Chasing the Sun: Land of the Lone Star, Book 1

I will say I am a fan of Tracie Peterson ... I truly enjoy the vast majority of her books and this one was no exception. This was set in the during the Civil War and it again, makes one think of how hard it must have been neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother, etc ... both sides of course knowing that they are right ... so sad and destructive. However, Tracie has made this book more than just about that .. it of course, includes much of those feelings ... but there is intrigue in the book, a bit of frustration I have to admit on my part, the joy of a strong young woman having to take on more than she should have had to take on at her age and of course romance.I think what I appreciated in this book so much is that I had just read a book that had so much sadness throughout the book that I truly didn't enjoy it .. these times were tough too ... but this book made it enjoyable to read and that frankly is what I look for in a book. As I have stated before ... life isn't just about a bed of roses ... it definitely has its up's and down's ... but when a book is just filled with one depressing thing after another it just gets too heavy for me. This book had it share of unhappiness but it was mixed with so much hope that I truly enjoyed it.Hannah finds herself in such a difficult situation ... her father has left to see about her ill grandmother and she starts to wonder if something might have gone wrong when she doesn't hear from him. After all he has to go where all the fighting is during the Civil War ... so it is truly dangerous and she knows it. Meanwhile, she is trying to keep their family and ranch together. She has two much younger half siblings whose mother died in childbirth and she has raised. Fortunately, they have help on the ranch but it still is a heavy burder for one so young. Then along comes the original owner's son of the ranch and she finds out that the ranch was seized due to their belief in fighting for the North. It is further complicated by her father's partner who keeps interfering and wants to run things, including marrying her when it is the last things she really wants. Add to this the Commanche problems and so much more and you have a really good book.For those of you that love Tracie Peterson's historical romance books ... this is another one that you will enjoy ... and for those of you that have not read her previously ... I hope you enjoy this book ... also try her series such as "The Alaskan Quest" and even "Ribbon's West" and "Ribbons of Steel" which she co-authored, all absolutely excellent series.

Having read nearly all of Tracie Peterson's series, I was happy to pick up her latest historical fiction novel. It has all the trademarks of a classic historical Peterson series. Strong female character? Check. Manly, hardy, and sometimes stubborn male figure? Check. Evil antagonist who tries to get in their way? Check.Usually I find that her series can be difficult to get into. It takes me quite a bit of time to become invested in the characters and their plights. This was not the case with "Chasing the Sun." It kept my interest from the very beginning and I read it in a few short days, much faster than it usually takes me. In all honesty, I usually pick up the first book in one of her series and lose interest until half way through. By the end of the book, however, I am caught up in it! It just takes a bit of time for the plot to get interesting. Not so with this one! It had me from the beginning. Another thing that I loved about this book is the presence of some children characters. Peterson really did an excellent job of writing them. The young brother and sister duo, Andy and Marty, are so charmingly written!On a slightly negative note, the story seemed rather simple to me. It wasn't as complicated and layered as some of her other works. I think that the plot could have been a bit more developed.I have looked at the descriptions for the other books in the series, and they do not seem to suggest that the second and third books will be very connected with the first one. I am hoping that I am wrong! I really wish that we get to see more of the setting and these characters in the other books of the series. I so LOVE it when a series continues the story instead of taking on a completely new one. If the rest of the series continues with this story, then it will be a great one!Either way, this novel is a good read, and if you have enjoyed other Peterson novels, the odds are that you will like this one as well. The characterization of the main male and female characters to me was reminiscent of her Montana series, (my favorite Peterson series by far! If you haven't read it, do!). Yes, the story could use a bit more depth, but I am hopeful that this will come in the following books!

Set in Texas during the Civil war, life was not easy for Hannah Dandridge and her family. When her father goes to see his sick mother, Hanna is left to take care of her younger siblings and the the ranch her father recently acquired. The war had caused so my division in Texas, and even the ranch now owned by Hannah’s family was was questionable. When William Barnett shows up and finds his family ranch occupied by someone else, he determines to get his family’s homestead back.Being a story written during the Civil War, some parts of this story is so difficult to read. But it’s something we all need to understand, that life has not always been as easy as it is for most of us today. And Tracie Peterson does what she always does so well, writes a story that will capture you from the very beginning and keep you interested until the last page. There’s a lot happening, difficulties and betrayal, many twists and turns. I love the suspense, and enough romance to make you want to see what happens next with this couple. And I thank this author for weaving the storming faith of Hannah during all of the decision she had to make. And that through it all, God was there with her.This book was given to me by the publisher to read and review and post what I think about the story. This review offers my opinion only. The 5 Star rating is my opinion of how well the story flows, how well written, and just my overall opinion.

Wonderful story set in Texas during the civil war. While throughout the book there seemed to be constant tragedy or turmoil with the characters the story moved along quickly. Very enjoyable read

Another great read from one of my favorite authors. Haven't read one of her books I didn't love.Looking forward to reading more in this series. This book also had a wonderful faith message. 4.5 stars

"Chasing the Sun" by Tracie Peterson is a Christian / Clean Romance that is quite entertaining to read.Despite my inital fears the author doesn't try to sell you her faith, although it is important to her lead character. The story uses all the ingredients one can expect to find in a Western novel, there's the shadow of the raging Civil War, indians on the warpath, an evil scheming landowner searching to turn a profit from the war, the lonesome hero ... it's a bundle of fun to read and only loses some speed in the final chapter, that felt a bit to drawn out.Recommendable read.

I loved the story and the characters and the story line has kept me gripped throughout! God is the central character in this story, which has given me a lot of helpful advice and support! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!

Loved it

Easy reading but predictable. Like the positive influence and the christian message. I recommend this book to new christians. She's a good author - always a good message. She writes in a way that once you start you can't put the book down. Enjoy all her books