There are many facets to this story. It mainly revolves around Lizzy. She is the daughter of one of the owners of the Wild West show. Her father's passing during their last has increased her determination to see her father's legacy to the bitter end. Her heart does not lie on the show, but on their farm in the country. She wants to retire with her mother and live her life on the land, while not paying attention to the handsome foreman, Wesley.

Within this story there is Jason Adler, his father has purchased part of the show and he is very interested in Lizzy. Her friends Mary and Ella have stories that are more connected than many know. Ella is running form her ruthless father and fiancee while Mary is trying to find out who killed her brother. This adds a great suspense aspect to the story.

There is also Wesley's brother, Phillip. He has come to the farm seeking employment, but he has a past that he is running from at the same time. His story is a bit of mystery that I am sure will be addressed in future books.

I enjoyed visiting the Old West while reading this book. It is well written and has mystery and romance.

Source: I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

What an enjoyable story! I’ve long been fascinated with Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley and the Wild West shows. This book was like visiting that era and seeing it come to life all over again, only with new characters instead of the tried-and-true ones. I loved getting to know Lizzy and Jason and Ella and Wesley. Their journeys were complex, engaging, delightful, and entertaining. Family played a huge part in this story, and that’s always something I like to see. The train and ranch were amazing, and they seemed like characters all their own. Setting a book in Montana is nearly a guarantee that I’ll read it, and I’m glad this author knows well how to make the setting feel like a natural extension of the story, like the backdrop becomes so infused to the core of the story that they could never again be parted.

One thing to note about Mrs. Peterson is that she is not afraid to wound or kill off characters. I like this, because it shows grit and courage. I like to know going into a book that I am in for an unpredictable ride, and that’s definitely true when the author doesn’t shy away from tragedies for any given character.

Content: alcoholism/alcohol, saloons, sensuality (all handled well)

What fun! Set within an all-female Wild West show, Tracie Peterson’s When You Are Near delivers a delightful blend of adventure, mystery, and romance.

When her father dies, trick rider Lizzy Brookstone has some difficult decisions to make. She takes over management of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, but her heart desires a simpler life. Her story unfolds with drama, danger, and suspense, and through it all, she proves capable and strong, an immensely relatable character I enjoyed getting to know.

When You Are Near is a wonderful historical read, especially given its unique focus on trick riding. It has all the elements necessary to please fans of the genre. I recommend it and eagerly look forward to reading the next books in the series.

Some Books, Like People, Need Time to Grow on You
When You Are Near was like that for me. Maybe it just wasn’t the right day for the book, or perhaps it’s not the right opening for me. I don’t know. What I do know is the relief I felt when I went from being grateful for an interruption to frustrated when one happened.

That’s always a sign of a good book—that, “Would you just go away so I can read” stabbing of the straight pin into the pages. (Yes, I use straight pins for bookmarks. They don’t fall out easily, they don’t get lost, they don’t harm the spines, or anything else. Love them suckers).

When You Are Near reads in a casual, comfortable style.
Most turns of phrases didn’t feel too modern, (although the “come to Jesus moment” certainly felt crazy modern in a turn-of-the-20th-century novel) or too over-used.

Tracie Peterson took the time to make us care about what was underneath Lizzy’s armor. Instead of knocking it off, she peels back layer after layer until poor Lizzy is left stripped and vulnerable—right where the Lord does His most beautiful work.

In Rebekah Brookstone, we see the kind of gentle strength I’ve always admired. She knows when to be firm, when to be forgiving. At the beginning, I wanted to shake her. By the end, I decided I want to be her when I grow up. I think her unveiling came in very deliberate moves written by a skillful pen. The gradual shift from seeing one character as the strongest to the other couldn’t have been more well done, I don’t think.

Some readers may take issue with one very awkward, suggestive conversation.
I tend not to get most double entendre. I got this. It was… awkward. There was a point to it, and it was by the bad guy, of course, but there you have it. You’ve been warned.

When You Are Near is recommended for lovers of horses, historical fiction, and fiction with purpose. The spiritual lessons are woven into the story in a natural way so that even when someone is “preaching” at someone else, the reader doesn’t feel sermonized—just encouraged in the Lord. Lovers of Jen Turano’s books, like Flights of Fancy will enjoy When You Are Near.

I thoroughly enjoyed When You Are Near. The Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza was a very interesting topic to read about. The mystery and suspense leading up to the ending is fast-paced and exciting.

The main character, Lizzy, a trick rider in the family show, is spunky, independent, and is very dedicated to her art. After the death of her father, she has literally shut down except for her trick riding. She guards her heart and refuses to get into a serious relationship, even though she already loves Wesley. Wesley, the ranch foreman, is dealing with guilt and pain of his own.

The story is about forgiveness, healing, and learning to trust God for strength. God is the only one who can truly heal us and make us whole again and the story reflects that fact.

I would highly recommend this book and look forward to the rest in the series.

Have you ever read a Christian novel and thought, “I was just taken to church and had a ‘come to Jesus’ moment.” Well, When You are Near did that for me and you won’t hear me complain one bit.

When You Are Near is a story full of little reminders of how close God truly is to those who are His. It is easy to forget that when things get hard, as in Lizzy’s case. In her grief, she shut out all who loved her. Including her Lord and Savior. I found myself coming to tears at her “ah- ha” moment as I had my own. (Isn’t it beautiful when that happens?)

Another touching moment, and a not so subtle reminder for myself, is when Wes sees that he can not be a savior as he works through his guilt for acting outside of God’s will. We are only called to live on and minister to others. We can’t save them.

There were many other tidbits but I don’t want to give anything away. So, I encourage you to get ahold of this story. Enjoy it and maybe learn through the actions of these fictional characters.

*When You Are Near was provided to me through CelebrateLit Publicity and Bethany House Publishing so that I may share with you my honest thoughts and opinions.

I liked this book. It was neat to enter the world of trick riding. There was a lot of mystery in the book as well as a sweet romance.

My Thoughts:
I greatly enjoyed this book. I’m definitely a fan of Tracie Peterson so I knew that I would going into it and have to say she did not disappoint. When You Are Near is a great title. There is some romance, some action, a tiny bit of murder, and some good writing.

Lizzy is the star trick rider in her father and uncle’s travelling show. Unfortunately, her father died earlier this season of a heart attack. He made her mother and her promise to finish out this year but neither of them have the heart to come back again. Lizzy realizes that she’s not getting younger and her body is no longer willing to put up with all the abuse at the ripe old age of twenty -eight.

As they travel along the last few stops towards home an Englishman joins them. It seems unbeknownst to the ladies his father holds stock in their show and now wants to help them turn a profit which they haven’t really been doing. But that’s not all the son seems to want. He’s smitten with Lizzy and makes no pretense to hide it. In fact, he comes out and tells her he hopes to marry her.

Lizzy has decided she’s never going to marry. And even if she would it wouldn’t be to Englishman Jason. She gave her heart away to Wes their ranch foreman oh so long ago. When he took a wife that wasn’t her she was devastated. But his silence since her death is almost worse. She can’t risk the loss of losing someone else she loves though so she says she’ll never marry.

I have to say shy quiet Ella has to be one of my favorite characters and I can’t wait to learn more of her story in one of the books to come. She’s being forced to marry a man much older who is definitely not to her liking. He’s ruthless and cruel and immoral and that’s just the beginnings of the list. Ella decides she must run away to avoid this marriage that her father is forcing her into. Lizzy to the rescue!

Lizzy devises a scheme to help get Ella out of her house and into their travelling train. While hiding Ella out they learn that Ella can sew and mend as well as wishes to learn to trick ride. Ella decides to join the troop. She’ll be twenty-one soon and then can stop hiding out from her mother and undesirable suitor.

This book is amazing! I loved it. A quick read without any major plot twists. Great solid Christian theme with just enough romance. I half expected Ella and Lizzy to both fall for the brothers but now I’m not so sure as I don’t approve of Philips drinking and attitude so we’ll have to see how he progresses in the next two books.

Oh and Mary makes a cameo with her sharpshooting skills. Her brother was killed by Ella’s father and fiance and she desperately wants to know why and have her revenge.

“When You Are Near” is the first book in Brookstone Brides Series by Tracie Peterson. It was the first book by this author, that I have read, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I only knew that it is a Christian fiction historical novel and that the cover is very pretty! To tell the truth, it was the cover that sparked my interest and convinced me to read this book.

Most of all, I enjoyed the historical setting and the whole idea of the main character Lizzy Brookstone being the star trick rider of the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza. The idea of a woman working as a trick rider appealed to me and I wanted to know her story. Lizzy is an interesting, strong-willed character and It was interesting to read about her doubts and fears, and how she overcame them. The faith played an important role in her transformation, but also loving, kind people that surrounded her, especially her mother.

I enjoyed this book, the only thing that bothered me was the love story, which I found a bit unconvincing. Also, the villains of the story were one-dimensional. But that seems characteristic for most Christian fiction. Evil characters are usually cardboard cut-out characters, with no personality or moral ambiguity. Anyway, apart from that, the novel was very well written. It was nice to spend a few evening hanging out with Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza crowd.

I received “When You Are Near” from the publisher via NetGalley. I would like to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.

When You Are Near is the first in a new series by Tracie Peterson called the Brookstone Brides. It has an unusual setting of a traveling Wild West Show. Ella is the main performer doing acrobatics from the back of horses and she is the daughter of the owner. Now her father has passed away and she and her mother must find a way to move on.

Ella has decided she will close off her heart to love but she finds her heart being vied for by two men. Jason, who is an investor in the show and now has more say in where they will perform has set his cap for Ella and doesn't intend to take no for an answer. When they return home to their ranch for the winter hiatus, there is Wes, the man whom she has truly given her heart to years before but whom she thinks still sees her as a girl; besides, Wes is married or was, as his wife has died and Wes is full of guilt and also fear for Ella.

Complicating things, is the death of their wrangler, a runaway fiancee, and a vagabond brother. This is a very entertaining read which I recommend for your summer reading. Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

I’m not sure of how many Tracie Peterson books I’ve read over the years, but I’ve read a bunch of them. I’m never disappointed in her books. I know whenever I begin reading one that it’s going to be an interesting story. I found that to be true with this first book in her new series.

The background of this story caught my attention. The “Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza”, an all-female Wild West snow, was a fun and different approach to a historical novel set in the year 1900. This story finds the Brookstone show at a crossroads. One of their founders, Mark Brookstone, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack, and now the family must decide what changes need to be made to keep the popular show financially stable and on the road. Lizzy is the star of the show with her daring tricks on horseback, but her heart is broken over the unexpected death of her father. She no longer wants to be part of the show. She’s made another resolution as well: She does not want to fall in love and get married so as to avoid the heartache she sees her mother experiencing. But two men have an ambition to change Lizzie’s mind. Jason Adler has joined the management team of the show in order to help make it more profitable. Lizzie’s beauty and bravery capture his attention from the first moment he meets her. Wesley DeShazer is the long-time manager of the Brookstone Ranch. He’s know Lizzy since her teenage years, and is just coming to realize how much she means to him. Both men vie for Lizzy’s affection in this story, and that keeps the storyline moving at a good pace.

There’s also a suspenseful storyline that revolves around Ella, who is trying to escape her cruel father and avoid being forced into a dangerous marriage. Lizzy helps Ella find safety and peace on the Brookstone ranch, but that peace is soon shattered. It takes all of Lizzy’s loyalty, friendship, and courage to protect Ella.

All of this makes for a story that held my attention all the way through the book. I’m looking forward to reading more about the Brookstone family and the ladies of the “Wild West Extravaganza”.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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I love the West and everything country. This book fits the bill as I have visited Cody, Wyoming and went to the Buffalo Bill's Museum. The museum has on display many items from his Wild West Shows. This Book brought back happy memories of my visit.

Who doesn't love a story where a young woman is strong but has a hidden weakness or secret that must be worked out? Each main character has a story of their own to be told. Lizzy is dealing with her losses the best way she can. Mary is determined to find out the truth. Ella is trying to escape and make it in her own.

Throw in a good looking cowboy...and you have this delightful story.

I received this book for free to review from Celebrate Lit.

I haven’t read many books by Tracie and I don’t know why. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to this series.

This book as a little bit of everything, mystery and romance.

Lizzy is a strong character with a unique gift for riding yet she is feminine and kind. She truly cares for others.

I also enjoyed the setting as it is different than when I typically read.

The other characters that are introduced are interesting as well and promise to good reads in the future.


A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

Within the first chapter I knew this was a Christian book so I was thrilled. It is witnessed in their daily lives and not heavily preached. This is a very different tale than any I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I bet you would, also.

The author has an easy style of writing. She doesn’t rush her story but lets it blossom as it unfolds. The characters are engaging. They are described in such a way that I wanted to be their friend. The storyline has been well planned and researched. Attention is given to details and I was able to glean some things from this story.

This is the tale of Lizzy Brookstone, a female trick rider in a Wild West show. Author Peterson vividly describes the action so it is easy to picture the riders and stunts. There is even a female sharp shooter. It is amazing the things these ladies can do. Lizzie and her mother are grieving the death of Lizzie’s father. My heart broke for them in some places. I could feel their pain and loss. Their emotions jumped from the pages straight into me.

As the story progresses we meet more characters with their own baggage. Both men and women alike add to the story and will certainly return in Book Two. It is a well rounded cast of lovable and not so lovable people.

This book contains something for everyone. Danger, mystery, intrigue, romance, inspiration, and plenty of action. It takes on love, death, faith, hope, friendship, family, justice and God’s protection. I encountered a few twists and turns as well as some life lessons within the pages, too. The characters range from an English gentleman to rowdy wrangling cowboys.

This is another page turning, don’t put me down book from talented booksmith Peterson. She provided entertainment, education, and inspiration. The only thing I missed was a discussion question section. I highly recommend this beautifully written novel. Anyone would adore it. It earns a 5 out of 5 stars from me.

This is the first book in the Brookstone Brides series, what a great place to start. I enjoyed getting to know the Brookstone family, no matter if they were born into the family or joined it in unique ways. I enjoyed many of the characters in this novel and look forward to learning more about them as the series continues.

Lizzy Brookstone has much to overcome, love and trust do not always come easy. She has a heart of gold and a stubborn streak. Will Lizzy be able to open up her heart again and risk the pain of loss? Ella is seeking refuge. When Lizzy, Mary and the entire Brookstone family surround her with love and protection will it be enough?

Oh my word, this book was amazing! Tracie Peterson has proven – yet again – why she is one of my all time favorite authors. Her writing and plots are to die for.

This entire book was honestly to die for. I loved the whole Wild West horse show theme throughout it. It made for an entertaining and fun story line.

The characters also made the story worthwhile. I loved almost every single one of them. I wasn’t too fond of Jason or Ella’s father and “fiance”. All the other characters though were amazing and I loved them. I loved the character growth and just how each character – for the most part – loved the Lord with all their heart.

Mrs. Peterson always writes such amazing themes throughout her books; this one was no exception. I loved all the scripture and talk about God throughout the whole thing. Mrs. Peterson knows how to write a book with the gospel message without it being too preachy or cheesy.

The pain, suffering, and feelings throughout also brought a whole new light and perspective to this story. They were real, raw, and authentic. Something that you don’t find in many fiction books today.

The historical aspect was amazing as well. Research was definitely done and done well in this book. Research is something that I, as a reader, and a history lover, always look for while reading historical fiction.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one!!

*FTC I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. This review did not have to be positive.*

I so enjoyed this book. Lizzy is a trick rider in the Brookstone Wild West Exravaganza. She longs to be back to the family’s ranch but does she really want to see the man that broke her heart. Wesley is a foreman at the ranch.

The book is very inspirational with a lot of adventure. Lizzy mother is a recent widow. I loved her character. The relationship between Lizzy and mother is so awesome. Then there is Ella who is learning trick riding and trying to get away from things at home.

This a start of new series. I cannot wait until the next book comes out. I love reading about this period in time.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.

I love a book that introduces a new thing to me. In When You Are Near we get to see the inside of a wild west show. In fact this show is even more unique because all of the performers are women. The main character is Lizzy Brookstone and she is a trick rider.

I enjoyed the suspenseful aspect that was included in this book. The tension seemed to speed the story along.

This is the first book in a new series. And it has somewhat of a cliffhanger ending. If that drives you crazy you may want to wait until the whole series is out. I'm too impatient for that so I will just anticipate the release of book two.

I love the setting of this story! Filled with mystery and suspense, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and getting a taste of their world.

My thoughts: 5/5 stars

The book got off to a definite Tracie Peterson start!

A woman spurned by the man she's always loved.

The man dealing with ghosts from his past.

A girl running away from a dangerous marriage.

A woman seeking answers.

The one thing they all have in common?

They all must learn to put their trust and lean on the only One who can give them the answers they've been searching for.

I have to say, I was a little disappointed concerning the trick riding stuff. I wasn't as captivated by the details Peterson usually writes.

I was expecting to be able to see the trick riding in my head, but the writing didn't really allow for that. It was odd because this author is a favorite of mine and I can always expect good detail. Not saying there wasn't good detail through out the rest of the book, just when the girls were trick riding. 😉

This story was amazing. When it ended I was sad. But things did turn out exactly the way I wanted, and then some!

It was a quick read for me, at least it would have been if I'd not had to take a few days off of reading. (Busy life.)

I hadn't realized how many pages slipped by until I was almost done. I was so immersed in the story, I never wanted to put it down!

Peterson's stories always leave me happy and filled with a new love for Christ.

Tracie Peterson has a way with stories. I'm always blessed by her words.

I cannot wait to read the next two in the series!!

Definitely, DEFINITELY pick this book up!! It was absolutely amazing and I hate to say goodbye to these lovely characters.