leave the ranch to New York and try to run away from all the things that remind her of her loss love of levi. She learns that God is the only one that can heal her heart and give her hope again. She asks forgiveness for leaving Winona behind. Zane marries Mara and to help his new sister-in-law avoid a arranged marriage hides her out on the Diamond V with Koko, susannah, George and Jamie. Jamie and Elsa hearts are softened and turn to love. Cole returns to Montana and Dianne and him buy the Horseshoe from the remaining Lawrence children that weren't hanged for their wrongdoing. The Diamond V is run by Jamie after he marries Elsa, this fullfilling his father's desire to have his son inherit despite his indian blood. Dianne learns that she doesn't need to live in any certain place to have her heart there but rather be with those that she loves, her family and husband and have the hope and faith in a God that when bad things happen she can find the strength in Him to go forward. Trenton is going back to Missouri to face his past and clear his name of the wrongs that he didn't do and those he did. Morgan found an orghaned boy, David and is going to raise his as his own and give him a family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2016
Thus the series comes to an end (Sunday afternoons are a perfect time to finish a book!). Everyone has gotten so old! I will admit that the last book was a little hard to get into...I think because there were so many people to keep track of and so many things going on.
In this one Dianne and Cole are having trouble in their marriage. At first it got a little annoying (them not communicating like they should), but it was realistic and everything got settled in the end.
I liked the final conclusion of how God is the only hope we need and that we can be happy wherever we are with Christ by our side.
A good series for early to mid teens, full of Christian faith and truths.
In this one Dianne and Cole are having trouble in their marriage. At first it got a little annoying (them not communicating like they should), but it was realistic and everything got settled in the end.
I liked the final conclusion of how God is the only hope we need and that we can be happy wherever we are with Christ by our side.
A good series for early to mid teens, full of Christian faith and truths.
April 25, 2018
The Hope Within is the final book in the Heirs of Montana series. Since we started with Dianne at age 16, she ends the series at age 42. In this book, Dianne has been displaced from her ranch for 5 years as they allow the land to heal. Cole's father is dying, however, so they travel to Kansas where an awful reception by Cole's family causes no end to strife in their family. In this novel, like the previous one, their trouble comes more from human attacks than the trials of the wilderness of Montana. Overall, this series is very good, but as a whole it is rather heavy. There is more time spent on working through tough issues rather than getting to the happy times. In this way it is good because it becomes instructive and challenging rather than simply entertaining. There are a lot of good lessons learned for the characters as well as the readers, but the constant barrage of death, loss, bitterness, hatred, and misplaced trust can become a bit much after awhile. I found myself wishing the characters could have a break for a little while and not feeling quite as buoyed up by me free time spent reading as I usually do. However, I appreciated the realistic nature of all of the challenges and looked forward to seeing the issues resolved. I have read other series by this author, and they are not all like this. So I am thinking this is just a main theme of this story. In this book, the issues with Cole's family were rough and painful to read about. The resolutions at the end were wonderful. I though the story with Morgan at the end was a little quickly done, as if they just remembered they needed to give him an ending too. So they threw that in quick in order to cover their bases. I did enjoy the way his story ended up, but it seemed a little odd the way it was tacked on right at the end. Otherwise, I am glad to see this story wrap up with a happy ending that gives me hope.
May 21, 2019
This Series HEIRS OF MONTANA...... there’s 4 books in this series & this is #4.
you will want to get them all at once because you don’t want to take a chance of not being able to
Have the next book in the series on hand . . . . . . .
{I am always let down when I end a series, or a good story, because I just want it to go on and } .
{on, and his is one of them. . . . I would absolutely love to have her write a sequel to this set. }
I read the Paper Back Books, and after receiving a Kindle many years ago, I had agreed I would donate all of my books (approximately 850). Well the Kindle broke, and now I’m stuck, I sure wish I still had MY FAVORITE AUTHOR’S BOOKS IN PAPERBACK..... (or another Kindle-it’s hard to read the books on a desk top computer) plus I would have to purchase these stories again for a Kindle, I am considering it because she is such a talented, unique, and incredibly rare Author that knows how to tell a story.
She will pull you in and keep you reading with such intense, expressively, fascinating storytelling by a GENUINELY INSPIRING TRIED & TRUE AUTHENTIC AUTHOR, who is obviously faithful and devoted to her fans.
THIS IS A MUST READ.... but read books 1 - 2 & 3 beforehand
. Tracie Peterson
you will want to get them all at once because you don’t want to take a chance of not being able to
Have the next book in the series on hand . . . . . . .
{I am always let down when I end a series, or a good story, because I just want it to go on and } .
{on, and his is one of them. . . . I would absolutely love to have her write a sequel to this set. }
I read the Paper Back Books, and after receiving a Kindle many years ago, I had agreed I would donate all of my books (approximately 850). Well the Kindle broke, and now I’m stuck, I sure wish I still had MY FAVORITE AUTHOR’S BOOKS IN PAPERBACK..... (or another Kindle-it’s hard to read the books on a desk top computer) plus I would have to purchase these stories again for a Kindle, I am considering it because she is such a talented, unique, and incredibly rare Author that knows how to tell a story.
She will pull you in and keep you reading with such intense, expressively, fascinating storytelling by a GENUINELY INSPIRING TRIED & TRUE AUTHENTIC AUTHOR, who is obviously faithful and devoted to her fans.
THIS IS A MUST READ.... but read books 1 - 2 & 3 beforehand
. Tracie Peterson
September 30, 2025
A Legacy of Faith and History
In tears reading the end of this book, I have to write that the journey through this series was worth the reading! I feel like I lived the lives with these great characters, and that is the best experience to have in reading! Everyone needs to begin with book 1 and keep going until the final page of book 4. The reading of characters aging along the way is not any easier than reading the deaths of the ones that you come to love too, but as with history you can't change the reality of time. This journey through pages is the best time-traveling a person can take and still remain safe even when characters aren't. My thanks to Tracie for another place I hold in my heart with characters I will freeze as alive forever in my imagination. I could never be as brave as the ones who did tame the vast Montana state, but I can relish their achievements as a proud American citizen and thank Jesus for their faithfulness that led to my present day 2025. Read, Pray, Love, and Live!
Tonja Condray Klein (TK)
Author at eirinth.com
In tears reading the end of this book, I have to write that the journey through this series was worth the reading! I feel like I lived the lives with these great characters, and that is the best experience to have in reading! Everyone needs to begin with book 1 and keep going until the final page of book 4. The reading of characters aging along the way is not any easier than reading the deaths of the ones that you come to love too, but as with history you can't change the reality of time. This journey through pages is the best time-traveling a person can take and still remain safe even when characters aren't. My thanks to Tracie for another place I hold in my heart with characters I will freeze as alive forever in my imagination. I could never be as brave as the ones who did tame the vast Montana state, but I can relish their achievements as a proud American citizen and thank Jesus for their faithfulness that led to my present day 2025. Read, Pray, Love, and Live!
Tonja Condray Klein (TK)
Author at eirinth.com
August 23, 2025
Diane found hope within when she returned to her beloved Montana without Cole, who had inherited his father’s farm in Kansas. Diane and the children were not welcomed by Cole’s mother and sister, plus they were dishonest with Cole how things truly was blaming Diane. Diane’s resilient, fortitude, and renewed faith from her loving friends in Montana gave her the hope that everything would work out. The Chadwick’s siblings are reunited at times, despite all the difficulties they had experienced through the years. This was one powerful and touching read with Tracie Peterson bringing closure to different events that had transpired earlier in the series. There’s plenty of action, picturesque scenes, loving and flawed characters along with faith, forgiveness, letting go and new beginnings for the lovable characters.
Heirs of Montana is one tremendous series. I high recommend this Christian Historical Romance series to fans of this genre.
Heirs of Montana is one tremendous series. I high recommend this Christian Historical Romance series to fans of this genre.
February 6, 2017
1886 ~ Montana stands on the brink of statehood, and Dianne Selby finds her world turned upside down. Cole takes her and the children to Kansas to care for his dying father, but after the funeral, Colebs mother insists he stay and take over his inheritance. Unable to deal with her mother-in-law's cruel treatment, Dianne takes the children back to Montana alone. There, blizzards devastate the area, trapping a now pregnant Dianne at the ranch. Through the twists and turns of life and nature, Dianne comes to realize that the hope within "Jesus Christ"is the only hope that lasts. Book 4 of the bestselling Heirs of Montana.
May 27, 2022
Loved this book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading a Christian book about the struggles and blessing of Dianne and her family living in Montana in the late 1800's. When her father-in-law was dying, Dianna and her husband, Cole have to uproot their family and go to Kansas to see him. Dianne is considered not suitable for Cole's family and so she and the children are treated terribly. Cole's mother does everything to drive a wedge between Dianne and Cole. What is he to do? Return to their beloved Montana ranch with his family or stay and maintain the farm for his mother. Some heart aches follow for Dianne, however her Christian faith in God pulls her through.
July 4, 2020
A tying up of a family’s story
I loved this series; reading the next one right after the last. Mrs Peterson painted pictures with words of the Montana valley and the characters, both friends and enemies. All were accounted for in this final book, and as happened in that time of letter writing & mail delivery, there were gaps and spacing between events. All in all I was satisfied with this final book & I’m ready you begin her Belles of Lowell series about factory workers near Boston!
I loved this series; reading the next one right after the last. Mrs Peterson painted pictures with words of the Montana valley and the characters, both friends and enemies. All were accounted for in this final book, and as happened in that time of letter writing & mail delivery, there were gaps and spacing between events. All in all I was satisfied with this final book & I’m ready you begin her Belles of Lowell series about factory workers near Boston!
March 8, 2020
The final book in Tracie Peterson's "Heir of Montana" series. These 4 books kept me interested and engaged with stories of Dianne and her family as they settle in Montana. They endure months crossing the country on the wagon train, illness, death, trouble with Indians, and dissension among the weary travelers. Years of hardship and joy follow as they reach their destination to carve out home and community.
March 24, 2024
historical
It’s been quite awhile since I started again this final book of The Heirs of Montana but Tracie Peterson tells such a good story that I found myself thinking I think I have read this. So I found where I left off and finished it in two days. This is a can’t-put-down-bookmark-only-for-meals-snuggle-down-if-cold-out-you-are-part-of-this-story-every-character-kind of book. Well done Tracie!
It’s been quite awhile since I started again this final book of The Heirs of Montana but Tracie Peterson tells such a good story that I found myself thinking I think I have read this. So I found where I left off and finished it in two days. This is a can’t-put-down-bookmark-only-for-meals-snuggle-down-if-cold-out-you-are-part-of-this-story-every-character-kind of book. Well done Tracie!
December 8, 2021
The best series!
This series was truly a blessing to me. I learned a different point of view to challenges I've encountered in my life. Faith, hope and charity has a new meaning to me after this series. I was so sorry it ended, wonderful characters, wonderful stories of each family member, just a wonderful series!
This series was truly a blessing to me. I learned a different point of view to challenges I've encountered in my life. Faith, hope and charity has a new meaning to me after this series. I was so sorry it ended, wonderful characters, wonderful stories of each family member, just a wonderful series!
February 5, 2025
Could hardly put it down, so much going on. I felt horrible for Dianne and Cole when they had to return to Kansas. Unfortunately, it brought me back to some bad memories, as I had a difficult relationship with my mother-in-law. I was glad when Dianne finally was able to come to grips with her reliance upon God and trusting in Him when she couldn't see the outcome.
September 14, 2025
What an ending to an amazing series. ♥ I enjoyed this family and felt so close to them as the story unfolded.
If you are looking for a great Christian fiction read or know someone who could benefit from a realistic point of view. This series is it.
I suggest you get all four books before you start because you aren't going to want to wait for what happens next.
If you are looking for a great Christian fiction read or know someone who could benefit from a realistic point of view. This series is it.
I suggest you get all four books before you start because you aren't going to want to wait for what happens next.
April 11, 2018
Fabulous series
Every book in this series was a page turner. Loved the storylines and learned so much historically speaking as well. I am very sad to see the series and...hope Tracie will add more books to the Heirs of Montana!
Every book in this series was a page turner. Loved the storylines and learned so much historically speaking as well. I am very sad to see the series and...hope Tracie will add more books to the Heirs of Montana!
June 20, 2018
Awesome
Hoping that the author has another series similar to this one ,really enjoyed reading all of the books.It would be great if she does book #5 hate to see the final endings of such an awesome series
Hoping that the author has another series similar to this one ,really enjoyed reading all of the books.It would be great if she does book #5 hate to see the final endings of such an awesome series
October 6, 2021
This was such a great end of the series! If you're a wife and mother, there is a part that will just make you feel as if you are the protagonist. I really enjoyed how Tracie wrapped up the stories of all of the main characters. This is one of the best series enders that I've read in a long time.
April 3, 2022
Reread "To Dream Anew" by Tracie Peterson so that I would have the series in order. Then I read "The Hope Within" (book 4 of the 'Heirs of Montana' series. This is such a great series...I couldn't put the last book down! You HAVE to read this series.
April 28, 2023
What happened to Trenton?!?! I didn’t follow this character for four books to have his story end with a cliff hanger. 😩
This was a great series I really enjoyed the way this book tied up all the loose ends… except for Trenton. I just need to know if he was pardoned! ☺️🤷🏼♀️
This was a great series I really enjoyed the way this book tied up all the loose ends… except for Trenton. I just need to know if he was pardoned! ☺️🤷🏼♀️
June 11, 2023
This is part of a series but I didn’t feel disadvantaged not having read the previous novels. This is a historical novel of life in Montana in the late 1800’s. It’s interesting but slow moving and too religious for my taste. Not really my genre, but still found it easy enough to finish.
September 15, 2024
Moving and Entertaining story
Moving story from the very beginning. Watching these families overcome their trials and hardships while being encouraged by the abundant love and faith, kept me reading late into the night. Just a fabulous story.
Moving story from the very beginning. Watching these families overcome their trials and hardships while being encouraged by the abundant love and faith, kept me reading late into the night. Just a fabulous story.
May 25, 2025
The series ends when Cole finally sees what his mother has done to damage his family. After fire, storms and tragedies, the future finally looks promising with Montana becoming a state. Learned many facts about this period of history.
July 14, 2025
This is the fourth book in Tracie Peterson’s Heirs of Montana series. It is a wonderful series and for me, a person who has lived in and loved Montana, a real treat. Hate that this is the last book in the series.
January 25, 2018
Learning to have Faith
Once again Peterson has delivered a great read. You learn about life in Montana in the 1800's and their Faith in God to see them through hard times.
Once again Peterson has delivered a great read. You learn about life in Montana in the 1800's and their Faith in God to see them through hard times.
March 24, 2018
I read the entire series and loved it! What a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews