Member Reviews
Due to the many books that I have started and not finished lately due to the unrealistic, cliche or unoriginal, or lacking a faith base in a book from a Christian author or publisher. I've found too many and am just leaving this book as a did not finish due to my not getting into the book... I have previously really enjoyed Tracie Peterson's books very, very much, she has been a favorite historical fiction author of myself and one of my sisters, however. This one and other more recent releases however have been repetitive and I haven't really gotten into them due to the fact that they seem like they were pieced together from her former works.
What Comes My Way
by Tracie Peterson
Pub Date 01 Oct 2019
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian
I am reviewing a copy of What Comes My Way through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:
Ella Fleming is on the run from her past and the secrets that could tear her family apart. She’s a member of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, a wild west show comprised of all-female performers, her uncanny talent for trick riding impresses the viewers. It’s only while she’s performing that she can forget the truth about who she really is, which is the daughter of a murderer.
Phillip DeShazer blames himself for his father's death and has done his best to bury his guilt in his work and in drink. But he soon realizes he needs something more so he seeks answers and finds support and kindness from the beautiful Ella Fleming. However, the more she comes to his rescue, the more his guilt grows.
Can Phillip overcome his vices so he and Ella can have their happily ever after?
Find out in What Comes My Way
I give What Comes my way five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
This book was a good finale to the Brookstone Brides series. I still adored the Wild West show and how much of a role it played in the plot. The fact that this series had several threads arced through all three books made me smile so much. A series that’s actually a series! That’s my cup of tea right there.
Ella Fleming was the lead, and I was so glad to see that. She came into the first book, and I immediately took to her so much that I hoped for a book and a half that she’d get the spotlight shined on her. So my heart is happy because that came true.
The twists and turns in this book were surprising and natural to the plot. They kept the chapters flying by, and I found myself either holding my breath or gasping more often than not. I really enjoyed this story, but even more, I enjoyed this entire series.
I especially enjoyed how alcoholism was shown to be a negative thing (which it is) and that it is possible to overcome it once a person turns to God Almighty. This over-arching theme was wonderfully expressed throughout the series, and I think it came to a great end in this particular story.
I did not know that this is the last of a series! I really should be more careful when I make requests.
Most likely because of that I was unable to get into this book. I didn't know the main characters enough and there were many of them.
The writing was good though, and I still enjoyed big parts of the story.
Many thanks Netgalley and Bethany House for the review copy. This is my honest opinion.
A solid story to conclude the ending of the Brookstone Brides series. It's strongly connected to each of the previous books and would not stand alone at all. We have as much content of Lizzie and Mary as we do of Ella, and it's essential to have read the previous books to understand what happened in Ella's past.
It's a gentle story despite the strong thread of a villain in the piece. He's a very unscrupulous villain but I couldn't really think of him as a real threat because I was so sure there would be a happy ending. It's historical fiction, not suspense, after all.
I didn't quite feel the romance very well, though. Ella and Phillip are apart for 90% of the novel and few scenes take place with them together. Because of this lightness to the romance, I can safely recommend it to younger teens.
I did have a bone to pick with the portrayal of the alcoholism. While showing it as a pernicious thing, it isn't mentioned that the addiction is on a strong cellular level and instead it's said that "he drinks because he wants to [cover his conscience with it]." It isn't that alone. Drinking is a habit that often transcends emotions. Another thing I disliked was that Wes never apologized to his wife for leaving her in the dust when he felt his brother needed him. A man is supposed to cleave to his wife FIRST and he was very wrong to chase off after his brother's well-being with no provision for his wife's comfort nor his promise to her and to her uncle.
Overall, it's a solid and satisfying story.
Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
I loved this book! It had action some romance and just kept you interested through the whole book. I was not disappointed in the story line at all! Looking so forward to reading the next one!
This is the last bookof the “Brookstone” trilogy, and this story ties together some of the storylines that have been on-going all throughout the series. This story has some rather serious themes, among them the difficult topic of racism, and I thought the author did a good job of using Abraham and Mara’s stories to shine the light on their struggles. We see several changes among the performers in the show, and get to see a happy ending for several of them.
I’d suggest reading the other two books in this series before reading this one. I’ve enjoyed this series, and looking forward to reading Tracie Peterson’s next book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
As the series comes to a close, I find myself already missing this cast of amazing men and women. Although the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza featured an all-women team of trick riders and sharp-shooters, there’s plenty of romance to be found between them and the men who help with the show.
This time, it’s Ella and Phillip’s turn, even though the story does bounce around between the entire cast of characters. We even get a deeper glimpse into Myra and Abe’s romance, which strengthened the story.
Phillip’s struggle with alcohol and Ella’s family troubles keep them apart as they each work toward being the person God would have them be before they are ready to pledge their lives to one another. While we are given so many different perspectives through the point-of-view of many characters, hearing more from Phillip as he recovered would not have hurt my feelings.
Instead of being centered around the show, What Comes My Way sets itself more in the travel between shows and the ranches owned by the Brookstones and Flemings. It’s time to find justice for August. I found I liked this change in setting, even though it separated the characters.
I loved this story. The friendship between the entire crew, their willingness to drop everything and help each other, brought the story home. Tracie Peterson once again allowed for deep Godly conversations and the redemption of characters who thought themselves beyond hope. Ella’s conversation with Phillip about that very thing settled deep in my heart. We are each precious in God’s sight and His son died for everyone. He doesn’t pick and choose, worthy versus unworthy. We are all unworthy and God loves us anyway.
This was a beautiful story about God’s love and His promise that He is always with us, no matter what may come our way.
I requested a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
A Satisfying End! While the 1902 females perform an exciting Wild West Show for the public, they live a wild life in private. After overcoming many obstacles to be together, Lizzy and Wes have barely settled into married life, when Wes abruptly leaves the show without her.
Wes nobly does it to make a last-ditch effort to stop Phillip’s drinking, but Lizzy’s feelings of abandonment spur her on to take dangerous chances, ones she promised not to. She also tries to protect Oliver from fortune hunter, Amanda, who is determined to marry him for his money. Will Amanda make it down the aisle with him, or will the truth come out about her, and destroy Oliver?
The shocking revelation of the true owner of the show stuns everyone, and leads to a turn of events. Ella continues to hide in the show from the cruel and dangerous man who insisted on marrying her. She has contact with her ostracized family which leads to surprising events, including the biggest danger of her life. Also, the mystery behind August Reichert’s death is revealed.
Don’t miss this third part of the series where thrills, intrigue, surprises and betrayal abound. Faith is a natural part of the tale, and adds depth to all the characters. Even if you haven’t read the other books, I highly recommend this 5-star story to anyone who enjoys exciting yarns.
Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of What Comes My Way, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This is the third and, I think, the final book in the Brookstone Brides series and I think I liked it the best of all of them. I will be honest, this whole series has seemed a bit cheesy to me in the way everything worked out for everyone.
In this final installment, Ella and Philip finally get things figured out and the mystery of Mary's brother's death is also figured out and dealt with. There was a bit more suspense and intrigue in this book and I enjoyed it more for that fact.
I was impressed with Philip's determination to straighten out his life, as well as the family loyalty Wes also displayed in being willing to help him.
The whole female rodeo concept is also very interesting to me and I enjoyed reading about the tricks they did and the attention they garnered. The skill and expertise that is required are just amazing.
Overall, this is not Tracie's finest writing. That is not to say that someone else wouldn't enjoy it, it's just, for me, there are other series she has written that I have enjoyed much, much more.
I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.
The long awaited conclusion to the Brookstone Brides Trilogy.
What Comes My Way picks up right where the previous book left off, making it a book that I would not recommend reading as a stand alone, as much of the set up is done in previous books, and this is the book where we finally get the answers. I really enjoyed the previous books in the series so picking his one up was a no brainer, in this book we get to know Ella a bit more, as well as Phillip, while still following Lizzie and Wesley from the first book.
Ella has come a long way since the beginning, finding her place as a talented trick rider she feels free from her past. She has grown in her faith and confidence with the help of her friends who have become family. When faces from her past reappear, she must put the past behind her and choose the life that she wants for herself.
Phillip Deshazer struggles with guilt, which shows itself in his overindulgence in strong drink. He must face his demons once and for all if his budding relationship with Ella stands a chance.
Overall, a great ending to a very entertaining and enjoyable series about strong women as they make their way in a wild west show. Ella and Phillip grow over the course of the book, I liked how it continues to follow the main characters from the previous book. Also it ties up many of the loose ends, with a fast paced conclusion, even though the beginning was a bit slow for me. Definitely a must read if you've read the other books the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
What Comes My Way by Tracie Peterson is the final book in the Brookstone Brides trilogy. I thought What Comes My Way was a satisfying conclusion to the series. This is a series of books that you need to read in order. Each book builds upon the previous one with the search for justice for the death of August Reichert running throughout all three books. Ella Fleming had to flee her family farm when Jefferson Spiby wanted her for his bride and her father would not protect her from the letch. Ella has been performing as a trick rider with the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza with her friends, Mary Reichert and Lizzy Brookstone. Ella has come to care for Phillip DeShazer, but the tremendous guilt he feels regarding his part in his father’s death keeps him drinking copious quantities of alcohol. Ella reassures him the God will forgive his sins if only Phillip asks it. Unfortunately, Phillip is not ready. Mary is engaged to Chris Williams and they are planning their wedding. Lizzy and Wes are touring with the show at Rebecca Brookstone’s request. She wants them to keep an eye on Oliver. It is a good thing Lizzy is present because the new seamstress, Amanda Moore has sunk her claws into Oliver. Lizzy does not trust the seamstress who spends more time with Oliver than with a needle and thread. I thought What Comes My Way contained Tracie Peterson’s trademark writing along with strong female characters. Faith, prayer, forgiveness and trusting God are themes that run throughout the story. My favorite phrase is “Trust in God. He is our source of strength.” There is also danger and intrigue in the story. Jefferson Spiby is not about to go down quietly nor let Ella get away so easily. I was very pleased with how What Comes My Way ended. It was nice to see growth from the characters especially Philip. Family, friendship, and faith are the focus of What Comes My Way. Those readers who indulge in historical novels will enjoy the Brookstone Brides trilogy. What Comes My Way is a fulfilling historical novel with handsome horses, tremendous tricks, a malicious murderer, outrageous offenses, caring chums, and persistent Pinkerton agents.
This is book three in the Brookstone Brides series, you do not have to read book one and two to understand this book yet you will miss lots of history on most of the characters and it will make for a better read to read them in order.
I loved how this book kept us in touch with Lizzy and Wes, Mary and Chris, Ella and Phillip, Plus the entire Brookstone family and show. It is a great conclusion to a good series.
I didn't realize this was the third book in the series until about halfway through when I happened upon the first one at the library. I then picked up the first one which explained a lot, but I don't think it's necessary to read. You can still figure everything out if you decide to only read the third book. Although they are not stand alones necessarily like her Sapphire Brides or Land of Shining Waters ones(and this is extremely different from any of those. Probably more like her Texas ones.)
I loved the strong women theme, the horses, the performing. The series reminded me of when I performed in Calamity Jane or Annie Get Your Gun. Or if you like Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken, or any sort of circus type book-though it's not the circus, there's that feel.
They're fast paced books about unusually talented women. In this one Ella, has a bit of a past she's running from that she doesn't want anyone to know about which adds to the plot. Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite authors and I've read all twenty something books by her that my library owns. If you love Peterson it's another fun and fast paced read by her. I feel like her series keep getting better with time because this is one of my favorite trilogies of hers.
This copy I received in advance for my honest review from netgalley.
What Comes My Way, book three from Tracie Peterson's Brookstone Brides series, is a great read. I enjoyed this book and am giving it four and a half stars.
I am really enjoying this series and I'm hoping in at least one or two more books in the series! Was so glad to have Phillip be one of the focuses for this book. I really like Tracie Peterson's writing style!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.
I love the blend of characters and the author's skill in weaving their stories together. The story about the shows is lovely.
This is a wonderful blend of stories of families, friends, freedom from various bondages, forgiveness and love.
The dialogue between characters was okay for a quiet, slow read.
I received a copy of this book from Netgallery and this is my honest opinion.
Tracie Peterson is amazing. She blends Christianity with historical fiction to make one awesome read. What Comes My Way is the third in a trilogy. This story continues the stories of Lizzy and Mary, but the main story is focused on Ella. I loved the entire series. It was about an all female Wild West show. Lizzy, Mary and Ella are all three strong Christian women who are performers in this show. The characters are very well developed. I had a hard time setting the book down as I was so deeply into it. This series has something for everyone: romance, history, and even some suspense. I definitely recommend reading the three books in order as it might get confusing. Thank you to Netgalley and Bethany House for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
What Comes My Way is book 3 in Peterson's Brookstone Brides series. Although this book COULD be read as a standalone, the story lines continue through-out the series and the book makes MUCH more sense being read in sequence with books 1 and 2 in this excellent and unique historical-romance series that spotlights female performers in a wild-west show and their future spouses. The story is filled with strong characters with real-life struggles and joys. Book 3 features Ella and Phillip and tells their stories, as well as continues stories from characters featured in books 1 and 2. What Comes My Way is VERY well-written and VERY enjoyable to read!
What Comes My Way is the third book in the Brookstone Brides series. I was blessed to read the other two and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this story. I first met Ella in When You are Near and was anxiously awaiting her story. Peterson did not disappoint. Ella was raised with the best things life had to offer. When her father told her she would marry a man way older than her, who was also known to be mean and unforgiving, Ella had a choice to make. The Brookstone family being so close seemed to be God’s answer of a way for her to escape. In this story Ella has been traveling and preforming along with her friends who also happen to be some pretty talented women. Ella’s heart has a mind of it’s own, and it can’t help but care for Phillip, a wrangler for the troupe. Coming to his rescue far too often, Ella knows Phillip has a past and it’s not one he wants to talk about. She also knows that often talking about it and turning it over to God are the best things anyone can do. Danger is never far behind and Ella knows her former fiance won’t give her up easily. Can Ella and Phillip move beyond their past to a future where they belong together? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.