This book was received as an ARC from Revell in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am in need of some good Christian Fiction for our collection since it is one of our most popular collections at our library and a lot of the popular books that circulate well are books dealing with love and family bonds and you could not get any better than that. The knowledge that Kate had throughout the book with the wilderness and the conflict of the US Calvary and their control over Yellowstone National Park and with her home being one of the affected targets, Kate will stop at nothing to protect it even if she develops a love with William one of the Lieutenants and they both protect the park and remember the power of God is always with them. I needed to read a book like this and anything that signifies hope is in existence and on its way, I can't help but have my heart feel warm and smile.

We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Nothing Short of Wondrous, by Regina Scott, is book two in the American Wonders Collection. This story takes place in Yellowstone National Park in 1886. Kate was widowed a year earlier and is now the sole owner of a hotel in the park that is in need to repairs. Lieutenant Prescott and his unit are new to the area and in need of help with learning where they can safely go. The two make a deal that he will help with repairs if she helps him and his men learn the area.
This is a great story that is filled with strong caring characters. The writing is so clear it is easy to imagine the colors and smells of the volcanos. The parts to me that stand out are how the men treated her, her son and her employees. I also likes the theme of forgiveness that runs through the story. Will is working hard to regain his spurs and Kate is struggling with her husbands death. This a really good, easy to read story. I got hooked right from the beginning and wish there was more to follow through on Will and Kate’s story.
I received an e-book copy of this story through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

Nothing Short of Wondrous
American Wonders Series - Book 2
By Regina Scott

Revell - October 2020

Inspirational Historical Romance


Kate Tremaine wanted to remain in the dangerous beauty that was now home to her and her son. She wished to protect the natural landscape and animals that lived there. She and her husband had come to Yellowstone National Park to run the Geyser Gateway Inn. Nature had made her a widow after her husband encountered a bear, and although the work was more difficult now, Kate still embraced this new life.

When she met Lieutenant Will Prescott, it was as if a new future was available. Oh not the man, she was a widow of only one year, but he brought great news and opportunities for her and her inn. First, she learned that she might have a chance at a ten year lease. But she needed to meet certain criteria, and her staff was busy. Luckily, she and Lieutenant Prescott were able to trade help. She could be a guide and teach him and his men the area. He would help with sprucing up the inn.

Will's assignment was as inspiring as it was treacherous. They had a large swath of land to oversee, but dangers lurked. Wild animals, fires, and poachers were only a few of the challenges they had to face. However after spending time with Kate, Will soon learned the greatest danger was losing his heart.

Nothing Short of Wondrous is simply a wonderful romance in a glorious setting. Yellowstone seeps through on every page as readers see Kate and Will navigate towards one another. It was fascinating to see Yellowstone through the lens of a historical, including the challenges of trying to save the animals and natural resources for future generations. Nothing Short of Wondrous was a true pleasure to read and I look forward to further stories in Regina Scott's American Wonders series.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

An incredibly detailed story from Regina Scott! Nothing Short of Wondrous is a sweet story featuring an intriguing look into the early days of Yellowstone National Park. Though the story is a bit slow at times, it never lacks in detail or inspiration. Readers won’t want to miss this enjoyable addition to Scott’s American Wonders series!

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

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott is the second book in American Wonders Collection. It can be read as a standalone if you have not read A Distance Too Grand. I thought Nothing Short of Wondrous was well-written with developed characters. The story moved along at a gentle pace. The author certainly did her research for this book. She painted such a vivid picture of Yellowstone National Park. I could envision the park in my mind with its numerous natural wonders along with flora and fauna. Regina Scott really made the park come alive for me. The story was intriguing. The Calvary were working with limited resources to protect such a large amount of property. It was hard to believe that people were out to destroy such beautiful animals and natural wonders (like the paint pots). I learned some interesting facts about Yellowstone National Park. This book got me curious to learn more. I liked the action that kept the story moving forward to its delightful conclusion. The romance was nicely done. I liked that it did not dominate the story. We get to see people get to know each other while enjoying each other’s company. They learn to trust each other as well as respect each other while they fell in love. Lt. William Prescott had an issue in his past that drives him to be a better man. I think it enhanced the story without adding drama to the relationship. I liked the various characters in the story. Alberta, the cook, was one of my favorites along with Kate’s curious son, Danny. I look forward to the next tale in the American Wonders Collection. Nothing Short of Wondrous has friendship, mystery, suspense, romance, action, faith, and family all woven together into one interesting tale. Nothing Short of Wondrous is a multifaceted historical novel with perilous paint pots, a curious kid, a problematic poacher, besieged bison, a chivalrous Calvary officer, and an impressive inn owner.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book set in Yellowstone in 1866 in the early days of the park since I only live about 4 hours away from it. Due to poaching and fires, the US Calvary has been brought in to protect the park. Widowed hotelier, Kate Tremaine, and her young son are running the Geyser Gateway Inn, one of the smaller hotels. but set in some of the most beautiful of the geysers, mud pots, and hot springs. Lt. Will Prescott and his group are assigned to the area of the Geyser Gateway Inn. Filled with descriptions that paint a beautiful picture of this wonderful national park, a hint of suspense, and a touch of romance, this story made anyone want to visit this amazing park. The growth of both Will and Kate as they each recovered from personal tragedies was great. Will had to learn self-forgiveness and rebuild his faith. Kate had to realize that her husband's death was not her fault and that she had the strength and determination to make the Inn a success. I suspected who the arsonist and poacher was before it was revealed, and absolutely loved the ending for Will.

Scott's historical research of the early days of the park definitely brought this book to life. Well written and historically interesting, I certainly recommend it.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Set on protecting the land, the animals, and her inn, the feisty innkeeper, Kate, wasn't afraid to do whatever it took. I admired her strength and ingenuity, and especially her determination. She knew the land surrounding her so well and was a better fit to help Will and his regiment safely navigate the dangers than anyone else could have been. I loved the way she cleverly came up with an equitable trade for her guide services.

Kate was a hard worker, which served her well. Yet it also had her struggling with being still before the Lord. She had to learn to rest and to trust that God would still work all things out

The mistake that cost Will his spurs caused him to shy away from the Lord and to isolate himself from others to the best of his ability. Yet circumstances kept throwing him into the company of the lovely widow and her son. I loved the way Will ended up realizing that God's grace is big enough to cover all of his sin!

Kate's young son, Danny, was so cute! I especially enjoyed the way the various soldiers treated him, teasing him and yet treating him so kindly. He captured the hearts of everyone he met!

I really want to go to Yellowstone now! The way Regina Scott made the beauty and wonders of this national park come alive for me was truly amazing in Nothing Short of Wondrous. Not only that, she also showed the problems this lovely area and its wildlife faced in the late 19th Century, including that of not having the National Park Service to protect it. To my modern mindset, it seemed so strange that the army would have had to come in to help protect Yellowstone - after all, isn't that what the park rangers do?

There was a bit of mystery and tension as Will's troops attempted to stop the poacher they knew was loose in the park. The things the unknown man did were tragic! Added to that were the troubles Kate was facing as she dealt with rumors that were devastating to her inn! It was fun to watch the way these things worked themselves out.

The books in the American Wonders collection are tied together by the theme and yet all stand alone. So far, the series has been amazing so if you enjoy books that highlight the natural wonders of our country, you will want to read them all!

When I read the first book in this series from Regina Scott, I was whisked away to the past and the beginnings of our National Parks. I had high hopes for this book as well and it did not disappoint.

As I've grown older, I have come to appreciate the history of our country and the various landmarks that surround us. I may not have visited many of them yet, but I enjoy reading about the various spots and little tidbits you may not have known. I have to give two thumbs up to Regina Scott for the amount of research she has done for these books. Many of the characters are actual people but how they are portrayed in the books is fictional. With her description of Yellowstone, I can see it in my mind and can only imagine the beauty and the danger in this park. Yellowstone is definitely on my bucket list.

"You warned us when you took us around the first time. There are too many ways to die in Yellowstone."

"But only one way to live."

There is quite a variety of characters assembled in this book with multiple personalities to contend with on a daily basis. Kate has her staff at the hotel and the guests that visit Yellowstone to see the geysers. I admire the loyalty in her staff considering they are somewhat remote from town. But I think that has a lot to do with her treatment of them and considering them family. The guests for the most part are respectful, but bad manners abounded back much like it does today. Will is seeking a second chance to make up for events in the past that haunt him to this day. The servicemen assigned to his company seem like a good lot for the most part, but there is one that has his own past that he is running from and he seems to butt heads with Will a lot. But perhaps that helps them understand each other.

"I never knew what home felt like until I came here."

Home is where you feel at peace with your surroundings and the people around you. What Kate and Will find in each other is home and that includes Kate's son Danny. I love how he looks up to Will and has taken to him. Perhaps it is because he needs a strong male role model in his life. I think that is what Will needs as well, someone that he can guide and mold.

"It seemed God still wanted his heart. Joy bubbled up inside him like mud from a paint pot."

Faith plays an important role in this book, and perhaps it is really the lack of faith in themselves and others. It takes a while for Kate and Will to realize that there is more to life than their past and while it plays a significant role, it should not define who they become.

I truly loved this book and all aspects of the story and the setting. When Will revealed his past to Kate, it wasn't nearly as bad and he felt it was or how she might react. This is not revealed until near the end of the book and I do wish it had been discussed earlier but it keeps the reader guessing. There is a bit of a mystery regarding a poacher that is on the run from the calvary, but it wasn't hard to connect the dots when certain situations occur near the end.

If you enjoy history and our National Parks, you definitely want to check out this series. You won't regret it in the least. We give this book 5 paws up.

Oh my goodness! This story is so sweet and full of great historical information. The book is an easy read and there aren’t thousands of characters and story lines to keep up with. I highly recommend!!

Nothing Short of Wonderous is the 2nd in the American Wonders Collection by Regina Scott. This is my 1st book I've read by Regina Scott and I enjoyed it so much! I can't wait to another book by Regina Scott.
She has a way of writing that sucks you in, her description of characters, the description of her hotel, and the Yellowstone Park all around her.
This story takes place in 1886 when the Army starts patrolling Yellowstone National Park to make sure the Indians stay on the reservations, poachers stay away from the park and to preserve the park itself.
When the army got there there were already people set up with hotels or tent hotels to let people stay and be a stop over on their way through the park.
One such hotel The Geyser Gateway, run by Kate Tremaine, was there when the army came to start patrolling. Kate met Lieutenant Will Prescott at the end of her Winchester. He was a little too close to the soft ground near the painted pots and mud geyser. She ordered him off the soft ground and he followed orders, then being the smart man he is asked, "What are you planning on doing? Are you going to arrest me or serve me for dinner?" And Kate fires right back, down. “I doubt you’d make much of a meal for my guests. Too much grit. And I generally turn game your size back into the wild to grow up a bit.” This shows the whit of both of the characters and starts the relationship off for these 2!
Kate agrees to make a map and be a guided for Prescott and his men and in return they will help fix up the Geyser Gateway. The map didnt quite work so Kate ends up taking them herself to show them the different areas of the park and how to get around the parts that are dangerous.
Some things start to happen near the Geyser Gateway and they start to see a famous poacher Will Prescott had already thrown out of the park but he's snuck back in. So everyone goes on high alert, a brush fire tries to break out near the Geyser Gateway and the army along with Kate is able to put it out.
In the process they also get a visit from Captain Harris who is so impressed with the Geyser Gateway that he extends her lease. I won't ruin the ending for you though!
This book was well written. I felt like I was sitting right there at the Geyser Gateway, or going along in the country with the army and Kate by horseback. I could see and almost smell everything around them. I loved this book, I need to look into the 1st book and see what I missed there!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bake Publishjng Group for the advanced ARC. I'm honored to be chosen and was only asked to give my honest opinion in return. This is my honest opinion of the book.

(4.5 stars) - Romance in the historic landscape of Yellowstone's alien beauty

[The 2nd in Scott's "American Wonders Collection", a series of romances in historical American Parks settings, but each story is set in a different park & stands alone]

Kate & Will meet when Kate mistakes him for a vandal near her Yellowstone hotel. Will is actually part of the US Cavalry troops assigned to help protect the Park.

I liked that the author shares Kate's & Will's personal misgivings, but that they're interest in each other is actually pretty straightforward. Of course, as a romance, the path can't be smooth or there'd be no story! Each of them has made mistakes & has difficulty trusting their own discernment.

The plot is fairly simple & straightforward as well, and I think it's because of that it ends up feeling a little repetitive and a tad drawn out in the middle, but it wasn't to the level of being off-putting.

The descriptions of Yellowstone are very well done, and accurately convey the Park's beauty in a manner that's harmonious to the story rather than swamping it.

Will's motley crew is funny. And the baseball game was pretty entertaining. The relationship that develops between Will & Kate is so happy & heart-warming as Kate finds a man she didn't think she ever could, & Will finds a woman he didn't believe he'd ever deserve.

*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

*Religion: overtly Christian with a light touch; the main characters have separated themselves from God but find healing & reconciliation toward the end

Nothing Short of Wondrous
by Regina Scott
Back of the Book: “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.”
Impressions: I wanted to like this story more… It was a bit slow. The suspense, mystery, romance, was all lacking in my opinion.
Liked: This was a sweet historical romance set in the beautiful Yellowstone Park. I never thought of the beginnings of the park but it was interesting to read about.
Disliked: I felt the beginning and middle were slow. The ending was more exciting however things were pulled together a little too neat and tidy too quickly. I think the suspense of Lieutenant Prescott’s past was a letdown. It wasn’t revealed until the end and it wasn’t as shocking or unforgivable as he or the story leads you to believe.
Quotes: “What was it about men and danger: Did they all want to die?” – This was the first line and it hooked me right there. I have two boys and I ask this question frequently.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Set in the Yellowstone National Park in the fall of 1886, Nothing Short of Wondrous gives readers a view of the park's grandeur: the geyser fields, mountain vistas, varied and majestic wildlife, and the strong people who protected it all. Readers who like a strong, female protagonist will not be disappointed in Kate Tremaine, a widowed mother who owns the Geyser Gateway Inn. She is fiercely protective of her son, their way of life, and the park. With her lease up for renewal, Kate has additional reasons to fight for all she loves. Fortunately God often blesses with things one doesn't even realize are needed, and the author demonstrates this through Lieutenant Will Prescott and his men who have come to patrol the area of the park where the Geyser Gateway is located. Will's story encourages hope for those who feel they are living a life of penance and are in need of restoration. Kate and Will's stories are set against a backdrop of those who are set to prosper from Yellowstone's resources at great cost to the park.

This novel is well-written, superbly plotted, with well-developed characters. I am grateful to have received a complementary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

NOTHING SHORT OF WONDROUS by Regina Scott
Set in 1886 in Yellowstone National Park, widowed hotel owner and single parent Kate Tremaine has her hands full. She fiercely loves her family and the natural wonders of the Park so she’s happy to see the US Calvary arrive to help with security and drive away poachers. Lt. Will Prescott commands the post assigned to Kate’s area and the two strike up a bargain. In return for Kate acting as guide to the men, he will perform some much needed work around the hotel. As their friendship blossoms into something more, Will’s struggle with his past and a vengeful poacher threaten their happiness.

I loved the descriptions of Yellowstone. Having visited there some years ago, I could perfectly picture everything the author described. The characters are well drawn, relatable and likable. The story has adventure, mystery and a touch of romance, with a message of hope and forgiveness. I really enjoyed it! The is the second book in the American Wonders series but it is a complete standalone story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Nothing Short of Wonderous by Regina Scott is an excellent historical fiction romance that is the second book in the American Wonders Collection series.

I have to admit that I did not read the first book in this series, A Distance Too Grand, but after reading this wonderful novel, I most certainly will.

I enjoyed the picturesque location Yellowstone National Park and I enjoyed the storyline being placed in this western, wilderness, and wild frontier feel of this book.

I enjoyed the plot, antagonists, and the adversities placed onto the main characters throughout the novel. I loved Kate, Will, and Danny. I enjoyed the development of their relationship from strangers, to a friendship, to a romance. I enjoyed their ability to overcome the obstacles and their positive ending.

Thank you NetGalley or Revell Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott is a sweet Christian historical fiction. Inspired by the discovery that the US Cavalry were among the first to manage Yellowstone National Park, Scott crafted an inspiring tale of a widow who manages a hotel in the park, and a dishonored-but-honorable Cavalryman who guards the park and falls for her. This is the second book in her American Wonders series and is a stand-alone story.

The story unfolds steadily, and while predictable, I was surprised to find myself drawn in emotionally, protective of Kate and her fight for her hotel. Danger presents itself in the form of both man and nature. The dialogue is strong and the action well-written.

Scott draws wonderful, colorful characters. The author also does an incredible job with the setting. I have not yet had the opportunity to visit Yellowstone, but her vivid descriptions of its natural features, as well as of the hotels, capture the beauty of the area, from the bubbling “paint pots” to the chalky soil that floats up every time someone hops off their horse. This kind of escape is particularly welcome now when travel has been put on the backburner for me.

Revell publishes lovely Christian romances, and the one between Kate and Will is one that grows slowly and chastely (as one would in 1886). Faith is gently woven into the narrative.

The cause of Will’s shame isn’t revealed until much later in the story, and when I learned of it, I don’t know that it merited the buildup and wish it had been revealed sooner. There were also a few mysteries in the story that I figured out far before the characters in the book did, but that didn’t take away from the tension and the conflict.

Overall, Nothing Short of Wondrous offers colorful characters, a gentle romance, a bit of mystery and danger, and a breathtaking setting with historical details that feel well researched. Fans of historical fiction set in the early days of the American West will delight in this book. I’m giving this novel four-and-a-half stars, rounded to five for reporting in booksellers.

I love historical fiction and this book has become a favorite. Set in beautiful Yellowstone National Park during the late 1880's, it is a story about love, loss, secrets, and forgiveness. Ms. Scott so vividly described Yellowstone, that I felt as though I was there. I've never visited the Park but have made plans to do so! This is one of a few books that I read where I kept my phone nearby so that I could look at pictures of all the places described in the pages. I loved how Mrs. Tremaine, our heroine, stubbornly refuses to give up the hotel she is running after the death of her husband. Most women would have probably hightailed it out of Yellowstone back to civilization but she chooses to stay to make sure that the beauty and majesty of the Park would be preserved for years to come. Unfortunately because of her determinedness to run a hotel as a widowed woman, trouble is never far away. Running a hotel, trying to protect the precious few bison that remained, and catching poachers and vandals, was becoming more than she was able to handle. She is in danger of losing everything that she has worked so hard for. Enter Lt. Prescott, U.S. Cavalry. Assigned to protect vast acres near Kate's hotel, he needs her help to guide he and his men around the dangers in the park. She needs his help to protect her, her son, and her hotel if she wants to be able to remain on Yellowstone land. A fast friendship is formed, but one of them holds a secret that could destroy everything...
This is book 2 in the American Wonders Series. It can be read as a standalone. I highly anticipate book 3 in the series! I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All opinions shared in this review are my own.

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott really is nothing short of wondrous! I do not believe I have read anything by Regina Scott before, and now I am wondering how I missed her books! From the very first line:

“What is it about men and danger? Do they all want to die?"

Regina Scott weaves in a humorous sense of warmth and sarcasm that fully engaged my interest. She is one of the very few authors I have found that has a gift with the way they describe the world around them to make you feel like you are right there in the story. There were such vivid descriptions of Yellowstone National Park, from the colors, the landscape, the smells of the different pools… It was breathtaking, and I am sure the actual park is more so!

The characters. Kate is your classic frontier woman: strong and courageous. She is well balanced though, always willing to let others help when she truly needed it. The banter between her and Will, the main male character is a “I don’t want to like you, but I do anyway” type of spark between them. Which is one of my favorites. Also, have you ever heard the saying “women love a man in uniform”? Well, this apply applies to Will in his Cavalry uniform. Talk about tall dark and handsome 😊. Regina Scott really made these characters come to life for me with their descriptions, realistic challenges, and their sense of humor.

"God understood she had work to do, a son to raise, a park to protect. Why did this man make her wonder if there should be more?"

I give Nothing Short of Wondrous 5 out 5 stars for the AMAZING descriptions of Yellowstone National Park, one of my favorite couples this year, and for engaging my imagination throughout the whole story! Regina Scott is definitely on my auto buy list now; readers who enjoy books by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, and Vickie McDonough will love this story!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

Thursday, October 15, 2020
9:36 PM

Nothing Short of Wonderous is book 2 in the American Wonders Collection by Regina Scott! Set in 1886 near Yellowstone, this novel features Kate Tremaine, a widowed hotelier with a penchant for natural beauty and a mission to protect her piece of the natural world from those that seek to ruin it. This story is set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains, streams, and vast wilderness. It really is a stunning historical romance, perfect for fans of faith-infused romance novels!

Kate is a woman of faith with strong moral principles and dedication to her family and business. Immediately, the reader is introduced to Lieutenant William Prescott of the US Cavalry. Will and Kate share an immediate connection and the reader soon learns more about each of them through the other's eyes. The relationships between Kate and many of the characters are well constructed and beautifully written! I loved seeing the beginnings of Kate and Will's friendship through the beginning chapters of the book! Kate is really my favorite character. She is self-possessed, accomplished, and brilliant!

I loved the setting and the descriptions of Yellowstone! One of the major plot points in the book revolves around the American Bison, which is the mascot of my alma mater! Though we call ourselves Buffaloes, I am very glad to see a novel featuring these majestic creatures! I am even more happy to see a novel about the American West that features such a strong female lead character! Kate is the embodiment of the spirit of the American West! I see many of those same traits in Will and other characters as well!

The pacing of this book is perfect for me and I enjoyed the length of the story. This novel features plenty of action while keeping with the historical romance genre! I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more novels by Regina Scott in the future! Highly recommend this for fans of historical romance, historical fiction, and faith-based fiction!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a complimentary eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The second in the American Wonders series, this novel functions well as a standalone. The author has once again done an amazing job of describing the setting - Yellowstone - and making the reader feel as though he is there. Our protagonists are Kate and Will. She runs the local inn, serving tourists, and he comes to act as a guide for the newly-arrived soldiers. Together they face dangerous issues such as forest fires and poachers, but they learn to rely on each other, as well as God's grace. Each has a difficult past to overcome, but they do it together and build what the reader can only assume is a more solid future.