The House on Windridge

Kansas #2

by Tracie Peterson

When her mother dies in childbirth, Jessica¿s father sends his infant daughter from his ranch in Kansas back to New York to be raised by an older aunt. But Aunt Helen only cares for social standing and proprieties. She tells Jessica nothing of her father¿s offers to take her back and instead pushes Jessica into an arranged marriage with a man who turns out to be abusive and unfaithful. When her aunt and husband die, Jessica is alone in the world except for her infant son. She learns of her father's death and determines to rebuild her life at Windridge, the ranch where her life began. But appearances are not always reliable, and Jessica doesn't know who she can trust. Will Windridge become the home she has always searched for, or will it be the scene of her final betrayal?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Christian Romance

170 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

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

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW: I was fortunate to be raised by my mother and father. Jessica's life begins with pain and sadness when her mother dies giving birth to her. Then her father has her aunt in New York care for her. He is in Kansas on a ranch, far, far away from New York.
I can only imagine the pain and rejection Jessica felt in this situation.
I fell in love and married the man of my dreams, but Jessica's aunt forces her into a marriage she arranges, a marriage that turns out to be abusive. When he dies, she receives word that her father is dead and she is needed at the ranch. The real excitement begins! Will Jessica be afforded the chance to fall in love and marry someone of her own choosing this time or will she live a lonely, sad life on the ranch with her child?
I highly recommend this romantic historical romance. There are references to faith and Christianity that were very encouraging and appealing.
My rating for this book is 5 stars.
I received this book as a gift from netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.

[CarolynB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It's one of Tracie Peterson's earlier books, but even back then she was a great story teller.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, I wish it had been longer, more fleshed out. It had a ton of potential. I’d love to see what Peterson could do with this concept now! I never knew she wrote these shorter books in the past. This book does make me want to go and hunt up some of her work, I haven’t read much from her in awhile, and she was a staple for me as a teen.

[Jerrye Tellmeagreatstorylove · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House on Windridge By Tracie Peterson

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

______________________________________________________________________

Rediscover this classic romance from bestselling author Tracie Peterson. Jessica is alone in the world except for her infant son. She returns to the ranch where her life began, but Jessica doesn't know whom she can trust. Will Windridge become the home she has always longed for, or will it be the scene of her final betrayal? Also included is a bonus historical prairie romance from author Joyce Livingston.

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Story Notes

This re-release of Tracie Peterson's poignant story of a young woman who will finally experience the love that has been missing from every relationship in her life is a must read for fans of Peterson's books of faith, family, and true, lasting love.

Although I have read many of Tracie Peterson's books over the years, I have somehow missed this lovely story. Jessica Albright nee Gussop has returned to the home of her birth, bringing her 9 month old son, Ryan, with high hopes of welcome and a place to truly call "Home". Those she encounters on her arrival will both offer hope of love and challenge her assumptions and beliefs about her past. Ms. Peterson created a complicated and well-scarred young character in Jessica Albright. Her fear of trusting anyone fully and the lack of love she has experienced until now make for a story that makes your heart laugh and cry over her journey to real trust. I enjoyed seeing how Jessica began the story with solid beliefs of her father (Joseph Gussop) never loving or wanting her, that she was the only one who could care for her son if she wanted his love, and that she could never find true love for herself and yet came out with so many blessings of friends, family, and the love of a good man. Ms. Peterson also created a wonderful hero in Devon Carter, foreman of Windridge Ranch, who worked many years for Joseph Gussop and became like the son Joseph never had. Knowing how much Joseph wanted the ranch to be a successful inheritance for Jessica, Devon has worked hard to keep the ranch going in spite of several big setbacks and problems. Devon's easy forgiveness of Jessica's rudeness and his willingness to help her find a way to return the ranch to its better days make him the man she needs to show her how to trust others and accept their love. Additionally, Ms. Peterson's way of having Jessica, Kate and others handle the vengeful gossip of a bitter neighbor with grace and gentle correction reminded me of how a Christian should react to an accusation of character. Buck and Kate Marcus provide good supporting characters for Jessica and Devon, gently questioning and rebuking where misconceptions run rampant and showing everyone true friendship. I loved the words Kate spoke to Jessica when she was afraid to entrust the care of Ryan to Kate when he had the measles - "Don't let fear be the glue that binds your relationship with Ryan. Fear is a poor substitute for love". That is a thought provoking idea for me - how do I let those I love the most be cared for and loved by someone other than myself when I am unable to see to their needs? I really found myself considering how I would react to the situations that Jessica faced and that always means I will appreciate the story that is being told. By resolving all issues raised and helping each of the characters face their trust issues and fear of rejection, Ms. Peterson ensured that I would not only love this story but look forward to adding it to my collection sometime in the near future.


There was a bonus story included with the e-book that I was sent called Lucy's Quilt by Joyce Livingston. I was not asked to review this story but will say that it was a good story. It went well with the themes of forgiveness, trust and love that Tracie Peterson had in her book. I am always interested in seeing how an author will handle the idea of a marriage of convenience and Joyce Livingston created a story of depth that requires a reader to see that marriage of choice can become marriage of love if the persons involved are willing to work together towards that end.It was an unexpected read that I enjoyed immensely !

This e-book was provided to me at no cost by Barbour Publishing, Inc. through Net Galley for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet historical Christian romance set in post Civil War Kansas.

[GJ S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Christian historical novel

I truly enjoyed this whole story line the characters were so personable and easy to connect with. I really appreciate the intersections of the Lord. I liked the healthy overcoming of the seriously disparaging personal problems. I recommend the author and the book.

[Margaret Chind]

[Vera mallard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always a pleasure and a privilege to read and review books by Tracie Peterson. This story will bring your emotions to the surface as the characters face grief, loss, and new beginnings all with Gods help.

This book has two excellent books; The House on Windridge by Tracie Peterson and as a bonus, Lucy’s Quilt by Joyce Livingston another talented author.

THE HOUSE ON WINDRIDGE BY TRACIE PETERSON

STORY LINE:

Gus Gussop had the world by the tail; a ranch doing well; a large ranch house, a wife he adored, and a baby on the way. Then fate stepped in and took his wife during childbirth. The anchor of Gus’ world was gone. Gus has no idea what to do with a child and no desire to try. He sends his baby daughter, Jessica, to his wife’s Aunt Harriet Nelson to raise; unknowingly sending Jessica to a woman who loves appearance, status and social standing. With the help of Buck, former foreman, and his wife Kate, the housekeeper/cook, and Devon Carter, foreman, whom he treats as a son, life goes on. Gus has loss the desire to live, his life is not worth living without his wife.

Years later, grown and now widowed, Jessica and her baby son are asked to come to the ranch as soon as possible. Her father has dead and she’s needed. Jessica had lived through an abusive marriage orchestrated by Aunt Harriet; Jessica, with her small son, journeys to Kansas and hopefully a new life which will provide the security her never-do-well husband did not give.

The story that follows is full of emotion, revelations, and new beginnings. Things are not as she hoped at Windridge. Come also with Jessica and the people of Windridge as they move forward; secrets, insecurities, motives, and romance are waiting.



CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT:

Author Tracie Peterson talent in story telling is very evident in this book. The characters are wholesome, natural, and real. Ms. Peterson’s character development is progressive throughout the story as we watch the characters come to terms with life’s issues and demons of the past.

Faith plays a huge part in this book, as each character has faith-based belief. Devon and Jessica will wrestle with issues and rely on God to provide the solutions. Jessica has many insecurities she must admit and overcome. Ms. Peterson expertly wove faith into this story without being pushy or preachy. You do not need to be religious to enjoy Ms. Peterson’s books. Ms. Peterson never offends the reader with forced religion, rather the character’s and their beliefs show the depth of God’s love.

This is a sweet clean romance, revealing the personality of each character as they fight for survival of the ranch and their way of life, battle gossip, and insecurities, to live the life God has in store for them and find a foundation for love.

The plot of the book kept me interested and glued to my E-reader. The pace never slowed or lagged. Ms. Peterson’s stories are always well-developed and crafted. Her story-lines are intriguing, revealing the depth of the human condition and the need for God as an anchor.



LUCY’S QUILT BY JOYCE LIVINGSTON

STORY LINE:

Juliette Baker Martin, widowed and mother of a baby boy, has loss the love of her life; she now lives with her family in Dove City, Kansas. Her mother is physically weak and sick after the journey across the country to Kansas and birthing a set of twins. Her father manages a hotel in Dove City, along with his wife, and children.

Stone Piper’s beloved wife, Lucy, dies; he sent his two small sons to his sister as he could not raise two small children and ranch at the same time. Stone wants his two children home and the only solution is marriage.

Stone proposes a marriage of convenience which Lucy immediately refuses, however, she finds she must reconsider this decision as her family’s situation has dramatically changed. Several crisis’ have arisen and Lucy will to come to terms with a marriage of convenience. Stone also has secrets he has not revealed to Lucy; oh what a tangled web we weave when we practice first to deceive.

This is the story of hardships, secrets, revelations, mysteries, grief, family, a marriage of convenience, and faith in God. Come along as Stone and Lucy journey from barely knowing each other to find the love God has in store for them.



CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT:

Author Joyce Livingston has crafted a clean sweet western romance that is full of heart and feeling. Her characters are real and believable.

I found the plot very intriguing as Ms. Livingston reveals the history of Stone and his first wife, Lucy, along with the secrets of the locked room.

Stone’s growth in this story was a complete reversal from the man he was in the beginning of the book. Stone had demons he had to conquer and a Heavenly Father to accept. Juliette’s character growth was steady and progressive as she comes to understand herself and Stone.

Faith also plays a large part in this story; the author masterfully portrayed Stone’s character. Ms. Livingston skillfully presented the fact we will show a face to the public that is not lived nor alive in our heart.

The author also addressed the issue of a child with a physical handicap. Ms. Livingston masterfully shows love and patience can work miracles.

Ms. Livingston masterly paced and plotted this story and the characters and story-line was well-developed. This is a clean solid story of mystery, secrets, love, and faith. Ms. Livingston expertly wove faith into this story without being pushy, preachy or overwhelming.



RECOMMENDATIONS: 5 STARS

I highly recommend this book by two talented authors. These are clean sweet westerns that anyone would enjoy. They are easy to read and vastly entertaining.

I received this book from Netgalley.com in return for an honest book review. Book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion; all book reviews on line under my name and on my blog, are my opinion.



ABOUT AUTHOR TRACIE PETERSON: PHOTO & BIO PROVIDED BY AUTHOR

PETERSON

Tracie Peterson is the best-selling, award winning author of over 100 books. Her work in historical romance garnered her the Best Western Romance Author of 2013 by True West Magazine. She was given the Life Time Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers in 2011 and the Career Achievement Award in 2007 from Romantic Times, as well as multiple best book awards.
Tracie has been married to Jim for over 35 years and enjoys working with him on historical research for each of her books. They make their home in the mountains of Montana. They have three grown children and three grandchildren. They also have an adopted family in Africa that has given them another seven grandchildren – two of whom were named for Tracie and Jim.
The most important thing about writing for Tracie is – this is her ministry. It is her deepest desire is to share the Gospel with a dying world and to bring glory to God in her work. She works with each storyline to include the message of salvation and Biblical application for daily obstacles. Throughout her career she has been blessed to see how God has used the books for His glory to change lives. Tracie works to make each book meet her required 3 E’s. The books need to Entertain, Educate and Encourage – all to the glory of God.
Summing up what she does, Tracie said, “I get to do something I dearly love – tell stories, travel to meet wonderful and interesting people and see new places, work with my husband and serve God. Who could ask for anything more?”

[Margaret Chind]

I have a paperback copy of Kansas, which I plan to discard in favor of reading the eBooks galleys The House on Windridge and Threads of Love / Woven Threads. These include Beyond Today (pen name) and The House On Windridge, as well as, Threads Of Love and Woven Threads respectively.

[Tanya Shearin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story, but think Hallmark movie in novel format when you read it. All was the fairly typical romance / drama, but I enjoyed it nonetheless after a busy day of working. It came to an end more quickly than I had wanted and would do well with a sequel. Perhaps there is one out there that I don't know about!! If you like a novel rooted in God's love and demonstrating how to live out truth while wrestling with our sins and that of others, you will appreciate the Biblical content. All in all, well worth the read.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A great mix of wonderful characters, good story line with a reminder that God has a plan for us. I could see this having several sequels about people coming to the dude ranch. This is a book I will read again.

[Amulya N Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm thankful to a friend who introduced me to historical fiction.Ever Since,I've been inclined towards this genre.This book has a sweet message of its own.A quick,easy and sweet read on a weekend one won't regret.

[Amy Reed · Rating 2 out of 5]

One obstacle after another that is resolved in unrealistic way and time frame. There is absolutely no depth to the characters or the story. I enjoy Tracie Peterson's books, but this one left me wanting to just get through it.

[Phylisha Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read. If you like western romances you will love this one.

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another nice, happily ever after, trials and trouble help bring true love

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book but I feel like it ended too fast...

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Tracie Peterson's books for a long time, and I was thrilled when this one came up on my reading list. I was ready for a change of pace and I got it with a slice of a second book. Not a bad deal, if I do say so myself.

Jessica was born in Windridge, but her birth caused the death of her mother. Her father, unable to cope with a baby and losing his beloved wife, sent Jessica to his wife's Aunt Harriet in New York. After Aunt Harriet, Jessica's husband, and Jessica's father all passed away, Jessica came home to Windridge with her infant son, Ryan. Buck and Kate were still there, but an addition to the staff had been made--Devon Carter. He had been running the ranch for several years and wanted to continue--to the point of bringing it back to the profitable ranch it had been.

Jessica had truly never been the recipient of honest love by any of her relatives, and kept her defenses on the offense. She resented Devon's interference into Ryan's life and his headstrong way of wanting to run the ranch.

This is a quick read that is quite satisfying. One thing that I truly appreciate about this book is how Tracie wove God's influence on Jessica into the story. Jessica comes across as a woman who truly wants to live as God directs her through the Bible. She is at times a shrew and at times the most humble character, but each time her shrewishness came out, she responded with the desire for forgiveness only God gives.

Five Stars

The other novel in this book is Lucy's Quilt by Joyce Livingston, and the story is similar in some respects to The House on Windridge, but where Jessica humbled herself, Juliette took a while to make that transition.

Similarities:
Jessica has a son, Ryan
Juliette has a son, Andrew

Jessica and Juliette both can have a sharp tongue and use their sharp tongues on the men in their lives.

Where the stories differ is in how the women get married--Jessica is well and truly in love, while Juliette marries Stone Piper out of convenience for both of them.

Windridge is definitely the better story in this book, I would only give Lucy's quilt three stars. This averages out to Four stars for the whole book.

My thanks to Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Kerry Hedden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica is now a single mother due to the death of her "dandy" husband, as her late father referred to him. She has decided to move back to the family ranch where her father lived to try and open a bed and breakfast type getaway where she can help those who need rest, rejuvenation and the message of Christ.

However, when she arrives she meets Devon the man running the ranch now and finds that the farm is in financial trouble. Jessica had not expected this and with all the emotional baggage she is carrying she begins to immediately dislike Devon. Many of her emotional insecurities revolve around her father sending her away as a newborn, her husband's lies and betrayals and her friend attempting to take her son from her.

The relationship between Jessica and Devon is a love/hate relationship at first (mostly from her side) and just when you think that Jessica is really just being nasty you see her God-fearing side where she realizes her emotional weakness, especially when it comes to her son, and begins to seek forgiveness from those around her.

Tracie Peterson does a nice job with The House on Windridge. Her characters are well developed and the storyline works well. There is a strong redemptive and healing Christian message throughout the book and I do like how the story unfolds. It’s a nice easy summertime read.

With this book, there was a bonus story written by Joyce Livingston called Lucy's Quilt. The story is set in Kansas in 1862 and Joyce does a nice job writing a Christian romance that is a bit different format than your typical storyline. The romance begins very differently between Juliette and Stone; it begins with a proposal right out of the blue.

I like how Joyce layouts the story and develops the character and I thought it was a nice twist having the male character have the underlying secret, and I can say I never saw that twist coming. If you get a chance to read this book you should, it is well done and a quick read.

I received this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion, the publisher is Barbour Publishing.

You can read all of my reviews at Blessings N Bloggings

[Terry Houchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! Jessica lived her entire life in New York City with her Aunt Helen. Her mother was dead and she thought her father didn't care about her. Little did she know, her father may have been in Kansas, but he cared for her deeply.

Jessica's character was one I had a hard time connecting with. I just didn't get why she was so over dramatic about Ryan. Why did she think they were trying to steal her baby?First, a childless friend of her's in New York City and next Buck, Kate, and Devon at Windridge. It just seemed a bit over the top. I get she was insecure and she'd had a hard life. It was unusual her friend's mother trying to pay her for Ryan.

Then I started thinking about me and my friends. I guess there are things in all of our lives that we blow up out of proportion. This fear that someone would take her place as the most important person in Ryan's life was what Jessica blew out of proportion. This was her greatest fear.

She learned by the end of the story that it takes a village to raise a child. She and Ryan were very blessed to have so many people in their lives that helped them and loved them. She learned how to let others help her and how she could help others.

The story moved along at a good pace. There was just enough conflict, but not too much, so it was a believable story.

One of the things I like about Tracie Peterson's books is that they are Christ centered not touches of religion or faith stuck in as an afterthought. These people are believers. Jessica may have lost her way for a while, but she came back to God and learned to walk with Him and trust in Him.

Historical fiction is a love of mine. If you share that love you should give Tracie Peterson a try. She has many that I'm sure you will like.

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House on Windridge featured two wonderfully written romances. The first was written by Tracie Peterson and is about a lady, Jessica, who returns to the home of her deceased father to take over the family ranch. She is a widow with a young son. Jessica feels as if she has never truly been loved and has to learn to trust others. The story is about what she goes through as she learns to trust God and to love others. A romance between Jessica and Devon Carter, the foreman of the ranch is beautifully written. The story features humor, action, and romance with the thread of faith interwoven through it.

The second story, Lucy's Quilt, is about a family that faces a financial crisis and a solution of a marriage in name only is presented. The eldest daughter, Juliette, has an infant son and is against marriage to Stone because she wants to marry for love. Stone wants Juliette to marry him to take care of his sons and his home. The romance that evolves between Stone and Juliette was touching and beautifully written. The best part of this story was the faith that Juliette had and that Stone receives in the story.

Both romances are well written and the characters are easy to like and route for. I highly recommend this book. It is a refreshing story and one that holds your interest throughout.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story!! I thought at first Jessica was a snotty person she was! But, given her current situation and how she was raised one can certainly understand!
How I didn't like Gerty! She was one of those that wanted to cause trouble and wasn't pleasant no matter what you did! if things didn't go her way wowsers! watch out!
Poor Devon sure had a rough time of it! I'm glad nothing serious happened to him!
I loved watching Jessica grow in the Lord's care along with her friend Kate and her husband!
I guess sometimes we just gotta do what we gotta do! At least Jessica did have an Aunt that did raise her and she wasn't an Orphan!
Bottom line, I really enjoyed this short story and I would recommend it to ppl who love a little bit of history included!
I aways look forward to Tracies books as she is such a delightful writer!!!

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been reading Tracie Peterson since I was a teenager and she is one of my go-to authors when I'm looking for a happy historical inspirational romance. The House on Windridge lacked some depth in the characters and conflict, but for a quick Saturday night distraction, it hit the spot. The story reminded us to trust God & others - to let go of our fear - and of course, included the expected romance & resolution and happily-ever-after. A good story to borrow from your local e-library if you want a quick historical Christian romance.

[Sammie Mays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book by Tracie Peterson. (As well as all of the others on my shelf!) Jessica was sent off to New York to live with her aunt after her mother died. She thought she was never loved. Can she find the peace and love that she needs at Windridge to overcome her fears?
I loved that Lucy's Quilt was also included. I received this book through NetGalley.

[Smilinhere · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one other reader wrote: Tracie's books are always a good read ... good messages (this one about forgiveness, trying not to jump to conclusions and how to ward off other's accusations) centered on God's love and ending with a romantic love (or not!??!)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House on Windridge / Lucy's Quilt is a book of two short novellas by Tracie Peterson and Joyce Livingston. I enjoyed Tracie's story quite a bit and Joyce's story was wonderful, also, and hope to read again by her in the future.
4 1/2 stars

[Kathryn Bartrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

Very good both stories Enjoyed them both I enjoy Traci she is good author would recommend this to anyone thanks

[Mary Longoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House on Windridge( Lucy's Quilt)

An enjoyable time reading, capturing the lives of Everyday trials and redemption . God's mercy in human failings. Thank you !

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The house on Windridge was ok, average. The bonus story, Lucy's Quilt was terrible! I felt like cringing or rolling my eyes many times. The story wasn't well-developed. Good plot but too rushed.

[Janice Tolifson]

Jessica's mother dies at childbirth and her father sends her to New York to be raised by an aunt. After her father dies, she returns to the ranch in Kansas and finds she likes the ranch life. Falls in love with the foreman.