Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession–starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn’t realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry. marry.
Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.
As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.
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The author’s colorful description of the majesty of the Grand Canyon as well as the rock formations, flora, edible plants and the animals that call the canyon their home makes this a most enjoyable and unusual story that will appeal to romance, mystery and historical fiction fans of all ages. This is my first book by Regina Scott and I can’t wait to read everything she’s written. I so enjoyed Meg’s character because she’s smart and talented and she’s not about to let anyone take advantage of the her because she’s a woman in a man’s profession. I love feisty woman! I was just as impressed with Ben because of his treatment of the men under his command, his outdoor survival skills and his dedication to his mission to find a path through the Grand Canyon for future settlers. There are a number of other characters in the book that were along for this journey and I found them to be quite interesting as well. I read a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
Thank you Revell for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Distance Too Grand
By: Regina Scott
*REVIEW*
A Distance Too Grand is historical fiction centered around an important journey across/through the Grand Canyon to map and document possible routes to continue West. The heroine, Meg, has taken the place of her deceased father as a photographer. She’s a sassy character with her own agenda to carve her place in the world as a woman doing this job well. Meg encounters danger, beauty, hardship, happiness and possibly a romance??? Ben, an Army officer whom Meg knew prior to the trip, is a love interest potentially. The descriptions of the canyon are beautiful and lyrical. This book is a delight to read if you enjoy historical fiction and, especially, the Grand Canyon.
“There’s only one who matters, Meg”, he murmured. “And he forgives our mistakes freely. All we have to do is do our best. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.”
Meg and Ben’s story is quite an adventure about the Grand Canyon one of our
wonderful national parks.
I’ve visited the Grand Canyon when I lived in Arizona and it’s magnificent,breathtaking,majestic.
What an adventure the characters must have had. The character’s are lively,energetic,charismatic and realistic. The plot keeps your attention as it’s well planned and keeps you reading. A bit of a mystery will keep you intrigued as you read.
I enjoyed seeing how the lead females character is so forward thinking for her time and how passionate she is for photography which was a male dominated profession at the time.
I am so glad to see there is another book coming out in the American Wonder Collection. Let’s continue the exciting adventure!
Published October 1st 2019 by Revell.
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a fantastic story of courage and faith. Both are needed when one is on your own. Meg has lost her father and she needs a job to earn money. Her father had her helping him to take pictures so she knows everything. She decides to help the army photograph the Grand Canyon. She wants to take such great photographs that she can earn money on the photos later. I love the history and the descriptions of the Grand Canyon. I also love the romance also. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I enjoyed this alot more than I thought I would! This story had an interesting plot with a steady pace and breathtaking descriptions of The Grand Canyon in the late 1870s. Great characters including spunky photographer Meg as she travels out west with an expedition group. I also liked Dot the cook, Captain Ben and the other staff in the traveling group.
Clean romance and fun western adventure that I highly recommend reading! Can’t wait to read more in this collection!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
A Distance Too Grand is an attention grabbing historical novel with a Grand Canyon setting. The story revolves around an Army survey crew primarily searching for the perfect place to build a road across the immense mostly unexplored canyon. Meg Pero is a photographer who hopes to take her deceased father’s place on the crew but meets resistance because of her gender. Only because of a time crunch is she accepted to the team who just happens to be led by the very man she once rejected.
This story is not only a tale of second chance romance (you knew that didn’t you?) but is also a riveting account of the hardships and dangers faced by the team as they traveled to the canyon and began their exploration. A steady plot and excellent characterizations made the story a joy to read. As one who has always been afraid of heights, I had to admire Meg’s sometimes daredevil attempts to get the perfect photograph. A bit of mystery and a thread of faith added the perfect touch.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Distance Too Grand and look forward to future novels by Regina Scott.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and much of my interest comes from the many photographs that I’ve seen over the years. In this book the heroine is a young woman hired in 1871 to photograph the North Rim of this area for a survey being done by the U.S. Army. Her recently deceased father was the person originally chosen and Meg Pero is determined to prove her talent and ability to the others on this team. She also must find a way to work with the leader of this expedition because Captain Ben Coleridge is the man she once refused to marry!
I found A Distance Too Grand to be enjoyable reading because it shares facts about the Grand Canyon before it became a national park in 1919 and it also gives us a glimpse of early photography practices. Regina Scott has painted a vivid picture of the beautiful scenery and she also relates the detailed work involved in taking pictures in 1871. These descriptions make me appreciate even more my ability to snap a picture with my phone and I am reminded once again of the restrictions that young women once faced when they applied for jobs that were thought to be only for men. And even though I understood Meg’s reservations about her relationship with Ben, I also found myself impatient with her for not seeing just how special he was!
A Distance Too Grand offers romance, adventure, mystery, and many references to God and His wonderful Creation. I truly enjoyed it and I recommend it to all who like historical fiction and Christian romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell but a positive review was not required. These are my own opinions.
What an enjoyable setting for a book! I have been to the Grand Canyon twice and this story really brought to mind the amazing views and the natural, rugged beauty of this place. I also felt very immersed in the time period while reading A Distance Too Grand.
The romance was sweet and it slowly built throughout the story, with the two main characters having to overcome their broken relationship in the past. The hint of mystery and danger in the plot was nicely done and I enjoyed watching as the characters attempted to determine what had happened.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, and especially if you also enjoy visiting any of our national parks, I definitely recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
An adventure through the west with a plucky photographer and a stalwart commander that will test many boundaries.
Another recent book I had a hard time putting down. The story grabbed me from page one and didn’t let go until the end. The characters have multiple layers, the descriptions of the scenery are breath taking, and the adventure of being charting unknown territory is exhilarating.
The main characters are Meg Pero and Ben Coleridge. They aren’t strangers as they met when Ben was at West Point and Meg was there helping her father take photos. Despite a whirlwind romance, Meg wasn’t ready to settle down so she did what she thought she needed to do, turn Ben down and leave. She never expected to come in contact with him again and especially didn’t expect to fall in love all over again. Ben hasn’t changed a lot since the academy and is still a typical guy, not expressing his thoughts (or at least not well) to Meg so that perhaps there is a chance for a future for them. Both Meg and Ben learn some lessons in this book and realize that there can be more if they both just bend a little.
I admired Meg’s persistence in getting some shots for the Army and herself despite Ben’s resistance at the beginning. After all, she was there to do a job and while cameras back there are nothing like what we have today, it took more time to set up the shot and get just the right angle. I admired the job she did and how the author detailed the process of taking a photograph and describing the plates and how they had to be prepped to be used in taking those photographs. It was a lot of work to obtain a finished photograph.
I appreciated the spiritual aspects in the story- from the prayers, to the Sunday services, to the various bible verses scattered throughout. The characters realized that there was more at work then just what they could see or touch and it was just a matter of faith.
There are some other characters to take note of in this book – Dot and Hank. Dot is the cook for the expedition team and Hank is working on constructing the maps of what they discover. They are married yet they have their own set of trials to endure. They are an amazing team and it just proves the point that you should communicate with your significant other otherwise you might find yourself on the outs. Their love is strong but even so it needs to be shared with each other to continue to flourish.
Overall I loved this book and can’t wait to see what might come next in this series…and a little spoiler, it is about Yellowstone. If you pick up this book to read (and you should), make sure to check out the Author’s Notes at the end because she discusses The Grand Canyon and how it came into the National Parks System.
What kept the pages turning in this was the unique storyline, beautiful landscape descriptions and lovable characters! Such a grand story (pun intended) that keeps you locked in with the mystery and suspense of the danger all around. You never knew what would happen next. The descriptions alone made me in awe of the depth and heights they were looking at – almost as if I was standing on the edge myself! I adored the chemistry and spunky banter between Ben and Meg, also. Neat tidbits about historical cameras and what they went through for a picture. This will send you on a wonderful emotional ride with sadness, laughter, tears, heart stopping suspense, and heart-filling love and sacrifice. So good! Very worth the read and it is now a bookshelf keeper.
This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are strictly my own.
With her father gone, Meg Pero is determined to carry on the work he taught her to do: photography. She defies her aunt and travels west to fulfill the army contract her father had signed, to survey the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. She expects to have to fight to be allowed to support herself, but she doesn’t expect the man leading the expedition to be the one she refused to marry.
Two things caught my attention with this book from the start. First, the cover: it is absolutely gorgeous! Two: the author. What I especially love about Regina Scott’s writing is just how her characters jump from the page. Each one is unique and memorable in their own way, and this book is no different.
Meg had my sympathy from the start, trying to be herself and support herself with the skill she had learned at her father’s side. She adheres to the strictures of society until they get in the way of her independence. On the other side, we have Ben, who has more than one reason to carry out the expedition to the Grand Canyon. Together, they make a wonderful couple.
From start to finish, this book keeps you tied to the page.
I would recommend this to readers of historical fiction.
“A Distance Too Grand” by Regina Scott is the first book in what promises to be a wonderful new series called “American Wonders Collection”. This installment tells the story of Meg Pero, a young photographer who joins an Army Corps of Engineers mission to map and document the area around the Grand Canyon in 1871.
This book is definitely character drive. Both main characters (Meg and Captain Ben Coleridge) are incredibly well-written. The reader will feel like he/she is gradually getting to know real people as the story moves along and more and more about the characters’ pasts, families, and personalities are revealed. This is a historical romance, so it’s not surprising that feelings grow between the two. What makes this novel unique is that they had met years earlier, courted, and had genuine feelings for each other. After the passage of several years, plus hurt feelings, it is interesting to observe as Meg and Ben renew their acquaintance.
Although the romance is lovely, it is only one part of what this book has to offer. The relationship unfolds as the couple are part of a team surveying the Grand Canyon area. The reader will learn a lot about the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1870s, and what it was like to be part of an expedition to map new terrains. There is also plenty of information about daily life, religion, clothing, food, and the role of women during that time. Despite learning quite a bit, you will never be bored or feel like you’re sitting in a history lecture. All of this information is presented as part of the story, and is truly fascinating!
Since this is a Christian novel, I’ll address the role of Christianity in the story. Ben is a devout Christian, and lives as he believes. Meg has grown up popping in and out of various churches in different places, but doesn’t really have a relationship with the Lord. It is interesting to watch her discover her personal faith through witnessing the amazing majesty of God’s creation. Ben’s faith, and the subtle way he shares it with her, also helps in her journey. It is always nice to read about a Christian person (Ben) who lets his faith guide his actions without constantly announcing it and trying to force it onto others. I thought the religious aspect of this novel was handled perfectly.
5 out of 5 slices of thinly sliced, ultra-sharp Cheddar!
What an interesting historical story. I really enjoyed learning about early surveying and photography. When Meg had to set up the camera to catch the beauty of the Grand Canyon, I was reminded of how blessed I am to live in a time when I can get full color pictures in a second.
I liked Meg and Ben together. Their romance was very sweet. I loved Meg’s independence and Ben’s strength. I also enjoyed the relationship between Dot and Hank showing a solid marriage in military life.
I did find the story to be a little slow and the resolution with Ben’s mother seemed rushed at the end. 3 1/2 Stars – Full review is at my website lorainenunley(dot)com
I received this book complimentary as a participant in the Revell blog tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are my own.
A Distance Too Grand is the first installment to the American Wonders Collection by Regina Scott. I enjoyed Meg and Ben’s story. It was sweet and heartwarming. I reading about their adventures and learning some history of photography. They, also, get themselves into some danger, mystery and suspense. I love the power of faith and inspiration.
A Distance Too Grand gets four and a half stars from me. I highly recommend this beautiful and clean read.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
“Everyone has a story to tell. You just have to listen.”
If you have never visited the Grand Canyon, you are definitely missing out on a spectacular experience. In the meantime, you can read A Distance Too Grand, the first book in the American Wonders Collection by Regina Scott, because it provides an entertaining story amidst the canyon’s grandeur long before humankind set up a national park, hiking trails, helicopter rides, and a Skywalk.
Meg Pero learned photography at her father’s knee and accompanied him on many expeditions. Photography is her passion, and no man in this US Army is going to stop her from going on an expedition along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim to assist in mapping out a safe passage for future travelers. What she doesn’t count on is running into an old beau, Ben Coleridge, who is leading the expedition. What ensues is a grand adventure filled with danger, betrayal, new friendships, love, and spectacular vistas just begging to be captured on film.
The romance and Christian aspects are high in A Distance Too Grand as both Meg and Ben realize their past feelings for each other are still burning and their need to rely on a higher power to see them through the pain of loss and the many threats lurking among the beauty of the canyon. With modern digital photography, it can be easy to forget how cumbersome and time consuming taking pictures was back in 1871. The equipment alone is a burden, but Meg never stops looking for that perfect shot, even though it means hauling around a large camera and tripod and carefully packing the many plates for the entire trip. Capturing and developing that perfect shot requires plenty of patience and determination because the entire process from start to finish can take hours.
Regina Scott skillfully captures that long-ago world of old-time photography and delivers a lively, thrilling, and uplifting tale of two people who are given a second chance at love. Can these two headstrong individuals finally see eye to eye and make it work? Will a catastrophe end their chances before they can even begin? Finding that out as the chapters unfold is only one of the many entertaining aspects of A Distance Too Grand. Scott’s writing style is simple yet detailed enough to spark the imagination and propel the story along at a brisk pace. Through Regina Scott’s wonderfully written prose, you can almost see the canyon and feel the rugged allure of one of nature’s wonders.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
I liked the historical setting and the creative premise of this book. The descriptions of the scenes were well done and it made it easy to imagine the background. I liked the details about traveling in the rugged frontier and the tools Meg used for her photography. I usually like strong, independent females, but I think Meg came across as arrogant and superficial most of the time and I did not really care for her as a main character. I also thought the plot moved slowly, especially at the beginning of the novel. I liked Hank and Dot but the other secondary characters were confusing and I had trouble keeping them straight. However, the romance was clean and I liked the spiritual messages. Overall, the book was good and I would recommend it to those who like simple, historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
can’t help but start with saying that I’m a Regina Scott fan. I love her love inspired historical romances as well as her Regency Romances. Haven’t read all of them yet, but would love to. But this review is totally unbiased. Its not just a fan review. Regina really deserves the praise, no matter how much I’ve liked the books I’ve read from her. This book is extraordinary, probably better than most. And this book, once more, proved me what a great author Regina is.
I’m impressed by her capability to bring you into many different eras, contexts, and landscapes as well, with such accurate detail. I love her descriptions of the setting. And in this case, being the Grand Canyon it was awesome! I felt as if I was right there!
This is the first book in “The American Wonders Collection”, and I love that they will be set in great National Parks. The Grand Canyon, being one of the greatest natural wonders, I loved that this story was placed there, during the late nineteenth century.
Margaret “Meg” Pero, wants to follow her father’s steps after he passes away. She has always helped him since she was able to carry a camera and she knows she can be able to fulfill the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. What she never expects is for the leader of the expedition to be the man she once rejected.
Captain Ben Coleridge is not happy with the arrangements of Meg joining their expedition. But he won’t stall the expedition a second longer, and he needs her services, even if she will be a distraction. This survey is not his only purpose, but another personal one of discovering more about his father, and why he went missing on a similar expedition.
The journey is full of adventure and danger. Danger coming from the outside, but also from the inside, from the members of the expedition party. And this perils will be what will bring them together once more, or maybe to stay this time. Because there’s no doubt they need each other to survive, but maybe, just maybe, they can find a way (without too much effort) to rekindle what they had, and make it strong enough to battle together all odds and let love conquer all.
The plot was great, it really kept me engaged. I never felt it dragged, on the contrary, there was always something happening or something to discover or uncover. The mystery and intrigue made it more captivating.
But what I loved the most were the characters. They were both strongminded, but at the same time kind and compassionate. Loved their dialogues and banter. The romance was really sweet and clean. Just as I like it. I loved how they work through their misunderstandings and learn to trust each other.
I also loved the photography theme. I’m an architect and love photography, so I felt very related to Meg and her important part in the survey. She was really a pioneer to do that job on such dangerous circumstances.
But thankfully, there was Ben not far away checking on her and ready to save her from any peril if need be.
A wonderful story I definitely recommend. I truly enjoyed it and I can’t wait for the next installment!
I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher, but wasn’t required to write a positive review. This is my totally honest and unbiased opinion.
This new to me author provided several days of great entertainment. I enjoyed the sweet romance and found the interaction between different characters a lot of fun. I cheered when the villain was fully unmasked and sighed when the heroine received proper recognition. Learning about early surveys of the Grand Canyon was fascinating. A thoroughly enjoyable read
Take this delightful adventure through the Grand Canyon in the year 1871. Depart Ft. Wilverton in the Arizona Territory with Meg Perro, a determined, young woman with a strong passion for photography, and Captain Ben Coleridge, an extremely responsible young military man with an exceptionally protective nature to him. Follow these young people and their team out to the Canyon on a survey mission for the United States Army.
As Ben’s military team, guide, cook, and photographer begin their journey, little do they realize that a mysterious second mission is part of their task. The secondary characters that comprise the survey team are an interesting group, adding depth and humor to the story. The intrigue of the secondary mission along with the subtle romance between Meg and Ben complement the storyline.
The historical aspect of the Grand Canyon and the historical details regarding photography during that time period contribute to the overall story. The theme of being stronger together than apart shone through in this novel for me. Meg also comes to the realization that being your best self and having faith is much more important than being what society thinks you should be.
Readers of inspirational historical fiction and western fiction will like this novel. Read and enjoy! A Distance Too Grand is book one in this series celebrating American wonders. Book two will be set in Yellowstone National Park. I’m intrigued already!
This ARC copy was received from Revell and Netgalley.com. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
#ADistanceTooGrand #NetGalley
While I was instantly captivated by this cover, the synopsis grabbed me even more knowing this would be about an Army team surveying the Grand Canyon. As an Army veteran myself, I’m always interested in reading stories that connect readers to my branch of service, especially when it comes to historical and romantic fiction written for women. This was absolutely fantastic! Not only will you get an authentic and rewarding love story, but the history lessons weaved into the narrative about the park, photography, and the Army’s mission are incredibly riveting! The author has found a new fan with me, and I CANNOT wait for the next adventure into Yellowstone and the work of the U.S. Cavalry.
This is the first book in the American Wonders Collection, transporting readers back to 1871 as the United States began its early exploration into the Grand Canyon. Interestingly, this year, 2019, marks the 100th anniversary of its establishment as a national park, a perfectly timed publication date! As the survey team is about to embark on their expedition, Meg arrives to serve as the photographer in place of her renowned father who has recently died. She quickly discovers that the team will be led by Captain Ben Coleridge, a former suitor. Though this unexpected reunion could make for some uncomfortable situations, both maintain a high degree of professionalism, which strongly reflects their sense of duty and immense regard towards each other and their individual careers. Seamlessly alternating between their perspectives, Meg and Ben are engaging and forthcoming, giving readers valuable insight into the pressures that not only society has placed on them, but also the weight they have placed on themselves. Surrounded by an equally colorful and curious cast of secondary characters, you can’t help but root for the team’s success and love to blossom.
“‘Your camera lens is so small, but you see more than most people.’ His praise warmed her. ‘It’s a focus more than anything, the ability to hone in on one thing in the entire picture and bring it to life.'”
The author’s picturesque descriptions bring Meg’s photography to life, and simultaneously places you right there along with her as she experiences the awe and grandeur of the Grand Canyon. I was also blown away by the author’s ability to connect this geographic wonder into a thoughtful and introspective discussion into the personal relationship each character shared with God, thus providing subtle cues for readers to consider their own connections as well.
The author is also able to masterfully examine the changing role of women within this historical setting as an influence for the present. The positive example of female friendships as well as the guidance and mentoring offered across generations was encouraging and should galvanize us all to be better models of that today.
Inspiring on many levels and rich in wonder, intrigue, and romance, this is what compelling historical fiction looks like and should not be missed!