I enjoyed reading more about the history of this time period with this story! The main character being a photographer was a big draw for me.

Original, captivating cover art. Well written story. Rich character development. Beautifully crafted novel. Five stars.

A mysterious and intriguing air kept me turning pages in this book.
A romance between a broken hearted man and a woman with no re idea of love made my heart swoon.
The cast of characters in Scott's A Distance too Grand were all interesting and added to the story in their own way.
This is the first time I've been introduced to Scott's writing and I must say, I was very pleased with the meeting.
Her stories are told in a simple, yet beautiful way. Her flowery descriptions were just enough to send my heart aflutter.
Scott set the scene in the wilds of Arizona perfectly. I felt I was riding a horse in the rocky terrain next to Ben and Meg myself.
I believe Regina Scott stories and I will meet again and again.

I really enjoyed this story! As a photographer, I liked the fact the heroine was a photographer from a much earlier age. The idea of carrying the kind of camera kit she would have needed, on a long journey into the Grand Canyon was a bit mind-blowing!

Meg is a wonderful character, determined to carry on her father's legacy. Ben is the man she once refused to marry, and she's not that happy to find out he's leading the surveying expedition. He has his own secrets. While carrying out the survey mission he's also looking for his missing father.

Full of adventure, a nicely drawn romance, and fantastic descriptions of the Grand Canyon, this is a great read, perfect for any lover of historical romance, and with the neat twist of featuring one of American's greatest natural treasures.

I'll start by saying that the cover of A Distance Too Grand is gorgeous. It might be one of my favorite ones for historical fiction books.❤️

This book focuses on the life of Meg Pero, a young photographer that is trying to earn a living among a society that doesn't see women as individuals qualified to do anything more than giggle, be pretty, and faint 😂.

After her father's death, Meg decides to go and fulfill a job her father still had to complete, photograph the Grand Canyon for the army on an expedition bound to find suitable places to build roads.

Well, Meg is certainly pretty. But, I had an issue...She is annoying since page one 😭 . *Sighs* I wanted to like this book, and honestly, the plot was very interesting, but Meg didn't work for me.

She was too undecisive and the base for her opinions and decisions was super superficial and in a way, selfish.

She loves Ben, yet she doesn't want to marry him, she's too independent 😂. But then she acts like she despises him but she's secretly in love. No, no, no, please girl, decide what you want. It was driving me a little crazy, and when she then confesses why she was avoiding marriage to Ben, I was like 😂 , PLSSSSS, jksbdflqbrfq.

Ben on the other hand was super nice and considerate, and if a guy pursued me like he did Meg, my heart would literally melt 😭 . There were some moments that I wanted to shake Meg and show her how she didn't deserve Ben at all .

The funny thing was, she was asked to marry above her and she didn't even see it😂 . Like, the realizations she had had me rolling my eyes so bad because they were obvioussssss. Who doesn't realize those things?!?

Anywayyyy...

The plot was very nice. The book didn't really start for me until about 45%, so it was very slow to develop.

The action was even further on the book and it took me a while to finish it because of that.

The descriptions were gorgeous, though! I need to visit the Grand Canyon someday soon because it sounds so magical✨.

If I had to pick a favorite character, I would 100% pic Dot. Oh my goodness I love her. Dot is the outspoken cook for the expedition that is the funniest and kindest woman ever. She has her little things, but she recognizes them and works on them. I love her, she's the sweetest.

But even so, the book is very clean! What I loved in the book was the faith element. So, so, good. There were Bible verses here and there, and it was very nice to see that encouraging others in the army with Bible verses and singing hymns. I found that super uplifting and empowering.

Cleanness:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  5/5 (Some kissing that was non-descriptive. Age recommendation 13+)

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

Characters:  2.5/5

My personal rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

Regina Scott nails the setting in this story. I am a fan of her writing because her characters spring off the page like you're watching a movie. Much love for this author! I'm looking forward to what's next!

I'll start by saying this book's cover is amazing. Loved it! It was one of things that drew me to the book. I had come across quite a few enthusiastic reviews of one of the author's previous series, and that was the second draw. As for its content, the story was well-written, but the plot wasn't very engaging,

In the romance fiction world, there are many a long-lost-lovers-reconnect story, but this one was rather dull. The plot comes across as very obvious, and therefore, unnecessarily drawn out. The characters are also a bit difficult to connect with, particularly the male lead (Ben). I feel like he could've fought a bit harder for his love the first time around. But then, maybe I've been spoilt by too many (possibly unrealistic) strong go-getter male leads recently.

The grand Canyon scenery and descriptions of early photography techniques (late 1800s) are delightful. This story gets 3.4 stars from me.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and was not required to leave a positive review.

Regina Scott has crafted an engaging and enjoyable story about a woman photographer in the Grand Canyon. Meg and Ben have a sweet romance, but the story as a whole is a bit slow. There are also several side stories within the novel that detract a bit from the main storyline, making it feel like a lot is going on. This is a fun historical story that brings to life the time period and the scenes of the Grand Canyon.

Series: American Wonders Collection
Genre: historical, romance, adventure, Christian
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: October 1, 2019
Number of pages: 384

I always enjoy Regina Scott’s books, and I think this is my favorite one yet. She does a wonderful job describing this expedition to the Grand Canyon and the dangers the group faced. I very much admired Meg, who was courageous and caring. She is one of the very few lady photographers in the 1871, and her adventures on this trip of photographing the Canyon where not always easy ones. There’s just the right balance of a little bit of suspense and romance in this story. I also liked the “hero” and leader of the expedition, Captain Ben Coleridge. He and Meg were a good match and I loved how he supported her desire to be a photographer.

I’ve had the opportunity to take a photography trip to the Grand Canyon, and this book hits just the right note in describing the wonder of the Canyon during a sunset or storm. I’m looking forward to reading more of this “American Wonders Collection” series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
“

I always love a book that is set at on of our National Parks. This one, which is first in a new series, is set at the Grand Canyon. The expedition's public assignment is to find a way for wagons to cross the canyon. The private reason for the trip is for the group leader to find information on two missing persons: his father and the guide for his father's trip.

The Army had commissioned Meg Pero (through her deceased father) to be the official photographer for the trip. Meg first has to convince the expedition leader, Captain Ben Coleridge, to allow her to serve in her father's place. Ben, though, is the "ex" of Meg as she was scorned by his family and she felt it best to break off the relationship.

The book moved at a good pace and there was intrigue through guide Pike and camp cook Dot, with her wisdom. I enjoyed the journey to the region of the Grand Canyon. At times, you could sense the danger of being too close to the edge with the descriptions of crumbling soil and rocks falling into the canyon.

In the past, I have read some of Regina Scott's regency fiction. So, I was looking forward to read her new historical fiction novel.

A Distance Too Grand is about a young woman named Meg who is determined to follow in her father's footsteps and become a surveyor's photographer. The problem is that photography is a man's world and many men make it clear that Meg is not welcome. She perseveres to finish her father's contract with the army after he passes away. She meets Captain Ben Coolidge who leads the army's expedition to explore the Grand Canyon. Along the way they meet with dangers outside and within their traveling group. Can Meg withstand the hardships or will she give up and go home?

I enjoyed reading A Distance Too Grand. The author really captures the beauty and grandeur of the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas. I felt transported back with Meg to the 1800's and could see what she saw. The plot was good, the characters likable and the romance light.

Any fans of Regina Scott or historical fiction will enjoy this book.

A Distance Too Grand
by Regina Scott
Revell
Christian
Pub Date 01 Oct 2019

I am reviewing a copy of A Distance Too Grand through Revell and Netgalley:

Get ready to take a trip back to the Arizona territory in the years following the Civil War.

Meg Pero has been her Father’s assistant since she was only eight and was able to carry the photographers equipment so after he dies she is determined to take over his profession she starts by fulfilling the contract he signed to serve as a photographer on the Army Survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she didn’t know until she was face to face with him was that the head of this expedition was none other than the man she once married.

Captain Ben Coleridge would love to leave for the expedition without the women who broke his heart, but he needs a photographer and unfortunately she is the only one who is available. Whether he likes it or not Ben knows he needs Meg in order to complete this survey. But this Survey is actually a screen for another more personal, more important mission, so delaying it even a day is not an option. He has to find his missing Father.

There are dangers coming from all sides including the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together in order to stay alive , fulfill their doings, but in doing so can they rekindle the flames they once felt for one another?

If you are looking for a good trip back into the past, filled with Adventure, and perhaps even love, I recommend A Distance Too Grand.

I give this book five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

A riveting adventure of romance, sabotage, and forgiveness, set against the breathtaking wonder of the Grand Canyon.


Meg Pero grew up assisting her photographer father, and after his death she is determined to fulfill his contract with the Army as part of the surveying team mapping the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. But the man leading the expedition is none other than her ex-fiance, Capt. Ben Coleridge.



Meg grew up on the road, following her father wherever his job took him, now that he's gone she's fighting to blaze a trail for herself as a photographer. She is a strong heroine, who must stand up for herself in a world of men, and an uncertain future. Meg is smart, and spunky, willing to do what it takes to prove her mettle as a photographer worthy of her position.



I loved the friendship and camaraderie among the surveying crew, which adds to the tension of who could be behind the mysterious events plaguing their crew. Meg finds a fast friend in Dot, the wife of the cartographer, who also cooks and serves as a chaperone. Dot has a strong faith, that encourages Meg and others on their journey.



Overall, a highly entertaining read with well developed characters who grow over the course of the book as they deal with sabotage, betrayal, and a second chance at love. I liked Ben's strong faith and how he finds ways to reconnect with Meg on their journey. There is a lot going on, with compelling characters, and a lot going on that kept me guessing where the story would go next. I also enjoyed learning about the Grand Canyon during the discovery/mapping phase, before it became a National Park. Very well-written read.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 stars

A Distance Too Grand was different than I was expecting, but nonetheless a good read overall.

I enjoyed the setting and how the heroine was so passionate about photography. Reading some of the descriptions on the scenery was so good and I liked that part.

The characters were fine, although I never felt connected to them and I don't know why...maybe because of the romance and the way that played out. Although I had a difficult time empathizing with the heroine at times, I did enjoy it in the end.

All in all, A Distance Too Grand was enjoyable to read and I recommend it to fans of this genre. I look forward to Regina Scott's next novel.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

It took me a bit to adjust to the slower pace of the narrative which is rich with description and historical detail, but once I developed a connection to the characters I enjoyed their journey along the rim of the Grand Canyon. As a photographer I was fascinated by the arduous process Meg went through in order to take a picture. And the thought of being limited to such a small amount of photos! I loved her passion in capturing the expanse to share with the public. She has the determination and grit to succeed in a male-dominated industry, and is willing to take the risks necessary to get the shot.

Ben is an admirable hero who takes his responsibilities seriously. He is protective of Meg while at the same time resenting her earlier rejection. I loved how their friendship rekindled and he grew to trust and confide in her, deepening their relationship beyond what it had previously been. They face mundane tasks and hardships amidst the stunning beauty of the wilderness they are exploring, and the pace of the story picked up significantly as the danger increased. Perfect for readers of historical fiction, especially fans of Karen Barnett, Regina Jennings, and Carla Kelly.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

I found this book to be very good. This is a story about Capt. Coleridge who is looking for a road through the Grand Canyon and Meg Pero who has been hired to be the photographer for the expedition. When Meg arrives at the fort she is told she can't go along on the expedition because she is a women. She fights for her right to go as she has a contract. Unbeknownst to her, the leader of the expedition is none other than the man whose marriage proposal she turned down. This is the story of how they reconnected and the mapping of the road through the Grand Canyon.

This is the first book I've read by this author and look forward to reading more.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

The author’s colorful description of the majesty of the Grand Canyon as well as the rock formations, flora, edible plants and the animals that call the canyon their home makes this a most enjoyable and unusual story that will appeal to romance, mystery and historical fiction fans of all ages. This is my first book by Regina Scott and I can’t wait to read everything she’s written. I so enjoyed Meg’s character because she’s smart and talented and she’s not about to let anyone take advantage of the her because she’s a woman in a man’s profession. I love feisty woman! I was just as impressed with Ben because of his treatment of the men under his command, his outdoor survival skills and his dedication to his mission to find a path through the Grand Canyon for future settlers. There are a number of other characters in the book that were along for this journey and I found them to be quite interesting as well. I read a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

It was a delight to get to know these characters in this compelling grand adventure were Meg Pero sets out to honor the contract, with the Army Engineers her father negotiated before his passing. Meg shows up for duty to discover Captain Ben Coleridge in charge. She declined his marriage proposal a few years back. She had her heart set on being a photographer not a bride... “She loved the trade she’d been baptized into, the way the world opened through the lens of her camera. It was a challenge and an art to choose the exact right angle, the exact right light, to create something extraordinary out of the ordinary, to share the glimpse of the divine. How could they ask her, -no order-, her to give it up as if it were something shameful?”

“Her father had taken her with him to the edge of the battlefield and the wilds of the frontier. She’d met women who nursed wounded soldiers… She knew her life didn’t have to be confined to the sitting room and the kitchen.”

Meg tells Ben, “Your commanding officer told my father …that the cartographer’s wife will be joining the survey.”

“Yes, but Mrs. Newcomb can cook.” Ben protested…”And I can take pictures. Meg informed him. “I see no difference.”

It was too late for the Captain to get another photographer, so they plunge ahead to do the job they both signed up for. I was amazed at what photographers went through to get the shots that would make a name for themselves. Ben and his crew risked their lives to pave the way for others to travel safely, as the government surveyed the land.

Ben’s on a private mission on this expedition. He’s searching for his father, (who went missing a few weeks back). Meg was learning to navigate life without her father. She was out to get the shot that would help get her through and build her reputation as a photographer. Meg and Ben get more than they bargain for in this adventure battling the dangers of the trail, facing unknown enemies, wildlife and mother nature. This was an intriguing story as these two strong willed individuals seek to be the best, they can be at the same time they are drawn to one another in ways they never expected. I enjoyed seeing the two grow in their faith, discover what true love is, survive dangers, run into a few surprises, and face an unknown enemy that’s been following them in the shadows.

I loved the scenic view of the Grand Canyon and how it might have felt discovering this wonder. I appreciated the struggle of trying to capture all that beauty in a photograph. It was a breath-taking sight, a daunting task. The author says this, “Dear Reader,… Our national parks began in a time of exploration and wonder, much like Meg and Ben’s love, and I hope I’ve captured that in this book…The Grand Canyon was known to Native Americans and their forebears for centuries before the white explores ventured into the area. …The Grand Canyon wasn’t made a national park until 1919…”

“The Army had a bigger role to play in the history of the national parks, My next book is set in Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, when the U.S. Cavalry was sent to take charge.”

This Is the first book I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last I look forward to going on another wild adventure and learn about Yellowstone national park. This would make a great book club selection. There is so much to discuss!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Catalogue front page www.bookfun.org

I was interested in this book because it takes place in the Grand Canyon as an army surveying team first makes an expedition. Having just recently visited the Grand Canyon I knew how grand the vistas described really were. Nothing really can do it justice. This book does a fair job of telling an interesting story and lead the reader through a bit of mystery and romance. The story unfolded a bit slowly and the suspense was actually a bit predictable. It was a pleasant story with events unfolding, problems occurring and being solved rather quickly and seemingly easily. This was a feel good historical romance in an interesting location.

Thank you to Revell and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. I really liked this book-the writing was really good and the author did a great job of describing the scenery the explorers encountered. This is the story of Meg Pero, a photographer on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871 It was so interesting to learn about early photography and how Meg had to carry so much equipment. This story also seemed so realistic describing many of the hardships the party faced like mountain lions, rough terrain, the weather, etc. There's also a love interest-Captain Ben Coleridge. Great Historical Fiction!.