Another well-written read from Tracie Peterson: My review of "Touching the Sky"

ABOUT THE BOOK

Her heart is caught between the man she loves and the sister she's desperate to protect.

Though their first encounter is hardly auspicious, Laura Marquardt soon discovers herself drawn to the dashing Captain Brandon Reid. As an officer over the colored troops, he eagerly supports her desire to educate blacks and seek harmony in a town where the defeat of the South is a bitter reality. 

When Laura's sister marries her Confederate beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation after overhearing a discussion with frightening consequences. In her heart she feels she should confide in Brandon, but Laura fears to do so may endanger her sister's life. Yet as the stakes continue to rise and Brandon's motives for pursuing her come into doubt, Laura questions where to turn... and wonders if her own dreams of love may be forsaken.

MY REVIEW

The second installment of the Land of the Lone Star Series is a compelling story, one that deals with deep themes of hatred and forgiveness, spousal abuse and racism. And yet, like the first book in the series, it is also a book of adventure, and features characters that readers will be sure to grow to care about. Laura is a determined, spunky young woman who has a heart for fairness and justice and serving God. The development of her relationship with Captain Reid is a sweet one to behold, and their interactions are filled with humor and lighthearted moments, along with some intensely emotional scenes as well. I couldn't help but admire Laura's selflessness, her ability to put the needs of others ahead of her own, whether fighting for her sister to be safe, or doing whatever she could to teach former slaves to read. I enjoyed reading a book set in an era right after the end of the American Civil War, as I've never considered what it must have been like for citizens who had just finished fighting each other to have to learn to live together peacefully again! What I most appreciated about the story are the themes of faith woven so effortlessly into the plot, especially how Laura is so bold in sharing her beliefs with all, that God cares about every detail of our lives, that he desires unity among his children, and that he will sustain us even through bad situations.

Tracie Peterson has penned another well-written read, and I award this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

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 award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie's Web site at www.traciepeterson.com and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com.