Distant Dreams (Ribbons of Steel)

Fiction. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. The first book in a sweeping historical series from two bestselling authors; young Carolina Adams is fascinated with the expanding railroad in the 1830's.

User reviews

LibraryThing member sunnydrk

Distant Dreams is the first book in the Ribbons of Steel series. The series follows the Adams family through life in the early-mid 1800's. Carolina, the second oldest daughter, is much of the focus of the story. With incredible detail, well developed characters and a nod to historical accuracy,

this book reminds me of those written by Diana Gabaldon as part of the Outlander series. Although some may call this a religious story, I didn't find the spirituality more than showcasing what made the characters who they are. If you are looking for a light and quick read, this is not it. This is a deep read that at the same time is quite enjoyable.

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LibraryThing member SherylHendrix

First book in the Ribbons of Steel historical fiction series highlighting both the expansion of railroads to the near west in the early 1800s and the developing issues surrounding slavery in the south. The Adams family, protagonists in the story, are plantation owners, and middle daughter Carolina

is the main character highlighted throughout the three book series. I'm rating the series as a whole because it is difficult to read the first book without wanting to find out what happens to Carolina and her siblings and parents. As with other series by these two authors there are definite villains in this series who are either redeemed or receive their comeuppance before the series ends. I enjoyed it, but one must like historical fiction in order to truly like these books.

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LibraryThing member judyg54

If you love a good fiction story with history about America's westward expansion in 1835 with the beginning of the railroad, then this series is one you will thoroughly enjoy. This is a time where society looks down upon women who aspire to learn and expand their horizons.

Carolina Adams is 15 years

old when this story begins, and has fallen in love with the railroad in its beginning stages. But no one understands her thirst for knowledge, except for her father. He hires Carolina a tutor to teach her many subjects, but especially about the railroad. James is right out of college and in love with the railroad. His father wants him to follow in his footsteps with banking, but James wants nothing to do with it. So he takes a tutoring job and will help Carolina in her thirst for knowledge. James is also expected to marry, so he sets out to "court" Carolina's older sister, Virginia. (I will insert here how much I enjoyed the Adam's family and how they named all their children after states.)

There will be a train derailment, sorrow over death, a manipulation for a marriage proposal and a unexpected feeling of love between two people that will come to late. All in all, I found great pleasure in reading this story. The people seemed real and it was interesting to read about the times in which they were living. The book will leave you hanging and ready to pick up the next book in this series, "A Hope Beyond".

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