A Shelter of Hope

I have always loved Tracie Peterson and her books give me an outlet at the end of long day with kids to just lay in bed and read. Her books bring you into the story and captivate you from the first word. I am now on the second book in the series and loving it too. Who needs a spa day when you can go to another world through one of her books.

THE WESTWARD CHRONICLES is a delightful three-book series set around The Harvey House, an establishment offering fine dining along the stops of frontier rail travel. Each book highlights a Harvey Girl and the circumstances and situations that brought them to serve at the Harvey House. Originally published in 1999-2000, THE WESTWARD CHRONICLES were re-packaged in 2005. A sucker for the Old West, I enjoyed the simple charm of these books and the loveable characters created by Tracie Peterson.

I found this story very well written. I commend Tracie Peterson on her wonderful work! I can hardly wait to start reading the second book to this series. It was historical, romantic, mysterios, and heart-wrenching. The begining may bring you to tears but, the rest will put you on the edge of your seat. Simone escapes from her father whom is less than civil with her, and runs from the law. It's a murder mystery, and a well written Christian novel that taught me many things about my own Christianity. Go with Simone as she goes from Whyoming to Chicago to Topeka. Then becomes a Harvey Girl, while finding her true love and God. Happy Reading!

Simone Dumas grew up being tortured by her father after her mother left. Deciding to get rich quick, her evil father SELLS her in a package deal with his cabin and business. She revolts of course, and decides never to care or feel again. Even God is too far away and she will not allow herself to believe in Him. However, while running, she finds that people DO care, and they care about HER! Still unable to care back, she makes many mistakes, and the outcome holds a LOT of surprises and now I am starting book 2.

Simone can't imagine that God could love her when all she has known is cruelty. She runs away when her father sells her but, on the lam, she finds people that really care about her. She also learns that God cares about her, and so does Jeffery and falls in love with him.