Distant Heart

Westward Hearts #2

by Tracey Bateman

Toni Rodden has escaped a life of prostitution and vows she'll never let a man control her again. After months on the wagon train, she's finally earned her place, albeit grudgingly from some, and has found a surrogate family in Fannie Caldwell and her two siblings. For the first time she can taste freedom and the possibilities of a new life. But as Fannie prepares to marry wagon master Blake Tanner, Toni realizes how alone she is and questions whether she'll ever find acceptance, or true love.

Despite Toni's conviction that no man will be able to see beyond her marred past, Sam Two-Feathers, the half-Indian wagon scout and acting preacher for the train, seems to know of a love that forgives sins and values much more than outward appearances. Will Sam have the confidence to declare his love? Will Toni be able to trust in a love that can forgive even the darkest past?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Historical Romance, Christian Romance

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Tracey Bateman is also published as Tracey Cross, is the Christy award-winning author of more than thirty titles and has nearly a million books in print. She lives in Missouri's Ozarks with her husband and four children.

Reviews

[Tiffany Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect the book to turn out like it did. I am on a search for christian books with ex prostitute themes in them, since I have a traumatic past like that too. I still deal with being a christian now, and getting over that past, knowing I am new and my past is forgiven, but it is hard not to be insecure and not to compare myself to other Godly women. I loved this book, because the main character went through those same trials, and in the end, she found her true identity in Christ. :)

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the book:

Toni Rodden has escaped a life of prostitution and vows she'll never let a man control her again. After months on the wagon train, she's finally earned her place, albeit grudgingly from some, and has found a surrogate family in Fannie Caldwell and her two siblings. For the first time she can taste freedom and the possibilities of a new life. But as Fannie prepares to marry wagon master Blake Tanner, Toni realizes how alone she is and questions whether she'll ever find acceptance, or true love.

Despite Toni's conviction that no man will be able to see beyond her marred past, Sam Two-Feathers, the half-Indian wagon scout and acting preacher for the train, seems to know of a love that forgives sins and values much more than outward appearances. Will Sam have the confidence to declare his love? Will Toni be able to trust in a love that can forgive even the darkest past?

My review:

I loved the previous book in this series, but enjoyed this one even more. It was compelling and interesting. I dare say it is one of Tracey's best historical novels...at least that I've read so far. And it was very well-written.

While Distant Heart has characteristics of a typical prairie "wagon train" western-type novel, it's far from the usual fare. The tension and conflict were awesome and real, and there was plenty of hardship and grit on the "journey" the heroine experienced. Real life issues such as shame, addictions, sin, jealousy, strife, deceit, murder, kidnapping, adultery, etc. They're all in there and comprise one incredible tale.

I SO loved this story and the message it contains. And the perception Toni and Sam had in regards to each other made me crazy. I wanted to shake them both so they'd see the truth. But they were also self-sacrificing, and that makes for an awesome love story. The secondary characters were incredibly well done, too, and I'm looking forward to reading the final story in this series.

Distant Heart was published by Avon Inspire and released in January 2008.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who's ever asked themselves the question of how God could love them, despite their former life of sin, this story will resonate with them. Thought provoking and sometimes painful to read. Beauty for ashes indeed.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first one. If not better.

[Lydia Gates · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although very descriptive...it is certainly Christian, but in an odd way. I skimmed and skipped. So I never really finished.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable, easy read. Showing God's grace and the love and compassion of the broken hearted, but redeemed.

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 3 out of 5]

This western wagon train story was okay, it predictable. I didn't feel emotionally attached to any of the characters. It's a good story about strong, if sometimes misunderstood, faith and intentions.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book in #2 in the Westward Hearts series, and although there are references to happenings before this story, it really can stand alone. Ms. Bateman develops her characters and you understand them and their story from the beginning.

I liked Toni and Fannie from the beginning. It is a story set in the settling of the West as wagon trains traveled the Oregon Trail on their way west to a brighter future. Toni has a less than stellar past and Sam Two Feathers, one of the wagon train hands is part white and part Sioux. It seems their lives will never come together as they each dismiss their feelings for the other based on their own perceptions of their own shortcomings. It is the typical love story, set in untypical surroundings.

This is Christian fiction. There are some references to bible verses and the basic Christian values of do unto others and unconditional love. Actually, maybe that is the real premise of the novel: that we all deserve love and acceptance. It is not off putting as one person expressed to me.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toni Rodden escaped with Fannie from a brothel. Now she vows that she will never again let any man control or use her. She is heading to Oregon to make a new life for herself. She's struggling to earn the respect from the her neighbors on the wagon train and trying desperately to let go of her past.
Sam Two-Feathers is half-Indian, half-white. He is the scout for the wagon train and he sees something special in Toni. He knows that since she has now committed her life to Jesus Christ, that she is now a new creation and pure in the site of God. However, Sam feels that although he has a strong attraction for and possibly even loves Toni, he can never have a life with her because of his heritage. She deserves better than a half-Indian.
Toni's life becomes in danger of being lost and Sam steps in to save her.
Will Toni overcome her fear of men? Will Sam realize that his heritage doesn't matter to Toni?
Will they let love shine before it's too late?

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fannie and blake are happily married and Toni is on her own in the wagon. Sam convinces Ginger to come along the trail as Toni's wagon mate. They become good friends. Toni feels she isn't good enough to marry Sam because of her past sins as a saloon girl. Sam feels that Toni is too good for him because he is half white, half Cherokee indian and they both try to go against what they know in their heart. The wagon train hit hardship with tornados and indian attacks after refusing trade of Toni with the cherokee chief. Their is fighting in the train about an adopted wolf dog that keeps getting the chickens and trouble with affairs in the wagon that take their toll on the relationships. Their is a indian kidnapping and rescue attempts made. Sam and Toni finally give into their hearts and admit their feelings. They are now engaged. Ginger starts to take more interest in hygiene.Mr. Kelley the "doc" delivers the baby of the indian woman they rescued from the trading post.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here, we take on the continued adventure from Defiant Heart but from the perspective of the ex-prostitute Toni and her journey to the Oregon territory. If the trip is not difficult enough without other events thrown in here and there... Try Indian Attacks and kidnappings, adultery and murder, and a new strange girl Ginger into their midst. Will the Cheyenne get there way and get Toni for their keeping? Who is Ginger and what does she want? Will the children and sister from the other wagon train be rescued? Will Amanda Kane ever heal? God is incredible and though he sometimes works slowly, if you look back and see what he is capable of you will be shocked an amazed...

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toni is longing to put her past behind, a life of prostitution, and begin life anew out west. But even on the wagon train, sheltered by a few friends and protected by the master of the wagon train and his scout, she is persecuted by the others on the train as well as people from her past who show up to torment her. Toni seeks forgiveness, but is unsure if she deserves it. Her quest for forgiveness and peace is the thrust of this tale. Wrapped around this theme is a interesting story of the dangers in traveling west in a wagon train. A good story that will capture your interest.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty for Ashes

A beautiful story of self doubt , unworthiness, uncleaniness of how ones past can be washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ . Jesus spilled His blood on the cross so that thru him we could be washed clean, forgiven, and purified. Sam also had to realize that he was being deceived by the spirit of prejudice and remember red or yellow black or white we are precious in His Sight.

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying the Westward Hearts series. Although each book could be a stand alone book, they are so much better when read together. Loved reading about Toni and Sam in this book while reading more about Blake and Fannie from book one. Looking forward to book three where we'll focus on Grant and Ginger. That should be interesting.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the first book of this series, this is a 'grab you from the first word and doesn't let go until the end' kind of novel. I finished it far quicker than I expected to and really enjoyed it! It was cool to find out what happens next on the wagon train's journey to Oregon and meet some new characters. I'm looking forward to the final installment in the series!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed all three books in Westward Heart series. Fannie & Blake, Toni & Sam, and Ginger & Grant were each unique yet similar strong characters with not-so-perfect pasts. Don't know which was my favorite.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, which is #2 in a series. I have always had a soft spot for the old "wagon train heading west" type books. This is a good one!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. Nothing overly exciting but was a good book and I would recommend it. It was easy reading, made you want to keep reading. It had a good moral story too it.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was way too schmaltzy for me.

[Velma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational, leaves you with a happy feeling. Trust in the ones that love you they might suprise you. They will accept you at face value.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of 3

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the continuation of this series. Wonderful read that reminds us just how important forgiveness, love, and friendship are to all of us. I can't wait to read the third.

[Cindy]

loved it!

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exccelent

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Shannah Mauney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is compelling and wonderful. The perfect picture of how God's love erases your past and makes you new!