Beyond the Silence - A Review

Published - January 2016, Bethany House Publishers
Authors - Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse
Title - Beyond the Silence
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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Lillian Porter longs to fulfill her mother's dream of going west. When she learns of a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she jumps at the chance to go. Yet upon her arrival, Lillian learns that there are rumors flying around town about her employer, Woodward Colton, a local olive farmer. According to the gossip, he murdered his wife. Lillian tries not to listen to the rumors, especially after meeting Woody's son, her new charge. Jimmy hasn't spoken since the day he witnessed his mother's murder. As Lillian becomes a part of this family, she sees how much both father and son are hurting. Can she help draw them both out? And when it becomes clear that danger is still threatening the Colton family, will Woody be able to keep Lillian safe like he couldn't with his wife?

This book started off a little slow for me. But as the story unraveled, I was captivated. I've read a lot of Tracie Peterson's books in the past, but I think that this was my first Kimberley Woodhouse book.

The characters were complex. Way more than I expected. Woody's a troubled man who knows he is innocent but is seen as guilty in the eyes of the town. Jimmy stole my heart. The child who hasn't spoken since his mother's death has a lot to say. I loved how Lillian worked with him and figured out a way to get him to respond. Then there's Harry. The simple-minded gentle giant who has a heart of gold.

I've got to admit, that I learned a lot about olive growing in this book. And that some olives are better for olive oil and others for the table. I never imagined the process that it takes to grow & process olives.

I received this book for free from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Tracie Peterson, Jody Hedlund, Mary Connealy

Rating - 4 stars

A Matter of the Heart - A Review

Published - October 2014, Bethany House Publishers
Series - Lone Star  Brides Book 3
Author - Tracie Peterson
Title - A Matter of the Heart
Format - ebook, paper
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Born and raised with wealth, Jessica Atherton had her heart broken when the man everyone assumed she would marry married another. So for now she's sworn off of love. Yet when two young men, equally charming in their own way, enter her world and begin to pay attention to her, she's afraid to trust her heart. Harrison Gable is a successful young lawyer with high reaching ambitions. He makes Jessica feel special with the attention and gifts he showers on her. Austin Todd is a former Secret Service Agent working as a Texas Ranger Cattle Inspector. Jessica is drawn to his kindness and the pain she sees in his eyes. How will Jessica figure out her own heart?

I've read a lot of Tracie Peterson's books over the years. Some I like. Some I love. Others I just don't care for. For me, this particular book falls in the last category. I really feel more blah about it than most of her others.

Over all, the storyline piqued my interest. At least from the back cover copy. But I really didn't connect too well with the characters. I found that Jessica was selfish and her parents wouldn't admit it. Sure she grows up in the book, but my first impression was the one that stayed with me. And of her two suitors, it's obvious fairly early in the story which one is actually the hero who will win her heart. The way the back of the book made it sound like was that she had to pick between the two, so I expected her choice to be unknown until the end. I did like Austin. I thought that his character was the most self-less of all of them. I loved the bit of suspense involving Austin and the counterfeit plates.

Others may love this book. For me, though, it wasn't one of my favorites. It was ok. I'll probably pass along my copy so that someone else can enjoy it.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Janette Oke, Tracie Peterson, historical fiction, Beverly Lewis

Rating - 3 stars