CFBA Presents Tracie Peterson and Chasing the Sun

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Chasing the Sun Barbour Books (March 1, 2012) by Tracie Peterson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She 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 to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. 

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.

Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter 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. 

Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Chasing The Sun, go HERE.

MY REVIEW

I have known Tracie since early in her fiction writing career and became an instant fan after reading some of her books written for the Heartsong Presents line with Barbour Publishing. Thanks to her friendship and encouragement, I went on to sell 12 historical fiction books of my own so far to Barbour. While I can't say I've read every single book of Tracie's, I *have* read a majority of them. Each one is rich with culture, history, strong characters, and a smooth story flow. There are definite favorites, and this latest release will rank somewhat higher than others, but not among the top.

The pacing of the story flowed well, and Tracie took the common story line of single gal with 2 men vying for her affections and made it her own. However, I felt the conflict and tension wasn't as strong as it could have been, and the resolutions came about far too quickly. That being said, where this book excels is with the depiction of the Texas culture during the Civil War or post-war times. There were 3 distinct groups in Texas at this time: those in favor of the south, those in favor of the north, and those opposed to both while pushing for Texas to become its own country again. Tracie's (and her husband's) meticulous research shines through in this story and presents a unique glimpse of the mindset ruling the people of this era.

I'm intrigued enough to read the next in the series, even if only to discover more about the people. Here's hoping the conflict and tension up the ante a bit going forward.



*** I received a free copy from the publisher through the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in exchange for this review. No compensation was given or received, and I was not required to give this book a favorable review. Thank you to CFBA and Bethany House for providing this book.