Breathe

The Homeward Trilogy #1

by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Embark on this western epic in Book One of the Homeward Trilogy.

It's Colorado, 1883. A publishing heiress is on the brink of life and death. Her beautiful younger sister is called to the forbidden stage. Her brother and troubled guardian is raging inside. A veiled treasure map leads to a hidden silver mine while a threatening villain hovers in the shadows. And a hero is bent on saving his bride.

Just BREATHE.

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

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

About

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).

Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).

The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well.
After debating whether or not to finish this book, I decided not to. I stopped at page 157 (of 400). Looking ahead at the back-covers of Book #2 & #3 in this series, it doesn't seem like:
1.) Nic gets saved till the last book in the series.
2.) Moira is used by a man. (That's not really shocking, see #4)
3.) The sibling set splits up.
Just doesn't seem like a good enough plot to leave me hanging for roughly 1200 pages. (Three books, all around 400 pages)
In "Breathe", (just up to where I read) you have:
1.) An evil sheriff that imagines the youngest St. Clair undressing her self, grabbing her thigh under a table, and forcing a kiss on her.
2.) Nic, a man who loves to fight, drink and go to jail for it. Okay, maybe not the last part, but it sure has happened a lot!
3.) A murder-mystery that includes many mentions of killing people and a little girl who drowned/was killed.
4.) Moira wearing a low cut, tight dress that shows off "the pleasing curve of her breasts" (This was shortly before she found out that the sheriff was a pervert)
5.) Nic who wants nothing to do with a God who has taken loved ones from him. (Note my beginning paragraph, it appears he doesn't get saved till book #3.)
6.) Two forms of 'wh*re' and a "where the devil".
And this isn't even all of it! Needless to say, I will not be reading the rest of the series. Wanted to enjoy these, but I couldn't. :(

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathe was a decent story. But it wasn't great. It seemed to last a bit too long for me. I finished it and that means it didn't bore me to tears. There were situations where the author did a great job when it came to tension and showing abusive situations, and there were times when I was worried the characters would get hurt. But I didn't connect with them as much as I would have liked to. I did appreciate the realism when it came to romantic scenes including those after marriage. Those scenes made me smile. I also appreciated that the ending wasn't rushed. But the story was a bit too drawn out, in my opinion, and would have been better if some of the storyline had been drawn tighter so that it didn't lag in some areas. The feel of the story was more of a mystery than a western, too. I would recommend this book, just not with a lot of enthusiasm.

[Jessica Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical novel set in 1880s Colorado (why don't we have more good books on the Wild West??). Wholesome with romance and some mystery. I always enjoy Bergren's books!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading through The Homeward Trilogy series this month. Breathe is the first book in the trilogy, as well as the first book that I have read by this author. It will definitely not be my last!

Breathe was such an interesting and enjoyable story to read. I am excited that each sibling will get their own book in this trilogy. Although Odessa is the main character in Breathe, I loved that Moira and Dominic, her sister and brother, also have a lot of page time.

I have read a couple of other books about characters with consumption and I know that it was a devastating illness. I thought that that the author did such a good job at describing what Odessa and others at the sanatorium were going through during a coughing fit. Breathe also had mystery and danger to keep it moving along, as well as a sigh-worthy love story.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and to reading more from this author. My daughter insists that I need to read her River of Time series soon and that I will love it!

I won this book in a giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Atleastreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa Tawn Bergren quickly won my reader's heart with her amazing The River of Time Chronicles. How could I not resist trying out another story of hers that's full of engaging adventure and magnetic characters that draw you in from within the first page? Especially if it involves pioneer life in the 1880's. Cowboys and some Indians, (or Ute's as they call'em), horses and buggies, dirt roads, revolvers and gold mines. Lisa Bergren did not disappoint in creating a lively atmosphere, that's for sure.

Breathe; a story about three siblings sent west by their wealthy, established father in hopes of a better life. Dominic, the older of the three is a headstrong, caring brother, who insists on accomplishing his father's task in expanding the family's publishing company. One of Mr. St. Claire's intentionally reasons for sending his only remaining family away from him, was to let them live their own lives and not be chained to the business in Philadelphia. Another was to bring Odessa, the second daughter, to a better medical facility, as she struggles to outlive the sickness that took their mother and other siblings. Moira is a young, eager, entertainer, a bit brute at times, but her heart has innocent intentions.
All three come unknowingly, unprepared for the life out west. Pulled in separate ways, the St. Claires encounter trails and opportunities that will ultimately propel them closer to the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't as good as Waterfall, but the story and characters were still outstanding in Breathe. I hope that the rest of the series exceeds my expectations.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am not usually fond of writing reviews for books, neither do I find myself being able to find the right words and emotions to express what I truly find on my journey's with the characters of each book. But with Waterfall I couldn't help but reveal my two cents." - AnnieRL

Not being a bookworm, nothing fit my categories. When I picked up Breathe, I couldn't put it down! Every word played through my mind with passion, fear and excitement.


Please take note that I will be including spoilers within this review.

~

Breathe: A Novel of Colorado

To make a new life, she'll have to learn how to breathe again...

"Devastated by the loss of four sons to tuberculosis and his wife in childbirth, a Philadelphia patriarch sends his three living children west in 1883 to make a new life in the clean mountain air of Colorado Springs. Odessa is struggling to survive consumption; Moira is beautiful and dangerously headstrong; and pugnacious Dominic is charged with establishing a new arm of the family business-a business he doesn't want. Readers will love The Homeward Trilogy, in which the St. Clair siblings struggle to follow where the heavenly Father leads them. In Breathe, Odessa arrives at a famous sanitarium seeking a cure for the disease that killed her brothers. While Moira and Nic establish themselves in Colorado Springs society, Dessa inches her way back to health . . . and into love with a softspoken fellow patient, rancher Bryce McAllan. When she witnesses a murder-in the very hospital where she is recuperating-and other patients begin to die, Dessa struggles to breathe again. She'd always expected to die young, but now that she has a reason to live, can she hold on to her fragile health to solve the mystery?" - Goodreads review.

My Two Cents
With the battle of Consumption, Odessa St. Clair must unravel the true cause of Sam O'Toole's death. Leading into a mystery romance, Odessa is completely taken by the handsome rancher, Bryce McAllen whom has always dreamed of sailing the seas, but his true desire is to bring all three hundred of his horses through the winter storms. After the burial of Sam O'Toole, Bryce gets confronted by a highly suspicious attorney being given two envelopes addressed to him and Odessa. When Odessa opens up the letter from Sam, revealing a poem clearly giving her clues to find his mine, she must consider her both options, fighting this horrible illness that captured her body or follow the poem only truly risking her life.

When Bryce left the sanatorium leaving Odessa completely lonely, he soon returns for her finding out she has also left the sanatorium with better health, but has something else taken her away from him besides her health?

~

I loved the connection between all the characters. It was written so beautifully, and it played well in my mind. I didn't dislike anything to be honest. I loved how Odessa fought the consumption, only trusting God through the whole process. Her stubborn side only made her think of how to crack the mystery, risking her life in anything. I also adored the different point of views Lisa Tawn Bergren did. She explained everyone's stories, from Odessa St. Clair to Moira St. Clair to Dominic St. Clair to the Sheriff and she even wrote in Bryce's point of view. I just loved it. Everyone had their own story which weaved into the whole plot of Breathe. One thing that bothered me a bit (in a good way, not a bad way), was how Sheriff Reid Bannock imagined Moira and his hold on her. His way of explaining his love for her and how he would have her, one way or another. Lisa did a great job carefully choosing her words which made me fall in love with the novel within just a few chapters. This novel put me in suspense and made me dive into it as if I there. I liked everything about it and I hope you get the chance to share your opinions as well!

Warnings:
Romance between Moira and the sheriff may get a bit racy. Depending on what you read, I would recommend this book for ages 15+.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this one was a free Kindle download. That said, it's a very nice find. Very nice.

First of all, the book is aptly titled. The heroine is a consumptive whose main goal in life is to be able to breathe easy again, and there is just something imperative in that single word — it's like a command to grab life by the neck and lungs, go forth, and take it all in. BREATHE. It's the 1880s, and for a consumptive to be able to do just that, she must go to a sanitarium in Colorado for treatment. This means, of course, a new start in life, and her brother and sister go with her, leaving their only other family, their father, with his publishing business.

That title and that premise, however, establish a very strong theme in this book — these three characters, the St. Clair siblings, set out on their own to live a new life and find their own way. They've left old friends and old ways, and they've come to Colorado to make new friends and to blossom. Odessa, the heroine, concentrates on getting well, and she develops a relationship with a fellow consumptive named Bryce, the hero. Her brother Dominic and her sister Moira, on the other hand, concentrate on their own goals — his to make his own way doing what he wants to do in life and not what his father wants him to do, even if it's moonlighting as a prize fighter when he's not working at the family bookshop, and hers to sing in front of an audience and become the belle of the ball.

Though this is the first in a trilogy where the three books seem very closely intertwined — at least in this first book, where you really get to know not only the main protagonist for this book but those for the next two books as well — Breathe works very well as a stand-alone. At the end, I didn't feel as though I were left hanging, and actually, I got a more hopeful, optimistic vibe — the characters are ready to seek their futures, find their dreams, discover their adventures, all with a life-affirming eager enthusiasm, a joie de vivre. Like the Colorado Mountains in which this story is set, it's crisp, cool, beautiful, and refreshing.

I get the impression, also, that these are inspirational books — Christian books — but Breathe didn't feel preachy at all. The characters, especially Odessa and Bryce, often refer to their faith, but it's not wielded like a weapon or a moral lesson as I've seen in many other books. In fact, it almost goes against stereotype, with its life-affirming theme instead of the usual staid, obey-your-parents-and-all-the-societal-norms kind of vibe.

It does, however, take a character that would, with just a few tiny tweaks, normally be a hero in the more mainstream, steamier romances, and turn him kind of sinister. The sheriff who has his eye on the sister, Moira, is a red-blooded lusty type who wants her for his wife, and though he treats her like a lady in public, he's arrogant, jealous, and a mite overbearing and manipulative. In another book, Moira would be turned on by him, despite any slight fears she may have about his slightly controlling attitude. In this book, however, he is masterfully made in to a villain you love to hate, the kind of creepy authority figure that makes you uncomfortable and inexplicably frightened. Nicely, nicely done.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUMMARY: Embark on this western epic in Book 1 of the Homeward Trilogy

It's Colorado, 1883. A publishing heiress is on the brink of life.and death. Her beautiful, younger sister is called to the forbidden stage. Her brother and troubled guardian is raging inside. A veiled treasure map leads to a hidden silver mine while a threatening villain hovers in the shadows. And a hero is bent on saving his bride.

JUST BREATHE.

REVIEW: The title of this book has a double meaning. Odessa, suffering from consumption (later known as TB), must travel to Colorado and learn to breathe again. Her sister and brother, Moira and Dominic, must learn to breathe and free themselves from the expectations of family and society in order to follow their dreams.

I found this book someone different from others that I have read from this author. This one had more of a black, depressing overall feel to it. But definitely ends on a more hopeful note. There are several subplots that intertwine the overall mystery which makes this an interesting read. The Sheriff obviously fulfills the role of the evil villain and Bryce the role of the "cowboy in the white hat." The 3 siblings each were very different: Sybil young, immature and self-centered, Dominic constantly seeking to prove himself as a man and escape his father's dreams for him, and Odessa fighting her health battle and yet at the same time caring so much for others.

The historical detail is well developed. It is obvious that the author pursued a lot of research to represent the development of Colorado Springs as accurately as possible. Overall a great combination of western historical writing, romance and mystery. I will be interested to follow the siblings further adventures in the other two books of this trilogy.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "When one recognizes death, she certainly also knows life better as well."

"Death's shadow has made you hunger for life's light?"

"But ending's leave room for new beginnings, right?"

"Our life is not our own...That's what God taught me through the whole ordeal. That every day is to be celebrated, but our lives...It's not up to us, Bryce. I'm thankful for each hour here with you. But I will trust and praise God, regardless of what comes, regardless of how many hours we have left. We are His, first."

"And sometimes, God asks us to wrestle with the unfamiliar until it becomes our new familiar."

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say, I really like the way the title tied in with the actual story. (That doesn't often happen with a series/trilogy) I also enjoyed reading about what I assume to be historical facts.

First the setting: Colorado, at/near a sanatorium, 1883; cities visited or mentioned include Colorado Springs and Denver, as well as Philadelphia. The setting was well done; the rugged beauty with the mountains, including Pikes Peak, was described, and the fresh air was emphasized very well.

The characters were also well developed. Nothing really stood out with Odessa, but she was the normal type of female heroine. She did seem awfully curious for her won good, though. Bryce was a great character, and Sam was also amazing. The bad guys were ... well, pretty bad, but the one guy was very surprising. (I certainly didn't see it coming) Odessa's siblings, especially Dominic, were likable. Moira wasn't likable at first, but once the unwanted attentions from the sheriff became more demanding, I felt sympathy for her. I'm beginning to realize, though--on just the second book I've read by Lisa Bergren--that only one of the many storylines in the first book is resolved. Moira is pretty much left hanging, and Dominic is by no means living a happily-ever-after. I guess that means I need to read last two books ...

The faith content was definitely present, and not particularly stilted, although at some points it was unexpected. Odessa seemed to be a strong Christian by the end, but Dominic doesn't seem to have much of a faith at all. The entire St. Clair family seemed mostly secular in the beginning, and then when Moira and Odessa started praying and trusting God, it was kind of surprising. I still don't know their spiritual background. But by the end, Odessa's trust in God to give her life was admirable.

The romance in the story was far from the focus--and there was little conflict--but it added a nice element, and I enjoyed Bryce and Odessa's love for each other

The writing style was seamless, and I didn't notice anything stilted or awkward. I didn't get a clear sense of vividness, but I was never muddled.

Overall, I enjoyed it and it kept my interest. Nothing in particular made my heart pound, and I did predict correctly a particular plot point, but there was no lack of danger for the characters. I would recommend this for western readers, though pure romance lovers might find it lacking.

[Hannah • So Obsessed With · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got Breathe for free on my Kindle, and I probably wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. For a long time, I loved Christian historical fiction. In fact, it was my go-to genre when I was just looking for something to read. Then, something strange happened. I started to get frustrated with how often I could predict exactly what was going to happen in the novel - including what lessons God was going to teach them. Don't get me wrong, I love a good Christian novel, but I hate when the "Christianity" feels forced.

Read my full review at So Obsessed With!

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned something about Tuberculosis along the way!

[Noella Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a great start to this series. I love how the Author kept all the happenings for the different family members in focus to see from each of their points of view throughout the entire book. I am really looking forward to seeing how the second book Sing unfolds for these 3 siblings. Such a great read!

[Arnetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book - found for me by a Goodreads member.... Historical fiction, Christian romance and a mystery - all rolled into 1. Takes place in CO Springs which makes it even better. Cant' wait to read the next 2 books in the series.

[Alysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good one, but not fantastic. I was a tad disappointed as Bergren's "River of Time" series is one of my all-time favorites, but it was still good.

[Brandi Levesque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, easy read. Will read the rest of the trilogy

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Colorado frontier comes to life in this first book of Lisa T. Bergren's "Homeward Trilogy". Siblings Odessa, Dominic, and Moira come to Colorado Springs for the fresh mountain air, as Odessa suffers from the often-deadly consumption (now known as tuberculosis). Indeed, consumption has ravaged their family and they hope Colorado will provide a new start in more ways than one.

While all three of the St. Clair siblings share this story, "Breathe" focuses primarily on Odessa. Breathing is something she desperately needs help doing, and she begins finding strength again while being a patient at the sanitorium. She makes new friends with other patients and soon finds herself caught up in a mystery when one of them meets with a suspicious death. There may be healing in the mountains, but there is also danger.

Sister Moira is quite a social butterfly and willing to take daring risks for her own advancement. She dreams of being on the stage; dreams which her father always discouraged. While hoping that she, too, can find new opportunity in the West, she allies herself with the most powerful people in town. That just may backfire on the headstrong young lady as she continues following her own plans.

Dominic feels pressured to follow in the family business. With all of his brothers dead, there is no one else to inherit it from his father. But his heart is not in publishing and selling books. He loves the ability to take out his aggression in the boxing ring. But that's hardly the behavior of a gentleman and is looked at unfavorably by many. Longing to be free, Dominic struggles in finding his place.

I enjoyed this story but for some reason didn't quite find it that gripping. It was more like watching a movie, where you are entertained but never get too emotionally invested in the characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next books, though, and seeing if I can make more of a connection there.

This review originated at http://www.reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com

[Brooke Barenfanger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Breathe is about Odessa St. Claire and her struggle to survive against the horrible disease that almost always means death—consumption. She travels from her home to the high mountains of Colorado, seeking a cure for what most think incurable. Strange things happen at the sanitarium, where she is one amidst many patients also sick with consumption. Will Dessa be able to figure it out in time to save her life and the life of the man she is falling in love with?

I have wanted to read a book by Lisa T. Bergren for some time. I have read many good things about this author, so I had high expectations for Breathe. I enjoyed how the author told not only Odessa’s story, but also set up the characters for her next two books in the series. I liked getting to know Odessa and her siblings. I also liked the insight the author gave into how a person with consumption lived back in the late 1800’s. Also, it was interesting to see how she used real historical people and events for this fictional story.

Breathe was good, but not overly amazing. It had a simplistic, extremely predictable plot. I knew what was going to happen fifty pages ahead of when it happened. Nothing too thrilling occurred. Nothing really made my pulse race or my heart beat faster—both signs of a wonderful, can’t-put-it-down book. It turned out exactly as I thought it would. But Breathe was interesting because of the history presented within its pages. Also, the author is almost poetic sometimes, which I enjoyed. All in all, a good read, but not spectacular. I give it three out of five stars.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3AHG6VQ...
Review on my blog (to be posted 8/7): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

I've been a fan of Lisa Bergren's books ever since I read Waterfall (book one in the River of Time series) and Breathe, one of her older novels, was SO good!

I loved the characters! The book starts out great and I couldn't help but feel for Odessa and the St. Clairs right away! They were definitely all favorites of mine, along with Bryce.

The mystery in Breathe regarding Sam's death and the poem he left Odessa was very good. I was surprised, in the end, by some things - especially regarding what had happened the night of Sam's death.

There was one thing in Breathe that I didn't care for (it's a pet peeve of mine) and that was how a character, near the end of the book, heard replies from God. I still loved the book, just didn't like that.

After getting introduced to Dominic and Moira in Breathe, I want to read their books, Sing and Claim, as soon as possible. I really want to find out what happens next in their lives. :)

Overall, Breathe was a very good read and I recommend it to fans of historical romance novels.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from David C. Cook for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Library here in Lone Tree is much smaller than our Taylorsville, they have maybe a quarter of the books. I am learning to be a little more open in my book selection. One thing they do here that I really like is that every shelf is topped with books recommended by the librarians. It is like the "Reader's Choice" table back in Salt Lake,but much more extensive, and constantly changing. This book "Breathe" says it is a "Story of Colorado", as I am trying to immerse myself in all things Colorado, I thought I would try it.

Breathe is a mystery/romance that takes place in Colorado Springs. It follows the adventures of a family from Philadelphia who come west in search of a cure for tuberculosis. It is estimated that nearly 1/3 of the residents of Colorado Springs in the late 1800 had Tuberculosis. the combination of dry thin cold mountain air was very restorative, and was one of the few places where patients actually recovered from the disease.
Prominent in this story are the historical figures who settled Colorado Springs. I have yet to venture that far south, but would like to soon. It sounds like a beautiful place.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked other books by this author and the title of this series caught my attention. This is the first book and like her other series I had issues with the writing style, but the book was good and I tried not to let that bother me. The movement from one point in time to the next is not done well and the movement from one character to the next is not done well. There should be a chapter about one sister then and chapter about the other and the brother put in where he fit. There is just no rhyme or reason to her movement. In mid chapter you could make a two month jump you don't realize till you read for a while. She does a little better with this at the end where more action was happening at the same time between each sister. It just hurt the novel for me.But as always the story pulls me in and I want to get into there lives and find out what happens and how they are going to get out of the messes they are in. I liked each of these characters and will read the second book. These are Christian romance with a little historical knowledge about the west.These are very clean and I would let my teen read this. A little violence and the main bad guy is slimy.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked about this book was that it included a key element of what populated the West (1800's), people in pursuit of better health. Escaping Eastern cities filled with polution (the 20th century did not invent environmental abuse) and it's plagues of Consumption was very real. Often people traveled for days to reach better climates to heal and the fact that people often did get better is a testiment to how much clean air should be valued.

The book gave nearly equal time to the three siblings involved in this story, if there's a knock it's that. I would have preferred more time was spend with the consumptive sister this book was titled after. Other than that, the story was sweet with a real villian and plenty of danger both within and without. It has plenty of Christian teachings, but does not come across as preachy in any way.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathe is more than just a prairie romance, it is an edge of your seat page turning mystery. This book is deeper than most historical fiction books that you will find and it really makes you think. There is a darker side of things, but not too dark to survive without God on your side.

In this novel, instead of following one character with various side characters in the background, the reader really follows the three different St. Clair siblings on their individual adventures. Having one story come to a content closure in this book, I really look forward to the next two books in the series to find out just how their journeys continue.

[Kristina Seleshanko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pleasantly different Christian historical, full of characters with flaws and often unsteady faith. There is no sickening sweetness here; we have real characters - including a few truly evil ones - but the novel never steps into the arena of including evil or worldliness just for it's own sake. The main plot is that of a consumptive woman in the 1880s. ("Consumption" being the old word for TB.) As she recovers in an sanatorium in the clear Colorado air, she thinks she may have witnessed a murder. What transpires is full of intrigue and danger, and leads her to find a husband - and an unshakable faith in God, no matter the circumstances.

[Tausha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was not a "stay up all night" book for me but I was very drawn in to the lives of the characters. The romance of Bryce and Odessa was very solid and sweet. The villian was very evil and easily picked out from the beginning yet there was still a twist at the end. There were a few slow parts, but still a fun read. I am excited to see what happens to the spunky Moira or stubborn Dominique in the other books of this trilogy.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa is an amazing author. So glad I found her books. This first book set in Colorado was very good and draws you into the characters quickly. You need to read this book of the three first to gain insights needed in the other two. This book is satisfactory in itself but you want to find out what happens to Moira and dominic and finish their stories as well. There are many surprises and twists that make it hard to put the book down. Loved it.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free for nook. This is a Christian historical romance/ mystery. I enjoyed it enough that I decided to check out the sequels from the library. High praise indeed, just one step below actually buying the sequels. :)

[Aerykah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Lisa Tawn Bergren. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Now to get the other 2 books in the series...

[Colleen Houck]

Lost mines, gun slinging bad guys, a good looking cowboy, cryptic messages that could lead to a vast fortune. What more could you want?

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure!!! I completely enjoyed getting lost in the pages of this book. If you enjoy mystery and adventure, then you will want to read this book!

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. The writing was probably worth 4 but it had a setting I don't tend to enjoy.