When You Are Near

Brookstone Brides #1

by Tracie Peterson

After her father's death, Lizzy Brookstone, the star trick rider of the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, loses interest in performing. What she longs for is a life with the Brookstone ranch foreman, Wesley DeShazer, the man who once broke her heart. Meanwhile, Jason Adler, son of the show's new financial partner, comes to help with the show, and Lizzy soon finds him vying for her affection. Ella Fleming is fleeing a forced engagement when she stows away on the Brookstone train. Lizzy finds her and gives her a job in the costume department, but Ella has a dangerous secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza. When Mary Reichert, a former sharpshooter for the show, learns that her brother, August, has been killed at the Fleming farm, she refuses to believe it was an accident. She returns to the show to find the truth, but is she seeking justice or vengeance? As the three women work together to discover how August died, Lizzy strives to hold the show together. Can she keep the Brookstone Extravaganza alive without losing the desire of her heart?

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

455 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 2019

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

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

1900 Montana and cities including St. Louis and Kansas City

There are so many books out there. I'm not sure if I would have gotten to this one if my daughter hadn't got it for me for Christmas. And I'm glad she did!

I love a tale that includes helping a woman flee a difficult circumstance. While fleeing Ella wasn't the main character, she was a key one in the pages. I also enjoyed getting to know more about what it was like to be a part of a traveling show. Main character Lizzy is a trick rider and has shut her heart off to romance after the man she loved married another.

Look forward to continuing the series with the cast of characters.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

What fun! Set within an all-female Wild West show, Tracie Peterson’s When You Are Near delivers a delightful blend of adventure, mystery, and romance.

When her father dies, trick rider Lizzy Brookstone has some difficult decisions to make. She takes over management of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, but her heart desires a simpler life. Her story unfolds with drama, danger, and suspense, and through it all, she proves capable and strong, an immensely relatable character I enjoyed getting to know.

When You Are Near is a wonderful historical read, especially given its unique focus on trick riding. It has all the elements necessary to please fans of the genre. I recommend it and eagerly look forward to reading the next books in the series.

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wished that I would have know that this one was Christian fiction/romance. I don't know that it would have stopped me from trying it, but I would have liked to know I was going to be preached at prior. The blurb drew me to the book, I liked the idea of the Wild West Extravaganza being an all female act. The three women were facing challenges in their lives, but through their friendship they seemed to overcome them. I really liked the ending when Lizzie's mother showed the women just how to get what you want all the while you are perfectly pleasant in voice with a wicked "Bless your heart" type of dig.

[Lady Alexandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When You Are Near” is the first book in Brookstone Brides Series by Tracie Peterson. It was the first book by this author, that I have read, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I only knew that it is a Christian fiction historical novel and that the cover is very pretty! To tell the truth, it was the cover that sparked my interest and convinced me to read this book.

Most of all, I enjoyed the historical setting and the whole idea of the main character Lizzy Brookstone being the star trick rider of the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza. The idea of a woman working as a trick rider appealed to me and I wanted to know her story. Lizzy is an interesting, strong-willed character and It was interesting to read about her doubts and fears, and how she overcame them. The faith played an important role in her transformation, but also loving, kind people that surrounded her, especially her mother.

I enjoyed this book, the only thing that bothered me was the love story, which I found a bit unconvincing. Also, the villains of the story were one-dimensional. But that seems characteristic for most Christian fiction. Evil characters are usually cardboard cut-out characters, with no personality or moral ambiguity. Anyway, apart from that, the novel was very well written. It was nice to spend a few evening hanging out with Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza crowd.

I received “When You Are Near” from the publisher via NetGalley. I would like to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Tracie Peterson's books always grab me and I can't put them down. She does have a certain formula though. Certain plot points I've seen in her other books so one less star due to that repetition but can't fault her writing and entertainment factor! So good!

[Emily higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is cute book, and a quick read. I really liked Lizzy‘s character and her independence. A lot of the book focused on Lizzie and the show instead of her relationship with Wesley like I kind of expected it to. Wesley didn’t show up till about halfway through the book, but it was ok because I liked the other parts of the book too. Ella and Mary were also really great characters, and I wouldn’t mind reading more about them. Overall I like the plot of the book and the characters so I gave it four stars.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You Are Near is a very intriguing book that drew this reader deep into the story and kept her there till the end. I do love Historical Romance and Tracie Peterson writes it so well and blends an interesting tale around the enjoyable characters. My favorite genre is Amish Fiction but once in a while it's great to be able to read something else and it's very refreshing when the story can grab the reader in from the get go.
Readers are taken back to the year nineteen hundred. The author has the gift of making the reader actually visualize that time frame as they follow along in the book. There are many characters in this story and I don't have the time or space to go into every one of them and I'm sure you wouldn't want me to. The main characters are Elizabeth Brookstone who goes by the nickname Lizzy. She's part of a family from Montana that owns and runs a wild west show and the performers are woman. Lizzy is the main star of the show and she's able to do daring death defying stunts while standing on the back on a horse galloping at a fast pace. She's been known to cause many women in the audience to pass out during her trick riding.
Her family is in grieving for the loss of Lizzy's father, Mark Brookstone, who died suddenly and unexpectedly. It was her dad's wishes for the show to go on to the end of the season. The family carries on with the show though his death has effected every member of the show. We have a murder in this story and it has been covered up as though it were an accident. A young lady Ella Fleming, runs away from her Kentucky home when her father trys to force her into a marriage of convince. She sneaks into the Brookstone family train car while trying to escape. Then there's the romance or lack of it between Lizzy and Wesley DeShazer , the ranch foreman back home at the Brookstone ranch. So as you can see there's lots to draw you into this story.
If you enjoy Historical Romance or even cowboy cowgirl tales you will love this book. It's part of a three book series that Tracie Peterson wrote in 2019. I gave it five Stars and I hope you will enjoy reading it. I plan to read the other two books in the series .
I downloaded a Kindle ebook from the Amazon Prime digital library. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable story! I’ve long been fascinated with Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley and the Wild West shows. This book was like visiting that era and seeing it come to life all over again, only with new characters instead of the tried-and-true ones. I loved getting to know Lizzy and Jason and Ella and Wesley. Their journeys were complex, engaging, delightful, and entertaining. Family played a huge part in this story, and that’s always something I like to see. The train and ranch were amazing, and they seemed like characters all their own. Setting a book in Montana is nearly a guarantee that I’ll read it, and I’m glad this author knows well how to make the setting feel like a natural extension of the story, like the backdrop becomes so infused to the core of the story that they could never again be parted.

One thing to note about Mrs. Peterson is that she is not afraid to wound or kill off characters. I like this, because it shows grit and courage. I like to know going into a book that I am in for an unpredictable ride, and that’s definitely true when the author doesn’t shy away from tragedies for any given character.

Content: alcoholism/alcohol, saloons, sensuality (all handled well)

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

When You Are Near by Tracie Peterson is an interesting look on the inside of Wild West Shows. Lizzy, a master at horse tricks, is a brave and strong heroine who ignores looking for love because every time she loves someone they end up dead. Why allow her heart to be bruised? This novel takes place in Montana and on the Wild West show circuit. The plot moves nicely along. I had a wonderful time with Lizzy and her family as well as a strong cast of other characters. There is a secondary storyline with a mystery or running from the future aspect that I liked and wished for more. I really enjoyed the story, and I can't wait to see what else comes up in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of When You Are Near by Tracie Peterson from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book! It was fascinating to read about the trick riding and life on the rails! There's also some intrigue and a murder. The themes are forgiveness, second chances, and the importance of family.

I liked all of the characters except for the "bad" ones. The sense of community among the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza is wonderful! The women and men support each other and genuinely care about each other!

Tracie Peterson always delivers a great book! I look forward to reading her next one!

[Eden Restored · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first Tracie Peterson novel I’ve tried and given all the glowing reviews for this book I was expecting a little more.

WHAT I LIKED: I liked the premise and setting. A Wild West show set in 1900 with all female trick riders.

I liked Lizzy’s character and her development. I particularly liked how she had a particular fear and how that worked out.

I liked the solid Faith content.

I liked how the subject of grief was dealt with.

I liked Ella and Mary’s characters.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: I didn’t like how Lizzy was still in love with Wes after he had married someone else and then didn’t speak to Lizzy for two years after said wife had died. I know there were so called reasons for this, but still… I felt it was stretching it a bit. Also how Lizzy’s mother still encouraged the match between Lizzy and Wes.

I didn’t like how the mystery wasn’t wrapped up at all at the end of the book. There was no satisfactory ending to this and the reader was left in the dark just as much as the start. I know this is the first in a series of 3 books but I felt the story just stopped abruptly as if it was in the middle of a book rather than the end.

Lizzy forgave Wes far too readily.

I felt it was an ok read but I’m not invested enough to read the next book in the series. I may try another book from the author to see if I like it any better 🤔

[Stacy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun setting with interesting characters! I especially liked Mary's storyline and am looking forward to reading the next book that features her. I'm not the biggest fan of second chance romance, and I'm terrified of horses, so I didn't love those bits, but I loved the amount of faith in this book! Well done!

[Chautona Havig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some Books, Like People, Need Time to Grow on You

When You Are Near was like that for me. Maybe it just wasn’t the right day for the book, or perhaps it’s not the right opening for me. I don’t know. What I do know is the relief I felt when I went from being grateful for an interruption to frustrated.

That’s always a sign of a good book—that, “Would you just go away so I can read” stabbing of the straight pin into the pages. (Yes, I use straight pins for bookmarks. They don’t fall out easily, they don’t get lost, they don’t harm the spines, or anything else. Love them suckers).

The style of When You Are Near is casual and comfortable. Most turns of phrases didn’t feel too modern, (although the “come to Jesus moment” certainly felt crazy modern in a turn-of-the-20th-century novel) or too over-used.

Tracie Peterson took the time to make us care about what was underneath Lizzy’s armor. Instead of knocking it off, she peels back layer after layer until poor Lizzy is left stripped and vulnerable—right where the Lord does His most beautiful work.In Rebekah Brookstone, we see the kind of gentle strength I’ve always admired. She knows when to be firm, when to be forgiving. At the beginning, I wanted to shake her. By the end, I decided I want to be her when I grow up. I think her unveiling came in very deliberate moves written by a skillful pen. The gradual shift from seeing one character as the strongest to the other couldn’t have been more well done, I don’t think.

Some readers may take issue with one very awkward, suggestive conversation. I tend not to get most double entendre. I got this. It was… awkward. There was a point to it, and it was by the bad guy, of course, but there you have it. You’ve been warned.

Recommended for lovers of horses, historical fiction, and fiction with purpose. The spiritual lessons are woven into the story in a natural way so that even when someone is “preaching” at someone else, the reader doesn’t feel sermonized—just encouraged in the Lord.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word, this book was amazing! Tracie Peterson has proven - yet again - why she is one of my all time favorite authors. Her writing and plots are to die for.

This entire book was honestly to die for. I loved the whole Wild West horse show theme throughout it. It made for an entertaining and fun story line.

The characters also made the story worthwhile. I loved almost every single one of them. I wasn't too fond of Jason or Ella's father and "fiance". All the other characters though were amazing and I loved them. I loved the character growth and just how each character - for the most part - loved the Lord with all their heart.

Mrs. Peterson always writes such amazing themes throughout her books; this one was no exception. I loved all the scripture and talk about God throughout the whole thing. Mrs. Peterson knows how to write a book with the gospel message without it being too preachy or cheesy.

The pain, suffering, and feelings throughout also brought a whole new light and perspective to this story. They were real, raw, and authentic. Something that you don't find in many fiction books today.

The historical aspect was amazing as well. Research was definitely done and done well in this book. Research is something that I, as a reader, and a history lover, always look for while reading historical fiction.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one!!

*FTC I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. This review did not have to be positive.*

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating and fun setting for this new series. In When You Are Near, Tracie Peterson introduces readers to a group of people who run an all-female Wild West Show.

While the bulk of this book is about Lizzie and her struggle with loving again after loss, her revelations, and romance, the addition of Ella’s and Mary’s points-of-view enhance the story. As Ella trains with Lizzie to become a trick rider, readers experience the danger, exhilaration, and discipline involved. And Mary brings in the sharpshooter angle of the show.

Add in an unsolved mystery the women want to unravel and plenty of tension between Wesley and Lizzie, and this book was hard to put down. Plus, there’s some unresolved questions at the end of the book that I’ve already put book two of the Brookstone Brides series at the top of my TBR list because I want to continue with these ladies and the show as they go on the road.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many facets to this story. It mainly revolves around Lizzy. She is the daughter of one of the owners of the Wild West show. Her father's passing during their last has increased her determination to see her father's legacy to the bitter end. Her heart does not lie on the show, but on their farm in the country. She wants to retire with her mother and live her life on the land, while not paying attention to the handsome foreman, Wesley.

Within this story there is Jason Adler, his father has purchased part of the show and he is very interested in Lizzy. Her friends Mary and Ella have stories that are more connected than many know. Ella is running form her ruthless father and fiancee while Mary is trying to find out who killed her brother. This adds a great suspense aspect to the story.

There is also Wesley's brother, Phillip. He has come to the farm seeking employment, but he has a past that he is running from at the same time. His story is a bit of mystery that I am sure will be addressed in future books.

I enjoyed visiting the Old West while reading this book. It is well written and has mystery and romance.

Source: I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls)]

DNF @ pg. 41.

I just couldn't get into this one...it's a trouble I've had before with this author's books. They just don't click with me (for lack of a better word).

Content:
Nothing too concerning in the pages I read, a few hinted parts that could be trouble later on.

[cherokee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I love that God’s love is the most important thing in this book. The emotions after a death are so real and can mix us up in ways we don’t realize. This book helps straighten our thinking and realize no matter what, He is always with us.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When You Are Near by Tracie Peterson takes us back to 1900. Lizzy Brookstone is a trick rider for the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza. Her heart has not been in it since the death of her father earlier in the year. Lizzy and her mother promised her father that they would finish out the year before heading home to their ranch. Oliver Brookstone, Lizzy’s uncle, has been managing the show alone, but his brother’s death has affected him as well. It turns out that the show is not doing well financially, and Oliver sold part of the show to Henry Adler who has sent his son, Jason to help turn around the business. Jason is attracted Lizzy (and makes sure she knows it) who does nothing to encourage him. Lizzy’s heart still belongs to Wesley DeShazer, their ranch foreman, who hurt her when he married another woman. Wes has been widowed for two years, but he avoided her on the ranch and when they met, he treated her like a sister. Is Lizzy ready to open her heart to another?

Ella Fleming has been promised to Jefferson Spiby by her father and they are to be married at Christmas. Ella has no wish to marry Spiby who has a violent reputation, a known womanizer and is twice her age. With Lizzy’s help, Ella stows away aboard their private train. Ella will be twenty-one in January and then her father cannot force her to marry. While at the ranch, Lizzy trains Ella to be a trick rider in the show. Ella is grateful for the Brookstone’s help which makes her feel guilty for the information she is concealing from them. Ella is worried what will happen when she reveals her secret.

Mary Reichert is devastated by the death of her brother, August. She refuses to believe that his death was accidental. The details do not add up considering August’s experience with horses. Mary, a sharpshooter, returns to the show to get answers and justice for her brother. Lizzy, Ella and Mary become close friends while training over the winter. They are determined to keep Ella safe from her domineering father, help Mary get the answers she seeks regarding her brother’s death and help make the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza profitable once again. Come along to Montana for trick riding, sharpshooting, horses, friendship, love and adventure in When You Are Near.

When You Are Near is the first book in the new Brookstone Brides series. I thought it was well-written story with strong female characters. The pacing is just right for this story (not too fast nor too slow). Lizzy Brookstone is a clever and determined woman who can do tricks on horses (wow). Her father’s death has hit her hard and her heart is no longer in the show. Plus, she is now twenty-eight and the tricks are beginning to take their toll on her body. Unfortunately, Lizzy is the shows main attraction. The show would not last without her unless she can find someone else to fill her saddle. After seeing how her father’s death affected her mother, Lizzy is afraid to let her love someone that completely. The author included historical details that enhance the story. The Christian elements are woven into the story beautifully and I appreciated the Bible verses included. One of my favorite phrases was “God guides us through our sorrows”. I completely understood what Lizzy was going through since I lost my father three years ago. What Lizzy needs to realize is that God is always there for us. I enjoyed the adventure and action in this story. There are characters for readers to love and root for as well as those we will love to dislike. Tracie Peterson crafted wonderful characters for this series. I like that there is a mixture of people from an English gentleman to a horse wrangler. It was interesting to learn what went into to running a wild west show. When You Are Near has love, loss, faith, friendship, family, justice and God. I am eager to read the next Brookstone Brides novel.

[Rebekah Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars

Let's just talk for a sec how wrong that description is.. First off, Lizzy doesn't take over as management for the show. Her uncle still owns the show and manages it.
She's not forced to work with Wesley because of the show, HE'S NOT EVEN ON THE SHOW.
Lizzy's never torn between the two men, she knows exactly who she wants.

Ella's part is mostly right, except she's not given a job in the costume department. I'll let you find out where she starts working.😉
Mary's part is right.
But all three women do not work together to find out how August died. I was left a little disappointed by that. We didn't really get into Mary seeking justice for her brother.

Anyways, on to the actual review.

The book got off to a definite Tracie Peterson start!
A woman spurned by the man she's always loved.
The man dealing with ghosts from his past.
A girl running away from a dangerous marriage.
A woman seeking answers.
The one thing they all have in common?
They all must learn to put their trust and lean on the only One who can give them the answers they've been searching for.


I have to say, I was a little disappointed concerning the trick riding stuff. I wasn't as captivated by the details Peterson usually writes.
I was expecting to be able to see the trick riding in my head, but the writing didn't really allow for that. It was odd because this author is a favorite of mine and I can always expect good detail. Not saying there wasn't good detail through out the rest of the book, just when the girls were trick riding. 😉

This story was amazing. When it ended I was sad. But things did turn out exactly the way I wanted, and then some!

It was a quick read for me, at least it would have been if I'd not had to take a few days off of reading. (Busy life.)

I hadn't realized how many pages slipped by until I was almost done. I was so immersed in the story, I never wanted to put it down!

Peterson's stories always leave me happy and filled with a new love for Christ.

Tracie Peterson has a way with stories. I'm always blessed by her words.

I cannot wait to read the next two in the series!!

Definitely, DEFINITELY pick this book up!! It was absolutely amazing and I hate to say goodbye to these lovely characters. 💔❤️❤️

Grab your copy today!

Thanks so much to Bethany House for a free copy of this book.
**I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are purely my own. I was in no way obligated to leave an positive review.**

~Rebekah ❤️

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series by the talented author is a blend of adventure, intrigue and wonderful characters. I loved reading about trick riding. The description is well written and was easy to picture Lizzy as she did death defying tricks that made the audience gasp. I remember watching a few shows when I was younger where there were trick riders in the show. They were a crowd pleasure and was exciting to watch. The author is very knowledgeable in horses and I loved reading about the different types.

Lizzy is a wonderful character and amazing trick rider. She has total trust in her horse and the crowds flock to see her. It was funny to read how many proposals she received from total strangers at the shows. She has been riding for a long time and thinks maybe it is time to retire from the Wild West Extravaganza. The death of her father has changed her outlook on life and she doesn't seem to be into the show as much anymore. Her mother didn't seem to surprised by Lizzy's decision and I think maybe she was a little happy to know her daughter wouldn't be doing the show anymore. Lizzie's father was the heartbeat of the family and his death has taken a toil on members of the family. It was interesting to meet Wes and how vital he is to the story. I loved reading about the relationship between him and Lizzy. They have a past together that only God will be able to heal.

Ella is introduced into the story and is anxious to run away from her life. I wanted to help her after I read about her father. He raises champion horses that are perfect for trick riding. There is something about him that I didn't like. He is determined to marry his daughter off to a man who Ella has no feelings for. The author gives us a bit of mystery that heightens the story and made me want to not put the book down.

The story is a wonderful look at ranch life and the time period that brings the Old West to life. I enjoyed getting to know the Brookstone family and how they made a living. There is a faith element in the story that shows us how important family, trust and forgiveness is. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
When You Are Near is a fabulous read! This is exactly first book I’ve read about the early 20th century Wild West Shows and trick riders, I knew nothing at all about them. The book is so well researched and written, with the most wonderful characters. Well except for a few of them. And there is so much going on in the story you don’t want to put the book down. From cowboys to city folks, to mystery, murder suspense deception, so much humor and the sweet romance, to determination and pride of this family, there is no way to hit on everything in this review. So I’ll tell you just a few things.

Lizzy and her family were on the road with their Wild West Shows throughout the country much of the year. The rest of the time they spent in their ranch practing for the next year, and where Forman Wesley runs the day to day production. A lot happens in this particular year with the deaths of two very important people, an uncle that struggles with life issues and a romance that needs to happen but the two people are so hard headed!

I love Lizzy’s family, the love they have for each other and those working for them, and the ranch and ranch house sounds like a wonderful place to be. Lizzy’s mom is the sweet strong Christian that holds the family together. There are quite a few characters, and most seem like family, so I sure hope we have more from this family and the story setting!

Tracie Peterson is just amazing! I have read most of her books and they are all amazing! It’s hard to find a favorite! The way she describes each scene makes the story come alive before your eyes. When you find yourself wanting to pray for character, your just hooked! Ans I love and appreciate that Ms. Peterson weaves the gospel into her books, and she dies it with such class that it just fits.

I encourage you to check out this amazing read by and amazing author! You will love it as much as I do! A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those that know me, know I love to read Historical novels, so it will come as no surprise at all that I love this novel. It’s my first Peterson novel in a long time, and I was excited to see what she had in store for her readers with this one. Let me tell, I was taken on a whirl wind ride with this one and I loved every minute of it! Those that know me, also know that I love to be around horses and ride them (though it’s been a while since I’ve ridden one!), so I definitely enjoyed this book for that aspect alone.

I adored Lizzy’s character. She’s beautifully chiseled and I loved that she was a trick rider in this story! I haven’t read a book like this one, about women trick rider’s, so it made Lizzy’s story that much more fun for me. I felt a connection with Lizzy, having lost my mother a few years back, and I dealt with my own pain and struggles much like Lizzy did. Watching her blossom from that pain and struggle, seeing her connection with her horse, seeing how she realized that love is what she truly needs to get through it all, was a fantastic experience!

If you love novels that are beautifully written, filled with rich Historical detail, and filled with characters that come to life, then you need not look any further than Peterson’s new novel. She has tremendous talent and fills her books with hope, understanding and love, along with some powerful messages for her readers. This book is fast paced, and before I knew it, it was over, so I’m highly anxious to get book 2 in this series, as I am not yet done with these trick riders and their stunning horses! Grab this 4 star novel now and see what I’m talking about! You won’t be sorry.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

[Melissa Wardwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes we just need that reminder that He is near.

Have you ever read a Christian novel and thought, “I was just taken to church and had a ‘come to Jesus’ moment.” Well, When You are Near did that for me and you won’t hear me complain one bit.

When You Are Near is a story full of little reminders of how close God truly is to those who are His. It is easy to forget that when things get hard, as in Lizzy’s case. In her grief, she shut out all who loved her. Including her Lord and Savior. I found myself coming to tears at her “ah- ha” moment as I had my own. (Isn’t it beautiful when that happens?)

Another touching moment, and a not so subtle reminder for myself, is when Wes sees that he can not be a savior as he works through his guilt for acting outside of God’s will. We are only called to live on and minister to others. We can’t save them.

There were many other tidbits but I don’t want to give anything away. So, I encourage you to get ahold of this story. Enjoy it and maybe learn through the actions of these fictional characters.

*When You Are Near was provided to me through CelebrateLit Publicity and Bethany House Publishing so that I may share with you my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

An all-female Wild West show -- what a spectacular setting for a series! Loved getting an insider's view of trick-riding and managing a traveling show in 1900. Living quarters in a train car sounds so exciting (a childhood dream of mine, in fact!) But though the story begins 'on the road' in Washington DC, half of the book takes place on a Montana ranch so we get some 'real' wild west action as well!

When You Are Near is the first book in Peterson's Brookstone Brides series and the author does a great job of introducing readers to a bevy of memorable characters including the three women destined to be the heroines of their own stories. Love the way the story built, as Ella and Mary were added to the mix. These women are stronger than they realize and friendship binds them in a special way.

There's more than one dastardly villain to thwart (though I fear they will go on to wreck havoc in future books), a complicated romance to untangle and a solid faith thread that weaves it all together. A captivating start to an exciting new series.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When You Are Near" is book 1 in the "Brookstone Brides" series. It was such a fun story to read! I really liked the Christian elements of faith and death weaved into the story. It was fun to read Lizzy's life as a trick rider in her parents Wild West traveling show in the early 1900s. Her parents and Uncle owned and ran the all female show but after her fathers death, Lizzy decides to return to her family's ranch. But before she can return she must finish up the tour, stay away from unwanted suitors, and help her friend escape a dangerous situation.

Drama, romance, murder and trick riding all wrapped up into a fun, easy to read story! I really enjoyed this Christian historical romance and I can't wait to read books 2 and 3 which are about Mary and Ella, who are Lizzy's friends from this book.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! What a read! I am left on the edge of my seat LONGING for more! I LOVE trick riding and these wild west shows so this was a must read for me! Though I will say that some of the tricks were a little hard to picture in my mind while reading. But I love the characters, though it took me a little while to like the leading male I immediately loved the mama as well as the other leading ladies and gentlemen, and the Faith scenes are wonderful! I could read them again and again! The overall suspense woven through the plot kept the pace nice and steady and me wanting to read more and more!

Song: "I Am Not Alone" by Kari Jobe

1 Corinthians 8:9, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lizzy’s father dies so she becomes in charge of the family Wild West Show. She is their trick rider and had planned on retiring to the ranch after this season, but if she returns home she would return to her crush Wesley. The show stops at a farm with horses she wants to buy and the daughter of the household could easily take Lizzy’s place in the show, but she is supposed to get married against her will. She runs away to hid out in the show after hearing something she shouldn’t. This book would be better for someone more interested in horses and this time frame.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You Are Near begins a new series by Tracie Peterson, Brookstone Brides. Readers are introduced to Lizzy Brookstone, who is a trick rider for the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza. When her father dies, she finds herself having to manage the show and forced to work with Wesley and Jason. Ella Fleming is on the run and escapes on the Brookstone train, where Lizzy finds and gives her position to work for the show, which she soon may regret. Mary Reichert, is a sharpshooter who once worked for the show, comes back to investigate the death of her brother. Will all these sudden events for Lizzy bring the end of her father’s legacy?
I enjoyed When You Are Near. It was full of adventure and action that kept me want to keep reading. I loved all of the characters. It was fun finding how out how Lizzy, Ella and Mary try to solve the mystery of who killed Mary’s brother. I can not wait to read the next installment in the series.
I give When You Are Near five stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would have been more enjoyable without the mystery. I didn't enjoy any part of that storyline. I did, overall, enjoy the romance, and I was happy with the outcome. I also enjoyed the horseriding, but the tricks were less enjoyable. They weren't as exciting as I thought they would be.