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Heirs of Montana #1
Land of My Heart
Book 1 of Heirs of Montana from bestselling author Tracie Peterson. Adventurers, families, outlaws...all driven west in the 1860s by a longing for endless blue sky along with wild and wide-open spaces. Tracie Peterson, from her own Montana home, paints an unforgettable portrait of this rich, rugged landscape, populated by strong and spirited characters. When Dianne Chadwick urges her family to move west to her uncle's ranch in the Montana Territory, she has no idea that her new life in the rugged frontier ~and even within her uncle's home~ will not be the idyllic adventure she expects. But first she has to survive the arduous wagon journey with the help of guide Cole Selby, whose heart seems to be as hard as the mountains he loves.
392 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
709 people are currently reading
3346 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
250 books3,128 followersTracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.
pen name: Janelle Jamison
pen name: Janelle Jamison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
October 4, 2017
technically DNF
I read this while my family and I evacuated, but it was because I finished the other book I had been reading (the Rise of the Dawnstar) and I was SO bored in the car; it was also the only other book that I could read on Kindle. So that's the reason why I read it in the first place.
My reason for not liking it? Many things, actually. Idk why, but it's hard to find really AMAZING historical fiction anymore. Like, almost all the characters feel the same??? All the female protagonists are so stinkin' similar, and I'm like, WOW this is so cookie cutter. It's painful. That's what happened in this book. Our main character was this boring girl that I didn't like, which was kind of vital because she's haunted by guilt most of the book and how can I hurt for her when I don't even like her? Not possible.
That's one thing. The other thing that really shouted out to me was the writing itself. I was SO annoyed more than half the time because it's like the author had no idea what "show don't tell" was and whenever she referred to the love interest, she would call him by his full name. As if we don't already know him. That just really really frustrated me. Along with a lot of other things.
So like I said, I technically didn't "finish" this because I skimmed through the second half of it. I read the first half, but by the halfway point I was like, oh c'mon this has to get more interesting... but it didn't and now I'm sad. Cuz I wasted time on reading this when I could've been listening to music and thinking about flying pandas. Seriously.
To all the historical fiction authors (and aspiring authors): just because your book is in this genre, doesn't mean your characters should be just like every other historical fiction character out there; PLEASE. There are enough books like that! Do something different, make your characters actually interesting and relatable. I'm tired of picking up books about the same girl. We need variety in the historical fiction genre! Don't be scared to branch out and be different. You don't find treasure by staying in the same spot. Just my two cents.
I read this while my family and I evacuated, but it was because I finished the other book I had been reading (the Rise of the Dawnstar) and I was SO bored in the car; it was also the only other book that I could read on Kindle. So that's the reason why I read it in the first place.
My reason for not liking it? Many things, actually. Idk why, but it's hard to find really AMAZING historical fiction anymore. Like, almost all the characters feel the same??? All the female protagonists are so stinkin' similar, and I'm like, WOW this is so cookie cutter. It's painful. That's what happened in this book. Our main character was this boring girl that I didn't like, which was kind of vital because she's haunted by guilt most of the book and how can I hurt for her when I don't even like her? Not possible.
That's one thing. The other thing that really shouted out to me was the writing itself. I was SO annoyed more than half the time because it's like the author had no idea what "show don't tell" was and whenever she referred to the love interest, she would call him by his full name. As if we don't already know him. That just really really frustrated me. Along with a lot of other things.
So like I said, I technically didn't "finish" this because I skimmed through the second half of it. I read the first half, but by the halfway point I was like, oh c'mon this has to get more interesting... but it didn't and now I'm sad. Cuz I wasted time on reading this when I could've been listening to music and thinking about flying pandas. Seriously.
To all the historical fiction authors (and aspiring authors): just because your book is in this genre, doesn't mean your characters should be just like every other historical fiction character out there; PLEASE. There are enough books like that! Do something different, make your characters actually interesting and relatable. I'm tired of picking up books about the same girl. We need variety in the historical fiction genre! Don't be scared to branch out and be different. You don't find treasure by staying in the same spot. Just my two cents.
December 31, 2020
I really enjoyed Dianne as a character but I didn’t like her POV continually getting interrupted. There is a lot of tragedy that happens, but the story keeps trucking along and the distractions of the constant POV switches made it hard to fully enter into the feeling of what those events mean to Dianne and those around her. I guess I’m rather saying it could have wrung my heart and yet it failed to.
It’s a solid story and mostly historically accurate to 1864 and on. Two things jumped out to me as being much later in scope; Texas ranches weren’t a thing until the western railroad came through; the huge cattle drives to Kansas began in the 1870s. Montana was considered the promised land of fertile soil and Texas was considered mostly worthless land by comparison. The “one-drop-laws” were introduced 1910-1924 with the rise of eugenics and weren’t applied at this time. There was nothing in American law at the time which prevented KoKo from inheriting her husband’s land, as the Indians who had renounced tribal life and were living as white were to be treated as regular citizens: “Where persons reported as "Half-breeds" are found residing with whites, adopting their habits of life and methods of industry, such persons are to be treated as belonging to the white population. Where, on the other hand, they are found in communities composed wholly, or mainly of Indians, the opposite construction is taken.”—1870 census. If he worried about the legality of his marriage, he had only to name her as his legal heir. But Montana didn’t enact miscegenation legislature until 1909 because several of the lawmakers had native wives.
I guess it just bugs me for people to point out “racism, racism” where the laws the folks were upset about weren’t enacted until two generations later.
I really liked the strong Christian lessons and clear Gospel presentation.
It’s a solid story and mostly historically accurate to 1864 and on. Two things jumped out to me as being much later in scope; Texas ranches weren’t a thing until the western railroad came through; the huge cattle drives to Kansas began in the 1870s. Montana was considered the promised land of fertile soil and Texas was considered mostly worthless land by comparison. The “one-drop-laws” were introduced 1910-1924 with the rise of eugenics and weren’t applied at this time. There was nothing in American law at the time which prevented KoKo from inheriting her husband’s land, as the Indians who had renounced tribal life and were living as white were to be treated as regular citizens: “Where persons reported as "Half-breeds" are found residing with whites, adopting their habits of life and methods of industry, such persons are to be treated as belonging to the white population. Where, on the other hand, they are found in communities composed wholly, or mainly of Indians, the opposite construction is taken.”—1870 census. If he worried about the legality of his marriage, he had only to name her as his legal heir. But Montana didn’t enact miscegenation legislature until 1909 because several of the lawmakers had native wives.
I guess it just bugs me for people to point out “racism, racism” where the laws the folks were upset about weren’t enacted until two generations later.
I really liked the strong Christian lessons and clear Gospel presentation.
March 20, 2019
Besides two inappropriate words, this was exactly my sort of story: cowboys, wagon trains, adventure, and Montana! It was great to see an author unafraid of making the tough choices on which characters did or did not survive, while still retaining the reader’s heart and devotion.
This is a series I am eager to continue. I like how Mrs. Peterson hooked me in to the next book by the happy-but-not-finished final chapter of this one.
Content: one expletive, one profanity, gambling, addiction, substance abuse, alcohol, tobacco, prostitution (not on-page), violence associated with war and Wild West
This is a series I am eager to continue. I like how Mrs. Peterson hooked me in to the next book by the happy-but-not-finished final chapter of this one.
Content: one expletive, one profanity, gambling, addiction, substance abuse, alcohol, tobacco, prostitution (not on-page), violence associated with war and Wild West
December 9, 2015
A winning overlap of Christian, historical and women’s fiction. Peterson addresses, if not exactly captures, the major attitudes and conflicts of the 1860s, projecting them onto the frontier as people leaving a war-ravaged East take their prejudices and shortcomings with them. Most historical references are true to the period, where many supposed western tales stumble into Hollywood cliches.
Because the main character is a young woman, the trials and tragedies recorded are not those usually chronicled in wagon train and frontier sagas, but those of a protected young woman dealing with lose and the unknown. Despite an opening catastrophe, starting west seems easy, but it’s not. Dianne Chadwick’s hopes turn to despairs but she presses on. She must.
Too many characters exhibit a thoroughly 21st century understanding of religion—both pro and con--but 19th century attitudes would not resonant with modern readers, in fact might seem incomprehensible.
Well done.
Because the main character is a young woman, the trials and tragedies recorded are not those usually chronicled in wagon train and frontier sagas, but those of a protected young woman dealing with lose and the unknown. Despite an opening catastrophe, starting west seems easy, but it’s not. Dianne Chadwick’s hopes turn to despairs but she presses on. She must.
Too many characters exhibit a thoroughly 21st century understanding of religion—both pro and con--but 19th century attitudes would not resonant with modern readers, in fact might seem incomprehensible.
Well done.
November 24, 2017
My favourite Tracie Peterson novel! This book has its share of sad moments, but Dianne’s resilience and hope shine through and the adventures, characters and faith lessons make a wonderful story. Plus, I just really liked Cole Selby :)
January 30, 2022
Land of My Heart was such a wholesome Christian historical fiction book, I really enjoyed it, even to the last page. Tracie Peterson wrote another good book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction about the trail, the Montana trail, that served gold rush towns like Virginia City, in the 1800s.
It's a story about a family who decides to leave New Madrid, Missouri, after a devastating event. They load up a couple of wagons, and join a wagon train to Montana. On the way, you will discover what they endured, and perhaps wonder if you, too, could be that tough to make it all the way to the new home. After arriving at Montana, there are more hardships to deal with, and much uncertainty.
The relationships in the story are clean, mild, and intelligently written. Sure to be a welcome addition to any Christian's bookshelf.
Romans 10:8-13; John 3:16-21
It's a story about a family who decides to leave New Madrid, Missouri, after a devastating event. They load up a couple of wagons, and join a wagon train to Montana. On the way, you will discover what they endured, and perhaps wonder if you, too, could be that tough to make it all the way to the new home. After arriving at Montana, there are more hardships to deal with, and much uncertainty.
The relationships in the story are clean, mild, and intelligently written. Sure to be a welcome addition to any Christian's bookshelf.
Romans 10:8-13; John 3:16-21
May 1, 2012
"Land of My Heart", by Tracie Peterson, begins in the Spring of 1864, in New Madrid, Missouri. Dianne Chadwick's family is much affected by the ongoing War Between the States. Her father, Ephraim, a store owner, does business with the entrenched Union Army, much to the outrage of the many loyal Confederate sympathizers in the town. There is much unease and lawlessness due to the continued conflicts and losses from the war. When Ephraim is killed in the crossfire of a shoot-out in front of his store, Dianne urges her mother to join a wagon train heading to the Idaho territory. After much discussion, the family decides to move forward, hoping to connect with their mother's brother, Bram. The oldest son, Trent, stays behind with plans to join the Rebel Army. Just before they begin the journey, their mother, Susannah, discovers that she is pregnant. Becoming a widow, learning of an unexpected pregnancy, and uprooting the family for a long and perilous journey takes a sad toll on Susannah. Through all the hardships and unimaginable loss endured by the Chadwick family on their way to their new life, it is Dianne who becomes the head of the family. She is truly an admirable heroine, a young lady who takes much responsibility upon herself as the family situation becomes increasingly trouble-filled. Susannah slowly loses her grip on reality, a situation worsened by an addiction to laudanum. Her grief over her tragic personal losses combines with her innate prejudices and she is often irrational and prone to rants. Much to her mother's dismay, Dianne becomes good friends with a freed slave and her husband. Later, when the family finally connects with Uncle Bram, he is reluctant to offer them much assistance, not wanting them to join him at his home place. His wife is a Native American, and he knows that his sister has strong prejudices. At the start of the wagon train journey, Dianne had been somewhat at odds with the wagon master's assistant, Cole Selby. Though Cole is a loner, almost taciturn, he somehow manages to rescue Dianne on more than one occasion. An attraction grows between them, but it is a tumultuous time in both their lives. Back home, Dianne's brother Trent begins a series of misadventures which leaves him wondering if he will ever see his family again. Nothing has gone according to plan. Each character faces more than one crisis of faith, and life is harsh, with disaster and death coming on swift horses. This is the first book in Tracie Peterson's "Heirs of Montana" series, and there are three more books which detail the continued life adventures of Dianne Chadwick and her family and friends. If you like historical western romance, and enjoy story lines with strong heroines, then you will greatly enjoy the "Heirs of Montana" saga.
October 4, 2016
{2.5 stars}
I've finally read a Tracie Peterson book. My older sister told me over the years that she didn't like her writing style, so I steered clear of any of the authors book. A friend recommended this series to me so I thought, "Why not give it a try?"
So I loved/hated this book. It had a hard time getting into it and I realized what my sister meant about the writing style. It is simple, ordinary writing that did not grab my attention. But the story drew me in and I began to like it a little more. The story covers a wide span of time (the last fourth of the book was three years after the rest of the story!!). There is a lot going on in the book and it did drag a little, I thought.
My favorite character was Trenton. I really felt for him and his plight. Dianne's attitude got on my nerves sometimes, but in general I liked it and really felt for her during the pain she experienced. I wasn't especially a fan of Cole Silbly (and that is how his name was written almost every time he was brought back into the story).
There were some details I would have liked to know a little more about-like what was Cole doing during the whole three years the book skipped? And how come Diane would have never seen him for three years, even if she lived 20 miles from town?
There were great lessons in this book-trusting in God no matter what, salvation message, etc. etc. Also, the romance is clean and I liked how it didn't focus so much on the physical part of things. I still plan on reading the next book of the series.
A favorite quote near the end: "Don't ever change, Diane. Don't ever be afraid to maintain your stand for what's right."
I've finally read a Tracie Peterson book. My older sister told me over the years that she didn't like her writing style, so I steered clear of any of the authors book. A friend recommended this series to me so I thought, "Why not give it a try?"
So I loved/hated this book. It had a hard time getting into it and I realized what my sister meant about the writing style. It is simple, ordinary writing that did not grab my attention. But the story drew me in and I began to like it a little more. The story covers a wide span of time (the last fourth of the book was three years after the rest of the story!!). There is a lot going on in the book and it did drag a little, I thought.
My favorite character was Trenton. I really felt for him and his plight. Dianne's attitude got on my nerves sometimes, but in general I liked it and really felt for her during the pain she experienced. I wasn't especially a fan of Cole Silbly (and that is how his name was written almost every time he was brought back into the story).
There were some details I would have liked to know a little more about-like what was Cole doing during the whole three years the book skipped? And how come Diane would have never seen him for three years, even if she lived 20 miles from town?
There were great lessons in this book-trusting in God no matter what, salvation message, etc. etc. Also, the romance is clean and I liked how it didn't focus so much on the physical part of things. I still plan on reading the next book of the series.
A favorite quote near the end: "Don't ever change, Diane. Don't ever be afraid to maintain your stand for what's right."
October 10, 2017
I somehow managed to read Books 3 and 4 in this series without reading 1 and 2. So now trying to remedy this. It was nice to see how things started out with the Chadwick family. So many things were alluded to in the last 2 books that now are much clearer. So I would definitely recommend reading this series in order. Peterson writes great historical fiction, and I came to love the Chadwick family even more now that I know the back story behind the other books. I will definitely go on to read book 2 in order to fill in the remaining missing pieces of this series.
Good characters, great story line and wonderful faith focus. I especially liked how the author compared the feelings of whites toward black and whites toward native Americans during the time period during and after the Civil War.
Good characters, great story line and wonderful faith focus. I especially liked how the author compared the feelings of whites toward black and whites toward native Americans during the time period during and after the Civil War.
July 20, 2008
In many ways this book annoyed me, but there were certain bits which I did enjoy. I'm not a big fan of Christian fiction, but this was suggested by a friend so I decided to read it.
Things I did not like: 1). The narration tended to drag on and got sort of boring so that you wanted to skip ahead. The main character would be musing about something that she had already thought about at length. 2). It was also kind of preachy, like all Christian fiction I suppose. If I didn't think about it, it was fine, but if I thought about it, it was rather annoying. I agree that you should trust God in everything and that He will help and grant us the graces that we need to get through all the sufferings in our lives. It was more the fact that nobody would talk in the way the characters in the books spoke or bring the subject up at that time, if you know what I mean. The couple points in which Dianne reads the Bible were a bit much. *She sees a passage that seems to be speaking directly to her, she reads it and God seems to be trying to get a point across to her, but she is confused, she decides to pray, and then she feels better.* If only it were this easy! 3). I couldn't help but think that the author “killed-off” (perhaps too strong of a word, but I can't think of any other way to describe it) some of the characters so that they would be “out of the way” (again too strong). There were many close (as in relations) deaths, but they did not seem to effect the story much. The characters were troubled, of course, but not enough, or so I thought. If that was the main point of the story – getting over grief and moving on – then it would have made since, but like I said, it wasn't a main plot. 4). I can't say that the characters were two dimensional, but you couldn't really feel very close to them. The character I felt I knew best was Cole Selby, Dianne's love interest. It's like the author decides what is going to be said in a conversation, then she puts it to the characters. Who should say this? Hmmm...how about....Zane! Well-developed characters speak for themselves. 5). I know that on the back it said Historical Fiction, but I felt it should have focused more on the romance. It was sort of drawn out, but I like that part best. It finally got into more of the romance at the end. 6). Over all the entire story was a bit drawn out and there was too much day-to-day accounts. There would be a whole chapter just to have one point or climax.
Things I liked: A book would have to be really terrible for me to say that I didn't think it was, at least, okay. And there were some things in this book that I liked, so that is why I gave it two stars. 1). As I said above, I liked the romance between Dianne and Cole best. 2). I liked Cole's character a lot and, by the end, felt I knew and liked Dianne quite well too, which was a surprise as I thought her rather silly through the first half of the book. 3). I liked that the chapters would take turns in following different people's events (Trenton, Cole, Dianne). 4). I did learn some about the history of that time, not as much as some historical novels, but some and I always like learning history through fiction. 5). The last 1/4th of this book was quite good and I finished it liking it better than I thought I was going to at around halfway through.
By looking at how much longer my list of “dislikes” is to my “likes”, one would think that I really didn't like this book, but that's not true. It was okay...not a favorite...but okay. And I'm going to have to read the rest of the series sometime as the book ends at a drop off and all the characters are left hanging. I think I might like the next one better as it is probably more about Cole and Dianne and their relationship. It is going to have to pick up where this one left off and I liked where it left off so that's another good sign. I'm actually looking forward to seeing what happens, I just might let a little time pass in between.
Things I did not like: 1). The narration tended to drag on and got sort of boring so that you wanted to skip ahead. The main character would be musing about something that she had already thought about at length. 2). It was also kind of preachy, like all Christian fiction I suppose. If I didn't think about it, it was fine, but if I thought about it, it was rather annoying. I agree that you should trust God in everything and that He will help and grant us the graces that we need to get through all the sufferings in our lives. It was more the fact that nobody would talk in the way the characters in the books spoke or bring the subject up at that time, if you know what I mean. The couple points in which Dianne reads the Bible were a bit much. *She sees a passage that seems to be speaking directly to her, she reads it and God seems to be trying to get a point across to her, but she is confused, she decides to pray, and then she feels better.* If only it were this easy! 3). I couldn't help but think that the author “killed-off” (perhaps too strong of a word, but I can't think of any other way to describe it) some of the characters so that they would be “out of the way” (again too strong). There were many close (as in relations) deaths, but they did not seem to effect the story much. The characters were troubled, of course, but not enough, or so I thought. If that was the main point of the story – getting over grief and moving on – then it would have made since, but like I said, it wasn't a main plot. 4). I can't say that the characters were two dimensional, but you couldn't really feel very close to them. The character I felt I knew best was Cole Selby, Dianne's love interest. It's like the author decides what is going to be said in a conversation, then she puts it to the characters. Who should say this? Hmmm...how about....Zane! Well-developed characters speak for themselves. 5). I know that on the back it said Historical Fiction, but I felt it should have focused more on the romance. It was sort of drawn out, but I like that part best. It finally got into more of the romance at the end. 6). Over all the entire story was a bit drawn out and there was too much day-to-day accounts. There would be a whole chapter just to have one point or climax.
Things I liked: A book would have to be really terrible for me to say that I didn't think it was, at least, okay. And there were some things in this book that I liked, so that is why I gave it two stars. 1). As I said above, I liked the romance between Dianne and Cole best. 2). I liked Cole's character a lot and, by the end, felt I knew and liked Dianne quite well too, which was a surprise as I thought her rather silly through the first half of the book. 3). I liked that the chapters would take turns in following different people's events (Trenton, Cole, Dianne). 4). I did learn some about the history of that time, not as much as some historical novels, but some and I always like learning history through fiction. 5). The last 1/4th of this book was quite good and I finished it liking it better than I thought I was going to at around halfway through.
By looking at how much longer my list of “dislikes” is to my “likes”, one would think that I really didn't like this book, but that's not true. It was okay...not a favorite...but okay. And I'm going to have to read the rest of the series sometime as the book ends at a drop off and all the characters are left hanging. I think I might like the next one better as it is probably more about Cole and Dianne and their relationship. It is going to have to pick up where this one left off and I liked where it left off so that's another good sign. I'm actually looking forward to seeing what happens, I just might let a little time pass in between.
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May 12, 2015Amazon blurb: Book 1 of Heirs of Montana from bestselling author Tracie Peterson. Adventurers, families, outlaws...all driven west in the 1860s by a longing for endless blue sky along with wild and wide-open spaces. Tracie Peterson, from her own Montana home, paints an unforgettable portrait of this rich, rugged landscape, populated by strong and spirited characters. When Dianne Chadwick urges her family to move west to her uncle's ranch in the Montana Territory, she has no idea that her new life in the rugged frontier--and even within her uncle's home--will not be the idyllic adventure she expects. But first she has to survive the arduous wagon journey with the help of guide Cole Selby, whose heart seems to be as hard as the mountains he loves.
NO where in the blurb does it say that this is Christian fiction (and my word WAS it Christian fiction!!) Towards the end there was more God than plot.
Seriously, I have no objection to reading about religion, but I do like to be informed that a book is Churchy-preachy-God-loves-you-all-and-will-solve-all-your-problems. And, please, don't tell me to look up the publisher. I expect a book's blurb to tell me what the genre is - sci-fi, western, romance, etc. Is it that hard to add 'Christian Fiction to a blurb?
Anyway... I read it. If the Church-preachy aspect was removed this would be about 25% shorter and far punchier. There was an incredible amount of waffle and unnecessary deaths.
I am not going to rate this book until I have had a chance to think about it. I liked a lot of aspects, but I became increasingly frustrated with the saccharine sweetness where no one raged against the sheer awfulness of what had happened.
NO where in the blurb does it say that this is Christian fiction (and my word WAS it Christian fiction!!) Towards the end there was more God than plot.
Seriously, I have no objection to reading about religion, but I do like to be informed that a book is Churchy-preachy-God-loves-you-all-and-will-solve-all-your-problems. And, please, don't tell me to look up the publisher. I expect a book's blurb to tell me what the genre is - sci-fi, western, romance, etc. Is it that hard to add 'Christian Fiction to a blurb?
Anyway... I read it. If the Church-preachy aspect was removed this would be about 25% shorter and far punchier. There was an incredible amount of waffle and unnecessary deaths.
I am not going to rate this book until I have had a chance to think about it. I liked a lot of aspects, but I became increasingly frustrated with the saccharine sweetness where no one raged against the sheer awfulness of what had happened.
May 1, 2015
WOW! TALK ABOUT BRINGING SO MANY PEOPLE'S WRONG THINKING. AGAINST GODS GIFTS!
AS ALWAYS, TRACIE HAS GIVEN ANOTHER GREAT STORY THAT CAPTURES GOD's COUNTRY AND I CAN CARRY THE IMAGE AND THE FEELING OF WANTING TO BE AT THAT PLACE AND TIME. WE CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT THE GREAT ANCESTORS WENT THRU, THEIR LOSES, WHAT ALL WOMEN AND MEN WENT THRU, FOUGHT AND DIED FOR JUST TO HAVE A HOME THEY COULD WORK EACH DAY TO MAKE A GOOD LIFE FOR THEM AND THEIR LOVED ONES. THIS AUTHOR IS ONE OF FEW THAT REALLY BRINGS OUT THE SAYING, ( DON'T JUDGE UNLESS YOU'VE WALKED IN SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES! ) HOPE OTHER BOOKS BRING OUT WHAT HAPPENS TO ALL THESE PEOPLE FUTURE.
AS ALWAYS, TRACIE HAS GIVEN ANOTHER GREAT STORY THAT CAPTURES GOD's COUNTRY AND I CAN CARRY THE IMAGE AND THE FEELING OF WANTING TO BE AT THAT PLACE AND TIME. WE CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT THE GREAT ANCESTORS WENT THRU, THEIR LOSES, WHAT ALL WOMEN AND MEN WENT THRU, FOUGHT AND DIED FOR JUST TO HAVE A HOME THEY COULD WORK EACH DAY TO MAKE A GOOD LIFE FOR THEM AND THEIR LOVED ONES. THIS AUTHOR IS ONE OF FEW THAT REALLY BRINGS OUT THE SAYING, ( DON'T JUDGE UNLESS YOU'VE WALKED IN SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES! ) HOPE OTHER BOOKS BRING OUT WHAT HAPPENS TO ALL THESE PEOPLE FUTURE.
November 19, 2010
This is a Christian Historical Fiction. This book is a 3 part series. I realy enjoyed this book mostly because ther is no fowl language and it has a wholesome story line. The book is about a journey across the west to Montana around the time of the civil war. A family trying to escape to a place where they can live after the death of the Father. It kept my attention and I enjoyed the excitement of picking the book up to begin reading again. If you like books about the west, cowboys, Indians you will love this romance book. Happy reading
February 23, 2016
Great book. Lots of twists and turns from start to finish. being a native of Montana herself, Petersons paints a vivid and truthful portrait of the pioneer west. Tragedies, accidents and threats dot the unforgiving land as the wagon train heads west. a colorful cast of characters are interwoven into the story. This book will challenge your faith, test your strength and make you appreciate the struggles of those heading west, each to fulfill their own set of dreams.
March 9, 2011
This is a fairly good series that begins during the Civil War and continues through many years in America's early west. Set in Montana, it interested me because I grew up there, not far from where this story takes place. It also was relevant as I'm currently studying this period of American history, and it incorporated real events into this fictional story. I'm eager for the series to unfold ...
February 20, 2015
A good read.
An excellent book about the hardships many faced in their quest to settle the west. I loved the story of Dianne and her family. It is also a good example of what happens to families when they turn their backs on God. He never gives up on His children, even though we sometimes turn away from Him.
An excellent book about the hardships many faced in their quest to settle the west. I loved the story of Dianne and her family. It is also a good example of what happens to families when they turn their backs on God. He never gives up on His children, even though we sometimes turn away from Him.
June 7, 2016
Wonderful Christian historical fiction. I love books like this that don't try and make life into some kind of Sunday picnic, but instead show the doubts, grief, pain, confusion and hard times along with the good, and show how God uses them. Books like this can help us see what it looks like to be a true Christian now and help us get through our own heart aches, and trials.
September 12, 2014
I enjoyed this book and plan to read the others in this series. It is a story that tells of the tears and triumph experienced through love and loss.
February 22, 2019
Excellent (all 4 in the series). Great examples of the struggle to trust God and hope in Him in difficult circumstances.
April 17, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite its sad tone, which was reflective of the hardships faced during that era. The story is set in the 1860s and follows a 16-year-old girl (who is about 20 by the book’s end) as she journeys west to Montana to live with her Uncle after her Father’s passing. While I wasn’t expecting certain characters to meet their untimely ends, I overall found the book to be enjoyable. If I had the option, I would have given it a 4.5, but I opted for 5 because I genuinely liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2023
Had kind of a slow start, or maybe I was just not in a frame of mind to pay attention when I started it, but the pace picked up and I ended up rooting for characters as they encountered various trials.
December 29, 2023
Excellent uplifting Christian historical fiction novel! Excited to continue the series!
May 31, 2015
Tracie Peterson's first book in her Heirs of Montana series is well written and an absorbing story. Diane feels guilty for putting her father in a life or death situation with the some of the trouble-making town folk after the Civil War. Her suggestion to the family is to move to Montana to be with their uncle (her mother's brother). The family sells everything they can and buys the covered wagons and supplies to make the trip to Montana. The trip takes a toll on the family in many ways with disease and death. Diane seems to have trouble with the wagon master's assistant during the trip. Her older brother does not go to Montana because he feels he needs to avenge his father's death. He meets up with the wrong people but is able to escape after some time. He then meets up with an older gentleman who teaches him to play poker. While he hones his poker skills, he realizes that he should have gone with his family to Montana. Once the Diane and her family reaches Montana, they have no luck with finding her uncle because he doesn't come into town that often. You should read the book to find out how Diane and her family manage in a new land.
January 17, 2014
Audio book.
My apologies but I really struggled through this whole book. I kept wondering whether I should just stop reading but I kept on and finally finished this book. I think the biggest problem for me was that I really did not like any of the characters. This book took something like ten hours to listen to and that is a darn long time to listen to a story about people you cannot connect with. There were also things they did or said that I felt were stilted, illogical, or strange for a character to do. There were things where I wondered at the historical accuracy. I am not an historian but I have read a lot of journals from approximately this time frame. Anyway, whatever. I would also say that I felt like there was really no plot. I kept feeling like the story was going nowhere. However, after ten hours (or whatever), I do wonder at what will happen to these people I have suffered with for so long (so something must have been happening), though I doubt that I could really plow through more of the series. I was also not impressed with the "inspirational" part of the story.
My apologies but I really struggled through this whole book. I kept wondering whether I should just stop reading but I kept on and finally finished this book. I think the biggest problem for me was that I really did not like any of the characters. This book took something like ten hours to listen to and that is a darn long time to listen to a story about people you cannot connect with. There were also things they did or said that I felt were stilted, illogical, or strange for a character to do. There were things where I wondered at the historical accuracy. I am not an historian but I have read a lot of journals from approximately this time frame. Anyway, whatever. I would also say that I felt like there was really no plot. I kept feeling like the story was going nowhere. However, after ten hours (or whatever), I do wonder at what will happen to these people I have suffered with for so long (so something must have been happening), though I doubt that I could really plow through more of the series. I was also not impressed with the "inspirational" part of the story.
February 19, 2009
Decent escapism...the kind of book I keep in the car to read when I'm waiting or while I am in the tub. Nothing too deep, pretty predictable. But Tracie Peterson is clean and positive. I thought it was about 100 pages too long. I also thought that the characters really would not have spoken in the way that they did nor would they have had the atittudes that they did about racism and people in that time and especially coming from the areas of the country they came from and lived in. That was pretty idealistic, though I wish that were true. I picked this up because I am a Montana girl through and through and I wanted a book about Montana. This could have been set in any place, the setting didn't really factor in much except for the cold and the snow. There were several family deaths which reminded me of those who spoke of their "first" and "second" families because life was so tenuous at that time.
February 10, 2016
Not a stand-alone book
Drama drama drama. Tears tears tears. Felt like a Lifetime movie. With no resolution. Silly me for forgetting that Tracie Peterson does that, and getting lured in by a freebie. I skimmed much of this book, especially since the first half seemed to be written like a middle school novel with simple sentences and little depth. I'm not sure if I quit noticing or it got better. I skimmed my way to the end to fin that while the immediate issues were resolved, a whole lot of everything was left wide open. I certainly won't go back for more. Not even if they're free.
Drama drama drama. Tears tears tears. Felt like a Lifetime movie. With no resolution. Silly me for forgetting that Tracie Peterson does that, and getting lured in by a freebie. I skimmed much of this book, especially since the first half seemed to be written like a middle school novel with simple sentences and little depth. I'm not sure if I quit noticing or it got better. I skimmed my way to the end to fin that while the immediate issues were resolved, a whole lot of everything was left wide open. I certainly won't go back for more. Not even if they're free.
May 5, 2015
Land of My Heart
This novel is truly a revival for the soul. Sometimes we feel we are the only ones with hardships and heartache, and that we are insignificant to God for him to care what we are going through. I as many held a grudge with my creator for 12 long years, until my stubborn heart and rebellious ways caused me to go on bended knees to ask for forgiveness. Looking over my life of tribulations, I see how God has shaped me into the strong woman I am, and I know through all things God will always see me through!
This novel is truly a revival for the soul. Sometimes we feel we are the only ones with hardships and heartache, and that we are insignificant to God for him to care what we are going through. I as many held a grudge with my creator for 12 long years, until my stubborn heart and rebellious ways caused me to go on bended knees to ask for forgiveness. Looking over my life of tribulations, I see how God has shaped me into the strong woman I am, and I know through all things God will always see me through!
August 13, 2021
Setting: The prologue, which is basically just chapter 1, begins in New Madrid, Missouri, March 1864 (chapter 1 starts about a month later). As the title of the series suggests, the setting soon moves to the territory of Montana, most often called Virginia City in the story. The story also occasionally takes the reader to places in Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, etc. Time passes pretty quickly, often skipping large chunks of days and weeks, and the book ends I don't know how many years later. The initial setting of Missouri during the Civil War isn't written especially distinctively, although it is certainly the basis for the inciting incident. The setting of Montana, as well as the journey there, is established quite well, although there are a few glaring historical inaccuracies. (For example: it's told just in passing that there's a woman doctor in Virginia City. Really, in 1864?? You need to give some pretty good background explanation if you want me to swallow that.) The crowd in which Trenton mingles is also only about half-baked, and the threat of war is never a real threat to drive the plot forward (even though it's Missouri, for goodness sake!).
Characters: First, Dianne, the main character: yeah, she's kinda that annoying strong main character who does minor annoying things. Usually the female lead never captivates my heart, but they can often get on my nerves, so unfortunately she tips the scales a bit negatively. I did like her relationship with her younger siblings--as well as the fact that the Chadwick family has six children--but the way she bosses her brothers around is annoying, plus a bit surprising, and I had to continually remind myself that they are older. Zane and Morgan are some of the flattest characters, not in terms of their desires (I could tell that Peterson tried to give them distinctive characters), but in terms of their personalities, speech, etc. Dianne treats them both exactly the same, and they're always in the exact same circumstances, so that the attempt to make them distinct is a failure.
Cole, by himself, has a decent character arc. At least, when he's apart from Dianne. His story has a terrible flow when combined with Dianne's story, and he's mostly nonexistent--I only knew he was the romantic counterpart because of the inclusion of his POV (not anything his does, just the fact that his POV exists). Which isn't necessarily bad, except the conclusion of the book makes it clear that this is a romance. Cole's initial personality is fine, complete with struggles and flaws and a distinct personality (probably a bit overdone, but there's nothing new under the sun, so I'm lenient). And then, after he disappears for a bit (because his life has nothing to do with Dianne's--but that's a problem with the plot), he reappears and treats Dianne completely differently, not because his character arc has progressed, but because Dianne has changed (Spoiler: that's not logical).
Dianne's mother is an interesting and different character. I would have liked some of her background to be explained more, because her prejudice ends up being more the poster-child for modern morals to look down on, and less of a natural historical response to the culture of the time. Uncle Bram, too, is less a product of his culture and more of the modern-moral counterpart to Susannah Chadwick, and therefore lacks a distinct personality.
The worst characters are probably Trenton and the men he encounters. I'm no expert of men's thought process and tugs and pulls in whatever directions, but the amount that Trenton analyzes and ruminates on a certain action--before he even starts said action--is ridiculous. Either he has a conscious due to a Christian upbringing (but did he have a Christian upbringing? Not really sure on that one), or he doesn't and can successfully suppress a conscience. In the case of the former, I don't believe that Trenton would be able to think for as long as he does, without his conscience kicking in big time. Also, the dialogue of Trenton and practically every other man seems stilted, unrealistic, and historically incorrect.
Plot: I already touched on a few problems with the plot, but generally the plot is the good part of the book. It is interesting, and a fast read, in that I wanted to know how certain plot points played out. (Was I satisfied? Not really. Certain things disappear completely and other things pop up out of nowhere 3/4 of the way through the book. But things do happen, which keeps it interesting.) The Trenton-centered plot ends in the weirdest, out-of-nowhere way, but I didn't really like reading about him ever, so it's a fitting end.
Faith Content: Dianne's faith journey is a bit cheesy, but it's actually complete and generally well-written, and spiritually sound, as far as I can remember. Cole's is likewise, except the largely unrealistic ending (can Peterson learn to write guy characters sometime soon??). The Christian thread is woven throughout the book, and it's obviously Christian fiction.
I don't really care to enumerate all the complaints I have, all of which weren't major horrible faux pas, but are the specific little things that nettle me every time I read them. As with nearly all Tracie Peterson books I've read, the plot idea isn't bad--is quite interesting, in fact--but the other parts necessary to a good book drives me nuts.
Characters: First, Dianne, the main character: yeah, she's kinda that annoying strong main character who does minor annoying things. Usually the female lead never captivates my heart, but they can often get on my nerves, so unfortunately she tips the scales a bit negatively. I did like her relationship with her younger siblings--as well as the fact that the Chadwick family has six children--but the way she bosses her brothers around is annoying, plus a bit surprising, and I had to continually remind myself that they are older. Zane and Morgan are some of the flattest characters, not in terms of their desires (I could tell that Peterson tried to give them distinctive characters), but in terms of their personalities, speech, etc. Dianne treats them both exactly the same, and they're always in the exact same circumstances, so that the attempt to make them distinct is a failure.
Cole, by himself, has a decent character arc. At least, when he's apart from Dianne. His story has a terrible flow when combined with Dianne's story, and he's mostly nonexistent--I only knew he was the romantic counterpart because of the inclusion of his POV (not anything his does, just the fact that his POV exists). Which isn't necessarily bad, except the conclusion of the book makes it clear that this is a romance. Cole's initial personality is fine, complete with struggles and flaws and a distinct personality (probably a bit overdone, but there's nothing new under the sun, so I'm lenient). And then, after he disappears for a bit (because his life has nothing to do with Dianne's--but that's a problem with the plot), he reappears and treats Dianne completely differently, not because his character arc has progressed, but because Dianne has changed (Spoiler: that's not logical).
Dianne's mother is an interesting and different character. I would have liked some of her background to be explained more, because her prejudice ends up being more the poster-child for modern morals to look down on, and less of a natural historical response to the culture of the time. Uncle Bram, too, is less a product of his culture and more of the modern-moral counterpart to Susannah Chadwick, and therefore lacks a distinct personality.
The worst characters are probably Trenton and the men he encounters. I'm no expert of men's thought process and tugs and pulls in whatever directions, but the amount that Trenton analyzes and ruminates on a certain action--before he even starts said action--is ridiculous. Either he has a conscious due to a Christian upbringing (but did he have a Christian upbringing? Not really sure on that one), or he doesn't and can successfully suppress a conscience. In the case of the former, I don't believe that Trenton would be able to think for as long as he does, without his conscience kicking in big time. Also, the dialogue of Trenton and practically every other man seems stilted, unrealistic, and historically incorrect.
Plot: I already touched on a few problems with the plot, but generally the plot is the good part of the book. It is interesting, and a fast read, in that I wanted to know how certain plot points played out. (Was I satisfied? Not really. Certain things disappear completely and other things pop up out of nowhere 3/4 of the way through the book. But things do happen, which keeps it interesting.) The Trenton-centered plot ends in the weirdest, out-of-nowhere way, but I didn't really like reading about him ever, so it's a fitting end.
Faith Content: Dianne's faith journey is a bit cheesy, but it's actually complete and generally well-written, and spiritually sound, as far as I can remember. Cole's is likewise, except the largely unrealistic ending (can Peterson learn to write guy characters sometime soon??). The Christian thread is woven throughout the book, and it's obviously Christian fiction.
I don't really care to enumerate all the complaints I have, all of which weren't major horrible faux pas, but are the specific little things that nettle me every time I read them. As with nearly all Tracie Peterson books I've read, the plot idea isn't bad--is quite interesting, in fact--but the other parts necessary to a good book drives me nuts.
December 14, 2015
This book is very very romantic loving caring
I really enjoyed this book I had to finish the book just to see where it then now I have to find a way to get the rest of the book so I can know what goes on the next one I really enjoyed this book made me feel very alive thank you very much for this post
I really enjoyed this book I had to finish the book just to see where it then now I have to find a way to get the rest of the book so I can know what goes on the next one I really enjoyed this book made me feel very alive thank you very much for this post
April 26, 2018
Well, this was unusual -- a Tracie Peterson book that I didn't care for. I thought it was boring, and I didn't like the main female character. I have an extreme dislike of the voice of the narrator, Ruth Ann Phimister. I may have been able to make it all the way through the book if the narrator was good; however, I only listened to about 2/3 of it before finally giving up on it.
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