Review + Tour GIVEAWAY: When You Are Near by Tracie Peterson

About the Book

Book: When You Are Near  
Author: Tracie Peterson  
Genre: Christian Historical Romance  
Release Date: March 5, 2018

After her father’s death, Lizzy Brookstone, a trick rider in the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, wants nothing more than to quit her role as the star of the show and live a quiet life on her family’s ranch. But returning home would bring Wesley DeShazer, the ranch’s foreman and the man who broke her heart, back into her life. In addition, the Brookstones’ new manager fears that Lizzy’s departure could doom the already cash-strapped show. 

Hope grows in Lizzy during a stopover at Fleming Farm. Ella Fleming not only has a natural talent for trick riding and could easily replace Lizzy, but she’s eager to join the show to flee a forced betrothal. However, while there, one of the show’s wranglers is killed in a manner Lizzy finds suspicious. And during her escape from the farm, Ella stumbles across a secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza.

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My Thoughts

When You Are Near, book #1 of the Brookstone Brides, begins what just might be one of my favorite series. Tracie Peterson is a talented, prolific, and very consistent author, in that the high level of historical detail, sheer entertainment, and spiritual elements in her writing has never wavered over the years. Filled with adventure, mystery and suspense, When You Are Near pulls readers into the life of a Wild West traveling show, and I enjoyed every minute spent with these characters.

This story introduces us to the Brookstone family and the world of trick riding – women trick riders, that is. I may have seen some trick riding at a circus as a child, but know next to nothing about this fascinating act. I loved how Peterson made this skill come alive through vivid descriptions, and let me tell you that it requires great skill, strength, concentration, and courage. It’s mentioned at one point that some spectators even fainted during the performances. 

A strong series foundation is laid in this first book, introducing a wide variety of characters – the Brookstone family, employees, horse wranglers, business investors, and horse breeders. Lizzy Brookstone, star trick rider, is a great heroine – independent, confident, not afraid to speak the truth. Two other women have strong supporting roles and will eventually have their own stories, I believe – Mary, a sharpshooter, and Ella, a Roman rider. These two, along with Lizzy, are convinced that the death of Mary’s brother was no accident. Ella is fleeing from an arranged marriage forced upon her by a father I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

A key theme is how family and business associates are dealing with the death of Lizzy’s father in their own ways, not all healthy ones. The faith of Lizzy’s mother as she navigates her loss is inspirational and speaks to all of us. Shining throughout this story is the reminder that God is present with us always, especially through our difficult times.

The story comes to a satisfying conclusion, but there’s a lot more to come and I’m eager to continue with the Brookstone family. 

Highly recommended. 

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

About the Author

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 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.

Guest Post from Tracie

Introducing…When You Are Near! 

I’m excited about the new Brookstone Brides series and had so much fun researching for the various characters and locations. This is a story about a fictional Wild West show with all female performers. Prior to the rodeos we see today, the Wild West shows traveled throughout America and Europe to entertain people and give city dwellers a taste of what the American frontier was like. At least their version. 

Buffalo Bill Cody was famous for his shows, which brought Native Americans and their culture into the world of people who might otherwise never have even seen an “Indian.” Pawnee Bill was another entertainer who sought to keep these shows alive.  

For the fictional show in my novels, I wanted to focus on three female characters who became a part of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza for varying reasons. Lizzy Brookstone is the heroine in book one, When You Are Near, and as the daughter of one of the show’s owners, she has enjoyed a starring role as a trick rider. 

For research I went to Pueblo, Colorado to the ranch of Karen Vold, a famous trick rider and rodeo star. Linda Scholtz, a famed trick rider, was teaching a clinic there along with Karen at the Red Top Ranch Trickriding School. 

These are two remarkable Christian trick riders who have long worked to keep the sport alive. I spent three days getting to know them and what they do and learned so much. And just to prove that we weren’t all work and no play, I thought I’d share my attempt at trick riding. What I won’t do for research! 

The series will have three books, as usual, and each book will focus on a different lady and her skills. Mary is a trick shooter like Annie Oakley, and Ella is a Roman rider who stands on the backs of two horses for her part in the act. It was so interesting learning about each of these types of performers, and I hope you’ll get a chance to read all three and enjoy the stories of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tracie is giving away a grand prize of When You Are Near, Tracie’s A $25 Barnes and Noble Gift card, and the three books in The Heart of Alaska series and three other winners will receive a copy of When You Are Near!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/dcdd/when-you-are-near-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, March 26

The Power of Words, March 26

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, March 26

Inklings and notions, March 26

The Meanderings of a bookworm, March 27

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, March 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 27

Vicky Sluiter, March 27

Carpe Diem, March 28

The Avid Reader, March 28

Genesis 5020, March 28

The Lit Addict, March 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 29

Back Porch Reads, March 29

Just the Write Escape, March 30

Splashes of Joy, March 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 30

Emily Yager, March 31

Daysong Reflections, March 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 31

Life of Literature, April 1

EmpowerMoms, April 1

For the Love of Literature, April 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 2

Through the Fire Blogs, April 2

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 2

For Him and My Family, April 3

Remembrancy, April 3

Inspiration Clothesline, April 3

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Pause for Tales, April 4

Older & Smarter?, April 5

Stories By Gina, April 5

Book by Book, April 5

Bigreadersite, April 6

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 6

Connect in Fiction, April 6

Godly Book Reviews, April 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 7

Texas Book-aholic, April 7

Blossoms and Blessings, April 8

janicesbookreviews, April 8

A Reader’s Brain, April 8

The Becca Files, April 8