Reviewer: Trudy Smith
Title: Distant Heart - 2nd in the Westward Hearts Trilogy
Author: Tracey Bateman
Publisher: Avon Inspire (Harper Collins)
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-124634-0
Release Date: January 2008
Genre/Sub-genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1850/Oregon-bound wagon train
Overall rating: 4.25
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: Minimal
Tracey's Website:
www.traceybateman.com
From a life of prostitution to becoming a new Christian, Toni Rodden changed her life. Additionally she’s part of a wagon train on their way to Oregon.
Swooping Eagle and his warriors have attacked the wagon train wanting Toni for his own. Her unusual white-blond hair has him captivated and he vows she will be his. Toni is spared becoming a captive, for now, but it’s not over. Sam Two-Feathers, scout and preacher for the wagon train, vows, at least to himself, to protect Toni at all costs. Sam has also been captivated by Toni on this journey. Sam’s not sure that a white woman can or should settle for a half-breed like him, but he looks to God for guidance.
Toni is very aware of Sam’s protection and their "connection" to each other. She can’t stop her feelings from growing for Sam. But she’s well aware that a former prostitute is not the right kind of woman for a godly man like Sam. He wants to teach the gospel to his mother’s people when he reaches Oregon and Toni knows a woman like her can’t possibly become a wife to a man like Sam.
This wagon train has suffered many hard times and will suffer more but God has been gracious and continues to bless them through their trials. God will also heal two hearts that have not come to fully know that He sees what’s inside a person, not the outside or the past if they have repented and committed their life to Him.
Ms Bateman’s writing is a pleasure to read. Her scenes are painted with the right amount of detail to make the reader believe they are watching the story unfold. Her characters are human, but truly want God’s will. The subtle message of God’s love and forgiveness is not overwhelming or preachy but gives the reader something to think about.
The only thing that would have made this book better is to have read the first book in the trilogy. Though there are explanations, it’s apparent that the first book would explain more of how the characters became who they are. Also I don’t think that we’ve seen the last of Swooping Eagle.
Distant Heart is a tender, uplifting story of healing, forgiveness and God’s love for His children. It’s been a pleasure to read this story and I look forward to the third book in the trilogy.
Trudy
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Trudy know.
Top
Reviews
Featured Reviews
Archived Reviews