Faith Kenner is pursuing her dream to become a doctor and use her gift to help the native populations on reservations. When she meets Andrew Gratton, a handsome riverboat captain who has been injured, a friendship grows between them--but will the secret of her heritage and rising tensions with the native people prevent them from finding true happiness?
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.
I am always so excited to see a new book by this author. She has so many books out and they never disappoint. Reading her historical fiction over the years I have really learned a lot and have used my computer to look up what I haven't understood. I do recommend reading book one as this is a continuation of characters from the first book. This book is very timely as it deals with race relations which we are dealing with so much of it in modern times. Passing herself off as purely white, Faith Kenner keeps her Native American heritage a secret known only to her family. Faith is determined to become a doctor to help her own kind, The Native American people of the reservation and knows the problems and conditions they live under. The main male character , Andrew is a good man and a river boat captain. Marriage to a white man is illegal though because she is half Indian. I really enjoyed the interaction the characters had with each other though I didn't like all characters equally. The story line intrigued me and I enjoyed it a lot. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Published June 2nd 2020 by Bethany House Publishers. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Faith! I greatly admired her because despite her heritage she decided to stand tall and strong. She knew what she was good at and stuck to it. She pursued her dreams and excelled at being a doctor which was very uncommon for woman during her time. I like how she and Andrew met. I admired him for trusting her at first to care for him and not write her off like others would because of her heritage and gender. I really admired that he stood up for the Indians even when others mistreated them. Very honorable man.
Wonderful historical book filled with soul longing romance, history and inspiring stories.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Love Love this author!! She never disappoints me! I was thrilled when I seen this book and I was even more excited when I seen it was the second book to Nancy's story! I think this may be my favorite series by her yet!I love them because they're always full of surprises and at the same time delightful too! I love Tracie's books because I always find new historical events that the history teachers never teach you in school. It's interesting to know about people, their customs, and what they believe in. I also enjoy reading Peterson's research notes about where she gets her ideas from and the events that she bases her stories on are right down to the T! The plot of this story kept me interested the whole way through. I enjoyed getting to know each character as the author put them through their life's events. Faith was a character worth getting to know. She's brave, kind and caring and I especially appreciate her because of her stout faith in God. Her willingness to want to help others is a blessing. Here again Faith is a woman before her time. I know that her kind of profession wasn't easy in those days Andrew is an interesting person himself. A riverboat captain? As I read this part about him he brought to mind an uncle who was a riverboat captain on the Ohio river for a long time. So that was one reason I liked him immediately! Another reason was because of his intelligence, compassion. I could go for a feller like that."Sigh" " Andrew what a guy"! I hate that there always seems to be people who wants to cause trouble. But that just goes to show you that Satan is up to his old tricks. He has to spred fear of the unknown Here's where Trust, Forgiveness and Redemption comes in. Trusting in God all the way is the key to everything. Isn't God so very good? We just need to Trust and let God take it from there. He knows what He's doing! I finished this book in one day it was so good! Whenever I enjoy a good book like this I have a hard time letting go! I don't like to say goodbye! I highly recommend this awesome book! My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. I really wish I could give this book more than five stars. It most certainly deserves it
This series has a nice blend of history and romance. In The Way of Love, main character Faith Kenner is not only up against the obstacle of striving to finish medical college, but she is also half Native American in a time when that was not seen in a positive light. Faith lives as a white woman, which is her other heritage. Only her family knows her biological father.
The main male character, Andrew Gratton, is a riverboat captain and a good man. His role in the novel is secondary to Faith's.
It was good to catch up with Nancy, Seth and the ladies from the boarding house from the first book in the series. One mystery from book one was solved in book two.
This is book 2 in Tracie Peterson's Willamette Brides series. I would definitely recommend reading book 1 before this one as there is some carry over from the first in the series.
All I can say after reading this book is WOW! It couldn't be more timely as it deals with race relations, yet is set in the 1870's in Oregon. A group of men are trying to supply whiskey and arms to the native Americans in order to stir them into war; so they will be driven off the reservation, and the men can grab the land to sell to white settlers. We once again see the characters from book 1 along with a few new additions that just make this story even richer. The focus is on Faith Kenner who is mixed Indian and Caucasian but is representing herself as a white. She is trying to finish medical school, in Portland, as she wants to help the Indians as they lack good medical treatment. She is, of course, very proactive for Indian rights and the group of men soon target Faith and her family. She is boarding with her cousin, Nancy Carpenter, who has a close knit group of boarders living in her home. And one of the boarders has a surprise that also ties in to the difficulties with race relations.
With a great deal of suspense, wonderfully complex characters, intricate relationships, and a romance story line in the background, this book is both realistic and relatable. Peterson's historical notes regarding race relations and governmental law in the afterward were definitely a shock to me. Wondered why I had never read some of this in history books especially as I was a history minor in college.
This book definitely goes to the top of my favorites list for 2020!
This is the second book in the series...it picks up with Faith. moving into Nancy's boarding house while she attends classes in Portland. We get to see how things are going with newlyweds Nancy and Seth. We meet a few new characters, Captain Andrew Gratton and the interesting crew on his riverboat. We also uncover some interesting details about the inhabitants of the boarding house. The villains from the first book are wreaking havoc on our beloved characters and a new villain is introduced.
I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
As I mentioned, this is the second book in the series. You really need to read the first book before reading this one. The first book is called, Secrets of My Heart. It is awesome as well.
Great series to read while staying at home.
I received an advance copy os this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This story was quite enjoyable overall. I rather liked the college donor angle and found it fascinating. I’ve never before read a fictional story that tackled this topic. I adore how Mrs. Peterson wrote this part of the story.
The medical college scenes were enjoyable, interesting, and well written. They felt very realistic.
I’m a bit of a weather nerd, so seeing that an epic cyclone was featured… well, that completely made my day. When I researched it and found out this particular cyclone was a real historical event, my heart must have skipped a few beats, because I became giddy that the research proved the fiction to be accurately represented.
One thing that did not feel accurate was the focus on the fight for racial equality. Honestly, I would totally five-star love this series if the “people of color” term and battle for racial equality weren’t featured (see my review of Secrets of My Heart for thoughts on POC). They felt out of era, perhaps because of current events in 2020, and inorganic to the story and the rest of the plot. They felt forced, and that isn’t normal for a Tracie Peterson book or series to me. The previous series about the generation prior to the leads in this series was much more realistic and era-accurate in every aspect (Heart of the Frontier).
If the racial issues and identifying term were omitted, this story would have been strengthened. I struggled to regain my focus once those issues popped up in abrupt ways at times. However, I did adore the medical school angle and the leading lady’s journey through the difficulties that came her way. She was a delightful lead to get to know.
This book featured the repercussions of the massacre events the leading lady’s mom experienced in her own book in the Heart of the Frontier series. Be still my heart! I’m so excited this came back to give us more information about how those events affected the family for more than one generation. The difficulty of being half-Indian, half-white and how society saw this at the time was beautifully written. (This is not the racial-equality issues I meant in previous statements.)
That the characters spoke up for the truth and dealt with tough consequences was a beautiful example of the Christian journey.
The story line was well researched. Faith Kenner was the product of a rape by an Indian which I believe I read about in a previous book. She has been passing for white for years. She has always been helping her Mother and has the gift of healing those in need especially the native people living on the reservation. She knows she’ll never be able to marry as Indian people are not allowed to marry anyone other than their own nationality. She wants to go to Medical school and is accepted. This book is all about having faith in God, romance, suspense, history and a little mystery. What more could a person want. I loved the ending.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in kindle format. The opinion of this book and thoughts are my own and freely given. I received the book through Netgalley.com. #TheWayOfLove #Netgalley.com #TraciePetterson
Description Faith Kenner is pursuing her dream to become a doctor at Willamette University's medical college so she can use her gift for healing to help those in need, especially the native populations forced onto reservations and then neglected. When she meets Andrew Gratton, a handsome riverboat captain who has been injured on his ship, she uses her skills to tend his wound, and a friendship grows between them. Andrew admires her strength and willingness to stand her ground, and Faith appreciates his intelligence and compassion. But Faith holds a secret that means their friendship can never become anything more, so she must bury her feelings for Andrew as best she can.
When her fellow students put together lectures to speak out against Oregon's racist laws and policies, Faith is eager to participate. But some powerful men have other plans for their state, and soon Faith is caught in the middle of a plot to push the local Indian tribes to rebel. As she and Andrew fight for the rights of others, their love for each other grows. Can they trust that God has a way toward love for them, or will her secret stand in the way of their one chance for true happiness?
I am so glad I decided to start reading the books in this series. I enjoyed this novel even more than the first book in the series. It has been fascinating and sad at the same time to read about the racism that existed in Oregon which I was surprised to learn about in the first book in the series. I love Tracie Peterson's novels because they share a strong Christian message --not just an reference to Christian faith but genuine sharing and because of the historical events from which I learn so much. I'm so glad that they are so much more than just a Christian fiction romance.
I can tell that I need to go back and read a series that a few reviewers have mentioned which includes characters in this series. However, that lack of knowledge did not inhibit my enjoyment of this novel in any way. Although I would recommend reading the first book in this series before reading this novel, I feel like it could be enjoyed as a stand-alone also.
This story focuses on Faith, a 30 year old woman who has come to Portland to finish her medical training and become certified as a surgeon. She has a strong passion both toward her Christian faith and her desire to help the Indians. She also has a secret about her own heritage. She encounters people who will stop at nothing to deter her and others from helping the Indians. I won't go any further into the plot to avoid spoiling it for others.
As I wrote in my review of the first book in the series, I am so glad that Peterson has come out so strongly in this series about the mistreatment of the Indians and her desire that we know about it so that we can hopefully learn something to change our attitudes if needed.
The Way of Love by Tracie Peterson I love when love finds its way through adversity. The burden Faith Kenner and Andrew Gratton carry keeps them focused on the lives they have established. They long for so much more, however. When they find themselves caught up in a dangerous political mess, they find their friendship is more important then they realized. Can they come together and fight for what is right without their secrets being exposed? I enjoyed this book and think that it is despicable what the Indians of the past had gone through. I am sad for the terrible treatment they endured and for the ugliness of people who had the power to help them but choose instead to extort and murder them. That being said the author did a lovely job bringing this story to life. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I appreciate that I can know that every time I open a Tracie Peterson book I can expect to be taken back into history and learn something new. She does a wonderful job of weaving real history into fictional families. I was really excited to jump into this one because I wanted to know how Faith's life had turned out. She was just a little girl when the Heart of the Frontier series ended and she was a character that my heart had truly gone out to. I was glad to see that she had made something of herself and that she was using her life to help people. There were a lot of likes a far as content went, but I have to also admit that the storyline itself needed more for me. I needed more suspense to help keep the pages turning. There were certainly events that had action, but they needed to be built up to more. I didn't feel as pulled-in and a part of the story as I was hoping. I also admit that because of COVID-19 and quarantine it's been more difficult for me to get sucked into books and that may be reflected in some of this as well. I'm still glad I was able to jump back into history again to see how things worked out for Faith. I'm still planning on reading the next book in the series and I'm curious to see how it will all conclude.
*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I’m enjoying this series by Tracie Peterson, especially the residents of the boarding house. Each of those ladies has different story and it’s been interesting finding out more about them. I was especially touched by the stories of Mrs. Weaver and Alma. The close-knit bond of friendship between them was amazing, given their circumstances in life and this period of history. There’s some suspense and mystery in this series, too. It took a turn that I did is not see coming, and that particular storyline was not finished up in this book.
The author did a very good job of presenting how discrimination in several forms existed in those days. how good people cared enough to try to correct it. This is not just an intriguing story, There’s great Biblical principles all throughout the book that lifts this book up to another level. This is an excellent series by a talented author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Ok, before I dive into the review, I just realized I've missed soooo much because I didn't read book one. Yes, it can be read as a stand-alone book and you will understand the story, but I realized there were some things that the author didn't explain much (the backstory of some characters) and I ended up mixing characters up A LOT and...
So, yeah, read book one first.
Well, the book itself was very interesting. This is the story of Faith, one of the few females attending med school at that time. She has always been very devoted to her calling as a healer and has been aiding her aunt as a midwife since she was fifteen.
The story starts with Faith moving with her cousin Nancy and her little family in her boarding house and what she thought were going to be the last hectic days of her life as a med student before she graduated, only to realize her life was going to turn into a nightmare.
Faith harbors a secret, a secret that only her family knows of. She is half Indian. Her mother was a victim of an atrocious circumstance that led to her birth. Not wanting to cause her mother any more disgrace, she tries to live her life as best as she can as a white. Being born with blue eyes, strangers don't question her heritage, yet she knows that if she were to expose who she really is she would be expelled from med school and worse.
But her heritage not only denies her many basic freedoms, but she is also forbidden to marry. The law forbids people with Indian heritage to marry white people. Yet Faith has made peace with that, she will dedicate her life to helping others, to mending the broken and showing them God's love.
Until she decides to speak up for the Indians in a lecture with some of her colleagues.
Having set the college benefactors in an uproar for her ''love for Indians'', Faith starts receiving threats, threats to her personal life, career, and much worse, her family.
To be honest I would have loved to see more about the med school life. We caught glimpses here and there, but I wanted to go with her to class, to her hospital rounds, see her treat patients... I dunno . Maybe it's just the med student in me.
But the mystery and pacing of the story were wonderful. It was fairly fast-paced, and for historical fiction books, I really appreciate that. The plot twists were great, and I really didn't guess how it was going to end (again, I advice you to read book one plsss )
On the other hand, the romance... I wasn't a fan of it. In my opinion, it was too superficial. There wasn't any ''time'' for development, and it felt rushed? I just feel it wasn't realistic enough. I don't know, again maybe it's just me, but I like relationships to develop slowly and ''see'' the characters getting to know each other, instead of the instant attraction.
What I did love was her Indian heritage. LOVED IT. We need more stories like this! It adds up that unique factor to otherwise bland historical fiction stories. I also liked that the author touched on the realities of both sides- Indians and whites, and we saw the good and the bad from both. Faith is also a girl who is proud of her heritage and I really liked that. She overcame the boundaries society put on her, and with grace and determination, worked to get the best out of her situation.
It was really a very good book and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. It is clean yet there are no explicit mentions on rape, racism, death penalty, blood, and medical procedures that may trigger some.
I will definitely read Tracie Peterson's next books and also read book one of this series (the intrigue is real, guys . I need to know what this ''person's'' backstory is)
Full of rich historical detail, The Way of Love tells the story of a brave, intellectual woman, pursuing her doctorate in 1880 Oregon. Feeling called to aid and abet the native populations, Faith Kenner quickly and readily supports her colleague’s lectures to speak out against Oregon’s racist laws and policies. However, danger quickly arises for Faith and all those she holds dear as powerful men maliciously plot for local Indian tribes to rebel.
One of my favorite aspects of reading historical fiction is the knowledge gained. I absolutely love learning about different cultures and languages, geographical regions, historical events, and eras. I especially love when I read about true historical events that I have either never heard of, nor truly understood the significance of. The Way of Love is full of historical information that I had never heard of, such as a natural disaster, inequitable laws, as well as simple domestic changes such as bathrooms. I stopped reading a few times to inform my family on something new I had learned, especially as I read the Author’s Note in the end.
Faith Kenner was a character worth admiring. Her bravery, her humor and quick wit, her willingness to follow after God’s calling on her life, and her ability to forgive others for their egregious actions truly made her a character worth pulling for, even if at times it was a little superfluous or even unreal. I greatly enjoyed reading as Faith and Captain Andrew Gratton’s relationship began to flourish and I appreciated his steadfast and honest character.
With that being said, there are times when I felt the story lacking. In highly anticipated moments there seemed to be little build-up and suspense. It seemed all very rushed and maybe even a little surface level. I don’t want to go into too much detail so as to not spoil the story for you; however, I wish there was more meat, more depth, more longing.
I would highly recommend reading the Willamette Brides series in chronological order. I had not and was thus lacking in background information at times or even depth of understanding of characters and situations. I found out after reading the book that it is a continuation of another series called Heart of the Frontier, which tells the story of Faith’s mother and sisters as they found love while pursuing God’s calling in the frontier of Oregon.
The Way of Love will be released on June 2, 2020, but can be pre-ordered now as well!
If you enjoy an interesting read on a time in American history rarely discussed or known as well as characters worth pulling for, then The Way of Love is the book for you!
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️💔 ***3.5 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written (.5), Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop
A historical fiction novel about a female doctor. If this isn't enough of a novelty, add in the fact that she's part Native American. I really liked the idea behind this whole story line, and found it rather intriguing.
Faith, the main character (the female doctor, who is keeping her heritage a secret) was a fascinating person. She went against society's norm just to go to school. Her determination to be a doctor, and an advocate for women, and other minorities, shows her to be a person of good character.
I really liked that one of the main focal points in this story is that all people, no matter their skin color. Faith finds herself in the line of sight of some dangerous people, all because she gave a talk about racism and how all people are created equal in the eyes of God. I found this to be quite timely, especially in light of all that we've been going through here in our country recently.
Andrew Gratton, a riverboat captain, and a person with whom Faith becomes acquainted at the beginning of the story, is obviously the hero, pretty much from the beginning. He and Faith are almost immediately attracted to each other, and then there's a bit of romance.
I would have liked to have gotten to know both Faith and Andrew a bit better. (I realize it could be that one reason I found myself floundering a bit, when it came to Faith, was due to the fact that I jumped into this series when I began reading this book.) Their characters could have been developed a bit more, and their entire relationship felt a little forced.
I enjoyed reading about this particular time and place in history, and getting to know more about the western US, and Oregon in particular. One thing that really hit me hard was the fact that the blacks were not allowed to travel west during this time period, and could be, and most likely were, beaten, if discovered within the boundaries of Oregon. I loved seeing the characters in this book rise to the challenge and try to right these wrongs that had been incurred.
I found this book, The Way of Love, to be an intriguing story about life in Oregon in those early pioneer days. This is a story about life, love, racism, family ties, and standing up for truth, among other things. If you enjoy historical fiction, please be sure and read this one!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to read this second book in a new series by Peterson. She did not disappoint! The only "issue" I found with this book was that the friendships from the first book did not seem to match up with the friendships in this one. For example, Gabe and Seth were best friends since birth in the first book, and Nancy's dead husband was not close to anyone, nor did he have anything to do with any of Nancy's family or childhood friends. In the second book, Seth and Gabe were not shown as friends at all; and mention was made at the beginning that Gabe was best friends with Nancy's dead husband. When I first read this so early on, I worried that there would be discrepancies throughout the book. However, even though Seth and Gabe were not shown with any real friendship at all, the rest of the book was right on the mark with all other relationships and events. Although I found it sad that Gabe and Seth weren't included as close friends throughout this book, I did find the book to be absolutely wonderful! So, this alone was not enough to lose a star with me!
I love how Peterson digs so deep with historically correct descriptions of how people with color were treated and viewed in some states. I loved how the heroine had ancestry that was not visible, but did come back to impact her and her family. How they all handled it was beautiful! I especially love how there is an underlying storyline that will obviously unfold as the books in this series are presented. I am waiting on pins and needles to discover who the mysterious "Smith" will turn out to be! I'm dying to know if it's anyone from in the background that we have "sort of" met somewhere within the pages of the first two books, or if it will be somebody totally new to us. Needless to say, I will be reading every book that Peterson writes and publishes in this series! Please keep them coming!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Way of Love is the second book in Tracie Peterson's Williamette Brides series. Personally, I had not read the previous book myself before reading this one. I was still able to enjoy it as a stand alone. I did get the impression that perhaps some of the backstory for these characters was given previously, however enough was given that I wasn't lost.
In The Way of Love we are introduced to Faith and Andrew. (I believe Faith may have actually been introduced in book one, though I couldn't say with certainty.) Faith is pursuing her goals of becoming a certified doctor at the first college allowing women to do so in the time...she's definitely one of those headstrong female characters that so many of us are drawn to in our favorite novels! When she comes upon an injured Andrew, a riverboat captain, the two form a great friendship, bonded by their mutual support of Native tribes... It is a friendship that despite their feelings otherwise can become nothing more due to the secrets of Faith's heritage and the laws of the time.
I must admit, I don't know much in the way of specifics about the laws and treatments of Natives in this time. I know the basics, of course, and what was taught in history books, but I also know a lot was left out. Though their horrible treatment is certainly not a pleasant topic, I did enjoy getting the chance to learn more about it. Tracie Peterson put a lot of research and thought into keeping this fictional story accurate to the events in the area at the time. I certainly appreciate that, and liked that the author's note in the end addressed that- giving some more information to check out myself. I learned a lot, while also enjoying a fantastic romance along the way...
Overall, this was a really fantastic read. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is definitely one to check out.
** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
With over one hundred novels to her credit, Tracie Peterson has established herself as one of the leading Christian historical romance authors. I have read and enjoyed many of her books over the years, and her new Willamette Brides series is no exception (see my review of the first novel, Secrets of My Heart).
Brimming with historical tidbits and events, such as the "Storm King", a Pacific Northwest storm of 1880, The Way of Love pulls the reader in, and I finished the book in no less than two days (a record for me with a busy work/life schedule!). The plot is rather engaging with Faith's internal character conflict as she harbors tragic family secrets which have the potential to prevent her dream of becoming an accredited physician. The Way of Love is also an eyeopener into some of the prejudices and terrible treatment the Native Americans and African-Americans suffered. I had no idea that African-Americans were, at multiple time, excluded from living in the Oregon state, and further, were not allowed to vote until the mid-1900s.
The world needs more Faith Kenners. With her solid faith in God undergirding her, she is portrayed as a godly, self-assured, independent woman who speaks her mind and doesn't hesitate to stand up for her fellow man. Faith doesn't step down from her passion for helping the Native Americans, even when it puts herself in dangerous situations and public ridicule. Her convictions are inspiring, and may it spur many on to fight the numerous injustices in the world today.
There is a threading over of a storyline from Secrets of My Heart that is not fully resolved in The Way of Love, making me eager for the next novel in the series, Forever by Your Side. Thank you, Tracie Peterson, for another well-written historical novel!
The Way of Love is the 2nd novel in Willamette Brides series by Tracie Peterson. I do recommend reading Secrets of My Heart before embarking on The Way of Love. The story begins in December of 1879 in Portland, Oregon with Faith moving into Nancy Carpenter’s boardinghouse (from Secrets of My Heart). I like that the story features a strong, intelligent, and Christian main character. Faith Kenner is determined to become a doctor to help Native Americans on the reservation. She grew up among them and knows the conditions. Faith is a woman of strong convictions. She does not understand why there is prejudice in the world. As Faith states, “a person can hardly be blamed for their heritage.” The Way of Love is rich in historical details. It includes the racial tensions and laws that existed in Oregon at that time along with the “Storm King”, Willamette College, and much more. Christian values and beliefs are prevalent as well. I thought The Way of Love was well-written with vivid descriptions. The pacing is gentle which suits the story. It was nice catching up with Nancy, Seth, Mrs. Weaver, and the other residents of the boardinghouse along with our main characters families. We get to find out Mrs. Weaver’s secret and it was something I never expected. Samuel Lakewood and his cohort, Gerome Berkshire are back with their evil plans. I am eager to learn the identity of the man who calls the shots. I appreciated the author’s note at the end. My favorite line from The Way of Love is “The sooner people put aside prejudices, the sooner we’ll have peace in our country.” I thought The Way of Love was a timely novel considering what is currently happening in the United States. The Way of Love is a compelling historical novel with a surprising storm, fine friends, a satisfying surprise, racial pressure, Christian codes, and a romantic riverboat captain.
It is rare for me to read the second book in a series and immediately think to myself that it was even better than the first, but such was the case with "The Way of Love"! Faith is one of those strong characters who is just utterly certain of her place in the world and the gifts God has given her, and in a world that often seems so chaotic, it was simply refreshing to watch her live up to her name and stand firm in her beliefs. Her story of growing up with missionary parents to the Native peoples and learning the healing arts from a young age made for some fascinating reading, as did her sense of justice for those who are oppressed.
As Faith finds herself caught up in the snares of dangerous men who are determined to bring harm to those she cares about, you can just feel the sense of peril building up in the story. Though there are plenty of places when Peterson takes the time to allow her characters to breathe and to grow over the course of the story, there is also plenty of danger that kept me whipping through the pages at the same time. Peterson also adds in a remarkable friendship between Faith and Andrew, a Riverboat captain who hides a surprising secret about his past much like Faith does. Watching them grow to care about each other felt so completely natural, and you can't help but cheer them on as their relationship deepens and grows into something more.
The second novel in the Willamette Brides is an utterly enjoyable novel, with completely lovable characters, and a journey through history that is sobering indeed. But the racism depicted in these pages makes the love these characters display, to those close to them and to all people in general, shine all the brighter. I award this novel a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
The Way of Love by Tracie Peterson Bethany House Bethany House Publishers Christian Pub Date 02 Jun 2020
I am reviewing a copy of The Way of Love through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:
Faith Kenner is a woman ahead of her time. she is pursuing her dream to become a doctor at Willamette University's medical college so she can use her gift for healing to help those in need, especially the native populations forced onto reservations and then neglected. It is then that she meets Andrew Gratton, a handsome riverboat captain who has been injured on his ship, she uses her skills to tend his wound, and a friendship grows between them. Andrew admires Faith’s strength and her determination, as well as her willingness to stand her ground. He also greatly appreciates her Faith, her kindness and compassion. the problem is Faith holds a secret that means their friendship can never become anything more, so she must bury her feelings for Andrew as best she can.
Faith is eager to participate when some of her fellow students put together lectures to speak out against Oregon's racist laws and policies. However some powerful men have other plans for their state, and soon Faith is caught in the middle of a plot to push the local Indian tribes to rebel. As they fight for the rights of others Faith and Andrew’s love for one another grows. Can they trust that God has a way toward love for them, or will her secret stand in the way of their one chance for true?
If you are looking for an inspiring and uplifting story of Faith, and Overcoming of not standing down when a wrong is seen, and of a woman who was not afraid to fight for her dreams and ambitions at a time when many were stifled, I highly recommend The Way of Love.
Ms.Tracie, again this story had me not wanting to put it aside until I finished the entire story. And, to add Grace ( Alex Armstead), Hope ( Lance Kenner), and Mercy( Adam), the sisters Flangan , was just awesome, the girls came West and all their trials, hardship and all fell in love and now these are stories of their daughters, sons now grown up. I love the lives they lead with God always the guide in their lives. Thanks, for His Word and message being part of the story. Faith has grown into a wonderful and amazing doctor, no matter the circumstances of her birth, she is loved by her parents and family. Lance Kenner accepted her as his daughter and Hope was glad her daughter came to her after Etta and Isaac passed away. Faith finds love with the handsome riverboat Captain Andrew Gratton and after they share the secrets of their heritage they fall in love. Gerome Berkshire and Samuel Lockwood continued their unhanded attempts to start trouble with people of color, especially the Indians. We also discovered Mrs.Weaver's secret ( Alma, her black companion since childhood), Oregon had laws in the 1800s that forbid people of color from living in that state. So, Virginia had hidden her away in a blanket box in her room at Nancy's boarding house. After Gerome and Samuel are found dead ( they are murdered by their partner Mr.Smith), Faith was allow to graduate and get her certification as a doctor. Clementine Carpenter ( Seth's sister) and Gabe Armstead got married the same day as Andrew and Faith. The story must go on, but you must read for yourselves.✓
Having missed out on the first book in the Willamette Brides series, I was surprised to meet characters from Peterson's Heart of the Frontier series, a most wonderful series. The Way of Love focuses on Faith Kenner. Faith, long practicing the art of healing, is working towards achieving her surgeon's certificate, quite an accomplishment for a woman in the early 1880s. The only problem is the laws in Oregon relating to anyone with any amount of Native American blood.. They both limit her career options as well as her marriage prospects. Having inherited her looks from her mother, Faith has chosen to keep secret her ancestry from her father's side, and to function as a white woman in society, while using her knowledge and contacts to further the cause of Native Americans. Some very dangerous men in Oregon would much prefer that the Native Americans be silenced by whatever means necessary, putting Faith and her family at risk.
The theme of respecting God's sovereignty, and maintaining one's faith, while in the direst of circumstances is well developed in this story. There were many times when Faith, who was particularly well named, must live by faith and not by sight, when there is actually no hope to be found. While all fans of historical fiction will enjoy The Way of Love, it will speak to the hearts of those who are desperate for this type of faith. I am very grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
Another great read: This is the 2nd book in the series and I'd highly recommend reading them in order so as to fully enjoy the depth and complexity that they offer. This is the story of Faith, Hope and Lance's daughter from the Heart of the Frontier series, who is of mixed Caucasian/Native American heritage. However as such it was illegal for her to marry a white man and she had tried to come to peace with the fact that she'd never be able to marry and instead focused on her dream of being a doctor. It was wonderful seeing her work towards that, especially as woman doctors were so rare in those days. Her name was most fitting as she certainly proved herself to be a someone of great faith and integrity. Meanwhile Andrew is a boat captain who becomes enamored of the beautiful and gifted Faith. Their paths keep crossing but he also had his reasons as to why they can't pursue anything. I enjoyed seeing them come to rely on each other as they faced the obstacles before them. This book continues on with the investigation into the illegal provision of guns and liquor to the Indians and the terrible treatment of the Native and Negro people in Oregon during that time. Whilst interesting and certainly an important topic to explore, I did find it rather heavy at times and the situation is not resolved but carries over to the final book in the series due October 2020. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
A continuation of an interesting series. Faith was born as the result of her mother being raped in a Native American uprising, first adopted out and then she was raised on a Reservation. She looks white. A gifted healer, she goes to Portland to attend college to be certified as a doctor, then return to the reservation. At that time, people of color did not have any rights in Oregon. Blacks were not allowed in the state at all. Native Americans could not marry a white person or attend college. In this story there are powerful men who want to rid the state of Indians and sell their land for profit and they would do almost anything to eliminate people who stood in their way. Mostly in secret of course. Some of these men carry over from the previous books, so Faith's family is still in danger. It plays a very big part in what happens in this story as well. Andrew is a ship's captain who comes into Faith's life and plays a big part in her family as well. Excellent series to get lost in. Living with discrimination, good, caring people wanting to help others. When they step out of their bounds and speak out for fairness, they are deeply punished by the evil ones. Christian faith and perseverance runs strong throughout the story.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I loved getting to know some old characters better and meeting new ones. This is one of my favorite authors and I knew I would like the book but I didn't know just how much I would love the book as well. Plus the book just left me hanging on some parts and I really need the next book in the series now!
Can Faith ever achieve the dream of her certification? She knows how to heal people but she wants that title so maybe other people will give her the respect and attention the title demands. She's vowed to never marry so her medicine is her life.
But more importantly, can Faith survive?
When bad men target Faith and her family she's not sure why but she knows that her secret has been found out. Can she protect those she loves without sacrificing herself? And what of the love she's discovered? Will anything ever come between her and the man who stole her heart?
Great read. Can't recommend it enough. Highly recommend you read it and the first book in the series if you haven't already.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This is the second and final book in the Willamette Brides Series, and it details the life and love of Faith Kenner. She is pursuing her certification as a surgeon. She has very strong opinions of the issues of the day, i.e. the laws prohibiting people of color living in Oregon, and the instigating of Indian wars so that they could be eradicated from Oregon. Her opinions stir up trouble with those in power and end up getting her expelled from medical school just weeks before she graduates.
During all this, she meets the captain of the river boat that takes her to her home and back to Portland. Both are holding secrets that they believe could harm the other, but they can't deny their feelings for each other.
After finishing the book, I read Tracie Peterson's research notes. Her research of the historical events is spot on. She used these events as a way to support the plot, which only added to the intrigue of the book. It is hard to put down and compels the reader to continue reading. It is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, and a handsome river boat captain to escort you on your trips.
Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.