I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Bloggers and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Published by Baker Books on June 1, 2013
Source: Bethany House Bloggers
Genres: Christian, Fiction, Historical, Romance
Pages: 336
Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together...until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne's youngest sisters. Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated.
Years later, Emmalyne's family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne's father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin's father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.
Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?
Isn’t this cover gorgeous?! I love it, it’s one of the reasons I decided to read.
I know I always say not to choose a book based on the cover but sometimes it works out! This is one of those times.
I really enjoyed this book. It was the first I’ve ever read by the author but I’ll definitely be picking up more of this series in the future. In fact, I’m following the release of book #3 in this series on Goodreads. You can do the same by clicking here!
About the Story
Emmalyne’s family has suffered tragic loss and Emmalyne is at the depth of her despair. Not only has she lost her sisters—her father is now refusing to let her marry.
For years Emmalyne does as her father says and cares for her sickly mother and the family rather than listening to her heart. She sacrifices because she feels that is what God had intended—to honor and obey.
The years pass by and Emmalyne and her family return home—and they aren’t the only ones. Emma’s old beau returns to the area as well. She tries to ignore the feelings she still feels but her heart is torn between the love of her life and honoring her parents.
This story deals with a lot of grief and loss as well as mental illness. I thought that it was fairly realistic and didn’t lead to false illusions to what can happen when a person suffers from a mental break and while I was very sad for how some of the story concluded; I felt that it was realistic and that folks could connect to this very human and realistic element.
I very much enjoyed this story and the writing of this author—even though I will admit that I didn’t know what some of the Irish words meant. A glossary of terms would have been beneficial!
View all my reviews|Read an Excerpt
About Tracie Peterson
Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 100 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.
Tracie received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell, Kimberley Woodhouse and her daughter Jennifer.
Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer’s conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents book line – overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women’s conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA “Best Books 2011” Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love!
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max..
I have to agree this cover is gorgeous! It also sounds like an interesting story. Thanks for sharing. : )