Member Reviews
Truth Revealed is the last of the Heart of the Cheyenne series. It is a satisfying conclusion to the series and is a fast, enjoyable read. Ms. Peterson always writes strong female characters. She always researches for her books and this reader always learns something. The characters of Will and Laura are believable and readers will root for their relationship to develop. Readers who have read previous titles in this series will be rewarded in seeing those characters again. Highly recommended to any fan of historical, romance and Christian fiction.
I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review.
I was interested in the premise of A Truth Revealed, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. There was too much "telling" and not enough "showing," which slowed down the momentum of the story. Additionally, while I do really enjoy Christian fiction, this one felt too preachy - I felt like the author was beating me over the head with her messages. I did like the chemistry between the love interests, especially how protective Will was, but even that aspect of the story felt a little forced in its storytelling.
One of my favorite things about The Heart of Cheyenne series by Tracie Peterson has been the circle of supportive female friendships, and I loved it again in A Truth Revealed. Granny, Marybeth, and Melody are the kind of friends and prayer partners we all want, and the role they play in Laura’s story – and she in theirs – was heartwarming to read.
I liked Laura right away, from the moment she arrives in Cheyenne, and her complex relationship with her father adds some nuanced layers that challenge her faith and her perspective. And boy, Laura is in for some eye-opening revelations that turn her world upside down. While readers understand early on that her father has a troubling dark side, we are at the same time fully aware of Laura’s rose-colored glasses where he is concerned. I wanted to spare her the pain of heartbreak but I also wanted her to see his true details. This emotional dichotomy as a reader kept me highly engaged in the story and its outcome. Will is another ‘good guy’ in this series, just like Edward and Charlie, and I enjoyed watching their mutual friendship as well. As Will’s relationship with Laura grows from strangers to friends and then to something more, I also came to appreciate his character even more. His reactions to the curveballs that the author throws him felt authentic, and I think this honesty will touch the hearts of readers who are struggling with similar emotions/doubts. I know it did mine.
Bottom Line: A Truth Revealed by Tracie Peterson brings The Heart of Cheyenne series to a satisfying conclusion, and readers will love getting to know Laura and Will, as well as visiting with beloved faces from the first two books. I had no problems investing in these two protagonists and their sweet romance, but this story is even more than that. I felt that the gentle exploration of being disillusioned with God after tragedy was very relatable, and I also loved the contrast between how Laura and Will dealt with those emotions/doubts vs how Laura’s dad did. A cautionary tale for those of us battling similar disappointments and grief. Probably my fave part of A Truth Revealed is how Peterson skillfully incorporates some twists that I wasn’t expecting. I always appreciate an author who can catch me off guard, and Peterson does so more than once in this story, with two of those twists especially dropping my jaw.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Another amazing, inspirational romance in Tracie Peterson’s The Heart of Cheyenne series! I thoroughly enjoyed A Truth Revealed. The mystery, compelling reluctant to fall romance, & faith had me quickly turning the pages.
Laura Evans is excited to finally be with her father after being sent away after her mother’s death & years of boarding schools. Her reunion is bittersweet though when he isn’t the father she remembered. Though Granite Evans has accumulated wealth & prestige, he harbors dark secrets & still resents God for his wife’s death. The bright spots in her world are her new friends, especially the handsome Wilson Porter.
Wilson Porter is biding his time until his official call to work with the Shoshone people comes through. He’s invited his widowed mother & sister to come live in Cheyenne, but when tragedy strikes Wilson begins to question his faith. As his friendship with Laura begins to blossom to something more, he discovers some ugly truths which might destroy their romance.
This story was so hard to put down! Laura’s father is an absolute cad. He pretends to be a loving father, but his motivations are anything but pure. His drive for power & revenge have cankered his soul. I couldn’t wait for Laura to finally see the truth.
The romance between Laura & Wilson was so good. He’s a bit surly at first as a result of their disastrous second meeting & both are reluctant to fall in love. As they spend a lot of time together in close proximity, those walls they both have up begin to fall & I loved seeing their friendship grow to something more.
Faith plays a central role in this story. I appreciated the struggle Wilson goes through & the way both he & Laura handle loss. I also loved the support they receive from their friends.
Highly recommend to inspirational Christian fiction fans. Though it’s part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone, but those familiar with the series will be happy to see recurring characters from previous books. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
My favorite thing about Peterson's novels is how effortlessly she incorporates her faith threads. They just come across so realistic, genuine, and never preachy. They also speak straight to your heart both in a convicting and inspiring way. I always know I'm in for a treat when I started reading her novels.
The other thing I love is how she writes her romances. The chemistry is spot on, the romance is slow, but not so slow you lose interest. And then, it just happens. I don't know if I can explain it, but when Laura and Will essentially figure it out, it's just perfectly sweet.
In this story specifically, I was drawn to Will's story. I can't really say a ton because it will be a spoiler, but the growth he shows and the revelations he has are so inspiring. Many readers will relate to him as he has something truly horrific happen, and begins to question God and his own ministry. Slowly, over time, he starts to put some pieces together, and that's where the growth comes in. It's a great example of how we should and should respond to trials that come in our lives.
Once again Peterson has exceeded my expectations and delivered a story (and characters!) that will stay with me for a long time. There's a reason she's on my auto-read list! I highly recommend to historical fiction fans who enjoy faith, romance, and a little mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tracie Peterson will forever be one of my favorite writers of Christian Historical Fiction. A Truth Revealed wraps up the Heart of Cheyenne series beautifully, and can also be read as a stand-alone.
I loved the journey both Laura and Will went on throughout this novel.
Laura hasn’t been around her father in many years and while he isn’t exactly what he seems, part of what makes this novel so good is Laura’s journey in figuring out who her father really is.
The way Laura and Will’s friendship begins is full of pain and hurt and the way Peterson weaves in hard conversations between these two characters is so good. They both have some things they need to work through and as they slowly open up to each other, the Lord is able to work in and through them in such a beautiful way.
It was such a treat to see some characters from the other novels. This growing town has some of the best characters and stories and I was sad to see this series end. I loved the reminders of who God is and what he can do and does for us all if we only open ourselves and allow him to work.
Peterson’s books always have a lesson and truth I can apply to my own life and I was so happy to be chosen for this book tour.
Thank you to Bethany House via Austen Prose for the copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Laura Evans is returning home to her father after spending several years in boarding school and college. Her father, Granite Evans, has become a wealthy and popular man in town, but he harbors secrets that could tear Laura's world apart. Wilson Porter is determined to become a missionary to the Shoshone people until a tragic event makes him question God's calling in his life. As Will and Laura grow closer, a horrible truth and an evil man threaten to end their very lives.
I've always loved Tracie Peterson's books, and this one is no exception. The villain is perfectly villainous, and there are strong messages of God's love, forgiveness, and trusting God through tragedy. Fans of Christian romance will enjoy this one, which combines some thriller and mystery elements as well. The characters are engaging, the plot is compelling, and the message is strong. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Laura Evans has grown up attending schools after her mother’s tragic death. Now a young woman, she reunites with her father, Granite Evans, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She hopes that she will be able to develop a relationship with her father. Laura meets and is drawn to Wilson (Will) Porter. Will has traveled west to be a pastor to the Shoshone tribe, but after a tragedy, he is not sure about his faith and whether he should continue his ministry. What caused the tragedy? What secrets does Granite Evans keep?
My thoughts on this novel:
• The plot of this novel was intriguing and kept me reading too far into the night. There were a few mysteries and storylines that I really wanted to see resolved.
• I really enjoyed the western setting, and that Granite Evans owned a store. I loved all the descriptions of the store.
• A Truth Revealed is a very Christian novel, which I liked. Laura is very faithful and attends church. She is working on bringing her father, who no longer believes after the death of her mother, back to church.
• Will’s mother and sister are murdered on their way to live with him by what appears to be an Indian attack. This shakes Will’s faith. Will he be able to regain his faith and move on with his life?
• The secondary characters that attend church with Laura or work at her father’s home are also interesting and complete the Cheyenne community.
• I enjoyed the sweet romance between Laura and Will.
• This was a clean read.
• This was the third novel in The Heart of Cheyenne series. These novels all took place in Cheyenne. I have not read the first two novels, but I had no problems with reading this novel as a standalone. I do want to go back and read the first two novels.
• The story takes place not too long after the Civil War. Will Porter is a veteran.
Overall, A Truth Revealed by Tracie Peterson is an intriguing Christian historical romance set in the old West that deals with the themes of forgiveness and returning to your faith. This was a great read.
Book Source: Review copy from Bethany House Publishing as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was an enjoyable story. The romance was very sweet, and there were some plot twists that I didn’t expect.
I loved the intrigue, the build up of the romance between Will and Laura, and the wonderful friendships between the characters. There were many touching moments, and a lot of faith elements in this inspirational story.
Though it’s part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Recommend to anyone who likes wholesome Christian fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the author. Bethany House Fiction, and Austenprose, through NetGalley. All opinions are completely my own.
What I loved most about this book was it’s central focus on prayer and support of others. in when faced with the most heartbreaking of situations. Once in a while, it’s an absolute pleasure to read a Christian romance novel that really emphasizes the need for prayer and how those actions bring a joy to oneself and others.
The character of Laura is independent, intelligent and very in tune with those around her. Even though she was raised in boarding schools and is returning to her father’s side, really having to get to know him all over again, she catches on quickly to the atmosphere around her. Everything seems to be perfect, but there is a darkness lurking beneath her father’s mood swings and occasional actions.
Her growing friendship with a local preacher, Wilson, was perfectly written. They are allowed that beautiful experience of slowly getting to know one another and become close friends without the distraction of attraction. It’s not until Wilson is starting to heal from his injuries that he really starts to see Laura and something more is possible.
I also love books that are set in Cheyenne, for some reason, there is always this unique feeling I get when reading books that take place in this area. I’m not sure if it’s the location irrelevant of the time frame, or these time frames, but I love the Western Frontier setting! A time of great anguish, discovery of self, and a path to follow for every person!
Faith and family are at the center of this third book in the historical Heart of Cheyenne series. A longtime separated father and daughter are reunited in December 1868 with great expectations, but all is not as it seems. Returning characters take part in the storyline, but it is easy to follow as a standalone read.
"Grief is different for everyone, but God is a stronghold that never breaks."
The author includes many discussions of faith as the main characters all deal with loss and grief, and ethical dilemmas. A steady pace and uncomplicated writing style made this an easy, relaxing read. The storyline reveals different responses to the characters' deep loss.
Laura must make hard decisions when she learns more about her father, and her strong sense of right and wrong directs her. I liked Will's character and how he had to wrestle with how to go on as a minister when his faith is severely tested. Their friends demonstrate how a community can help reach out positively and support each other. The author does a good job including scenes of peril without graphic details.
This would be a good read for teens and up who enjoy historical books with a squeaky clean romance and a lot of Christian values.
This was just another great, wholesome Christian fiction novel. I found it to be a fun, enjoyable, quick historical fiction that was full of depth.
From the start I was ready to follow along the journey. Though it may be part of a series, you can also read it as a standalone - it was quick to get into and easy to follow!
I really appreciated watching Laura and Wilson’s relationship and friendship grow. I found it to just be sweet, and thought that they worked well together.
I will say, though I thought the ending was well written, I wished for a different one. I don’t want to spoil it, but I just wish everything played out differently. But, that’s just my personal preference - I love full fledged happy endings. It was, really, a great ending regardless.
Definitely a gripping book. Can’t wait to check out the rest of the series!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @authortraciepeterson @bethanyhousefiction and @austenprose . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
I believe this is my favorite book I’ve read by Tracie Peterson. I loved the story and the high faith content. The characters were memorable. There were surprise twists that I didn’t see coming. I’m looking forward to more books by this author. I was blessed with a free ARC, and I’m voluntarily leaving my review. Highly recommend.
Laura Evans had been separated from her father since the death of her mother in 1858. Ten years later they are reunited when her father, Granite Evans, invites her to him in Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory. During those ten years Laura built up her father in her mind to hero status. Only time will tell if Granite lives up to Laura's expectations as he works to fulfill his political aspirations. Will Porter had planned his whole life to follow in his father's and grandfather's footsteps and minister on an Indian reservation. Now he is frustrated and grieved by government delays and personal tragedy. Is God trying to show him a different path?
Tracie Peterson adds a lot of intrigue to Laura and Will's stories. She supplies an ending that I sure didn't see coming. Throughout the storyline Peterson uses the primary and secondary characters' circumstances to demonstrate God's love and care, especially during life's toughest moments, creating an encouraging story. I recommend A Truth Revealed and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Laura Evans is about to enter a world that is new to her. After many years at school, she is finally going to return to live with her father. He is in Cheyenne with political aspirations as well as a thriving empire, Wilson Porter is waiting for an assignment to minister to an Indian Tribe and help the people like his father did before him.
Circumstances in Cheyenne bring them together and have them seeking the truth of what is really happening. This story was beautifully written and and well developed. Tracie Peterson has written a wonderful story of faith, forgiveness, and justice. The romance is faith-filled and grows naturally.
This story felt natural and unforced. I found myself invested in this world and watching it unfold before me. The story was rich and full with wonderful main and supporting characters,
This is the third book in this series and while I have not read the previous books, I was able to attach to the characters and was able to read it without feeling lost.
I loved the way the story unfolded and the ending was perfect,
I received an early copy from the publisher and this is my honest review
The Heart of Cheyenne trilogy concludes with this story featuring Laura returning to Cheyenne. Readers who liked the first two books will enjoy this one as Laura begins a new life with her beloved father, but is puzzled him. Something is different about him or is it her imagination. Enjoyable but not my favorite.
Laura has been in boarding schools since her mother died, so when her father has asked for her to finally come out west by him, she is thrilled. All she has wanted was to be back with her father and it's finally happening. As she settles in, things start to seem a little off with her father. She knows it's been quite a few years and so he might have changed some, but he isn't the man who she remembers as a child. But yet the town seems to love him, and talks about all he has done for the city and others. But an incident on her birthday will call into question everything she knows about him what his business dealings really entail. With the help of a good friend, her and Will work to get to the bottom of everything and the truth behind her father, the devastation of Will's family and what really has been happening in Cheyenne. I just love her books, they are such fast reads with great characters and history all wrapped together. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Austen Prose for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion an accord.
Quite the interesting story. Laura had been away at several boarding schools since her mother died. She's of age now and returns to her father's house in Cheyenne. They're very wealthy. She's been away so long that she really doesn't know her father. Will has been called to Cheyenne to be a preacher to the Indians. Events take place that keep both of them in danger, but they've both become deep friends with the key characters from previous books and both have a strong foundation in faith. Terrible tragedies happen and the support of their friends and their faith see them through. Hard to put down as what's hidden becomes known. Excellent read.
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.
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A Truth Revealed is the third book in The Heart of Cheyenne series by Tracie Petersen. While being part of a series, this is a great stand alone story. This story focuses on Laura and Wilson. Laura returns home from college to live with her father. Wilson yearns to get government approval to minister to the Shoshone people.
This is a very enjoyable story to read. It is well written and easy to read and imagine. Laura and Wilson are such good characters. It is so easy to imagine the struggles they are dealing with and how their faith is tested. It was interesting to read of how Laura’s father sent her away to school following her mother’s death and the life he hid from everyone. I enjoyed reading of how Laura grew up without him and the people who were in her life. I found it inspirational that Wilson was so focused on helping the Shoshone people, yet he questioned this after such a tragic incident took his mother and sister.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of A Truth revealed and this review is completely my own.
This book was a little harder to get into and it is good but it seemed to drag for me.