An adventure through the west with a plucky photographer and a stalwart commander that will test many boundaries.

Another recent book I had a hard time putting down.  The story grabbed me from page one and didn't let go until the end.  The characters have multiple layers, the descriptions of the scenery are breath taking, and the adventure of being charting unknown territory is exhilarating.

The main characters are Meg Pero and Ben Coleridge.  They aren't strangers as they met when Ben was at West Point and Meg was there helping her father take photos.  Despite a whirlwind romance, Meg wasn't ready to settle down so she did what she thought she needed to do, turn Ben down and leave.  She never expected to come in contact with him again and especially didn't expect to fall in love all over again.  Ben hasn't changed a lot since the academy and is still a typical guy, not expressing his thoughts (or at least not well) to Meg so that perhaps there is a chance for a future for them.  Both Meg and Ben learn some lessons in this book and realize that there can be more if they both just bend a little.

I admired Meg's persistence in getting some shots for the Army and herself despite Ben's resistance at the beginning.  After all, she was there to do a job and while cameras back there are nothing like what we have today, it took more time to set up the shot and get just the right angle.  I admired the job she did and how the author detailed the process of taking a photograph and describing the plates and how they had to be prepped to be used in taking those photographs.  It was a lot of work to obtain a finished photograph.

I appreciated the spiritual aspects in the story- from the prayers, to the Sunday services, to the various bible verses scattered throughout.  The characters realized that there was more at work then just what they could see or touch and it was just a matter of faith.

There are some other characters to take note of in this book - Dot and Hank.  Dot is the cook for the expedition team and Hank is working on constructing the maps of what they discover.  They are married yet they have their own set of trials to endure.  They are an amazing team and it just proves the point that you should communicate with your significant other otherwise you might find yourself on the outs.  Their love is strong but even so it needs to be shared with each other to continue to flourish.

Overall I loved this book and can't wait to see what might come next in this series...and a little spoiler, it is about Yellowstone.  If you pick up this book to read (and you should), make sure to check out the Author's Notes at the end because she discusses The Grand Canyon and how it came into the National Parks System.

This is my first full length Regina Scott novel, and she paints absolutely beautiful pictures of the Grand Canyon. I feel like I was there experiencing nature with our characters. This is a lovely second chance romance that progresses at a slow, believable pace. It’s Christian fiction but the scripture is doled out minimally and it’s spread out, so I didn’t feel like I was bombarded with Bible verses.

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

While I was instantly captivated by this cover, the synopsis grabbed me even more knowing this would be about an Army team surveying the Grand Canyon. As an Army veteran myself, I'm always interested in reading stories that connect readers to my branch of service, especially when it comes to historical and romantic fiction written for women. This was absolutely fantastic! Not only will you get an authentic and rewarding love story, but the history lessons weaved into the narrative about the park, photography, and the Army's mission are incredibly riveting! The author has found a new fan with me, and I CANNOT wait for the next adventure into Yellowstone and the work of the U.S. Cavalry.

This is the first book in the American Wonders Collection, transporting readers back to 1871 as the United States began its early exploration into the Grand Canyon. Interestingly, this year, 2019, marks the 100th anniversary of its establishment as a national park, a perfectly timed publication date! As the survey team is about to embark on their expedition, Meg arrives to serve as the photographer in place of her renowned father who has recently died. She quickly discovers that the team will be led by Captain Ben Coleridge, a former suitor. Though this unexpected reunion could make for some uncomfortable situations, both maintain a high degree of professionalism, which strongly reflects their sense of duty and immense regard towards each other and their individual careers. Seamlessly alternating between their perspectives, Meg and Ben are engaging and forthcoming, giving readers valuable insight into the pressures that not only society has placed on them, but also the weight they have placed on themselves. Surrounded by an equally colorful and curious cast of secondary characters, you can't help but root for the team's success and love to blossom.

"'Your camera lens is so small, but you see more than most people.' His praise warmed her. 'It's a focus more than anything, the ability to hone in on one thing in the entire picture and bring it to life.'"

The author's picturesque descriptions bring Meg's photography to life, and simultaneously places you right there along with her as she experiences the awe and grandeur of the Grand Canyon. I was also blown away by the author's ability to connect this geographic wonder into a thoughtful and introspective discussion into the personal relationship each character shared with God, thus providing subtle cues for readers to consider their own connections as well.

The author is also able to masterfully examine the changing role of women within this historical setting as an influence for the present. The positive example of female friendships as well as the guidance and mentoring offered across generations was encouraging and should galvanize us all to be better models of that today.

Inspiring on many levels and rich in wonder, intrigue, and romance, this is what compelling historical fiction looks like and should not be missed!

I very much enjoyed this historical novel set just after the Civil War that takes place at the Grand Canyon. The author does an amazing job at describing the beauty of the Grand Canyon, painting vivid pictures in my imagination as I read the story. The book has a lovely blend of romance, mystery and a breathtaking setting. The mystery aspect kept me engrossed the growing romance between Meg and and Ben was sweet. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this new series, and I hope Ben’s sister, Diana gets her own story!

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews & Reviews.

A Distance Too Grand is the first installment to the American Wonders Collection by Regina Scott. I enjoyed Meg and Ben’s story. It was sweet and heartwarming. I reading about their adventures and learning some history of photography. They, also, get themselves into some danger, mystery and suspense. I love the power of faith and inspiration.
A Distance Too Grand gets four and a half stars from me. I highly recommend this beautiful and clean read.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

I have always loved Regina Scott's novels, but this one has to be my favorite. Meg Pero grew up alongside her widowed father helping him take pictures of military personnel and scenic places after the civil war. When he died, Meg took over his equipment and his contracts and headed out on her own. Her first assignment was with the military in Arizona photographing along with a surveyor and his team in the Grand Canyon area. When she finally arrives in Arizona Territory from back east, to her surprise the leader of the surveying team is her ex-fiancee Captain Ben Coleridge.

Meg was an independent, strong-willed, career-minded woman much ahead of her times. To get the shots she wanted, she wore britches under her dress and thought nothing of climbing on rocks or down a cliff's edge to capture the perfect moment. She had no thought in mind to be one of the demure, stay at home knitting, ladies of her time. Ben was the perfect military soldier, born to lead, loved by his men, and adored by the ladies; but he only had one woman still in his heart, Meg Pero. But he has to focus on his surveying assignment as well as trying to solve the mystery of what happened to his military father and his guide who had also set to explore the Grand Canyon area.

Filled with plenty of adventure, lots of mishaps, and a mysterious villain who's determined to stop the team from exploring the Grand Canyon. The light romance thread played a background part to the true purpose of Meg's photography and Ben's assignment. I also like each of the other members of the team and the role that they played both on the team as well as matchmaking for Ben and Meg. Dot was my favorite of the secondary characters with her wisdom, smarts, and good cooking. Finally, a faith element brought many of the pieces together and also bound all of the team together except for the strange Mr. Pike, their guide.

Scott does an excellent job of the historical detail and her descriptions of the Grand Canyon were excellent. Definitely recommend this historical fiction new series debut of Regina Scott.

Oh. My. Word!

I adored this book!! It is most certainly my favorite by Regina Scott to date. While not as overtly humorous as the Fortune's Brides series, it had just a touch of whimsy to keep things light.

Meg was a delightful blend of independence, intelligence, and impulsiveness. I loved watching her as she sought out the best possible angles and lighting for her images. I cringed, however, as she scrambled into dangerous places, doing whatever it took for the shot. This is the Grand Canyon, after all!! It is a long way down those cliffs.

Funny thing. I have a terrible fear of heights. Even watching movies (like the opening to Mission Impossible where Tom Cruise is doing mountain climbing!) can make my stomach ache and cause me to freak out a little. Yet I've never before experienced this sensation while reading a book. Until now!

Now about Ben. Knowing he had been crushed by Meg's rejection years earlier, and knowing he had no desire to bring her on the expedition because of the dangers, not to mention the forced closeness they would have to share, my heart melted at the way he stood up for her when the others didn't respect her. And, of course, at the way he was so protective of her.

The pace of the story fit the expedition. It was not rushed and yet it didn't drag at all. I was also so impressed with the vast amount of knowledge imparted about the time, the place, and the processes they went through in their investigation. Nothing in this marvelous story felt like a brain dump. The information was disclosed so naturally!

One particular historical bit I found interesting was the requirement that the leader of the expedition see to all the needs of his troop, physical, mental, and spiritual. Thus, Ben conducted Sunday services regularly, and no one found that unusual.

As a photographer, I was especially fascinated with the descriptions of the laborious process Meg had to go through even before putting a plate into the camera, not to mention the processing that had to occur afterward. Even the perils of attempting to transport enough plates for her to accurately document their findings were amazing.

In addition to the rekindling of the romance between Ben and Meg was a touch of suspense and mystery as Ben sought to carry out his other mission, and as evidence that their survey party was being followed and sabotaged mounted.

I could go on and on about how much I loved this story but think you should see for yourself and start reading A Distance Too Grand!

A Distance Too Grand is the first book in the American Wonders series highlighting epic locations in the United States. This book takes place in the Grand Canyon and is all about a guy, a girl and the things we do for love.

Meg Pero is a determined woman. Raised by her father, a famous photographer, she is more used to traveling the world to obtain the perfect shot than gracing elegant drawing rooms, but his unexpected death has left her in a precarious position. She has no desire to live with her aunt and let that sour and austere lady find her a husband. Meg wishes instead to use the training her father gave her to forge her own path as a documentarian, capturing rare and breathtaking images which bring unique people, places and events into the homes of folks around the world. However, for that she needs more money than dear old dad left her, so she heads to Ft. Wilverton, AZ Territory resolved to fulfill the final contract Mr. Pero had signed, agreeing to be the photographer for a survey of the Grand Canyon and the territory surrounding it. The army had commissioned M. Pero to take the necessary stills and that is exactly who will do it. It’s just that in this case, it will be Meg not Matthew who does the work.

Captain Ben (Benjamin) Coleridge is a desperate man. He defied his father and become an army engineer rather than a cavalry officer because he wished to “explore new lands, chart new territories.” He was anxious to lead the expedition Matthew Pero had been hired to photograph since it would augment the work of the Wheeler Survey of 1869 in looking for a wagon road across the West, which was critical for troops, settlers and sutlers who dreamed of an America that extended from sea to shining sea. Ben was excited to head the excursion for personal reasons. He had met both Matthew and Meg while at West Pointe and had even briefly courted Meg. That she had broken his heart when she choose to follow her father on his next adventure rather than marry Ben has not changed the fact that he likes the family and enjoyed the time he spent with them. He had looked forward to seeing Matthew again and is surprised and saddened to learn of his death, although this in no way reconciles him to taking on Meg as part of the team in Matthew’s place. She is a lady and has no business joining a rough riding group of soldiers and scouts on this hazardous journey.

Meg quickly talks him around however, pointing out they already have one woman on the squad in the form of spunky, tenacious Dot, the camp cook, and reminding him that she is an experienced traveler, having joined her father on numerous perilous quests in search of the perfect snapshot. Ben has a secret reason for capitulating rather easily; his father vanished two months earlier during an initial exploration of the route they are going to take. The weather will soon make it impossible to examine the terrain they are to cross for any clues regarding what happened to him, so Ben’s best bet for learning his father’s fate is to launch the expedition as quickly as possible.

Which he does, leading to a grand adventure filled with beauty, treachery, danger and romance.

Ms. Scott has been writing love stories for over twenty years and follows a formula here that will be very familiar to readers; a feisty, independent heroine who proves the values of feminism to the world around her, especially to the man whom she believes sees her as nothing but a pretty and proper young lady. The good news is that in spite of the standardized format, the author creates characters rather than just caricatures. Ben is a good man, kind, fair, hardworking and open minded and willing to accept Meg for who she is over whom (she believes) he wants her to be. Meg is more than just ‘feisty’ – the author shows her as an astute judge of character, compassionate, sweet and deeply observant. While her stubborn streak was at times extremely irritating – I felt more than once it was a deux ex machina to serve as conflict for the romance – she is an accomplished and resourceful heroine. During the course of the story, we also spend time with some lovely secondary characters, Dot and Hank Newcomb, who are warm, funny and down to earth people that lend a very ‘western’ feel to the story.

The romance here is also done according to a pattern I’ve seen used many times before. It’s the classic trope of a self-reliant, career-minded young woman who needs her hero to assure her that he actually admires that about her and has no intention of changing her. Meg also fears being a detriment to Ben’s career since she lacks the skills to navigate the fine society of the upper echelons of the military, but this is easily resolved by the end of the book. The characters work well together and while I would have preferred a bit more wooing and courtship, the connection they make as they produce the survey serves as a nice foundation for their HEA.

This is an inspirational so faith is discussed. Ben reads “a few passages (of scripture), sing a few hymns . . . reminds them (his troops) to lead lives of honor and productivity” while Meg comes to a greater understanding of God’s love for her. The author does a nice job of presenting us with people whose interest in and love for God bears an important place in their life without author or characters overtly judging those who don’t feel the same way.

I do have reservations about another aspect of the story, though. While I appreciated Ben’s desire to open the western United States to settlers in order “to give men chances (for). . . homes, occupations, families” , the tale fails to convey that these opportunities came at the cost of the people already living in the area. The ‘natives’ as they are referred to in the novel, are portrayed as a nuisance, not as the rightful owners of the land about to be settled. While that way of thinking typified the 1800s it is not reflective of modern society nor does Manifest Destiny reflect current biblical theology. Fortunately, it is only briefly mentioned but unfortunately, this is a big issue in real life for many. It should have been better addressed both from the purview of faith and from the greater understanding we have now of the harm done to indigenous people by imperialism.

A Distance Too Grand is a light, easy read that will be comfortingly familiar to the author’s fans. That said, the combination of the poor handling of the political and deeper theological questions of the text in addition to the trite plot keep me from giving this book a recommendation. AAR has given several DIKs to Inspirational romances this year and I would urge readers looking for a faith filled romance to pick up one of those stellar novels.

Our national parks began in a time of exploration and wonder . . .
FORT WILVERTON, ARIZONA TERRITORY, 1871

Meg was an excellent photographer, having worked with her father since she was little. Shortly after he died, she was hired by the Army to take pictures for an expedition to map part of the Grand Canyon. Can you imagine? That was still new territory. They wanted to find a way for wagon trains to navigate the area safely. They just weren't too pleased when they learned Meg was a woman. She knew the Captain who was in charge of the project, which didn't make it easier since she had turned down his marriage proposal when they were at West Point. But she had her reasons. Reasons that she went over and over again as they traveled together during this expedition. Beauty, mystery, hidden danger weave through this story, even murder. It was interesting to learn more about Cartography as the story went along too. Beautifully, heartfully told, you'll become Meg's champion too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. 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.”
#ADistanceTooGrand #ReginaScott #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #5Stars #ChristianHistorical

A Distance Too Grand is a well written inspirational romance. I enjoyed the plot, setting and the characters. Fans of historical romance will enjoy this book. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

When I saw the cover and then the synopsis of this book, I knew I had to read it as it sounded very intriguing. However, I had no idea I would be given such vivid detail of the Grand Canyon. I feel like I've just been there!

The main characters have a past that connects them. But the extra characters in the story (my favourites were Dot and Hank) added both humour and a familial quality that made our little party of sojourners into the Grand Canyon a cohesive unit.

At times, however, the plot seemed to take as long as the journey our characters were on. While the author provided exquisite detail of the Canyon, at times I felt it was a bit too detailed. From Meg getting her camera ready to take a picture, to breaking down and setting up camp. To Meg and Ben's dance around their past, I quickly became bored with the little details and found myself skimming pages to find some excitement.

When the excitement did come, I was not disappointed. The added faith element made an impact as well.

With a satisfying ending and the promise of another book in the future, I look forward to reading more in this series.

A fear of heights may keep me from personally experiencing the Grand Canyon, but experiencing it vicariously through the eyes and lens of Meg Pero as she served as photographer with the Army's survey team was amazing. Regina Scott is a master at giving her readers a mental snapshot just as the shutters close. I would not doubt that she is also a photographer with her attention to light and her ability to illuminate her descriptions of how it plays within a scene, and what it reveals to those who know its character.

A Distance Too Grand is a story of distinguishing between whose expectations we should live up to, and the realization that we live our lives for an audience of One. Scott allows readers to feel the freedom that comes with that realization.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

The beautiful cover on this book was enough to make me want to read this one. The description of the Grand Canyon drew my into this story. The history of the Army and the National Parks were both handled well and added depth to the overall story. This is an amazing second chance romance set against a fantastic backdrop. The perfect road-trip read for when you're on your way to see the Grand Canyon.

The author gives us a story, that quickly became a page-turner, and historical as the Army is looking for routes to travel to expand this country.
Our main girl is a photographer, and she at times takes her life in her hands as she hangs over the Grand Canyon, she is getting the perfect shot, one that will support her.
There is a couple of love stories here, one is sweet, and enduring, even with a few bumps, the other has let someone put a damper on it.
We see the God given beauty in this country through the eyes of these characters, and learned a few facts about the canyon that I didn’t know.
There is danger here, and not only from Mother Nature, someone is willing to stop at nothing to stop this expedition.
A book that kept my attention and reading late into the night!
I received this book Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott is a captivating story. Based on an 1871 exploration of the Grand Canyon and the adventure of finding a path across the expanse.

Meg Pero is following in her father's footsteps of photography. Having assisted her father on many expeditions, she is fulfilling a contract that her father had signed before his death to travel the Grand Canyon. Being a woman has the Army survey team resisting her traveling with them. But with time running out, and with no one else to take the pictures they so desperately need, she is allowed to go.

Captain Ben Coleridge finds himself facing the woman who rejected him years ago while he was still in military school. Ben is charged with a secret mission, as well as being in charge of the surveying crew.

The story is full of adventure, and romance, as Ben and Meg find themselves facing questions that plagued them years before. The secondary characters also lend interest to the overall story.

Well written with many historical and geological facts.And I loved the dialogue that moves the plot along nicely.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is filled with vivid description of a place I would love to see. The Grand Canyon.
This was the first time I have ever read a book from this author.
This book really went into the day to day of an excursion into the wilderness, and the trials that the characters had to overcome.
In a day that we just pull out our phones and snap a picture, this book gives you an appreciation for how much the early photographers had yo do to get one picture!
I feel sort of neutral towards this book. I never connected with the main characters, so I didn't feel very invested. It might be chalked up to the mood I was in.
The writing was fine and I would recommend this book to someone interested in explorers and early Grand Canyon history. The romance is on the light side.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. My opinion is my own and honest.

Meg Pero is one determine young lady and I loved her spunk from the start. Determined to carry on where her father left off after his death and also create a name for herself she joins the army on an expedition of the Grand Canyon. This story came alive with vivid descriptions of the Canyon with all it's beauty and it's dangers also. It was wonderful traveling through this adventurous story with the characters. From the privates who were enamored with Meg from the start to Dot who was fiercely protective of her and Ben her ex boyfriend whom she was not quite ready to rekindle that relationship with just yet.
I loved Meg and Ben's relationship. It was real. Their dealings with insecurities made them much more lovable like Meg not being sure she was good enough for him because she was too independent.
I enjoyed the history woven into this tale and enjoyed every bit of the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. A favourable review was not expected.

This is a story that I was able to finish within a day, yet had me so captivated that I found myself wanting to research areas once I finished the book. Angel Creek Canyon I discovered is one of the more popular trails to travel in the Grand Canyon. To have truth intertwined with fiction is always a delight.

The story is about Meg Pero who has signed up to be a photography to be part of a survey team in the west. The leader of the expedition is a man that she once dated, but refused to marry. While Meg has her own issues, Ben Coleridge has his own and that is to find out what happened to his father, Colonel Coleridge. He went out on a mission, never to be seen again.

The story wove together very well and I found myself part of the survey team. The descriptions and events contained within, kept the book in my hands, waiting for moments where I could catch snippets of more of the story.

The answer to Ben's search is answered, and the circumstances of such are presented to us. The story ends in a nice, wholesome finish. This is an author whom I look forward to reading in the future, and if the American Wonder Collection holds to be true, I eagerly anticipate more stories. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

What a fantastic historical fiction book! Tells about the early exploration of the Grand Canyon with romance and mild mystery intertwined. Fantastic book!

'There's always a reason for God's creation. What was he trying to tell us? What are we to learn from all this?'

Photographer Meg Pero thinks the Army will allow her to take her deceased father's place as the one to record photographically the excursion into the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't know is that the man she once rejected as a husband is now the captain of the expedition. Ben Coleridge would rather have anyone but Meg on this trip, but the time is too short to hire another photographer, so he reluctantly agrees to take her with them.

They set out and soon danger lurks seemingly around every corner and the troop must try hard to stay alive and fed and watered. Adventure abounds, intrigue surrounds, and a romance is rekindled in the beauty of the creation of the magnificent Grand Canyon. Scott has a winner.

*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.