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Wednesday, September 19, 2012
The Review is In :: Tracie Peterson's Touching the Sky and Taming the Wind
Acclaimed author, Tracie Patterson, continues her Land of the Lone Star series with novels Touching the Sky (book 2) and Taming the Wind (book 3). Much akin to her first book of the series, Chasing the Sun, Patterson's post Civil War Texas in the sub-sequential stories expand upon the struggles of her strong heroines in a ever changing country.
Patterson's second novel, Touching the Sky, reflects the historical changes taking place in Texas at the time and the sentiments of pro-Confederates in regards to the African American (colored, as they are referred to) troops of the Union, as well as the newly freed men and women. Alongside the underlying political challenges, Laura Marquardt's story unfolds. Set in the Gulf of Mexico town, Corpus Christi, Laura finds herself a pro-Unionist amidst Confederate backlash. Knowing her own desires, Laura seeks to educate the African Americans of her community while also creating harmony and unifying her town and her family. Along the way, Laura falls in love with the Union Captain Brandon Reid; whilst her sister, Carissa, brazenly marries her Confederate beau, Malcolm Lowe, much to Laura's chagrin.
Touching the Sky delves into the common realities faced by families after the Civil War, especially in Texas where life-long neighbors or friends may have chosen different sides during the war. Furthermore, Touching the Sky exposes those choices and their consequences. For Laura and Carissa, their personal choices endanger their relationship as well as one of their lives.
Patterson's third novel of the series, Taming the Wind, brings the Marquardt sisters together again. Patterson also reintroduces several characters (Tyler Atherton, William Bennett, and heroine Hannah Dandrige) from her first novel of the series, Chasing the Sun.
Wonderfully written in full-circle fashion, Patterson gracefully melds the characters of her first two books to yield a well carved story of love, marriage, faith, personal growth, and even villains. At the start of Taming the Wind, we find Carissa Lowe a widowed mother living on a ranch with Brandon and Laura Reid (her sister and brother-in-law). The Reid Ranch neighbors the Barnett Ranch where William, Hannah, and their children reside, as well as William's dear friend, Tyler. And so, the story of Carissa and Tyler begin. Faced with past issues of love and life, as well as the kidnapping of Carissa, Patterson's characters continue forth on their spiritual and personal journeys.
I truly enjoyed The Land of the Lone Star series and if I had to pick a favorite book of the three it would be Taming the Wind. Patterson's characters' personalities make her novels a delight to read as many authors' characters are lackluster. I especially liked Patterson's series due to its setting in Texas; as her writing created visual imagery of an antebellum Texas as I had never imagined.
Readers, if you're looking for something new to add to your shelf or
e-reader, than I encourage you to delve into The Land of the Lone Star.
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie's Web site at www.traciepeterson.com
You may purchase a copy of Touching the Sky here. Read an excerpt here.
You may purchase a copy of Taming the Wind here. Read an excerpt here.
For a brief review of Chasing the Sun, please visit this link.
{I was provided a copy of both books for exchange for a review by the publishing house, Bethany House.}
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