Friday, November 7, 2008

A Promise to Believe In by Tracie Peterson

As I have stated before, Peterson is one of my favorite authors. I cannot think of any of her books that I don't like. Certainly I like some more than others, but they are all great reads! A Promise to Believe In is no except. It is book 1 in her new Brides of Gallatin Country series, which has made my to read list grow longer and will cause me to exercise patience between the publishing of each book in the series.

Many of Peterson's books are set in the west and in days gone by, so it comes as no surprise to the reader to find herself in the Montana wilds in the late 1800s. There are other elements to A Promise that are seen in previous works by Peterson, such as the wonderful way she shows grace to the "soiled doves" who worked in the saloons, the struggles with faith we continue to face today, and the power of God's Spirit to change lives. In the midst of that familiar territory come new faces and new situations for the reader to ponder and enjoy.

The three Gallatin sisters live in the wilds of Montana with their father at a stagecoach crossroads which is about to be birthed into a town. Gallatin House is a place for travellers to find rest and a good meal before continuing on their journey. After spending years travelling around with their restless father, the girls are settling into a life of normalcy when tragedy strikes. Their father is accidentally killed and now the girls must decide how to move forward.

Gwen, the oldest Gallatin girl, is certain she is cursed. Everyone she loves dies.... her mother and baby brother, her husband of only a few days and now her father. She fears what will happen to her sisters and wonders if they should part company to ensure the girls' safety. As Gwen ponders what to do and works to keep the roadhouse running, a stranger arrives with strong opinions and accusations against Gwen. Can she convince him she is innocent of his charges and send him on his way or does God have a different plan.... one that requires healing and open hearts?

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