Explores deep themes while providing an entertaining read: My review of Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012)

Book Synopsis as provided by the publisher

Hannah is desperate for help..
William is determined to regain his family's land...

When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but also for the Texas ranch her father recently acquired. A marriage of convenience could ease her predicament... but is it the true desire of her heart?

Wounded soldier William Barnett returns home only to find out that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angered at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.

Despite these circumstances, Hannah and William form an uneasy truce... and an undeniable attraction builds between them. In a land where loyalties are divided in a country ravaged by war, is there any hope that the first blush of love can survive?

MY REVIEW

Tracie Peterson has again demonstrated her ability to effortlessly move between multiple genres with her latest novel, Chasing the Sun. I greatly enjoyed her contemporary work that was published last year, and again find myself writing words of praise for her new historical novel as well!

Chasing the Sun explores deep themes of racism and oppression, betrayal and forgiveness, while providing an entertaining read. The tension and violence between the "white people" living on the ranches of Texas and the American Indians, along with the conflict between the States, makes for a gripping backdrop for the story. I have never read a novel that so clearly reflected the disunity among the Texans themselves in the War between the States, the divided loyalties even among neighbours.

The pacing of the story is swift, and just when the drama seemed to subside, a new twist would be thrown in that had me racing through the pages to see how it would resolve. The characters are well-portrayed and breathe with life, and I especially enjoyed Hannah's wit, her firm resolve in the face of danger, and her refusal to allow anyone but God to dictate her actions. The relationship that unfolds between the characters is likewise enjoyable to behold. And, perhaps most importantly, the powerful message of Jesus' love for us and His conquering of sin shines through this novel, and I found my faith truly stirred by the story.

I highly recommend this novel and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Well done Tracie Peterson!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

About the Author

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than eighty-five novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie's web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com/

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