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.
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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.
(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
First, there is a mistake in some of the reviews I’ve seen. Nothing Short of Wonderous is Book 2 in the American Wonders Collection. The first is A Distance Too Grand. Both are excellent reads.
Someone has described Regina Scott’s books as “Warm and witty historical romance” and they nailed it. This book is warm and joyful. The characters are well drawn. The romance is deeply satisfying and I felt as though I’ve visited the park myself. At a stressful time in my life, this book felt like a vacation. I wish I could go back again, and I will.
Now I want to go to Yellowstone!
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?
Read my review of Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions 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 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.
Thank you in advance to Revell (a division of Baker Books) for providing a complimentary review copy through the author’s launch team/early reviewers. A positive review was not required and all words are my own.
Last year I was introduced to many genres of books – Christian Fiction, Christian Suspense, Amish Fiction, and Historical Fiction.
As of note, I wasn’t always a historical fiction fan. In fact I am surprised by how many books of this genre I now have in my collection.
Last year, through JustRead Tours, I was introduced to the beautiful writing of Regina Scott who also writes Regency Fiction (that’s a genre I haven’t yet read).
I loved “A Distance Too Grand” which is book one (#1) in this series. That took place in 1871 showcasing the Grand Canyon.
This book, “Nothing Short of Wondrous” takes place in 1886 (some 15 years later) and features Yellowstone Park. And, while it is part of the American Wonders Collection – the books are not connected by characters or places. The only connection is that they are part of the parks.
This is actually nothing short of amazing. Truly amazing. From the gorgeous cover, which is absolutely stunning to the exciting end – this book is wondrous and amazing.
The characters are also well balanced and rounded. The main two – disgraced (and given a second chance by the U.S Army) Will Prescott and feisty widower and hotelier, Kate Tremaine are both trying to avoid romantic entanglements. This is clear right from the beginning.
Loved the plot – there were SO many points to it:
** Kate’s worry about her hotel lease
** Arson
** Slander and libel against Kate
** Kidnapping
** Will’s secret shame
** Kate’s husband’s death
** Mystery poacher
With a supporting cast of characters and “guests” the suspect list to the poaching and arson fires is definitely an interesting one. There was one early “visitor” that I thought was going to be trouble that wasn’t.
Readers might be shocked to discover one miscreant hiding in plain sight. I was beginning to have my doubts early on about the person, but really couldn’t have guessed who it was. It was definitely a good plot device.
And, despite this being more of a romance, there are a few mysteries to solve in this stunning, exciting, and dramatic story that explores Yellowstone during the Army’s control of the park written with a touch of humor, vivid and sweeping descriptions of the wonder that has become a national treasure.
Given such picturesque details, it is almost like taking a virtual tour around the park without leaving home. The description and inclusion of the sight-seeing spots is like the map that Kate is to draw for Will and his men to keep them safe in the majestic park. And, Kate wants to prevent another accident at all costs – like the one that claimed her husband.
This remains a secret from Will until about chapter nine (9). Will’s secret isn’t revealed until chapter 23 when the real idea of “courting” Kate comes into play, though the “romance” part is planted about halfway through. The events, which occurred eight (8) years before the start of this story, are definitely disturbing given today’s racial climate. Scott is respectful to keep details to a minimum and doesn’t overwhelm the reader. These events have taken a toll on Will’s career to be sure.
Yet, in the middle of this – there is a tale of redemption, second chances (for both Will and Kate), and seeing past the flaws of our lives. Will does learn to take control of his future when he is forced to make a decision regarding his career.
Scott is careful to remain authentic to the time in keeping the romance slow and realistic to the times while still keeping the reader interested.
The kidnapping mentioned in the blurb comes nearly three-quarters (¾) through and didn’t last but two (2) chapters.
Written with short chapters, this is such an exciting read, it is almost hard to put down. The only reason it took me a few days to read it was due to other obligations I had. Otherwise this would’ve taken less time. There is a slight printing glitch on page 86, but it doesn’t affect the story or reading the book.
I would’ve liked to have seen the kidnapping drawn out a bit, and there was one issue that wasn’t solved. But, otherwise, this is a stellar read. And, I would love to someday visit the parks – the Grand Canyon as well as Yellowstone as these books give such a wonderful accounting of their history. It definitely makes me appreciative of the efforts to conserve them even as far back as the late 1800’s.
As this is distributed by a Christian/faith themed publisher, there will be references to God and faith. This does have bible references and a story, faith services, and prayers. This is done in a manner that is realistic to the times and is not integral to the main plot of the story.
The title comes from something that Will says as one of the last lines of the story.
Fans of historical fiction, particularly by the author, and those who’ve read the previous book are sure to enjoy this offering. Regina Scott’s writing is about to make a historical fiction fan of me yet – along with other authors on the list!
I am eagerly awaiting the third book in this series! Hint – Mt. Rainier! I also enjoyed the mention of The Presidio (San Francisco) for several reasons.
This is my second book I have read by Regina Scott and it is also the second book in her “American Wonders Collection”. Even though this is the second book in a series, you by no means have to read the first to be able to read and enjoy this book. They are in no way dependent on each other. The first one was set in the Grand Canyon in 1871. However, this book is set in Yellowstone National Park in 1866. They are the same series because they are both set in wondrous places of the United States. As with the first book in this series, A Distance Too Grand, this book also has a strong female main character who holds her own as well as the military. Regina Scott does an excellent job of describing her characters and bringing them to life. She also does an excellent job of describing the world to which the characters live and interact. The romantic dynamic between the main female character, Kate Tremaine, and the main male character, Lieutenant William Prescott, is outstandingly good especially because she tells it from both points of view. If you like to read historical romance novels, then I would say that you would definitely enjoy this book. And if you have not read one before, then this is a good one to read for your first.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give a honest review.
Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott
American Wonders Collection Book Two
Widow Kate Tremaine’s husband died a year ago, leaving Kate and her son, Danny, to run their hotel in Yellowstone Park. Kate loves the beauty around her and does all she can to protect the natural wonders…and the animals. Poachers are a real threat to the dwindling numbers of bison.
Lieutenant William “Will” Prescott got a second chance eight years ago after the Army demoted him. He’ll never forgive himself or forget what he had done. Will doesn’t expect anyone to forgive him or to have more than the Army in his life. Right now, he’s in charge of five men as they guard an area of Yellowstone. Thankfully, Kate agrees to help him, and his men learn of the dangers to avoid with all the geysers around.
Kate and Will work together to protect the land, and they both hold their past close to them. It’s time they both look to the future and let God’s love and forgiveness heal them. I loved this story; stayed up into the wee hours of the morning because I couldn’t put it down until the end.
**Received from publisher for an honest review
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2012/10/regina-scott-book-list.html
Regina Scott paints such a magnificent picture of Yosemite in this novel, I wanted to go visit myself!
Truly, this series will cause the reader to ‘see’ the landscape and natural wonders as they are actually there. I was captivated not only by the story, which is very well done, but the beauty of the national park as seen through the eyes of the characters.
Scott includes a wonderful plot line as well, populated with equally wonderful characters. Kate and Lt. Prescott were precious together and her son Danny stole my heart. Her hotel cook, Alberta, made me hungry with those pies of hers, too! Book two in this series is not to be missed.
*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is my own.
Absolutely the best characters! I felt as if I was amongst friends and family with these wonderful characters. This book captured my interest from page one, I love everything about this National Park. The author did a fantastic job honoring the park and all the beauty that is found there. My heart was captured by each page, the tragedies and joy that Kate endured only made the story sweeter. If you have never been to Yellowstone you will definitely want to after reading this fantastic book. The sweet clean romance dazzles the reader with such tenderness and emotion. Regina Scott never fails or disappoints, after reading her books I feel as if part of my heart has been left between the pages. Her beautiful stories touch so much of your soul leaving you pondering on it for days after!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Through the eyes of the author we get to see the beauty of Yellowstone, and yes I have been there, but this is when the government has given the US Cavalry control.
We are given a widow who is running a hotel in the park, and raising a precocious six year old boy, he is such a delight. We find out why she is a widow, we see and meet least savory characters that make an illegal income poaching, and we meet a Lieutenant with the Calvary, that is determined to stop this horrible crimes.
Our Lieutenant has a secret that took him down once, and we learn it and. The effect it had on his career and life. We see sparks fling between Kate, our widow, and Will, our Lt. but can they overcome the obstacles that are thrown at them?
Now this is the second book in this series, and yes, it can be read alone, but you might want to read the first once you pick this one up!
I received this book through Net Galley and Revell Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
With vivid descriptions of the wonders of Yellowstone, Regina Scott sets the second of her American Wonders Collection 1886, when the US Calvary was charged with protecting the National Park. Luckily for Lieutenant William Prescott, local hotel owner Kate Tremaine is willing to act as a guide – and a very capable one at that – in exchange for some manual labor making much needed repairs to the Geyser Gateway.
As their attraction grows and the widow’s young son becomes ever more hopeful of a new father, danger threatens the park. From casual vandalism by tourists to intentional harm from poachers, Kate and the soldiers have their work cut out for them. But luckily, there is always the Geyser Gateway’s comfort to fall back on and Alberta’s pies waiting.
With an interesting cast of secondary characters, particularly a set of elderly sisters who make their appearance later in the story, characters and relationships are again center stage – though danger and adventure are never far off, as Kate and Will both have past traumas to face and faith to be renewed.
Recommended for fans of Historical Inspirational Fiction, the grandeur of the American frontier, and strong female characters who ride sidesaddle.
This review refers to a finished copy I voluntarily received from the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are my own honest opinions.
Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott is the second book in her American Wonders Collection. I have not read the first book, A Distance Too Grand, but since the novels are stand-alone, it did not hamper my reading of this story.
The author does an EXEMPLARY job of painting the landscape of Yellowstone for the reader. I visited the park many years ago, but Ms. Scott’s apt description brought the park alive for me once again. (Now, I want to plan a return trip!)
And the history involved in the story is impeccable. I never knew the U.S. Calvary was sent to protect the natural integrity of the park, and it was oftentimes amusing to see just how unorganized and inadequate their plans were. Thankfully, for our Calvary men, they had a wise and season guide in Mrs. Kate Tremaine. I loved her spunk, her wild independent streak, and her fierce love for the God-given beauty around her.
The Calvary men were all interesting as well–from O’Reilly’s use of spitting to create emphasis to Smith’s mysterious past. And of course, Will Prescott, a broken, but redeemable hero. I loved his story of redemption and how hard he worked to become a good man. It brought tears to my eyes!
Overall, I enjoyed the majesty and adventure of this story all while learning a great deal about the history of Yellowstone. Any fan of Christian historical fiction will enjoy this story.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
NOTHING SHORT OF WONDROUS by Regina Scott is a story rich with historical detail, guaranteed to delight readers with its poignant tale of love, hope and second chances. This is a heartmoving tale about two decent people striving together to overcome hardship, proving that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in complete control.
This is a convincing historical novel in which Regina Scott writes with grandeur and finesse. It has a sweet, heartfelt and engaging cast of characters. True to its name, Will and Kate’s story is nothing short of wondrous. A life-changing story, set in the magnificent Yellowstone National Park, this is a book with great characters and a spectacular setting.
The suspense and mystery of the novel does not detract from the interpersonal dynamics between the characters. The feisty innkeeper, Kate has admirable strength, ingenuity and determination. Regina Scott’s knowledge of Yellowstone National Park, its rich history and amazing natural resources, appeals to readers on different levels.
We are spellbound and starstruck by the awesome beauty of the park’s majestic geysers, steaming springs and imposing wildlife. We get a glimpse into the lives of William and Kate as they share deeply personal secrets and celebrate the awesome power of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. I highly recommend this book to readers who would like to get the satisfaction of a really good read.
I 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.