After her father’s death, Lizzy Brookstone, the star trick rider of the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, loses interest in performing. What she longs for is a life with the Brookstone ranch foreman, Wesley DeShazer, the man who once broke her heart. Meanwhile, Jason Adler, son of the show’s new financial partner, comes to help with the show, and Lizzy soon finds him vying for her … affection.
Ella Fleming is fleeing a forced engagement when she stows away on the Brookstone train. Lizzy finds her and gives her a job in the costume department, but Ella has a dangerous secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza.
When Mary Reichert, a former sharpshooter for the show, learns that her brother, August, has been killed at the Fleming farm, she refuses to believe it was an accident. She returns to the show to find the truth, but is she seeking justice or vengeance?
As the three women work together to discover how August died, Lizzy strives to hold the show together. Can she keep the Brookstone Extravaganza alive without losing the desire of her heart?
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When You Are Near is a rousing introduction to Tracie Peterson’s new Brookstone Brides series. What’s not to like about an all-girl wild west show, trick horseback riding, murder and mystery, wrapped with with a bit of romance?
The Bookstone Wild West Extravaganza is a family owned and operated show that travels from town to town in railroad cars. The Brookstone family car was parked on a side rail during their stay in each town and housed the family. It was fun to imagine life on the rails with this family as I read their story. I also found details about trick riding and the work involved to be of interest. The characters were mostly likeable with the exception of a couple of true villains. I enjoyed seeing how many of them relied on their strong faith even in the midst of difficult trials. Plenty of action, conflict, and various relationship developments including a possible love triangle helped to hold my interest throughout the entire book.
Once again Tracie Peterson has managed to grab my attention and hold it through the entire book. Not only that but she has me eagerly awaiting the next installment of this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Poetry, Ponies, and Peril!
My rating is 4.5 stars
I enjoyed the way wisdom from Lizzie’s father was remembered and shared by her and others in the troupe fairly regularly, showing how much of an impact he had on their lives. He would have been the kind of man that I would enjoy knowing. The spiritual inheritance he left behind was a legacy that was given to his family, friends, and all who had come to know him.
Lizzie loved poetry. Her horses were named after her favorite poets, Longfellow and Thoreau. While this might not have been unusual for a woman at the turn of the twentieth century, the fact that she was a trick rider certainly was. I really enjoyed the way that she was not afraid to assume a role like that, and yet didn’t come across as one trying to be like a man or challenge men to accept her as an equal. It was simply something she had learned as a child and loved to do.
Lizzie had a strong knowledge of God and yet, like many of us, struggled to make that relationship a reality in her life. In her grief and attempt at not being hurt by the loss of others she loved, she attempted to keep others at arm’s length, including God. She had to travel through her grief to learn that God was always with her and would never leave her alone.
My favorite parts of the book were the rich spiritual truths shared and the obvious heart of the author for sharing her love of the Lord with others. While the story had some mystery and elements of suspense related to Ella’s story, these were secondary to the faith journey Lizzie traveled.
I found the emphasis on Lizzie’s determination to never marry and her reasons were reiterated a few times more than necessary and she seemed to think and behave in a manner that wasn’t consistent with her age of twenty-seven.
While there was a clear “happy ending”, some unresolved issues remained and Ella and Mary were prominent enough in this story that it is clear that the rest of their stories will be told in future books of this series. I’m looking forward to seeing how those play out.
Read with a Preview and Guest Post 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.
When You Are Near by Tracie Peterson is an interesting look on the inside of Wild West Shows. Lizzy, a master at horse tricks, is a brave and strong heroine who ignores looking for love because every time she loves someone they end up dead. Why allow her heart to be bruised? This novel takes place in Montana and on the Wild West show circuit. The plot moves nicely along. I had a wonderful time with Lizzy and her family as well as a strong cast of other characters. There is a secondary storyline with a mystery or running from the future aspect that I liked and wished for more. I really enjoyed the story, and I can’t wait to see what else comes up in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of When You Are Near by Tracie Peterson from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
When You Are Near is the first in Tracie Peterson’s Brookstone Brides series and I can’t wait for the rest of the series. I have not read much of Peterson’s work in the past but her name would always catch my eye and I’d think, I have to get that book and read it. After reading this one I realize I have a lot of catching up to do! When You Are Near is a book that touches on real-life difficulties. The characters struggle with feelings of fear and guilt that readers can easily relate to. I like how the author helps each of them work through those struggles with the help of family, friends and their faith. The author gives lots of background regarding the travels, trials, and triumphs of a Wild-West show which was interesting and kept my pages turning. So looking forward to the next book…who will be Brookstone Bride #2?
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
When You Are Near, book #1 of the Brookstone Brides, begins what just might be one of my favorite series. Tracie Peterson is a talented, prolific, and very consistent author, in that the high level of historical detail, sheer entertainment, and spiritual elements in her writing has never wavered over the years. Filled with adventure, mystery and suspense, When You Are Near pulls readers into the life of a Wild West traveling show, and I enjoyed every minute spent with these characters.
This story introduces us to the Brookstone family and the world of trick riding – women trick riders, that is. I may have seen some trick riding at a circus as a child, but know next to nothing about this fascinating act. I loved how Peterson made this skill come alive through vivid descriptions, and let me tell you that it requires great skill, strength, concentration, and courage. It’s mentioned at one point that some spectators even fainted during the performances.
A strong series foundation is laid in this first book, introducing a wide variety of characters – the Brookstone family, employees, horse wranglers, business investors, and horse breeders. Lizzy Brookstone, star trick rider, is a great heroine – independent, confident, not afraid to speak the truth. Two other women have strong supporting roles and will eventually have their own stories, I believe – Mary, a sharpshooter, and Ella, a Roman rider. These two, along with Lizzy, are convinced that the death of Mary’s brother was no accident. Ella is fleeing from an arranged marriage forced upon her by a father I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
A key theme is how family and business associates are dealing with the death of Lizzy’s father in their own ways, not all healthy ones. The faith of Lizzy’s mother as she navigates her loss is inspirational and speaks to all of us. Shining throughout this story is the reminder that God is present with us always, especially through our difficult times.
The story comes to a satisfying conclusion, but there’s a lot more to come and I’m eager to continue with the Brookstone family. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This is a fabulously well-written Christian historical novel with marvelous men and women of faith, suspense, and romance. It is the first novel I have read about wild west trick riders and their unique horses and found it fascinating and hard-to-put-down. The author shares a wonderful story in which we see how Christians react in situations that are beyond their ability to go through in their own strength.
In 1900, the Brookstone family travels the country in their rail cars to present the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, the only all-female show of its kind. Mark and Oliver Brookstone, brothers, Rebecca, Mark’s wife, and Lizzy, their daughter are the heart of the show. Mark passed away of a heart attack on the tour; he made them promise to finish the year’s schedule. This will be Rebecca’s final tour.
Lizzy, an accomplished trick rider, is the long-time main attraction. Other ladies in the show include a sharpshooter and Roman riders. Lizzy loves this life on the rails, has performed for three presidents, and seen countless historical sites. She will stop traveling after this tour, also, partly because she’s lost heart for it after losing her dad.
Oliver and Mark sold a part of their show to Henry Adler, who had given them financial means to start the show after saving his life. His son Jason joins them on the tour to help Oliver manage the finances and learn the business. He is attracted to Lizzy, but her heart belongs to another. Wes, the foreman at the Brookstone ranch, started working there when she was young. She followed him everywhere; he saw her almost like a little sister. Her feelings ran far deeper for him. When he married a girl about her age, her heart was broken. His wife passed away a couple years ago and he has avoided her since. Between that and watching her mother grieve for her father, Lizzy hardens her heart to ever marrying.
The tour stops in Kentucky to pick up twin mares her father purchased from the Fleming horse farm. Lizzy and his daughter, Ella, are close friends. Ella talks with her about running away to avoid marrying the man her father has arranged for her. Jefferson has several mistresses, is twice her age, and is ruthless and cruel. She planned to meet up with them before their train left, escorted by August, the Brookstone’s wrangler. August had an accident at Fleming’s, however, and was trampled to death by a horse. Ella arrives alone and hopes her father and fiancé can’t track her down.
Oliver, Jason, Lizzy and Ella pay their respects to August’s family. His sister, Mary, was the best sharpshooter they ever had and she is going to re-join the show. Mary knows how well August knew horses and is convinced his death is no accident. Being back on the show will help her ask questions and find the truth.
Each character is defined with care. With few exceptions, these are folks I would want to have as friends. It is one of the best Christian novels I have read this year, based on how the characters are transparent to each other in terms of their faith or struggles. The plot twists, mystery, fear of Ella’s father and fiancé finding them, and how each of the primary characters interact with each other is amazing; I can’t say enough good about it! I highly recommend this novel to women of all ages who appreciate Christian historical fiction, westerns, and are fans of this author.
From a grateful heart: I received an e-ARC of this from the publisher and CelebrateLit; a positive review was not required.
*4.5 stars
I tend to read a lot of intense, emotional reads so this one was a nice change of pace for me. I consider it on the “lighter” end without touching the “fluffy” side. I enjoy historical romance that isn’t heavy on the romance and is able to maintain a level of realism.
I know close to nothing about trick riding and circus acts of the early 1900’s but I find it intriguing and I appreciated the facts that were sprinkled throughout the story. There was enough added to help me gain more understanding without feeling like it was overpowering. It was apparent that the author was very knowledgeable with the content included.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the story there were certain elements that I wish held more action. I think Ella’s side of the story could have contained more suspense and a more thorough conclusion. Since this is the first book in a series I’m curious to know if it will continue into the next book and if we will be given more satisfying answers.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and I’d recommend to historical fiction fans. I’m curious to see where the author will take the series in the future and look forward to seeing the next book release.
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
What a lovely and enjoyable way to spend a snowy day! With plenty of detail, the author brings us into the life and world of trick riding and the Wild West show of days gone by. You could feel the awe, and perhaps even held your breath with the audience, as you read about the dangerous stunts these beautiful ladies would do with their trusty and well trained horses. I loved all the particulars about the horses especially how loved they were. Lizzy, perhaps the best of the riders, is struggling with the loss of her father, compounded by the earlier deaths of her grandparents. Unfortunately, this has created a wall between her and all those who love her. Will she ever learn that love is worth it all?
I received this ARC through CelebrateLit. The impressions and opinions are my own.
When You Are Near begins a new series by Tracie Peterson, Brookstone Brides. Readers are introduced to Lizzy Brookstone, who is a trick rider for the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza. When her father dies, she finds herself having to manage the show and forced to work with Wesley and Jason. Ella Fleming is on the run and escapes on the Brookstone train, where Lizzy finds and gives her position to work for the show, which she soon may regret. Mary Reichert, is a sharpshooter who once worked for the show, comes back to investigate the death of her brother. Will all these sudden events for Lizzy bring the end of her father’s legacy?
I enjoyed When You Are Near. It was full of adventure and action that kept me want to keep reading. I loved all of the characters. It was fun finding how out how Lizzy, Ella and Mary try to solve the mystery of who killed Mary’s brother. I can not wait to read the next installment in the series.
I give When You Are Near five stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.