The Way of Love

This author does not disappoint. This series is a good historical fiction story. There are several elements of intrigue-who is the bad guy? Perhaps in the next book they will finally be answered. The women in the boarding house, along with spouses are great characters. Each one is unique. This is a hard book to put down. I can’t wait to continue reading more about Nancy, her family, and her friends.

I loved this newest installment in the Williamette Bride Series.

This is the second book in the series...it picks up with Faith. moving into Nancy's boarding house while she attends classes in Portland. We get to see how things are going with newlyweds Nancy and Seth. We meet a few new characters, Captain Andrew Gratton and the interesting crew on his riverboat. We also uncover some interesting details about the inhabitants of the boarding house. The villains from the first book are wreaking havoc on our beloved characters and a new villain is introduced.

I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens next.

As I mentioned, this is the second book in the series. You really need to read the first book before reading this one. The first book is called, Secrets of My Heart. It is awesome as well.

I received an advance copy os this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.



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THE WAY OF LOVE by TRACIE PETERSON is the second novel in the Williamette Brides series. It is an historical romance novel with a great Christian message. I love the way the author makes us feel what the characters are going through. We see how the truth of Proverbs chapter three verse five, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" becomes very real to Faith as she tries to deal with injustice.
The story takes place in Portland Oregon in 1879, and, as in the first book in the series, the problems of racism and hatred of people of colour are addressed, together with the limitations placed on women at the time.
Faith Kenner is living in her cousin Nancy's boarding house while she attends medical school. She has been working as a healer since the age of fifteen and is thrilled to have the opportunity to obtain her degree in medicine.
The book is full of colourful characters, especially the unusual lady boarders.
Faith has a secret and so does Andrew Gratton, the handsome riverboat captain. Add to this gun runners, a cyclone, murder and the arrival of a baby, and you have a great story.
The Way of Love is a really good read and one I can highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Way of Love
by Tracie Peterson
I love when love finds its way through adversity.
The burden Faith Kenner and Andrew Gratton carry keeps them focused on the lives they have established. They long for so much more, however. When they find themselves caught up in a dangerous political mess, they find their friendship is more important then they realized. Can they come together and fight for what is right without their secrets being exposed?
I enjoyed this book and think that it is despicable what the Indians of the past had gone through. I am sad for the terrible treatment they endured and for the ugliness of people who had the power to help them but choose instead to extort and murder them. That being said the author did a lovely job bringing this story to life.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to read this second book in a new series by Peterson. She did not disappoint! The only "issue" I found with this book was that the friendships from the first book did not seem to match up with the friendships in this one. For example, Gabe and Seth were best friends since birth in the first book, and Nancy's dead husband was not close to anyone, nor did he have anything to do with any of Nancy's family or childhood friends. In the second book, Seth and Gabe were not shown as friends at all; and mention was made at the beginning that Gabe was best friends with Nancy's dead husband. When I first read this so early on, I worried that there would be discrepancies throughout the book. However, even though Seth and Gabe were not shown with any real friendship at all, the rest of the book was right on the mark with all other relationships and events. Although I found it sad that Gabe and Seth weren't included as close friends throughout this book, I did find the book to be absolutely wonderful! So, this alone was not enough to lose a star with me!

I love how Peterson digs so deep with historically correct descriptions of how people with color were treated and viewed in some states. I loved how the heroine had ancestry that was not visible, but did come back to impact her and her family. How they all handled it was beautiful! I especially love how there is an underlying storyline that will obviously unfold as the books in this series are presented. I am waiting on pins and needles to discover who the mysterious "Smith" will turn out to be! I'm dying to know if it's anyone from in the background that we have "sort of" met somewhere within the pages of the first two books, or if it will be somebody totally new to us. Needless to say, I will be reading every book that Peterson writes and publishes in this series! Please keep them coming!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Love Tracie Peterson! If you have read her "Heart of the Frontier" series, this book is a continuation. This is the second book in the "Willamette Brides" series. Excellent story of Faith, who is white and Cayuse Indian, who is becoming a doctor. She believes she will never be able to marry, because there is a law preventing mixed marriages between whites and Indians. She meets ship captain Andrew Gratton, and their friendship grows into more. He doesn't know she's a "half breed" but he thinks he can't marry because of the same reason, he's of mixed blood. It's a beautiful story with a great ending!

The Way of Love is the second book in Tracie Peterson's Williamette Brides series. Personally, I had not read the previous book myself before reading this one. I was still able to enjoy it as a stand alone. I did get the impression that perhaps some of the backstory for these characters was given previously, however enough was given that I wasn't lost.

In The Way of Love we are introduced to Faith and Andrew. (I believe Faith may have actually been introduced in book one, though I couldn't say with certainty.) Faith is pursuing her goals of becoming a certified doctor at the first college allowing women to do so in the time...she's definitely one of those headstrong female characters that so many of us are drawn to in our favorite novels! When she comes upon an injured Andrew, a riverboat captain, the two form a great friendship, bonded by their mutual support of Native tribes... It is a friendship that despite their feelings otherwise can become nothing more due to the secrets of Faith's heritage and the laws of the time.

I must admit, I don't know much in the way of specifics about the laws and treatments of Natives in this time. I know the basics, of course, and what was taught in history books, but I also know a lot was left out. Though their horrible treatment is certainly not a pleasant topic, I did enjoy getting the chance to learn more about it. Tracie Peterson put a lot of research and thought into keeping this fictional story accurate to the events in the area at the time. I certainly appreciate that, and liked that the author's note in the end addressed that- giving some more information to check out myself. I learned a lot, while also enjoying a fantastic romance along the way...

Overall, this was a really fantastic read. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is definitely one to check out.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

This is the second and final book in the Willamette Brides Series, and it details the life and love of Faith Kenner. She is pursuing her certification as a surgeon. She has very strong opinions of the issues of the day, i.e. the laws prohibiting people of color living in Oregon, and the instigating of Indian wars so that they could be eradicated from Oregon. Her opinions stir up trouble with those in power and end up getting her expelled from medical school just weeks before she graduates.

During all this, she meets the captain of the river boat that takes her to her home and back to Portland. Both are holding secrets that they believe could harm the other, but they can't deny their feelings for each other.

After finishing the book, I read Tracie Peterson's research notes. Her research of the historical events is spot on. She used these events as a way to support the plot, which only added to the intrigue of the book. It is hard to put down and compels the reader to continue reading. It is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, and a handsome river boat captain to escort you on your trips.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Another great read:
This is the 2nd book in the series and I'd highly recommend reading them in order so as to fully enjoy the depth and complexity that they offer. This is the story of Faith, Hope and Lance's daughter from the Heart of the Frontier series, who is of mixed Caucasian/Native American heritage. However as such it was illegal for her to marry a white man and she had tried to come to peace with the fact that she'd never be able to marry and instead focused on her dream of being a doctor. It was wonderful seeing her work towards that, especially as woman doctors were so rare in those days. Her name was most fitting as she certainly proved herself to be a someone of great faith and integrity.
Meanwhile Andrew is a boat captain who becomes enamored of the beautiful and gifted Faith. Their paths keep crossing but he also had his reasons as to why they can't pursue anything. I enjoyed seeing them come to rely on each other as they faced the obstacles before them.
This book continues on with the investigation into the illegal provision of guns and liquor to the Indians and the terrible treatment of the Native and Negro people in Oregon during that time. Whilst interesting and certainly an important topic to explore, I did find it rather heavy at times and the situation is not resolved but carries over to the final book in the series due October 2020.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

The Way of Love is an interesting sequel to "Secrets of My Heart". Set in Oregon in the late 1800s, the book tells the story of physician-in-training, Faith. As Faith navigates med school, she also becomes involved in helping nearby Indian tribes. Meanwhile, she also becomes unknowingly involved in the continuation of a mystery began in book one of the series. The book gives interesting facts about Oregon in the late 1800s, intertwines romance and family heritage while continuing the story of Faith's cousin's boarding house. The book could be read as a stand-alone, but will make MUCH more sense if read in sequence as the storyline from book one's characters continue in this book. Another fantastic historical fiction novel by Tracie Peterson!

Tracie Peterson’s latest, The Way of Love, is a fast paced read set in Oregon in the late 1870’s. Now, 30 years after the Whitman Massacre, racial tensions are still erupting between not only Indian tribes and the white settlers, but also anyone of color. Peterson illuminates this turmoil as her characters fight for justice amid rampant discrimination, threats of Indian uprisings, and personal vendettas for power.

As one who loves history, I highly appreciated Peterson’s attention to detail, her ability to keep a plot moving, and the array of characters who bring to life this unstable time period. Peterson’s books are always a delight to read, full of suspense, history, and wonderful characters. I especially enjoyed reading about characters who appeared in a previous series of hers, Heart of the Frontier. You will most definitely want to read that trilogy to gain a deeper understanding of this new book.

That said, however, The Way of Love can hold its own. Romantic, suspenseful, and heart rendering, Peterson delivers another excellent read.

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own

First off… I liked Nancy much more in this book! Just to have closure on the first book in the series.

On to Book 2… I really enjoyed this book and more about Nancy and Seth. I really enjoyed the story as it unfolded between Hope and Andrew. I can’t wait for book 3!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

The Way of Love
by Tracie Peterson
Bethany House
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 02 Jun 2020 | Archive Date 02 Jul 2020

Traci Peterson is one of my personal favorite authors. I love the way she researches each book. It brings me a lot of pleasure to read her novels.
So Once again, this is a 5-star read. I will recommend it to our patrons when we reopen.

This is the second book in the Willamette Brides trilogy. I highly recommend reading book one (Secrets of the Heart) first in order to keep up with the characters and ongoing mystery. I read this book first and found myself lost in parts.

The book is well researched and the author lists supporting information in her note that helps the reader conduct further research - since our curiosity was certainly tapped. There were multiple relationships and romances that kept the book moving quickly. As sometimes happens in romances, I became frustrated with Faith and Captain Gratton because of a secret they kept from each other that would have prevented a lot of their angst.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The only problem with this book is that in finishing it, I immediately want to read the next in the series! Unfortunately that requires a wait until October - sigh! This is the second in a series of books. While you probably could read it as a standalone, I would recommend starting with the 'Heart of the frontier' series. That is in many ways, the precursor to this series as the main characters in this series are the children of the 'Heart of the frontier' sisters. It also adds much context and spoils those books if you haven't read them first.

Tracie Peterson writes strong women characters who have faith in God. They have "real" emotions too which helps involve you in the story. While I did get this free of charge, I wouldn't provide a review without it being honest. So to that end, I will say that I enjoyed this book in two sittings - unfortunately, real life called for a little while!

I do think you will enjoy it and while it might take you a little while to get to it if you follow my recommendations - just know that you will have less time to be patient for the upcoming third book in the series!

Having missed out on the first book in the Willamette Brides series, I was surprised to meet characters from Peterson's Heart of the Frontier series, a most wonderful series. The Way of Love focuses on Faith Kenner. Faith, long practicing the art of healing, is working towards achieving her surgeon's certificate, quite an accomplishment for a woman in the early 1880s. The only problem is the laws in Oregon relating to anyone with any amount of Native American blood.. They both limit her career options as well as her marriage prospects. Having inherited her looks from her mother, Faith has chosen to keep secret her ancestry from her father's side, and to function as a white woman in society, while using her knowledge and contacts to further the cause of Native Americans. Some very dangerous men in Oregon would much prefer that the Native Americans be silenced by whatever means necessary, putting Faith and her family at risk.

The theme of respecting God's sovereignty, and maintaining one's faith, while in the direst of circumstances is well developed in this story. There were many times when Faith, who was particularly well named, must live by faith and not by sight, when there is actually no hope to be found. While all fans of historical fiction will enjoy The Way of Love, it will speak to the hearts of those who are desperate for this type of faith. I am very grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

This is book 2 in Tracie Peterson's Willamette Brides series. I would definitely recommend reading book 1 before this one as there is some carry over from the first in the series.

All I can say after reading this book is WOW! It couldn't be more timely as it deals with race relations, yet is set in the 1870's in Oregon. A group of men are trying to supply whiskey and arms to the native Americans in order to stir them into war; so they will be driven off the reservation, and the men can grab the land to sell to white settlers. We once again see the characters from book 1 along with a few new additions that just make this story even richer. The focus is on Faith Kenner who is mixed Indian and Caucasian but is representing herself as a white. She is trying to finish medical school, in Portland, as she wants to help the Indians as they lack good medical treatment. She is, of course, very proactive for Indian rights and the group of men soon target Faith and her family. She is boarding with her cousin, Nancy Carpenter, who has a close knit group of boarders living in her home. And one of the boarders has a surprise that also ties in to the difficulties with race relations.

With a great deal of suspense, wonderfully complex characters, intricate relationships, and a romance story line in the background, this book is both realistic and relatable. Peterson's historical notes regarding race relations and governmental law in the afterward were definitely a shock to me. Wondered why I had never read some of this in history books especially as I was a history minor in college.

This book definitely goes to the top of my favorites list for 2020!

The Way of Love by Traci Peterson captivated me with the heartwarming tale of love, faith, family, and the courage to fight for truth and justice.  I absolutely enjoyed the way that this book continued the story begun in her related series Heart of the Frontier, which told of Grace, Mercy, and Hope three sisters who became the mothers, aunts, and grandmothers of the characters in her new series Willamette Brides from which The Way of Love comes.  Ms. Peterson's writings are incredibly entertaining as well as wholesome. She takes care with her topics to bring to her readers subjects that may have been avoided or forgotten, like the great discrimination against the Native American people of early American history. I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Peterson's historical perspective into the time of this book, allowing her readers to feel as if they stepped into the streets of late 1800's Portland, Oregon. I have read and greatly enjoyed Ms. Peterson's Heart of the Frontier series which leads up to this new series, Willamette Brides and would definitely recommend The Way of Love as an excellent, entertaining, and thought-provoking read!
Faith Kenner is the main subject of The Way of Love and what an intriguing protagonist!  I absolutely loved her drive for learning, her passion for healing, as well as her eyes which saw clearly into a person's soul. Faith has a big secret that she has been living with her entire life. Faith is half Native American, the result of her mother's captivity and assault in the Whitman massacre. Although Faith and her family have no issue with her heritage, societal norms and laws forbid her from many things, such as marriage to someone who is full-blooded white or Native American as well as forbidding her from educating herself at most prestigious colleges.
Living fearlessly, Faith pursues her passion of becoming a doctor and is attending Willamette University's medical college. She greatly desires to use her gifts and talents to help the neglected, poor, hurting, and forgotten peoples. When Faith helps an injured riverboat captain, she didn't expect to make a friend, but Captain Andrew Gratton soon becomes her closest friend. Andrew respects Faith and her pursuit of her dream of becoming a doctor as well as her staunch stand for justice for all people. Andrew also desires to fight for the rights of the oppressed and helps Faith as she speaks out against the laws and policies which were unjust. As Faith and Andrew work together in their push for justice and changed laws, they meet tough opposition from some of the most influential and powerful men in the Oregon society. When suspicious "accidents" keep happening to Faith and some of her family and friends, she is horrified that they have been bearing the brunt for her speaking up for justice. Faith is now tangled in a messy plot of evil men trying to instigate a war which would destroy the native Americans of the region.  Can Faith and Andrew overcome this oppression and find authorities that will believe them and help them take down these evil men? Can their friendship survive these difficult and dangerous situations? Can Faith trust in God to help her overcome her love for Andrew and live with her secret heritage? Will God allow her and Andrew to survive, let alone truly love one another?  I guess you'll have to read it to find out!

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

The second in the Williamette Brides series continues as Faith studies to become a doctor. This well researched book is rich in facts and history as Faith struggles between her heritage and realities of Oregon's strict laws. Readers who love history will enjoy this latest installment. History, a little romance and a touch of mystery makes this novel intriguing. Anxious to learn more about Mr. Smith... Recommended!

Such an encouragement to remember what God has called us to a individual. It's inspiring to read how these people follow God through hardships. Well written novel bringing truth to light.

Faith!
I greatly admired her because despite her heritage she decided to stand tall and strong. She knew what she was good at and stuck to it. She pursued her dreams and excelled at being a doctor which was very uncommon for woman during her time.
I like how she and Andrew met. I admired him for trusting her at first to care for him and not write her off like others would because of her heritage and gender.
I really admired that he stood up for the Indians even when others mistreated them. Very honorable man.

Wonderful historical book filled with soul longing romance, history and inspiring stories.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

Ok, before I dive into the review, I just realized I've missed soooo much because I didn't read book one. Yes, it can be read as a stand-alone book and you will understand the story, but I realized there were some things that the author didn't explain much (the backstory of some characters) and I ended up mixing characters up A LOT and...

So, yeah, read book one first. 

Well, the book itself was very interesting. This is the story of Faith, one of the few females attending med school at that time. She has always been very devoted to her calling as a healer, and has been aiding her aunt as a midwife since she was fifteen. 

The story starts with Faith moving with her cousin Nancy and her little family in her boarding house and what she thought were going to be the last hectic days of her life as a med student before she graduated, only to realize her life was going to turn into a nightmare. 

Faith harbors a secret, a secret that only her family knows of. She is half Indian. Her mother was a victim of an atrocious circumstance that led to her birth. Not wanting to cause her mother any more disgrace, she tries to live her life as best as she can as a white. Being born with blue eyes, strangers don't question her heritage, yet she knows that if she were to expose who she really is she would be expelled from med school and worse. 

But her heritage not only denies her many basic freedoms, but she is also forbidden to marry. The law forbids people with Indian heritage to marry white people. Yet Faith has made peace with that, she will dedicate her life to helping others, to mending the broken and showing them God's love. 

Until she decides to speak up for the Indians in a lecture with some of her colleagues. 

Having set the college benefactors in an uproar for her ''love for Indians'', Faith starts receiving threats, threats to her personal life, career, and much worse, her family. 

To be honest I would have loved to see more about the med school life. We caught glimpses here and there, but I wanted to go with her to class, to her hospital rounds, see her treat patients... I dunno . Maybe it's just the med student in me. 

But the mystery and pacing of the story were wonderful. It was fairly fast-paced, and for historical fiction books, I really appreciate that. The plot twists were great, and I really didn't guess how it was going to end (again, I advice you to read book one plsss ) 

On the other hand, the romance... I wasn't a fan of it. In my opinion, it was too superficial.  There wasn't any ''time'' for development, and it felt rushed? I just feel it wasn't realistic enough. I don't know, again maybe it's just me, but I like relationships to develop slowly and ''see'' the characters getting to know each other, instead of the instant attraction. 

What I did love was her Indian heritage. LOVED IT. We need more stories like this! It adds up that unique factor to otherwise bland historical fiction stories. I also liked that the author touched on the realities of both sides- Indians and whites, and we saw the good and the bad from both. Faith is also a girl who is proud of her heritage and I really liked that. She overcame the boundaries society put on her, and with grace and determination, worked to get the best out of her situation. 

It was really a very good book and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. It is clean yet there are no explicit mentions on rape, racism, death penalty, blood, and medical procedures that may trigger some. 

I will definitely read Tracie Peterson's next books and also read book one of this series (the intrigue is real, guys . I need to know what this ''person's'' backstory is)

Thanks to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved being back in this story in Oregon, this time with Faith, who is attending medical school. What is great about this book was that Faith was becoming a doctor, which was not very common in 1880. She also wanted to use her medical skills to help the Native people. Through the story, the readers get updates with the characters we first met in the previous book.
I also like how Peterson chose to highlight the not so good parts of Oregon's history in this book. She doesn't shy away from having characters that support and oppose the laws of banning African Americans from the state - I didn't even know this was a thing until I read this series. I think it's important to highlight these parts of history in stories like this, so that people can be educated.</p>

The Way of Love is rich in historical details. It includes the racial tensions and laws that existed in Oregon in this era. The story begins in December of 1879 in Portland, Oregon and continues with the characters from the first book. It is not necessary to read the first book before reading this one, but would give a greater understanding of whom the characters are. Also it is somewhat of a continuation of “Heart of the Frontier” series. The main character is Faith Kenner who is a strong, independent female who is studying to become a doctor so she can bring her learning to the Native tribes. She is part Indian {we read of her conception in Heart of the Frontier series.} She was given away at birth to a missionary man and his wife. The hero is Captain Andrew Gratton {who also has a secret} who finds himself admiring Faith and her zeal to help the Indians amidst the town people who mostly despise the native Indians and would like to see all them dead. This is a beautiful story and at times intense, but love and love for God wins out………I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Way of Love is the 2nd novel in Willamette Brides series by Tracie Peterson. I do recommend reading Secrets of My Heart before embarking on The Way of Love. The story begins in December of 1879 in Portland, Oregon with Faith moving into Nancy Carpenter’s boardinghouse (from Secrets of My Heart). I like that the story features a strong, intelligent, and Christian main character. Faith Kenner is determined to become a doctor to help Native Americans on the reservation. She grew up among them and knows the conditions. Faith is a woman of strong convictions. She does not understand why there is prejudice in the world. As Faith states, “a person can hardly be blamed for their heritage.” The Way of Love is rich in historical details. It includes the racial tensions and laws that existed in Oregon at that time along with the “Storm King”, Willamette College, and much more. Christian values and beliefs are prevalent as well. I thought The Way of Love was well-written with vivid descriptions. The pacing is gentle which suits the story. It was nice catching up with Nancy, Seth, Mrs. Weaver, and the other residents of the boardinghouse along with our main characters families. We get to find out Mrs. Weaver’s secret and it was something I never expected. Samuel Lakewood and his cohort, Gerome Berkshire are back with their evil plans. I am eager to learn the identity of the man who calls the shots. I appreciated the author’s note at the end. My favorite line from The Way of Love is “The sooner people put aside prejudices, the sooner we’ll have peace in our country.” I thought The Way of Love was a timely novel considering what is currently happening in the United States. The Way of Love is a compelling historical novel with a surprising storm, fine friends, a satisfying surprise, racial pressure, Christian codes, and a romantic riverboat captain.

A continuation of an interesting series. Faith was born as the result of her mother being raped in a Native American uprising, first adopted out and then she was raised on a Reservation. She looks white. A gifted healer, she goes to Portland to attend college to be certified as a doctor, then return to the reservation. At that time, people of color did not have any rights in Oregon. Blacks were not allowed in the state at all. Native Americans could not marry a white person or attend college. In this story there are powerful men who want to rid the state of Indians and sell their land for profit and they would do almost anything to eliminate people who stood in their way. Mostly in secret of course. Some of these men carry over from the previous books, so Faith's family is still in danger. It plays a very big part in what happens in this story as well. Andrew is a ship's captain who comes into Faith's life and plays a big part in her family as well. Excellent series to get lost in. Living with discrimination, good, caring people wanting to help others. When they step out of their bounds and speak out for fairness, they are deeply punished by the evil ones. Christian faith and perseverance runs strong throughout the story.

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.

This story of Grace, who is of half European and half Native American heritage, is set in 1880s Oregon. She is set to finish medical school at one of few schools that admit women. She has hidden her heritage because only "white" women were allowed at the school. Of course, all of this comes to a boiling point in this story. Thanks to the author for bringing current light to a long-held problem of discrimination.