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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Loved this second book in the American Wonders Collection. Set in beautiful Yellowstone in the late 1800’s, this book captures the wonders of the park and really paints a picture of what it was like when it was first named a National Park. Enjoyed the two main characters, Kate and Will. Kate is a widow with a young son who runs the Geyser Gateway Inn. After tragically losing her husband, she’s tried to maintain her inn in order to keep one of a few rare leases in the park. It’s a big job and despite her feisty independence, it’s a challenge.
When Lieutenant Will Prescott rides in with his men, he offers to help Kate with desperately needed repairs on her inn in exchange for her expert guidance around the territory he and his men are assigned to guard. As their attraction to one another grows, so do the difficulties. There’s a poacher on the loose and someone is trying to sabotage Kate’s chances for renewing her lease. In addition, Will and Kate both harbor regrets over the past.
I enjoyed the relationship between Kate, Will, and her young son Danny. The descriptions of Yellowstone were well done. Having visited the park several times, I could easily picture where the fictional Gateway Geyser was located. She was spot on in describing the amazing attractions and the wildlife in the park. This creative series has been a joy to read and I look forward to the next book in the series!
Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott is the second book in the American Wonders Collection.
Widower Kate Tremaine owns a small hotel in Yellowstone National Park, 1886. She spends her days taking care of her guests and protecting the wildlife of the park from poachers. The latter proving to be harder to do.
Lieutenant William Prescott is an answer to her prayers. Will and his men are tasked with patrolling the park and finding the poachers.
Kate agrees to be a guide for Will in exchange for help with fixing her hotel. It is during this time, a more intimate relationship forms. But a secret from Will’s past just might keep them apart.
I found the romance thread a little lacking, but Regina Scott made up for it with her descriptive settings. I haven’t been to Yellowstone, but the way Regina described the geysers and the wildlife, it didn’t take much effort to imagine the places.
I look forward to reading the third book in the American Wonders Collection.
I thoroughly enjoyed Regina’s latest installment of the American Wonders Collection. It seemed as though Yellowstone was one of the main characters of the story as opposed to just the setting. The beautifully described imagery left me wishing I could visit there in person. Kate and Will were a good team who worked hard together and believed in each other. I found that commendable. My only slight hesitation is that I felt the conflict was resolved a little too quickly and neatly but no matter. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I love Regina Scott’s books and I really love this series! I loved learning more about Yellowstone and its history in this book. I also loved the romance between the main characters. I can’t wait to read the next book when it comes out.
Another delightful installment in the American Wonders series! I’m already anxiously awaiting the third book.
Kate and Will are in Yellowstone for two very different reasons. She fell in love with the place the first time she saw it. He’s a cavalryman tasked to protect hundreds of acres with a handful of men.
Their paths continually cross throughout the course of the story, their shared experiences carefully building a framework for them to build a future on.
Nothing Short of Wondrous is peppered with delightful descriptions of life in the 1880s, and the wild beauty of Yellowstone that will have you packing your bags for a visit!
If you enjoyed book 1 in the American Wonders Collection by Regina Scott, or even if you haven’t read it, if you like historical fiction I’m confident you will love this book! This story is set in the year 1886 in Yellowstone park and is rich with history and details. I absolutely loved the main character Kate and her love for the land and animals. She was such a hard worker to run her hotel and take care of her son. I enjoyed chapter after chapter as I read more about Yellowstone, the land (the good and bad), the animals and the threats through out the book.
Regina Scott has done it again with another amazing “American Wonders” collection and I can’t wait to see where her next book takes place! The imagery throughout the book makes me feel like I’m right there with the characters!
Can we just talk about how simply breathtaking and gorgeous the cover of this book is?! It is simply stunning as was her first book in this series as well! Highly recommend this clean, historical romance.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
They’ll both do anything to protect Yellowstone…
If you live within a several state radius of Yellowstone National Park most of the major landmarks will be familiar to you even if you haven’t actually seen them in person. When John Colter reported what he had seen people simply didn’t believe him. Later it was finally recognized for the treasure it was and is. A landscape of mystery and extremes. The title of the second book in Regina Scott’s wonderful American Wonders Collection series is most fitting. Yellowstone is truly Nothing Short Of Wondrous.
I was thrilled when I saw that Nothing Short Of Wondrous was set in Yellowstone. After reading the first book in the America Wonders Collection series I knew that this book would be an exciting tale of romance and adventure and that Regina Scott would bring the setting to life in a most vivid way. And, that’s exactly what she did.
I actually learned quite a bit while reading this book. I had no idea that the Army had taken charge of Yellowstone for quite a few years or that the early hotels vied for 10 year leases to operate within the park. The whole thing was quite fascinating to me.
The characters were great, I especially fell in love with Kate’s adorable little boy, and the story was an enjoyable read. Whether historical romance is your thing or you like to ‘travel’ in your reading Nothing Short Of Wondrous and the American Wonders Collection from Regina Scott would would be a great choice.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Let me start by saying how gorgeous the cover is. It is very eye popping and inviting. Inside the cover is a story so full of enjoyment I didn’t want it to end. I have not been to Yellowstone National Park but I did get to virtually tour it by way of the author. Her details make it easy to feel like you have a ring side seat as the story unfolds.
Kate is a delightful character with a big responsibility running a hotel. Her dedication to her son is enduring and she will do anything to protect and provide for him. There is a little snag on the land she is leasing from the government and I couldn’t wait to see how this turn of events would impact the story.
Now let’s talk about the dashing Lt. Will Prescott. I liked him immediately. He is there to patrol for poachers and anything out of the ordinary. I did like how Kate and Will slowly build a relationship. I was intrigued by how these two people would work together. Set against a beautiful backdrop we find Kate learning to trust and a lesson on forgiveness. It also emphasizes that there is beauty in everything if we give it a chance.
I received a copy of this book from Revel Reads. The review is my own opinion.
Book Review–Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott
American Wonders Collection 2
If you like American Historical Fiction coupled with Romance then you will surely enjoy this book. The story is based in Yellowstone National Park, September 1886.
Vivid descriptions of the Park’s natural beauty make the story come visually alive, and if you have never visited the Park, after reading this story you will be yearning to go see it in person.
For me, reading this was a learning experience as I have never been to Yellowstone, nor read much about it, therefore reading about the boiling geysers and heated paint pots was very intriguing to me.
Other than the descriptions of nature, this book also spoke about the role of the US Calvary’s control of Yellowstone in 1886 and how the enlisted men were sent there to patrol and protect the land from poachers and vandals.
Though much of this book’s story is based on historical facts, the romantic fictional story woven throughout that makes it even more interesting as the characters are quite believable and fit in the story so well that the reader has no problem imagining it all as real.
There is a bit of fictional drama, romance, conflict, mystery and intrigue sprinkled throughout the actual historical facts that keep the reader’s interest until the very end.
This was my first time reading one of Regina Scott’s books, and I have to say I am very glad to have had the chance to do so. I do hope to read more of her work, and will be looking into reading her first book in this American Wonders Collection: “No Distance Too Grand” which is another fictional American Historical Romance about the American Grand Canyon set in 1871.
This book was provided to me free by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review. All comments are my own.
I have been enjoying going on author Scott’s trips to the our country’s parks and witnessing the early untouched beauty of them. In this adventure I was welcomed to a an inn in the Yellowstone. Besides the luscious landscape that this story takes place in, the history is also quite riveting.
Kate Tremaine is a widow with a young son who has the great responsibility of running one of the few inns in the wilds of Yellowstone. Having lost her husband in a terrible accident, she has a healthy respect for nature and a heart for the wildlife which are in danger of disappearing due to poachers. She is also in need of more help than she has and that is why she makes a deal with Lieutenant William Prescott. A bit of quid pro quo.
Will nor his men know the rough and rugged terrain of Yellowstone and they are in need of major guidance so that they can do their jobs appropriately. Helping others, protecting the wildlife, and being alert to the dangers that is unique to this land. As Will puts it, they are strangers in a foreign land.
Danger and beauty go hand in hand as these national treasures begin to be explored and respected for what they are. I hope to one day visit them myself and take in the majesty. And I mustn’t forget to mention the lovely romance between Kate and Will and the adorable Danny who is a joy to his mother.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
When I found out I was going to be on the team reviewing this book, I figured I needed to read A Distance Too Grand first, but turns out they’re stand alone books. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to book one on audiobook so I had a feeling I was going to like Nothing Short of Wondrous as well.
Let me tell you, I certainly was right! What a delightful story. I’m sure I’ve never read any books situated in Yosemite or any National Park outside of this series. I also learned new things thanks for Regina’s story. I had no idea the calvary spent any time in the Park and was clueless as to how many geysers there are/were! Kate just kept pointing them out all over the place! The way Kate views all of the nature around her and her son, Danny, reminded me of how much I love the nature God created. I love that she sees herself tending to what He’s made.
Speaking of Kate, I really liked her character, especially at the beginning because she brooks no nonsense from people who overstep their bounds or mess with the National Parks. She’s on a mission to keep it all well tended and no one is going to get in her way! Kate is independent and a single mom, both things I can relate to.
And of course, along comes Will. I love it when men see the positive side of independent women! We’re a tough lot. lol Of course, Will comes with some hefty baggage. It’s easy to understand why he doesn’t feel like he can get close to Kate or anyone outside of his regiment. Through Kate’s eyes it’s easy to appreciate how hard of a worker he is.
Their chemistry is palpable, but life is never easy, especially in this rough and dangerous terrain as well as treacherous weather. Not only that, they’re dealing with poachers and hotel guests who don’t understand the concept of not ruining the creation around them.
Ok, this is totally an aside, but when the author put Lieutenant Will and Private Smith together I automatically thought of Will Smith. HA! That has nothing to do with my review other than it made me chuckle. Speaking of Smith… he’s a fella who keeps you guessing as to whether he’s a good guy or not!
I’m already looking forward to book three in the series because I lived in Washington for so many years! It’ll be fun to journey back in time and to such a beautiful state.
*I received this book from Revell for review. This is my personal opinion.
Explore Yellowstone Park in 1886. Widowed Kate Tremaine knows the area well and runs a quality hotel for visitors to the territory she and her young son love. The US Calvary has taken over supervising the national park so she is thrust into working with the officer in charge of her section, Lt. Will Prescott. Through their eyes, we witness the magnificent natural wonders and the dangers of this wilderness. The author did an amazing job crafting unique characters and a compelling plot to flesh out an intriguing tale. The book definitely stands on its own, but it makes you want to read more of her stories. In this novel, two wounded people travel through struggles and discoveries toward inner healing and deeper relationships. I found it heartwarming and encouraging as I also learned more of the history of Yellowstone. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is the second book in the American Wonders series, but they are not tied together, so you can read them in any order. I felt the book was well written. I liked the characters and their interactions. There were biblical truths woven through the story and it was nice to see the characters grow. It was fun getting a glimpse into the beginnings of the National Parks. I liked the historical elements included with real people and places. I look forward to reading more books by Regina Scott.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
An engaging adventure, with captivating characters, bring to life the early days of Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone is my favorite National Park, so I was thrilled when I found out about this book, I added it to my TBR instantly. And this book does not disappoint, Kate Tremaine is a widow raising a young son, and one of the first hoteliers possessing a lease on the new National Park. She is happy to help the Calvary as they take control, flushing out poachers and troublemakers. I admired how capable and ready to tackle a challenge, Kate is. She is a master at keeping multiple plates spinning, and is an excellent mother to Danny.
Lt. William Prescott is haunted by his past, but determined to do his job well, but’s hard to do when you don’t know the lay of the land, so he asks Kate to help him. I loved how this book shows the wild beauty of Yellowstone, through the eyes of both Kate and Will, who make an excellent team.
Overall, a quick read, I enjoyed every minute of it and was sad to see it end. Danny is an adorable and intelligent child, and I loved every scene with him in it. An entertaining, engaging read with strong themes of forgiveness, faith, family, and new beginnings set against the stunning Wyoming sky.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was a fun read! I felt transported to historical Yellowstone and like I was there along with Will, Kate and the rest of the characters that make up this story. A beautiful setting, a mystery and a romance work together to make this an interesting novel that I really enjoyed. Regina’s descriptions of Yellowstone were detailed and a perfect complement to the story. The story moved well and the romance was written as a very naturally developing romance that didn’t move too quickly which I appreciated.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Have you ever been to Yellowstone National Park? How about Yellowstone in 1886? Author Regina Scott gives readers a view of the way this national park may have been 134 years ago and the title says it all. Even then, Yellowstone National Park was Nothing Short of Wondrous but it was in danger of being destroyed. I felt like I was there as Kate Tremaine witnessed her beloved home being threatened by poachers and vandals and I could feel her relief when the United States Calvary was sent in to protect it. One of the soldiers proves especially helpful and when her young son Danny is kidnapped by a poacher, it is Lieutenant William Prescott who does all he can to reunite this mother and son. As they feverishly work to find Danny, Kate finds herself drawn to this man who is so different than her late husband!
Toby had been one to take chances, never considering the consequences. Will tended to think things through, look for possible problems, and resolve them before they grew. He appeared to be a man one could count on. The urge to do so was surprisingly strong.
I enjoyed seeing Kate and Will’s relationship develop and sweet little Danny added a wonderful addition to the mix. Will wasn’t just attracted to Kate, he was also drawn to this little boy who needed a male figure in his life. They, and other memorable characters, along with the vivid descriptions of the beautiful forests, geysers, and endangered bison, make this a book that kept me reading to learn more!
Nothing Short of Wondrous is rich in historical detail and its romance is sweet but intense. I certainly recommend this book to all who enjoy Christian historical romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A favorable review was never required and no monetary compensation was given. These are my own thoughts.
This must be the season of National Park novels. I have read and enjoyed several and have noticed a few more I’d like to add to my list. Nothing Short of Wondrous definitely lives up to its title and is a worthy addition to my collection. Set during the early days of Yellowstone National Park, the narrative covers many of the trials and hard work involved in establishing Yellowstone.
Both Lieutenant William Prescott and widow Kate Tremaine are strong characters who captured my imagination from the beginning. Kate especially was a hard worker, determined to make her hotel a success in order to obtain the lease she needed to continue the dream of her late husband. William needed Kate to help him and his team learn their way around the vast acreage they had been assigned to patrol. Faced with danger in every direction that included the wild animals, poachers, and even competitors, William and Kate found themselves fighting side-by-side more than once. Naturally their close working relationship was bound to develop into even more as time progressed.
With plenty of action, danger, light-hearted moments, humor, faith, and romance, Nothing Short of Wondrous also contained vivid descriptions of the wonders of Yellowstone that made me want to visit. As always, the author Regina Scott has provided me with a few hours of enjoyment as she helped me to step back into history through the pages of her book.
I voluntarily reviewed a 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.
Alovely story of hope and second chances. I’ve never been to Yellowstone. This book sure makes me wish I had. The characters are wonderful and incredibly well portrayed. The story is a beautiful one with a strong faith and hope message…one of learning and growing. The scenic view that a God created is definitely the star of the book, and its beauty and treasures are well described.
A book I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Nothing Short of Wonderous
American Wonders Collection #2
By Regina Scott
Kate Tremaine is determined to defend the natural beauty that surrounds her hotel. But to do this she has to work with the US Cavalry that is stationed within Yellowstone, unfortunately, the Cavalry is considerably uneducated about the dangers that the wilderness hides.
Lieutenant William Prescott, needs to make up for the sins of the past and keep his men safe. But he needs help navigating his new temporary post and the materials he’s been given just won’t do. Seeking help from Mrs. Tremaine is his only hope to navigate the dangers and determine where to concentrate his efforts. With no way to pay Kate for her knowledge, he offers instead his assistance with repairing her hotel before winter sets in.
Kate’s hotel sits in one of the most desired places within Yellowstone and someone seems determined to see her sell out her lease. But Kate has a secret that she is protecting, a secret that makes holding onto her lease imperative. But soon it becomes apparent that she needs help to protect that which she holds dear. Can a broken soldier help her?
Nothing Short of Wonderous is the second book in the American Wonders Collection and it can most definitely be read as a standalone time as the characters and setting are different. Both books in this series are equally good so if you haven’t read the first book don’t miss out on A Distance to Grand (featuring the Grand Canyon). After reading this book, I really want to see Yellowstone in all its natural glory. I loved the descriptions of the various geysers and painted pots. And I couldn’t help rooting for Kate to be able to hold on to what she had been protecting for all those years. The guilt that Will Prescott bore kept him from what he needed most and would be his path to healing and forgiveness. It is amazing how feelings of guilt and unworthiness keep us from turning to God when we most need Him.
A lovely book that takes the reader to 1886. Fans of American Historical fiction and Romance Fiction will enjoy this newest offering from Regina Scott that delights in the glories of God’s Creation.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this book! The romance was spot on. The history is very detailed. But the most amazing aspect for me was the setting. Oh my word! The author does such an excellent job of portraying Yellowstone that I felt like I was there. When Kate spoke of her home, I could feel how much she loved it. When William was in awe of this place he had found himself in, I could feel it. What an incredible gift!
And the storytelling was fantastic! My heart went out to Kate and Will in their individual struggles, but as they attempted to navigate their new connection, I was so invested. I needed them to figure things out.
My lone complaint is that I spent a vast majority of the book thinking a particular event was going to happen and it didn’t happen until almost the end. Though it was handled well, my expectations were shot and, therefore, I was a little deflated. BUT it didn’t take much away from the story. Scott is a talented author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions belong to me.