Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F PET
Publication
Bethany House
Description
A feisty young woman fights to protect her family's Texas ranch against mounting threats.
User reviews
LibraryThing member ReviewsFromTheHeart
Author Tracie Peterson has launched a new series of Christian Historical Westerns with the Land of the Lonestar Series and the first book, Chasing the Sun. Set in 1863 in Texas, the reader finds herself with the main character Hannah Dandridge who has received news that her father has been taken
Now the sole responsibility of caring for the ranch her father had recently acquired and since Hannah's doesn't know how long it will be before her father returns, this is a great burden to bear. Not only does she need to care for the upkeep of the ranch but also for her two siblings, Andy who was eight and Marty who was five. How could she possibly keep the news from them about the whereabouts of her father? Now Mr. Lockhart wants to extend his partnership to include Hannah and she is considering the possibility if her father never returns. Hannah sees no other prospects at 24 and saddled with her current burden until William Barnett shows up wounded at the ranch.
Thus the storyline begins to unfold with the intentions of both Barnett and Lockhart ultimately trying to win Hannah's affection. Yet just who will Hannah chose and what will become of the ranch and her father?
I received, Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and have to say I loved it. Even though you can probably predict the outcome by the end, the story that Tracie weaves allows the readers to root for the good guy and boo for the bad one! Another winner for those who love western romances with a Godly message blended in. This one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my book.
Show More
prisoner by the Yankees by her father's business and law partner Herbert Lockhart. Even though Hannah doesn't believe her father has done anything wrong by merely going to Mississippi to bury his mother and Hannah's brother Benjamin who died when the Yankees attacked Vicksburg. Thanks to the rapid response in receiving the news two months after their deaths. Now her father is missing and she doesn't know what has happened.Now the sole responsibility of caring for the ranch her father had recently acquired and since Hannah's doesn't know how long it will be before her father returns, this is a great burden to bear. Not only does she need to care for the upkeep of the ranch but also for her two siblings, Andy who was eight and Marty who was five. How could she possibly keep the news from them about the whereabouts of her father? Now Mr. Lockhart wants to extend his partnership to include Hannah and she is considering the possibility if her father never returns. Hannah sees no other prospects at 24 and saddled with her current burden until William Barnett shows up wounded at the ranch.
Thus the storyline begins to unfold with the intentions of both Barnett and Lockhart ultimately trying to win Hannah's affection. Yet just who will Hannah chose and what will become of the ranch and her father?
I received, Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and have to say I loved it. Even though you can probably predict the outcome by the end, the story that Tracie weaves allows the readers to root for the good guy and boo for the bad one! Another winner for those who love western romances with a Godly message blended in. This one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my book.
Show Less
LibraryThing member mnleona
Hannah Dandridge is in Cedar Springs, Texas near Dallas awaiting for the return of her father John, who has gone to Vicksburg, Mississippi to see his dying mother. His partner, Herbert Lockhart, has told Hannah he has been probably been taken prisoner by the Union and may be dead. This is in the
They came to Texas after the death of Hannah's step-mother because John Dandridge had become depressed. The ranch they now owned was confiscated by the government because the Barnetts left to fight on the side of the Union.
On the ranch there is also Berto Montoya and his wife Juanita who worked for the Barnetts. They have two children, Pepita and Pablo.
This is also the time of the Comanche raids in the area.
Andy has left the ranch as a Longhorn has wandered. He comes across a soldier who is coming home after being wounded. As they are trying to free the animal, a young Indian warrior comes towards them but his horse is spooked and he falls to the ground. Andy brings both home to the ranch; one is William Barnett and the other is Night Bear of the Comanche tribe. The author uses the word Numunuu which is what the Comanche's name for themselves. (All the books I have read, this is the first time I have seen this name. The author uses respect in this book for the Tribe.).
The book is one I have found to be very emotional and also fun such as the birth of a calf. The Civil war was a hard time for our country but the book is also about hardships in this time period. There is love, friendship, hardships, death, greed, family and history. This is a Christian Romance book. I give it a five star.
I have been to Vicksburg, Mississippi and have seen the graves of many soldiers who died. It is a startling fact and very somber.
I was given a complimentary copy of "Chasing the Sun" by Tracie Peterson from Bethany House to read and review. The opinions are my own.
Show More
middle of the Civil War, October 1863. Herbert Lockhard had been wanting Hannah to marry him but she does not love him. The siblings of Hannah by her step-mother are also worried about their father; Andy is 8 years old and Marty is 5 years old; their mother died at Marty's birth. They came to Texas after the death of Hannah's step-mother because John Dandridge had become depressed. The ranch they now owned was confiscated by the government because the Barnetts left to fight on the side of the Union.
On the ranch there is also Berto Montoya and his wife Juanita who worked for the Barnetts. They have two children, Pepita and Pablo.
This is also the time of the Comanche raids in the area.
Andy has left the ranch as a Longhorn has wandered. He comes across a soldier who is coming home after being wounded. As they are trying to free the animal, a young Indian warrior comes towards them but his horse is spooked and he falls to the ground. Andy brings both home to the ranch; one is William Barnett and the other is Night Bear of the Comanche tribe. The author uses the word Numunuu which is what the Comanche's name for themselves. (All the books I have read, this is the first time I have seen this name. The author uses respect in this book for the Tribe.).
The book is one I have found to be very emotional and also fun such as the birth of a calf. The Civil war was a hard time for our country but the book is also about hardships in this time period. There is love, friendship, hardships, death, greed, family and history. This is a Christian Romance book. I give it a five star.
I have been to Vicksburg, Mississippi and have seen the graves of many soldiers who died. It is a startling fact and very somber.
I was given a complimentary copy of "Chasing the Sun" by Tracie Peterson from Bethany House to read and review. The opinions are my own.
Show Less
LibraryThing member mel247
Chasing the Sun is the 1st book in the series Land of the Lone Star. The story takes place in frontier Texas during the Civil War. Hannah has lost her mother and her father has taken her and her younger brother and sisters across the country to start a new life in Texas. Because of the war, there
Another great read by Tracie Peterson. Can't wait to start book #2 of the series.
Show More
is a dispute about who is the legal owner of their Texas Ranch - which leads to William's story. William and Hannah go through many twists and turns and you can guess what happens in this happily ever after story.Another great read by Tracie Peterson. Can't wait to start book #2 of the series.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Robin661
Chasing the Sun
Tracie Peterson
Publicity Summary: When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her
Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.
Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?
Review: I enjoyed the characters and the basic story line. I was trouble by the business related to Hannah’s father. It could not shake the gloom concerning this point. It was a constant topic and while the characters did not know what occurred, the reader did. I had such a difficult time with this. It hung over the story at times. The story worked its way through this and the evil evident one of the character was very believable. I really liked the gritty feel of living so far from a town and how they depended on each other due to this. The reality of a war decreasing supplies and therefore making them precious was realistic. Over all the book was enjoyable very believable.
I would like to thank Bethany House Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
Tracie Peterson
Publicity Summary: When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her
Show More
predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.
Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?
Review: I enjoyed the characters and the basic story line. I was trouble by the business related to Hannah’s father. It could not shake the gloom concerning this point. It was a constant topic and while the characters did not know what occurred, the reader did. I had such a difficult time with this. It hung over the story at times. The story worked its way through this and the evil evident one of the character was very believable. I really liked the gritty feel of living so far from a town and how they depended on each other due to this. The reality of a war decreasing supplies and therefore making them precious was realistic. Over all the book was enjoyable very believable.
I would like to thank Bethany House Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
Show Less
LibraryThing member PamelaBarrett
On a ranch in Texas, Hannah is struggling to raise her little brother and sister, while her widowed father travels back home to see his ailing mother. It’s a dangerous trip considering he has to travel through Indian Territory where the Indians, settlers and soldiers have been fighting each
When the youngest son, William, returns he finds Hannah and her siblings living on his property, and Hannah’s fathers’ business partner telling him it’s not his home anymore. The man wants him to leave, but Hannah doesn’t want to turn William away, so they come to an uneasy truce while things get sorted out. Months go by with no word from Hannah’s father, and his business partner is pressuring her to marry him. Not knowing if her father is dead or wounded, and not knowing if William can take back the ranch, she wonders if marrying a man she doesn’t love would be the best for her and her siblings. I really got caught up into this novel of hard times, love and betrayal. Hannah is a strong female character whose faith in God sustains her through difficult times. The author shows all sides of a complex time in our history, and she knows how much suspense will keep the reader turning the pages. 5 stars.
Show More
other; and also the Civil War is raging in Vicksburg where their family home is located. The War has divided families and friends in Texas, where even the ranch her father bought was confiscated from the family who owned it because they were considered traitors. When the youngest son, William, returns he finds Hannah and her siblings living on his property, and Hannah’s fathers’ business partner telling him it’s not his home anymore. The man wants him to leave, but Hannah doesn’t want to turn William away, so they come to an uneasy truce while things get sorted out. Months go by with no word from Hannah’s father, and his business partner is pressuring her to marry him. Not knowing if her father is dead or wounded, and not knowing if William can take back the ranch, she wonders if marrying a man she doesn’t love would be the best for her and her siblings. I really got caught up into this novel of hard times, love and betrayal. Hannah is a strong female character whose faith in God sustains her through difficult times. The author shows all sides of a complex time in our history, and she knows how much suspense will keep the reader turning the pages. 5 stars.
Show Less
LibraryThing member caslater83
The plot was good, but I felt that the dialogue was weak in some places. I just can't see myself re-reading this.
LibraryThing member Sonya.Contreras
Peterson portrays life during the Civil War in Texas. She presents a strong family that will stick together through the hard times. She shows virtues of loyalty, generosity, compassion, regardless of which side of the war, and which war (Indian v White or North v South) you consider. It's a
Peterson's love for children and the family come through in the many scenes with the children. It was refreshing to read.
Show More
testimony of doing what's right even others don't understand.Peterson's love for children and the family come through in the many scenes with the children. It was refreshing to read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
When Hannah Dandridge's father came to a Texas, the Union gave him a ranch as a reward for services rendered. After his disappearance, Hannah is left to care for her younger siblings and maintain the ranch in his absence. Herbert Lockhart, Hannah's father's business partner, sympathetically offers
Chasing the Sun is the first installment in the Land of the Lone Star Series by Tracie Peterson. I personally wish there had been more spark between Hannah and William. This is not to say that there wasn't conflict, tension and attraction. However, I felt their budding relationship was a little lackluster until the last two chapters of the book. The plot itself was unique and Hannah's character was well-developed. I think Peterson's writing style is just not as engaging as some other Christian author's I've read recently and therefore, I didn't enjoy the story as much as I expected. I'm aware that some people will probably love this book, but I am going to recommend renting from the library before purchasing.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Show More
Hannah his protection and even marriage, vowing his love for her. Meanwhile, William Barnett, original owner of the land, returns to his ranch to find it has been seized by the government and given to Hannah's family. Angered, yet drawn to Hannah's beauty and spirit, William forms a uneasy friendship with Hannah. Amid Civil War prejudices and Comanche raids, Hannah and William find themselves thrust together by outside situations, but it is the secrets of the past and questions of the future that will truly test them both.Chasing the Sun is the first installment in the Land of the Lone Star Series by Tracie Peterson. I personally wish there had been more spark between Hannah and William. This is not to say that there wasn't conflict, tension and attraction. However, I felt their budding relationship was a little lackluster until the last two chapters of the book. The plot itself was unique and Hannah's character was well-developed. I think Peterson's writing style is just not as engaging as some other Christian author's I've read recently and therefore, I didn't enjoy the story as much as I expected. I'm aware that some people will probably love this book, but I am going to recommend renting from the library before purchasing.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Show Less
LibraryThing member nlpolak
This first novel in the Land of the Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson was a great introduction to the era to set the mood. Set in the mid 1800's, you can really get a sense of what the tension was between the Rebs and Yanks who fought for what they believed in. It also shows how great a threat
While the overall read moved along at a usual pace, what I did find a little off-putting was how much of Hannah's faith was discussed through her dialogues with the characters. Not that it was altogether unexpected, given the genre as well as the character's profession of faith itself, but it just to me seemed like it was a bit preachy compared to other novels of the genre. She was rather naive, and there was a bit of a disconnect with her faith and what if at all kind of role she played in William Barnett's views on God. Since it is book one of the series, I hope these characters and their acquaintances are revisited so we can see what happens next - otherwise, it kind of leaves them hanging in terms of some of the plot, particularly with the Indians. In terms of an historical fiction novel, I still would recommend this series because of its depth of insight and the way it makes you feel like you are also living in the time.
Show More
the Native American tribe's presence was to daily life. To bring it all together, the main character, Hannah Dandridge, is caught between her loyalty to the Confederacy and her faith in Christ - making her in direct conflict with William Barnett to heighten the plot.While the overall read moved along at a usual pace, what I did find a little off-putting was how much of Hannah's faith was discussed through her dialogues with the characters. Not that it was altogether unexpected, given the genre as well as the character's profession of faith itself, but it just to me seemed like it was a bit preachy compared to other novels of the genre. She was rather naive, and there was a bit of a disconnect with her faith and what if at all kind of role she played in William Barnett's views on God. Since it is book one of the series, I hope these characters and their acquaintances are revisited so we can see what happens next - otherwise, it kind of leaves them hanging in terms of some of the plot, particularly with the Indians. In terms of an historical fiction novel, I still would recommend this series because of its depth of insight and the way it makes you feel like you are also living in the time.
Show Less
LibraryThing member DanJlaf
Excellent book, Many suspenseful events and it keeps one guessing at the end as there's twists and turns. Highly recommend
LibraryThing member lamb521
Title: Chasing the Sun (Land of the Lone Star #1)
Author: Tracie Peterson
Pages: 352
Year: 2012
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
This novel is set in Texas in 1863. Texas has sided with the Confederacy, making anyone who agrees with the Union’s beliefs considered as a
Hannah Dandridge is 24 years old, living in the middle of nowhere, taking care of her much younger brother and sister. Her father has been gone for months on a trip to Vicksburg to see his sick mother. With no word from him, Hannah has been left in charge of the ranch. When William Barnett shows up, wanting his ranch back, Hannah is at a loss as to how to resolve the situation. She does find him attractive though. Her father’s business partner also keeps pressuring her to marry him, so he can take care of her. Also, the Comanche and Kiowa have ramped up their attacks on the local population. She knows God has a plan for her, but with everything going on, she isn’t sure what it is!
The thing I liked best about this story was how Hannah consistently relied on God for everything in her life, even in the face of grief at the loss of several of her family members. She verbally spoke her faith into the lives of her brother and sister, Comanche Indians, and anyone else with whom she came in contact. It was inspiring! I’m looking forward to book two in the series, Touching the Sky. This is one author who has written several novels, and she can be depended upon to always deliver a good story.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Author: Tracie Peterson
Pages: 352
Year: 2012
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
This novel is set in Texas in 1863. Texas has sided with the Confederacy, making anyone who agrees with the Union’s beliefs considered as a
Show More
traitor. That is what William Barnett faces as he returns home from fighting for the Union. He was wounded and deemed unable to fight anymore. He lost his father and brother in the same battle. All he wants is to go home, heal and get back to living a life of normalcy, if possible. However, once he arrives home, he discovers his ranch has been given to a Confederate sympathizer as a spoil of war. He finds the man’s daughter and young brother and sister living in his home. He heads to Dallas to see a judge about getting his ranch back. In the meantime, he has been allowed to live on the ranch and work there. He finds Hannah beautiful and compassionate.Hannah Dandridge is 24 years old, living in the middle of nowhere, taking care of her much younger brother and sister. Her father has been gone for months on a trip to Vicksburg to see his sick mother. With no word from him, Hannah has been left in charge of the ranch. When William Barnett shows up, wanting his ranch back, Hannah is at a loss as to how to resolve the situation. She does find him attractive though. Her father’s business partner also keeps pressuring her to marry him, so he can take care of her. Also, the Comanche and Kiowa have ramped up their attacks on the local population. She knows God has a plan for her, but with everything going on, she isn’t sure what it is!
The thing I liked best about this story was how Hannah consistently relied on God for everything in her life, even in the face of grief at the loss of several of her family members. She verbally spoke her faith into the lives of her brother and sister, Comanche Indians, and anyone else with whom she came in contact. It was inspiring! I’m looking forward to book two in the series, Touching the Sky. This is one author who has written several novels, and she can be depended upon to always deliver a good story.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Show Less
Original publication date
2012-03
ISBN
9780764206153
Series
Land of the Lone Star 1