My review of Distant Heart by Tracey Bateman
Posted by:
Michelle Sutton on
January 23, 2008 at
11:31PM EST
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.
