From a Distance

FROM A DISTANCE is another fabulous historical novel from author Tamera Alexander - book one of the Timber Ridge Reflections series from Bethany House. This story is every bit as good as Tamera's first three award-winning novels, The Fountain Creek Chronicles. Her characters are true-to-life, believable, and the kind of people you'd love to meet. LOVED her hero, and actually, I have a sneaking suspicion we'll be seeing more of these characters in the next two books in the series. I'd love to see a story featuring more of the sheriff and one about his sister. Here's a bit about the book from Tamera's website: Determined to become one of the country's premier newspaper photographers, Elizabeth Westbrook travels to the Colorado Territory to capture the grandeur of the mountains surrounding the remote town of Timber Ridge. She hopes, too, that the cool, dry air of Colorado, and its renowned hot springs, will cure the mysterious illness that threatens her career, and her life. Daniel Ranslett, a former Confederate sharpshooter, is a man shackled by his past, and he'll do anything to protect his land and his solitude. When an outspoken Yankee photographer captures an image that appears key to solving a murder, putting herself in danger, Daniel is called upon to repay a debt. He's a man of his word, but repaying that debt will bring secrets from his past to light. Forced on a perilous journey together, Daniel and Elizabeth's lives intertwine in ways neither could have imagined when first they met . . . from a distance. I've often said I can put any book down, and it takes a really good story to keep me glued to the page. FROM A DISTANCE is such a story. Tamera Alexander has proven from her debut novel until now that she knows how to create a story that weaves an impassioned, poignant, moving tale around your heart. She has become an author I trust to deliver, and I have never been disappointed! Can't wait to read the next two in the series.

Review by Audrey Hebbert Elizabeth Garrett is not the usual 1875s woman. She's headstrong, educated, and the daughter of a United States Senator with a love for the camera. Elizabeth travels alone from the East to Colorado mountain country just after the Civil War to continue her work as a photojournalist. There she finds formerly unpublished, breathtaking photographic opportunities, along with a good deal of prejudice against her as a career woman and against the black man she's hired as an assistant. Her lack of interest in romance doesn't increase her popularity, either.Daniel Ranslatt, a former Confederate sharpshooter, is shackled by his past, and he'll do what's necessary to protect his land and his solitude. When the outspoken Elizabeth captures an image that appears key to solving a murder, Daniel is called upon to repay a debt. He's a man of his word, but accompanying Elizabeth on a perilous journey could uncover long-hidden secrets and bring him into too-close proximity to the feisty photographer.Bestselling, award winning author Alexander captures both the beauty and the tragedy of the 1800s American life and love in a way that makes romance lovers cheer. Alexander lived in Colorado for 17 years before moving to Tennessee. Anyone who loves Colorado will revel in the great descriptions, along with her deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots and poignant prose. Other books by this author are Rekindled, Revealed and Remembered.

I have never read a Tamera Alexander book that wasn't good. She doesn't disappoint with her new series. The characters are likeable and believable. I disagree with one reviewer who didn't think Elizabeth was believable. She was absolutely genuine and very likeable. Josiah was a wonderful character also and the ending was superb. I look forward to the next installment in this series.

In 1875 photographer Elizabeth Westbrook arrives in Timber Ridge, Colorado Territory to take pictures of the legendary beauties, Maroon Bells. She also plans to photograph the nearby recently discovered cliff dwellings. Elizabeth has another reason to come to the Rockies; she prays that the clean mountain air and the hot springs will help cure her from a mysterious illness. Daniel Ranslett is also in town still trying to move past the Civil War and the guilt he feels as a Confederacy sniper although a decade has passed and he rationalizes he was doing his job However, Elizabeth's life is threatened when a picture she took becomes key evidence in a murder case. Daniel vows to keep her safe even as they argue constantly; he also knows what is ailing her and how to fix her health issue while they fall in love. Readers will believe that Tamara Alexander employs a time machine as the audience will feel they have been transported to 1875 Colorado Territory. Provide yourself plenty of time for a one sitter as interruptions will feel annoying. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing as both have issues to deal with to include falling in love and keeping her safe though their interests differ. Harriet Klausner