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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“She laid her head against his chest, as if listening to the sound of his heart. And his heart, the heart he’d buried eight years ago in Oregon, beat harder. For her.”
Wyoming is one state that I’ve always wanted to visit. In my mind I always picture it as a place of forested wilderness because my grandpap worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps there in the 1930s. Reading about Yellowstone National Park and the incredible terrain of the surrounding area somewhat surprised me. It isn’t a place that I would feel comfortable living in, at least not as it is in the novel, but I do think that it would make for an unforgettable visit, and I certainly enjoyed the time I spent there with the characters in this story.
Aptly named “Nothing Short of Wondrous,” this second book in Regina Scott’s American Wonders Collection, which can be read as a standalone, plunges readers into life at Yellowstone about 14 years after it has been recognized as a national park. Featuring a young, widowed proprietor named Kate Tremaine, Scott brings to light the challenges of maintaining the integrity and purity of the land and wildlife, particularly the bison, a task given to the U.S. Cavalry. Determined to protect her home and her son through her livelihood, Kate agrees to serve as a guide to the soldiers, including Lieutenant William Prescott, whose past haunts him. As they work together through several harrowing situations, they both begin to heal from the guilt that has caused each to shutter their heart.
As much as I admire and love the main characters, the story would not be as fun or as complete without the secondary cast. There is seven-year-old Danny, of course, and the selectively mute but courageous Caleb. My personal favorites are Mrs. Pettijohn and Miss Pringle, spirited sisters who encourage and add light humor to just about every situation. There are a few characters whose motives I questioned, and I will leave it to fellow readers to tease out their own theories about these.
Within the pages of this novel lies a message that resounds clearly in these chaotic days: that God alone is in control. No matter how much we plan and prepare, the unexpected is an inevitability. That is why we need to mature in our faith, spend time with God in His Word, and truly come to know Him, because when we do, we can rest assured that He knows the end from the beginning and that nothing will ever happen outside of His will. As Kate remarks, “I’m learning that God wants to hear from us. He wants to hear from you too.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This book was almost as good as a real visit to Yellowstone. It was a virtual visit with vibrant descriptions and a great story of adventure in 1886. Ms. Scott wows us with the scenery and tells a wondrous tale of widowed hotel owner, Kate Tremaine and Lieutenant Will Prescott who is there to protect the park. Both are grieving and wary of new attachments. But there is much to do to patrol the area and keep up the hotel for visitors. Kate and Will strike a bargain: Kate will be guide and Will will help with repairs.
As the story unfolds, we see the vast beauty and unique landscape of the area. The characters are real and the dangers are ominous. The hero and heroine re-discover their faith and work together to guard the park from poachers. Ms. Scott writes in an easy style that showcases the grandeur of one of our nation’s treasures. And she writes romance that talks of honesty, forgiveness and repentance.
I enjoyed the first two books and am looking forward to reading the third in this series: American Wonders Collection.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
I first found Regina Scott through her Regency novels, then followed her Wallin family series, and am now thoroughly enjoying this American Wonders Collection. The heroines are uncommon women making their way in a male-dominated world.
I liked Kate from the first pages, her determination to keep the park she loves safe from those who would harm it endeared her to me. I also appreciated her care for the people around her, children, guests, and even cavalrymen, preventing any and all from inadvertently getting themselves hurt, using persuasive methods ranging from pie to firearms.
Will is also a great character, and I loved his perspective on helping others succeed. He isn’t a perfect man, but he accepts responsibility and works within his limitations, even if he sometimes imposes a harsher penalty with further reaching consequences on himself than others do.
I really liked the spiritual thread within this novel, too. I could appreciate the reasons the main characters avoided God, the excuses they used to justify the distance, and the pain they caused themselves by persisting in wrong thinking. I also loved how Scott gently shows the reader their errors, allowing us to learn alongside Kate and Will.
This is a great book that is fun to read and carries some deep meaning, too. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy stories with strong female characters, strong male characters who aren’t threatened by those women, and for readers who enjoy uncovering spiritual truths along with a great storyline. I’m looking forward to the next in this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher but was under no obligation to post positive remarks. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
t 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.
This is the second book in the American Wonders Series. It is not necessary to read the first book in the series to read this book.
Kate’s only means of support is her hotel in Yellowstone National Park. She has to convince the government representative to give her a 10 year lease. Lt. Prescott is there to keep trouble makers and poachers out of the park. This is Kate’s journey to find love again and Lt. Prescott to find forgiveness for past actions.
This is a good clean book. I recommend it to all ages.
I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
Title: Nothing Short of Wonderous (American Wonders #2)
Author: Regina Scott
Pages: 336
Year: 2020
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Yellowstone National Park, ever been there? Or how about the Grand Canyon which is the setting for the first book in the series titled, A Distance Too Grand? In her newest book, Regina Scott introduces the main character Kate Tremaine and her son Danny. Kate is a young widowed woman who is running a hotel the government allows her to on land they leased to her, at least until the end of the year. Kate either has to get an extension of the lease or find another way to make a living.
Lt. Prescott is a man whose past never seems to be far from his memory, or that of other members of the cavalry. He is tasked with helping patrol a section of Yellowstone from poachers and others who wish to harm wildlife or other folks. When he meets Kate Tremaine, he begins to sense that something might just indeed be blossoming between the lady and himself. However, once she finds out what is in his past it will more than likely cause her to walk away.
It took me awhile to get involved in the story as the action or pull of the tale didn’t seem to be as strong as it was in the first book. I enjoyed the romance, history and theme of faith in the story and some of the characters made me smile. I wanted to read the book because of the historical facts that the author brings to life that I hadn’t known before. Perhaps for others they will get lost in the pages quickly and rave about it, for me it seemed somewhat lacking.
However, I will read her third novel which will be the same type as the first book and this one, historical romance. I hope the third book includes a little more adventure and mystery than this one. The setting for the third book is Mt. Rainer, featuring the first woman to climb to the top. History is a big draw for me in deciding to read a book, so while this was a slow one for me to get excited about, I did enjoy reading the novel.
Grab A Distance Too Grand and Nothing Short of Wonderous, then let me know what you think of these tales of romance with historical flavor.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility
Author Regina Scott takes us to 1886 Yellowstone National Park and a world of glorious geysers and painted pots with waterfalls with Bison and all manner of wild animals in “Nothing Short of Wondrous.” This is such a lovely story of taking chances and forgiveness. Also learning how to forgive mistakes of the past. I truly enjoyed this book and the wonders of the first National Park in the United States. I have never visited Yellowstone and probably never will. I loved reading about Nature’s wonders. In fact after reading this I watched an early documentary of Yellowstone…….Widow Kate Tremaine owns the Geyser Gateway Inn and Lt. Will Prescott and his band of cavalrymen all come together for an interesting read. A tender love story….. I highly recommend this book for entertainment and knowledge. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Romance, secrets, rescue and adventure await in Nothing Short of Wondrous, the new standalone novel in the American Wonders Collection from Regina Scott! Readers are treated to a unique look into Yellowstone’s majestic and rugged early years. The cover of this book is perfect for the setting!
The lead characters are well-written, showing Kate’s fiery personality and Will’s determination to protect the woman he’s come to love.
If you enjoy historical fiction, especially in a National Parks backdrop, you’ll want to pick up a copy of this book!
Nothing Short of Wonderous is available now! Visit http://www.BakerBookHouse.com or http://www.ChristianBook.com to purchase your copy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. A positive review was not required. Opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was delighted to read this second one! I love the detailed, scenic descriptions of the sprawling wilderness of Yellowstone, and the author made it easy for me to envision the wild wilderness. I liked the characters in this novel a lot and liked how tragedy brought them closer and developed them both individually and their relationship throughout the story. This book grabbed my attention with its action. I think some of the plot is a little predictable, but I do not think that this detracts from the story overall. I do not think you have to read this series in order but for more good historical fiction set in the enchanting wilderness, be sure to check out the first book as well! I look forward to the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
What does it take to survive the early days of Yellowstone National Park? In Regina Scott’s novel Nothing Short of Wondrous, widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine has a better idea than newly arrived Calvary Lieutenant William Prescott. And he knows it. Which is why he enlists her as her guide.
Kate knows just how dangerous Yellowstone can be. She lost her husband and the father to her son to its wilds. But she’s also determined to save its wonders, including it’s mud pots, geysers, and animals. However it all depends on whether she can prove her hotel is worthy of one of the prized licenses to operate within the park. Because losing would mean leaving her home behind.
Will knows he can never atone for past mistakes, but he is determined to be a different man. An honorable, dependable man. With the U.S. Cavalry patrolling the park, Will is given a detachment to patrol the area around Kate’s hotel. He immediately recognizes Kate’s skill in knowing the pitfalls and dangers of the park, and the places to look for poachers. He negotiates a deal for her help. A deal that quickly includes his heart.
I enjoyed Nothing Short of Wondrous. Kate is a strong woman who speaks her mind and is determined in her path, necessary traits if she is to keep her home and business while keeping her son safe. She has no trouble standing up to men who think they know what’s best, especially if their actions endanger the park she holds so dear. I love that Will didn’t fight her on this, but instead enlisted her expertise. Even if their meeting was not so friendly.
The suspense and mystery seemed predictable to me, but it didn’t take away from the interpersonal dynamics between the characters, the part I loved most of all. Plus, the author attempted to capture the wonder of the park with her words, a challenging task considering the setting is definitely nothing short of wondrous.
If you love fun characters tasked with a difficult job in a beautiful locale, definitely pick up a copy of Nothing Short of Wondrous. It’s a delightful read. And, if you like this book, check out of the first book in the American Wonders Collection, A Distance Too Grand (American Wonders Collection Book #1), it’s one I also enjoyed.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
I loved this book of the early days at Yellowstone when the Lieutenant Will Prescott and his cavalry troops have been sent to prevent poaching in the new national park! I admired widow Kate Tremaine who is running a hotel and raising a seven year old son. It was amazing that the bison population was down to 20 because I saw many bison when I visited Yellowstone last year! Kate agrees to act as guide to the troops and show them the dangers of the park in exchange for repairs on the hotel! She and Danny do not reveal their secret though! You will wonder about the guest who goes fishing every day but never brings back a catch! Kate’s lease on Geyser Gateway is expiring and she is determined that it be renewed but Virginia City Outfitters is determined to run her out. A poacher, forest fires and a kidnapping all add to the excitement in Nothing Short of Wondrous! People who came to Yellowstone had only heard of the natural wonders without all of the media we have today and were truly amazed. Like today, they did not believe the dangers. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
I love learning about American history, and books set in the late 1800’s are among my favorite reads. “Nothing Short of Wondrous” is Book Two in author Regina Jennings’ “American Wonders Collection Series”. The story takes place in Yellowstone National Park in 1886, during a time when the US government sent the Calvary to safeguard the park and its animals. Widow Kate Tremaine has her hands full raising her young son, Danny, running her hotel, the Geyser Gateway Inn, and protecting the park. Lieutenant Will Prescott needs Kate’s help as a guide and instructor to help him and his men learn the ways of the park. He has no authorized funds to pay her, but in exchange for her assistance, he will help her with repairs and upkeep at the inn. Working together and spending time in each other’s company sparks an awareness and attraction between Will and Kate. When Kate’s husband died, her life changed in ways she never expected. Will is still dealing with an incident from his past which set him back personally and professionally. When Danny is abducted, Will and Kate must stand strong in their faith in each other and in their own spiritual faith to bring Danny safely home. Author Regina Scott has done a wonderful job of creating compelling characters and infusing her story with fascinating historical detail. Readers will also enjoy the first book in the series, “A Distance Too Grand”. The “American Wonders Collection Series” is highly recommended for lovers of inspirational historical romance.
Book Copy Gratis Revell Books
“What was it about men and danger? Did they all want to die?”
Kate Tremaine has been carrying a heavy load since the untimely death of her husband; managing the Geiser Gateway Inn, deep within the heart of Yellowstone National Park, was more than a full time job, especially for a single woman. Her staff was small but loyal, and her young son helped as much as she could expect, but could the U.S. Calvary provide an extra layer of protection against poachers and hunters; those who dared to breach the law for the sake of their own profit? When a unit commander agrees to trade knowledge of the park for minor property repairs, Kate and Lieutenant William Prescott reach the deal . . . . . of a lifetime.
“Nothing Short of Wondrous”, indeed. The author’s obvious knowledge of Yellowstone National Park, its amazing natural resources coupled with its rich history, makes this story interesting to readers on a variety of levels. Hold your breath as you imagine seeing the park’s majestic geysers, steaming springs and imposing wildlife; tread softly along with William and Kate as they dare to share deeply personal secrets; and above all, celebrate the power of God’s love and forgiveness as these two unlikely partners blaze a new trail toward a life filled with second chances.
I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
What great characters and what a spectacular setting for a novel! I have never been to Yellowstone, but I feel as if I have been – at least back in 1886!
The author did an amazing job of describing both the wonders and the dangers of this park, vividly creating pictures for my mind to enjoy. Yet, this novel was not weighted down by description and detail, only enhanced.
The main characters were compelling to read about. I really liked both Kate Tremaine and her son, Danny, as well as Lieutenant Will Prescott. The worked well together and their admiration for each other grew naturally and sweetly.
The characters in this story fought for the natural beauty of Yellowstone and the animals who lived there. This story left me uplifted and happy for Kate, Will, and Danny.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Set against the splendid backdrop of Yellowstone National Park, this book will delight readers with its poignant story of love, hope, and the possibilities of second chances.
Step back in time and escape to the early days of Yellowstone National Park in Regina Scott’s Nothing Short of Wondrous.
Scott paints a vivid picture of the untamed beauty of the land and animals while giving readers a little bit of an education into the park’s history. The romance in this book fits as naturally as the bison, paint pots, and geysers of Yellowstone.
Add in some of the dangers, the uncertainty of Kate’s future as the proprietor of the Geyser Gateway hotel, a poacher, and a big, bad company trying to take over, and the plot moves along at a steady pace.
If you’re longing to take a vacation without the crowds and traffic, this book is the perfect escape.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A Place Unlike Any Other!
Join widow, Kate, and her young son who live among God’s wonders at our first national park, Yellowstone. Times were cut-throat in 1886 because the government was only allowing a certain number of businesses in the park to remain—and Kate’s hotel is one of the few. Additionally, she tries to protect the natural marvels from hotel guests who want to break off a piece as a souvenir, or who wander too close to the geysers.
The government’s next inspection will determine if Kate gets to keep the hotel open with a ten-year contract, or be forced to leave the land she loves. Pressure is building from another company that will stop at nothing to push her out. Untrue rumors fly that the hotel is dirty with bed bugs, the stage that brings visitors is sabotaged, and her needed supplies are attempted to be cut-off.
Kate welcomes the cavalry who are assigned to protect the park from harm, but will her relationship with Lieutenant Prescott cause the loss of her reputation and her hotel? Will the world’s few remaining buffalo, who have taken refuge in Yellowstone, be killed by poachers?
The use of the natural beauty of the newly formed national park was a great backdrop for this tale. As visitors to geysers and other wonders were experienced for the first time, the advantages and challenges Kate would face during those days were very real, and made a great story. I recommend this 5-star book to those who like a clean romance mixed in with the early days of a national treasure.
Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Nothing Short of Wondrous, for the purpose of review.
I was so excited to be able to read the next book in this amazing collection. I previously read A Distance Too Grand and loved it. And this book lived up to the first in the series and I totally enjoyed this one, too! I am hoping that there will be more and each will be as wonderful as these have been.
Kate, a widow with the help of her young son, run a hotel in the beautiful Yellowstone National Park. A group of men from the Cavalry come to help patrol and protect the park from vandals and poachers. And what a job it is. Kate’s knowledge of Yellowstone helps the men to resolve the difficulties occurring at this difficult time.
The research to this book is very evident as the author describes the terrain, the geysers and all the beautiful landscapes and wildlife that are in this wondrous park.
I love the descriptive writing, and the story with a forgiveness theme, both of others and of oneself. I loved the blossoming romance between the couple. And the reminders to listen to God and trust Him in all things of your life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. All thoughts are my own.
An incredibly detailed story from Regina Scott! Nothing Short of Wondrous is a sweet story featuring an intriguing look into the early days of Yellowstone National Park. Though the story is a bit slow at times, it never lacks in detail or inspiration. Readers won’t want to miss this enjoyable addition to Scott’s American Wonders series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Reading this book was a real treat as it brought back memories of a trip I took to Yellowstone several years ago. And now, taking the literary walk through the park, I remember how beautiful so many areas are. That made me appreciate how Kate fell in love with Yellowstone and decided to make it her home even though she had been a city girl living in Boston prior to her husband buying the Geyser Gateway Hotel.
When I took my trip to Yellowstone I sure wish that there’d been a hotel like that on the premises with a wonderful hostess like Kate and a cook like Alberta. I would have loved a slice of her huckleberry pie. And I would’ve preferred to traverse the trails on horseback, rather than by a car.
The relationships between the characters, especially Kate and lieutenant Will Prescott and her son Danny, were a delight to read. Everyone, including the guests, were all clearly unique people, and the romantic relationship between the central characters was loving, and engaging without being sappy or sweet. I don’t think sappy and sweet would have worked for Kate and Will, nor would it have fit with their rugged, independent natures.
Likewise, the religious and spiritual aspects of the story were well in line with the characters’ personalities, and nothing about that was forced to make a point. Nothing will ruin a Christian story faster for me than for the author to whap me over the head with doctrine or personal beliefs. Whatever happens on the page should be true to the people on the page, and Ms. Scott does that admirably.
In a note at the end of the book the author explained how she researched the thirty years that the Cavalry patrolled the park to protect the wildlife from poachers and to protect the people. That historical accuracy added another element of enjoyment to a story that was truly a delight to read.
Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott is the second book in American Wonders Collection. It can be read as a standalone if you have not read A Distance Too Grand. I thought Nothing Short of Wondrous was well-written with developed characters. The story moved along at a gentle pace. The author certainly did her research for this book. She painted such a vivid picture of Yellowstone National Park. I could envision the park in my mind with its numerous natural wonders along with flora and fauna. Regina Scott really made the park come alive for me. The story was intriguing. The Calvary were working with limited resources to protect such a large amount of property. It was hard to believe that people were out to destroy such beautiful animals and natural wonders (like the paint pots). I learned some interesting facts about Yellowstone National Park. This book got me curious to learn more. I liked the action that kept the story moving forward to its delightful conclusion. The romance was nicely done. I liked that it did not dominate the story. We get to see people get to know each other while enjoying each other’s company. They learn to trust each other as well as respect each other while they fell in love. Lt. William Prescott had an issue in his past that drives him to be a better man. I think it enhanced the story without adding drama to the relationship. I liked the various characters in the story. Alberta, the cook, was one of my favorites along with Kate’s curious son, Danny. I look forward to the next tale in the American Wonders Collection. Nothing Short of Wondrous has friendship, mystery, suspense, romance, action, faith, and family all woven together into one interesting tale. Nothing Short of Wondrous is a multifaceted historical novel with perilous paint pots, a curious kid, a problematic poacher, besieged bison, a chivalrous Calvary officer, and an impressive inn owner.