Author: Tracie Peterson
Series: Love on the Santa Fe #2
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: July 5, 2022
Great redemption story set along the New Mexico rail lines!
Isabella Garcia has hated her life since she was ten years old when her parents tore her away from the family and estate that she loved in California and moved to New Mexico to start up the town of Silver Veil. She has gone back to stay with her aunt many times, but always loathes to return. Now at twenty-five, she feels that she is entitled to remain in California and marry her childhood crush Diego, who can manage her inheritance from her grandparents. But once again, she must make the trip to Silver Veil to spend time with her parents for Christmas. The only thing worse is that she must be accompanied by Aaron Bailey, who she has been at odds with for five years when he called her out for her selfish behavior.
Upon arriving in Silver Veil, she sees that the town has grown and learns that her father’s true reasons to leaving California were due to his health. Several days later, she also learns that her beloved aunt has died, and the estate was sold over a year ago. Now she must truly look at herself and behavior and decide if what she has really wanted all those years mean anything or if there is something more on the horizon.
I didn’t think that Peterson could write a character that would be more self-centered and annoying than she had in the first book in this series, but oh did she prove me wrong. Isabella is the most entitled, selfish character I have ever encountered in a book. She rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning and just kept on rubbing. Maybe it’s because I’m a parent of a preteen, but I was ready to lay down the law to her. But everyone is truly entitled to redemption, and I must say that her character’s turnaround was astonishing. How is it possible that a character you just love to hate can become one that you want to love? Truly a showing of how God’s love can impact people.
There is plenty of suspense, intrigue, and deception throughout these pages, so don’t think this is going to be some sappy historical romance. It’s exciting and will keep you on the edge of your seat while you enjoy learning part of the history of New Mexico.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
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