Title: Touching the
Sky, Land of the Lone Star Book 2
Author: Tracie
Peterson
Pages: 336
Year: 2012
Publisher: Bethany
House
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/
. Also follow me on Twitter
@lcjohnson1988
Whether
the Civil War Era is a favorite time period or not, Tracie Peterson’s ability
to write a wonderful story makes this work of fiction a must read! As the reader progresses through the novel,
the author reveals through one of her many characters the origin of the title
of this fictional work. Touching the Sky covers the
historical period after the Civil War in the state of Texas.
The
Marquardt family has lived in the state of Texas throughout the War, suffering
various shortages of even basic needs.
Though living in the southern part of the nation, they are Unionists at
heart. The Marquardt family includes two
daughters, the oldest being Laura who is known to be the level-headed, strong daughter. She knows her mind, yet submits to her
father. Laura has a strong faith in God
as well as a very generous, compassionate heart. She is very different from her younger
sister.
Carrisa
is very immature and spontaneous in ways that eventually land her in a very
difficult and dangerous position. Though
the sisters are different, they are very close and loving toward each
other. Later on in the story we see how
well their differences help each other to enjoy life and stand faithfully in
dangerous times.
Carrisa
is the first to marry, believing she is madly in love with a man named Malcolm
Lowe. Since times in Corpus Christi,
where the family resides, have been depressing, the thought of a celebration
brings joy to the town and church. Laura
is very concerned about this marriage as she believes her sister is not
prepared for the duties of being a wife to anyone let alone a man who is as
devious as Malcolm. There are definite
tensions in the small town and many hurt feelings between people with different
sympathies. Another cause of tension is
the manning of a fort with a colored troop led by Captain Reid.
At
first glance, Captain Reid is smitten with Laura though their first encounter
is anything less than spectacular. Both
Laura and Reid have let first impressions color their view of each other until
later on in the story when they are introduced properly. The captain, as well as his commanding
officer, has heard reports of Mr. Lowe’s activities, which raise red flags for them
to take serious action. What should they
do? The commanding officer convinces
Reid to undertake a covert operation shortly before he is to retire from the
Army. Brandon, Captain Reid’s first
name, is reluctant to continue in keeping Laura in the dark for fear that she may
misunderstand his true feelings for her.
The novel is filled with mystery,
suspense, love, forgiveness, and action.
As with the first book in the series, this is a wonderful and enjoyable
story. A third book in this series is
due to come out in the fall of 2012 titled, Taming the Wind.
My rating is five stars.
