When You Are Near

I so enjoyed this book. Lizzy is a trick rider in the Brookstone Wild West Exravaganza. She longs to be back to the family’s ranch but does she really want to see the man that broke her heart. Wesley is a foreman at the ranch.

The book is very inspirational with a lot of adventure. Lizzy mother is a recent widow. I loved her character. The relationship between Lizzy and mother is so awesome. Then there is Ella who is learning trick riding and trying to get away from things at home.

This a start of new series. I cannot wait until the next book comes out. I love reading about this period in time.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.

Oh my word, this book was amazing! Tracie Peterson has proven – yet again – why she is one of my all time favorite authors. Her writing and plots are to die for.

This entire book was honestly to die for. I loved the whole Wild West horse show theme throughout it. It made for an entertaining and fun story line.

The characters also made the story worthwhile. I loved almost every single one of them. I wasn’t too fond of Jason or Ella’s father and “fiance”. All the other characters though were amazing and I loved them. I loved the character growth and just how each character – for the most part – loved the Lord with all their heart.

Mrs. Peterson always writes such amazing themes throughout her books; this one was no exception. I loved all the scripture and talk about God throughout the whole thing. Mrs. Peterson knows how to write a book with the gospel message without it being too preachy or cheesy.

The pain, suffering, and feelings throughout also brought a whole new light and perspective to this story. They were real, raw, and authentic. Something that you don’t find in many fiction books today.

The historical aspect was amazing as well. Research was definitely done and done well in this book. Research is something that I, as a reader, and a history lover, always look for while reading historical fiction.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one!!

*FTC I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. This review did not have to be positive.*

This is the first book in the Brookstone Brides series, what a great place to start. I enjoyed getting to know the Brookstone family, no matter if they were born into the family or joined it in unique ways. I enjoyed many of the characters in this novel and look forward to learning more about them as the series continues.

Lizzy Brookstone has much to overcome, love and trust do not always come easy. She has a heart of gold and a stubborn streak. Will Lizzy be able to open up her heart again and risk the pain of loss? Ella is seeking refuge. When Lizzy, Mary and the entire Brookstone family surround her with love and protection will it be enough?

Within the first chapter I knew this was a Christian book so I was thrilled. It is witnessed in their daily lives and not heavily preached. This is a very different tale than any I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I bet you would, also.

The author has an easy style of writing. She doesn’t rush her story but lets it blossom as it unfolds. The characters are engaging. They are described in such a way that I wanted to be their friend. The storyline has been well planned and researched. Attention is given to details and I was able to glean some things from this story.

This is the tale of Lizzy Brookstone, a female trick rider in a Wild West show. Author Peterson vividly describes the action so it is easy to picture the riders and stunts. There is even a female sharp shooter. It is amazing the things these ladies can do. Lizzie and her mother are grieving the death of Lizzie’s father. My heart broke for them in some places. I could feel their pain and loss. Their emotions jumped from the pages straight into me.

As the story progresses we meet more characters with their own baggage. Both men and women alike add to the story and will certainly return in Book Two. It is a well rounded cast of lovable and not so lovable people.

This book contains something for everyone. Danger, mystery, intrigue, romance, inspiration, and plenty of action. It takes on love, death, faith, hope, friendship, family, justice and God’s protection. I encountered a few twists and turns as well as some life lessons within the pages, too. The characters range from an English gentleman to rowdy wrangling cowboys.

This is another page turning, don’t put me down book from talented booksmith Peterson. She provided entertainment, education, and inspiration. The only thing I missed was a discussion question section. I highly recommend this beautifully written novel. Anyone would adore it. It earns a 5 out of 5 stars from me.

I haven’t read many books by Tracie and I don’t know why. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to this series.

This book as a little bit of everything, mystery and romance.

Lizzy is a strong character with a unique gift for riding yet she is feminine and kind. She truly cares for others.

I also enjoyed the setting as it is different than when I typically read.

The other characters that are introduced are interesting as well and promise to good reads in the future.


A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

I love the West and everything country. This book fits the bill as I have visited Cody, Wyoming and went to the Buffalo Bill's Museum. The museum has on display many items from his Wild West Shows. This Book brought back happy memories of my visit.

Who doesn't love a story where a young woman is strong but has a hidden weakness or secret that must be worked out? Each main character has a story of their own to be told. Lizzy is dealing with her losses the best way she can. Mary is determined to find out the truth. Ella is trying to escape and make it in her own.

Throw in a good looking cowboy...and you have this delightful story.

I received this book for free to review from Celebrate Lit.

I’m not sure of how many Tracie Peterson books I’ve read over the years, but I’ve read a bunch of them. I’m never disappointed in her books. I know whenever I begin reading one that it’s going to be an interesting story. I found that to be true with this first book in her new series.

The background of this story caught my attention. The “Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza”, an all-female Wild West snow, was a fun and different approach to a historical novel set in the year 1900. This story finds the Brookstone show at a crossroads. One of their founders, Mark Brookstone, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack, and now the family must decide what changes need to be made to keep the popular show financially stable and on the road. Lizzy is the star of the show with her daring tricks on horseback, but her heart is broken over the unexpected death of her father. She no longer wants to be part of the show. She’s made another resolution as well: She does not want to fall in love and get married so as to avoid the heartache she sees her mother experiencing. But two men have an ambition to change Lizzie’s mind. Jason Adler has joined the management team of the show in order to help make it more profitable. Lizzie’s beauty and bravery capture his attention from the first moment he meets her. Wesley DeShazer is the long-time manager of the Brookstone Ranch. He’s know Lizzy since her teenage years, and is just coming to realize how much she means to him. Both men vie for Lizzy’s affection in this story, and that keeps the storyline moving at a good pace.

There’s also a suspenseful storyline that revolves around Ella, who is trying to escape her cruel father and avoid being forced into a dangerous marriage. Lizzy helps Ella find safety and peace on the Brookstone ranch, but that peace is soon shattered. It takes all of Lizzy’s loyalty, friendship, and courage to protect Ella.

All of this makes for a story that held my attention all the way through the book. I’m looking forward to reading more about the Brookstone family and the ladies of the “Wild West Extravaganza”.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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When You Are Near is the first in a new series by Tracie Peterson called the Brookstone Brides. It has an unusual setting of a traveling Wild West Show. Ella is the main performer doing acrobatics from the back of horses and she is the daughter of the owner. Now her father has passed away and she and her mother must find a way to move on.

Ella has decided she will close off her heart to love but she finds her heart being vied for by two men. Jason, who is an investor in the show and now has more say in where they will perform has set his cap for Ella and doesn't intend to take no for an answer. When they return home to their ranch for the winter hiatus, there is Wes, the man whom she has truly given her heart to years before but whom she thinks still sees her as a girl; besides, Wes is married or was, as his wife has died and Wes is full of guilt and also fear for Ella.

Complicating things, is the death of their wrangler, a runaway fiancee, and a vagabond brother. This is a very entertaining read which I recommend for your summer reading. Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

“When You Are Near” is the first book in Brookstone Brides Series by Tracie Peterson. It was the first book by this author, that I have read, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I only knew that it is a Christian fiction historical novel and that the cover is very pretty! To tell the truth, it was the cover that sparked my interest and convinced me to read this book.

Most of all, I enjoyed the historical setting and the whole idea of the main character Lizzy Brookstone being the star trick rider of the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza. The idea of a woman working as a trick rider appealed to me and I wanted to know her story. Lizzy is an interesting, strong-willed character and It was interesting to read about her doubts and fears, and how she overcame them. The faith played an important role in her transformation, but also loving, kind people that surrounded her, especially her mother.

I enjoyed this book, the only thing that bothered me was the love story, which I found a bit unconvincing. Also, the villains of the story were one-dimensional. But that seems characteristic for most Christian fiction. Evil characters are usually cardboard cut-out characters, with no personality or moral ambiguity. Anyway, apart from that, the novel was very well written. It was nice to spend a few evening hanging out with Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza crowd.

I received “When You Are Near” from the publisher via NetGalley. I would like to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.

My Thoughts:
I greatly enjoyed this book. I’m definitely a fan of Tracie Peterson so I knew that I would going into it and have to say she did not disappoint. When You Are Near is a great title. There is some romance, some action, a tiny bit of murder, and some good writing.

Lizzy is the star trick rider in her father and uncle’s travelling show. Unfortunately, her father died earlier this season of a heart attack. He made her mother and her promise to finish out this year but neither of them have the heart to come back again. Lizzy realizes that she’s not getting younger and her body is no longer willing to put up with all the abuse at the ripe old age of twenty -eight.

As they travel along the last few stops towards home an Englishman joins them. It seems unbeknownst to the ladies his father holds stock in their show and now wants to help them turn a profit which they haven’t really been doing. But that’s not all the son seems to want. He’s smitten with Lizzy and makes no pretense to hide it. In fact, he comes out and tells her he hopes to marry her.

Lizzy has decided she’s never going to marry. And even if she would it wouldn’t be to Englishman Jason. She gave her heart away to Wes their ranch foreman oh so long ago. When he took a wife that wasn’t her she was devastated. But his silence since her death is almost worse. She can’t risk the loss of losing someone else she loves though so she says she’ll never marry.

I have to say shy quiet Ella has to be one of my favorite characters and I can’t wait to learn more of her story in one of the books to come. She’s being forced to marry a man much older who is definitely not to her liking. He’s ruthless and cruel and immoral and that’s just the beginnings of the list. Ella decides she must run away to avoid this marriage that her father is forcing her into. Lizzy to the rescue!

Lizzy devises a scheme to help get Ella out of her house and into their travelling train. While hiding Ella out they learn that Ella can sew and mend as well as wishes to learn to trick ride. Ella decides to join the troop. She’ll be twenty-one soon and then can stop hiding out from her mother and undesirable suitor.

This book is amazing! I loved it. A quick read without any major plot twists. Great solid Christian theme with just enough romance. I half expected Ella and Lizzy to both fall for the brothers but now I’m not so sure as I don’t approve of Philips drinking and attitude so we’ll have to see how he progresses in the next two books.

Oh and Mary makes a cameo with her sharpshooting skills. Her brother was killed by Ella’s father and fiance and she desperately wants to know why and have her revenge.

I liked this book. It was neat to enter the world of trick riding. There was a lot of mystery in the book as well as a sweet romance.

Have you ever read a Christian novel and thought, “I was just taken to church and had a ‘come to Jesus’ moment.” Well, When You are Near did that for me and you won’t hear me complain one bit.

When You Are Near is a story full of little reminders of how close God truly is to those who are His. It is easy to forget that when things get hard, as in Lizzy’s case. In her grief, she shut out all who loved her. Including her Lord and Savior. I found myself coming to tears at her “ah- ha” moment as I had my own. (Isn’t it beautiful when that happens?)

Another touching moment, and a not so subtle reminder for myself, is when Wes sees that he can not be a savior as he works through his guilt for acting outside of God’s will. We are only called to live on and minister to others. We can’t save them.

There were many other tidbits but I don’t want to give anything away. So, I encourage you to get ahold of this story. Enjoy it and maybe learn through the actions of these fictional characters.

*When You Are Near was provided to me through CelebrateLit Publicity and Bethany House Publishing so that I may share with you my honest thoughts and opinions.

I thoroughly enjoyed When You Are Near. The Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza was a very interesting topic to read about. The mystery and suspense leading up to the ending is fast-paced and exciting.

The main character, Lizzy, a trick rider in the family show, is spunky, independent, and is very dedicated to her art. After the death of her father, she has literally shut down except for her trick riding. She guards her heart and refuses to get into a serious relationship, even though she already loves Wesley. Wesley, the ranch foreman, is dealing with guilt and pain of his own.

The story is about forgiveness, healing, and learning to trust God for strength. God is the only one who can truly heal us and make us whole again and the story reflects that fact.

I would highly recommend this book and look forward to the rest in the series.