Book Review & Giveaway ~ "Taming the Wind" by Tracie Peterson

Title:  "Taming the Wind"

Series:  Land of the Lone Star Book 3
Author:  Tracie Peterson
Publisher:  Bethany House
Publication Date:  9/1/2012

Pages:  336

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

When Cassie Lowe goes to live with her sister in the years following the Civil War, she is reacquainted with a man who once saved her life, Tyler Atherton. But Cassie is no longer the lighthearted young woman he once knew. She is now a widow with a young daughter, and she is nursing the disappointments and hurts from a difficult marriage. Though she longs to open her heart again, she is bound by fear and mistrust.

Tyler has demons of his own. Still haunted by the knowledge that his father was murdered by Comanches, he puts all his focus on reclaiming his inheritance: the ranch stolen from his family as punishment for his fighting for the Confederacy. With his affection for Cassie growing, he longs to provide a home and future for her and her daughter.

Though yearning to pledge their love, both Cassie and Tyler struggle to conquer their fears. Will Indian attacks, post-war renegades, and the hardship of life on the Texas plains destroy their future? Or will they find the strength to surrender their wills to God...and embrace his perfect plan?

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

This was the third book of the "Land of the Lone Star" series but I easily read it as a stand-alone.  The author gave just enough back-story to fill me in on who everyone was.  Apparently the two main character met in Book 2 of the series.  Actually, Tyler rescued Carissa from drowning and they forged a bond before this book started.

The book started out a bit slow for me, but then the action picked up quite a bit.  After that, I was turning the pages as quickly as I could to see what would happen next.

My Favorite Character:

Carissa was my favorite character.  She has been dealt some heavy blows in her short life but is determined to be the very best mother that she can be to her daughter, Gloria.  Gloria is also a favorite.  She reminds me of my friend's little girl.

My Favorite Scene:

My favorite scene has to be when Tyler confronts the Indian who murdered his father and forgives him.  Powerful stuff, right there!

My Favorite Sentence/Paragraph:

Tyler stood in front of the man and just stared at him for several minutes.  He couldn't help but wonder at the life this man had known, and for the first time, Tyler actually felt something akin to guilt.  Had the whites taken this man's home from him?  Had they killed his father and friends?  Was he no more than a victim of this vicious cirlce of hate--just as Tyler was.

Page 217

It Would Have Been Better If:

I do wish that I would have read the previous two books in the series because I grew to really like Hannah and Laura, the leading ladies of those books.  I find myself wanting to read their whole story.  Maybe I will :)

I Would Recommend This Book To:

Sisters, single mothers, ranchers, those carrying around hate, cinnamon roll lovers, anyone who enjoys a good cowboy story.

Rating

4/5

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Now, for the giveaway!

To enter for a chance to win my review copy of this book:

*Mandatory-  Please leave a comment telling me if you've ever struggled with forgiveness.

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you do :)

The giveaway will run until August 11, 2012 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be announced on August 12th.

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I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review as part of a Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour.  To see more about the book, author, and other reviews please click HERE.

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On to the next book,