Nothing Short of Wondrous is one of my new favorites I have read by Regina Scott. This is the second book from her American Wonders Collection and it was a perfect addition to it. Even thought it is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. I thought it was a great read. I enjoyed getting to know Kate. What a great journey and adventure to take along with her.

Nothing Short of Wondrous is getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I can not wait to read the next installment from the American Wonders Collection. I highly recommend this one.

I received Nothing Short of Wondrous from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

The basic premise of this novel is the love story of a young widow running a hotel in Yellowstone and a lieutenant stationed in the park to protect its natural wonders. The setting makes for a unique read with plenty of descriptions of the park and insights into the early years of the tourism there. In addition, I appreciated that the author gave Kate and Will time and opportunities to develop a believable relationship that went beyond initial attraction. However, I personally felt like the story could have been a bit shorter. I found myself skimming the last half. This may partly be because this book has a strong western vibe, which is a genre I don’t particularly enjoy. Also, the last few chapters were pretty heavily ‘Christian’ in the character development. Not necessarily a bad thing, just didn’t suit my mood.
Overall, if you like historical westerns with very likable characters and a beautifully described setting I would recommend giving this a read.

Nothing Short of Wondrous is a historical novel set in 1886. It tells the story of Kate Tremaine, a widowed single mother who runs a small family-owned hotel in Yellowstone Park. When Lieutenant William Prescott comes to patrol the Park, he meets Kate and there is an immediate connection. There are some real dangers, though, that must be overcome before they are safe and able to move forward.

I wanted to read Nothing Short of Wondrous because I loved the first book in this series. I am fascinated by the history of the National Parks and enjoy the old fashioned storytelling of these books.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! Kate Tremaine is a heroine to pull for -- strong, determined, a wonderful mother, someone who has compassion for protecting animals (endangered bisons) and the environment. Will is someone who has a mystery in his past, but he proves time and again that he is a caring, strong person. I really enjoyed their love story.

As a lifelong animal lover, I really appreciate the animal protection theme in this book as well.

Regina Scott has a real gift for combining lively storytelling, engaging characters, and descriptions rich with period detail. There are place descriptions like:

"The Geyser Gateway salon had high ceilings with massive wood beams holding an oil lamp chandelier. She’d recently lowered, cleaned, and refilled the lamps herself, so they glowed with a golden light. The fireplace was of stones gathered from the Firehole River, the grays, rusts, and tans complementing the wood of the walls. The burgundy upholstery on the two curved-back sofas flanking the hearth had been brushed, the blue-and-burgundy-patterned rug on the floor beaten. Through a wide archway directly ahead, the six tables— four big enough to seat eight guests apiece— were draped in smooth white linen Pansy had ironed only yesterday, and most of the ladderback chairs stood ready to receive their guests for dinner" (eBook location 224).

I highly recommend Nothing Short of Wondrous for fans of historical fiction, inspirational fiction, and the National Parks. Do yourself a favor and read the first book in the series as well. You are in for a treat!

Reading this book was a real treat as it brought back memories of a trip I took to Yellowstone several years ago. And now, taking the literary walk through the park, I remember how beautiful so many areas are. That made me appreciate how Kate fell in love with Yellowstone and decided to make it her home even though she had been a city girl living in Boston prior to her husband buying the Geyser Gateway Hotel.
       When I took my trip to Yellowstone I sure wish that there'd been a hotel like that on the premises with a wonderful hostess like Kate and a cook like Alberta. I would have loved a slice of her huckleberry pie. And I would've preferred to traverse the trails on horseback, rather than by a car.
     The relationships between the characters, especially Kate and lieutenant Will Prescott and her son Danny, were a delight to read. Everyone, including the guests,  were all clearly unique people, and the romantic relationship between the central characters was loving, and engaging without being sappy or sweet. I don't think sappy and sweet would have worked for Kate and Will, nor would it have fit with their rugged, independent natures.
     Likewise, the religious and spiritual aspects of the story were well in line with the characters' personalities, and nothing about that was forced to make a point. Nothing will ruin a Christian story faster for me than for the author to whap me over the head with doctrine or personal beliefs.[inlinetweet prefix="" tweeter="" suffix=""] Whatever happens on the page should be true to the people on the page, and Ms. Scott does that admirably.[/inlinetweet]
     In a note at the end of the book the author explained how she researched the thirty years that the Cavalry patrolled the park to protect the wildlife from poachers and to protect the people. That historical accuracy added another element of enjoyment to a story that was truly a delight to read.

I enjoy stories set in the past as it gives me a glimpse into how people lived in a story formation. I have been to Yellowstone so I can see how Kate would love her land and want it to be protected. She finds herself showing her beloved land to Lieutenant Prescott as he must track down those who do not respect the land. He needs a guide and she has the ability to do just that. Along the way they get to know each other and grow closer to the land and each other.

I received a copy to read, the review is mine.

They'll both do anything to protect Yellowstone...

If you live within a several state radius of Yellowstone National Park most of the major landmarks will be familiar to you even if you haven't actually seen them in person. When John Colter reported what he had seen people simply didn't believe him. Later it was finally recognized for the treasure it was and is. A landscape of mystery and extremes. The title of the second book in Regina Scott's wonderful American Wonders Collection series is most fitting. Yellowstone is truly Nothing Short Of Wondrous.

I was thrilled when I saw that Nothing Short Of Wondrous was set in Yellowstone. After reading the first book in the America Wonders Collection series I knew that this book would be an exciting tale of romance and adventure and that Regina Scott would bring the setting to life in a most vivid way. And, that's exactly what she did.

I actually learned quite a bit while reading this book. I had no idea that the Army had taken charge of Yellowstone for quite a few years or that the early hotels vied for 10 year leases to operate within the park. The whole thing was quite fascinating to me.

The characters were great, I especially fell in love with Kate's adorable little boy, and the story was an enjoyable read. Whether historical romance is your thing or you like to 'travel' in your reading Nothing Short Of Wondrous and the American Wonders Collection from Regina Scott would would be a great choice.

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

Let me start by saying how gorgeous the cover is. It is very eye popping and inviting. Inside the cover is a story so full of enjoyment I didn’t want it to end. I have not been to Yellowstone National Park but I did get to virtually tour it by way of the author. Her details make it easy to feel like you have a ring side seat as the story unfolds.

Kate is a delightful character with a big responsibility running a hotel. Her dedication to her son is enduring and she will do anything to protect and provide for him. There is a little snag on the land she is leasing from the government and I couldn’t wait to see how this turn of events would impact the story.

Now let’s talk about the dashing Lt. Will Prescott. I liked him immediately. He is there to patrol for poachers and anything out of the ordinary. I did like how Kate and Will slowly build a relationship. I was intrigued by how these two people would work together. Set against a beautiful backdrop we find Kate learning to trust and a lesson on forgiveness. It also emphasizes that there is beauty in everything if we give it a chance.

I received a copy of this book from Revel Reads. The review is my own opinion.

I loved reading Will and Kate’s story in Nothing Short of Wondrous! Overcoming a past you regret, or wanting to, is a life changing event. Doing it in a place full of the beauty and wonder of Yellowstone is a miracle.

I really enjoyed the romance and the mystery, especially as it was interwoven with their lives. One of the things I enjoy most about Regina Scott’s books, this one included, is that we take a glimpse into the character. Their REAL day-to-day, not just the mystery or romance at hand. We experience what it was like to be these people, to experience these amazing things, to be immersed in the mystery surrounding them, and yes, to experience the wonder of our God.

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the wonders of America in this terrific series!

Nothing Short Of Wondrous is Regina Scott's second book in the American Wonders series.
I enjoyed reading the wonderful descriptions of Yellowstone National Park.
It was brought to life through the author's words and this armchair traveler enjoyed her glimpse of life in the early days of Yellowstone National Park.
Intrigue and romance will keep you reading this book full of strong themes of putting trust in God during trying times and forgiveness.
I am enjoying this series set in US National Parks and I look forward to the next one.


Pub Date: 20 Oct 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Explore Yellowstone Park in 1886. Widowed Kate Tremaine knows the area well and runs a quality hotel for visitors to the territory she and her young son love. The US Calvary has taken over supervising the national park so she is thrust into working with the officer in charge of her section, Lt. Will Prescott. Through their eyes, we witness the magnificent natural wonders and the dangers of this wilderness. The author did an amazing job crafting unique characters and a compelling plot to flesh out an intriguing tale. The book definitely stands on its own, but it makes you want to read more of her stories. In this novel, two wounded people travel through struggles and discoveries toward inner healing and deeper relationships. I found it heartwarming and encouraging as I also learned more of the history of Yellowstone. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

An engaging adventure, with captivating characters, bring to life the early days of Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone is my favorite National Park, so I was thrilled when I found out about this book, I added it to my TBR instantly. And this book does not disappoint, Kate Tremaine is a widow raising a young son, and one of the first hoteliers possessing a lease on the new National Park. She is happy to help the Calvary as they take control, flushing out poachers and troublemakers. I admired how capable and ready to tackle a challenge, Kate is. She is a master at keeping multiple plates spinning, and is an excellent mother to Danny.

Lt. William Prescott is haunted by his past, but determined to do his job well, but's hard to do when you don't know the lay of the land, so he asks Kate to help him. I loved how this book shows the wild beauty of Yellowstone, through the eyes of both Kate and Will, who make an excellent team.

Overall, a quick read, I enjoyed every minute of it and was sad to see it end. Danny is an adorable and intelligent child, and I loved every scene with him in it. An entertaining, engaging read with strong themes of forgiveness, faith, family, and new beginnings set against the stunning Wyoming sky.

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

This must be the season of National Park novels. I have read and enjoyed several and have noticed a few more I’d like to add to my list. Nothing Short of Wondrous definitely lives up to its title and is a worthy addition to my collection. Set during the early days of Yellowstone National Park, the narrative covers many of the trials and hard work involved in establishing Yellowstone.

Both Lieutenant William Prescott and widow Kate Tremaine are strong characters who captured my imagination from the beginning. Kate especially was a hard worker, determined to make her hotel a success in order to obtain the lease she needed to continue the dream of her late husband. William needed Kate to help him and his team learn their way around the vast acreage they had been assigned to patrol. Faced with danger in every direction that included the wild animals, poachers, and even competitors, William and Kate found themselves fighting side-by-side more than once. Naturally their close working relationship was bound to develop into even more as time progressed.

With plenty of action, danger, light-hearted moments, humor, faith, and romance, Nothing Short of Wondrous also contained vivid descriptions of the wonders of Yellowstone that made me want to visit. As always, the author Regina Scott has provided me with a few hours of enjoyment as she helped me to step back into history through the pages of her book.

“She laid her head against his chest, as if listening to the sound of his heart. And his heart, the heart he’d buried eight years ago in Oregon, beat harder. For her.”

Wyoming is one state that I’ve always wanted to visit. In my mind I always picture it as a place of forested wilderness because my grandpap worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps there in the 1930s. Reading about Yellowstone National Park and the incredible terrain of the surrounding area somewhat surprised me. It isn’t a place that I would feel comfortable living in, at least not as it is in the novel, but I do think that it would make for an unforgettable visit, and I certainly enjoyed the time I spent there with the characters in this story.

Aptly named “Nothing Short of Wondrous,” this second book in Regina Scott’s American Wonders Collection, which can be read as a standalone, plunges readers into life at Yellowstone about 14 years after it has been recognized as a national park. Featuring a young, widowed proprietor named Kate Tremaine, Scott brings to light the challenges of maintaining the integrity and purity of the land and wildlife, particularly the bison, a task given to the U.S. Cavalry. Determined to protect her home and her son through her livelihood, Kate agrees to serve as a guide to the soldiers, including Lieutenant William Prescott, whose past haunts him. As they work together through several harrowing situations, they both begin to heal from the guilt that has caused each to shutter their heart.

As much as I admire and love the main characters, the story would not be as fun or as complete without the secondary cast. There is seven-year-old Danny, of course, and the selectively mute but courageous Caleb. My personal favorites are Mrs. Pettijohn and Miss Pringle, spirited sisters who encourage and add light humor to just about every situation. There are a few characters whose motives I questioned, and I will leave it to fellow readers to tease out their own theories about these.

Within the pages of this novel lies a message that resounds clearly in these chaotic days: that God alone is in control. No matter how much we plan and prepare, the unexpected is an inevitability. That is why we need to mature in our faith, spend time with God in His Word, and truly come to know Him, because when we do, we can rest assured that He knows the end from the beginning and that nothing will ever happen outside of His will. As Kate remarks, “I’m learning that God wants to hear from us. He wants to hear from you too.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Nothing Short of Wonderous by Regina Jennings

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

______________________________________________________________________________

Story Notes

Regina Jennings new series begins in one of the most beautiful places of the US and includes great descriptions, characters and a quiet love story that readers will enjoy.

In 2019 my family spent 12 days in Yellowstone National Park. We stayed at Old Faithful Inn and drove to the many tourist spots to gaze in wonder at the creative hand of God in that fantastic place. I hiked some hill or mountain every day and saw real snow for the first time in my life. Its one of my absolute favorite vacations I’ve ever taken and hope to visit it again. So when I was offered this new book from Ms. Jennings that takes place in this wonderful area, I jumped at the opportunity. How glad I was to see that she included so many of the best sights to be seen with enough detail to help my imagination take me back there in my mind. Her time period was definitely different but that made no difference to me. The story begins in 1866 when the US Calvary is taking over managing Yellowstone. Too much poaching and destruction of nature has been happening lately and without the Calvary’s help, things will soon become a real problem. William Prescott is the lieutenant in charge of a contingent of men sent to patrol the area between Firehole River and Old Faithful. The vast land is impossible to manage without a guide but no funds were provided to help Will hire one. Recent widow Kate Tremaine runs the Geyser Gateway hotel and is very knowledgeable about the area. Will and Kate work out an agreement that she will guide him and his men through the area in exchange for help with repairs to the hotel. Little do either of them know that they will become far more to each other than they ever thought. But they will each have to set aside the hurts and failings of their respective pasts and take a chance if they are to find love. They will need all the connection they can get when vindictive outsiders try to run them off the land. Will and Kate must stand together to fight against these outsiders and fight for the chance to be together. I really did enjoy reading this story. Not only for the location but for the quiet love story. There was no overtly passionate encounters, no creepy innuendoes; rather there was the sacrificial love of two people who wanted the best for the other. Will and Kate are attracted to each other but each is hesitant to speak up because of their pasts. Their slow healing of past wounds and finding their way back to God together fueled their fledging love and allowed them to understand that their worth is not determined by their mistakes. There was also an occasional inclusion of action that gave the story some good depth and kept it moving. It was also fun to consider how Yellowstone might have looked back before it became the huge tourist attraction it is now. Many pools in the park have been corroded by people over time and I was glad to read of Kate and Will trying to preserve the park’s beauty for others. While fictional, they are surely indicative of those who managed the lands and cared for the park in the past. I will certainly be recommending this book to others in the hope they will enjoy journeying to Yellowstone as I did, even if only in our minds. I’m excited to see where Ms. Jennings will take us next in this wonderful new series.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. As they work together to protect the park and stand firm through injustice and tragedy, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.

This is the second book in the American Wonders Series. It is not necessary to read the first book in the series to read this book.

Kate's only means of support is her hotel in Yellowstone National Park. She has to convince the government representative to give her a 10 year lease. Lt. Prescott is there to keep trouble makers and poachers out of the park. This is Kate's journey to find love again and Lt. Prescott to find forgiveness for past actions.

This is a good clean book. I recommend it to all ages.

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

Title: Nothing Short of Wondrous
Author: Regina Scott

Ch: 29

Pg: 323

Series: American Wonders Collection book 2

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott the second book in the American Wonders collection. A series about the US National parks before they were National parks. Nothing Short of Wondrous takes us to Yellowstone as the US Cavalry takes control of the park.

Lieutenant William Prescott enlists hotel owner Kate Tremaine to show him the park he’s supposed to help protect. She agrees for help around the hotel. Neither expects anything to come of it. But when threats and strange things start happening to the hotel Will vows to protect Kate and her son Danny on top of his US Army duties.

I enjoyed seeing Yellowstone before it was Yellowstone in these pages especially after having read Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett a book that showed Yellowstone as Yellowstone National Park in the 1930s it was nice to see where when and how the park got its start.




I loved the balance between the history of the park and romance between Kate and Will that was more of a slow burn but Danny was still my favorite character and even though it enjoyed this one my favorite of the series is still the first one. However I do look forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

NOTHING SHORT OF WONDROUS by Regina Scott is a story rich with historical detail, guaranteed to delight readers with its poignant tale of love, hope and second chances. This is a heartmoving tale about two decent people striving together to overcome hardship, proving that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in complete control. This is a convincing historical novel in which Regina Scott writes with grandeur and finesse. It has a sweet, heartfelt and engaging cast of characters. True to its name, Will and Kate’s story is nothing short of wondrous. A life-changing story, set in the magnificent Yellowstone National Park, this is a book with great characters and a spectacular setting. The suspense and mystery of the novel does not detract from the interpersonal dynamics between the characters. The feisty innkeeper, Kate has admirable strength, ingenuity and determination. Regina Scott’s knowledge of Yellowstone National Park, its rich history and amazing natural resources, appeals to readers on different levels. We are spellbound and starstruck by the awesome beauty of the park’s majestic geysers, steaming springs and imposing wildlife. We get a glimpse into the lives of William and Kate as they share deeply personal secrets and celebrate the awesome power of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. I highly recommend this book to readers who would like to get the satisfaction of a really good read.

I've always enjoyed books by this author and this one is no different. The setting of historical Yellowstone is great fun to read about. The characters are well developed and you can't help rooting for them to be happy and be a family.

If you are unable to take a trip to Yellowstone, pick up a copy of Regina Scott’s “Nothing Short of Wondrous.” Her vivid description of its natural beauty is the perfect backdrop for the sweet story of Kate Tremaine, who runs the Geyser Gateway Inn, and Lt. William Prescott who has been sent with troops to protect Yellowstone from those who would thwart the law and damage its natural beauty. This is a tale of redemption and new beginnings. I recommend this book for those cold rainy days when nothing but a good book and a mug of hot chocolate will do.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book of the early days at Yellowstone when the Lieutenant Will Prescott and his cavalry troops have been sent to prevent poaching in the new national park! I admired widow Kate Tremaine who is running a hotel and raising a seven year old son. It was amazing that the bison population was down to 20 because I saw many bison when I visited Yellowstone last year! Kate agrees to act as guide to the troops and show them the dangers of the park in exchange for repairs on the hotel! She and Danny do not reveal their secret though! You will wonder about the guest who goes fishing every day but never brings back a catch! Kate's lease on Geyser Gateway is expiring and she is determined that it be renewed but Virginia City Outfitters is determined to run her out. A poacher, forest fires and a kidnapping all add to the excitement in Nothing Short of Wondrous! People who came to Yellowstone had only heard of the natural wonders without all of the media we have today and were truly amazed. Like today, they did not believe the dangers. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.