Review: Along the Rio Grande

 Along the Rio Grande

by Tracie Peterson

About the Book

Recently widowed Susanna Jenkins has decided to follow her family to the booming town of San Marcial, New Mexico, for a fresh start and aid in her family’s sudden change in fortune. They are tasked with managing her uncle’s new Grand Hotel, and it takes all her patience to try to help her parents see the good of their circumstances and relinquish their sense of entitlement.

Owen Turner works as a boilermaker for the Santa Fe’s train shops in San Marcial. He’s immediately attracted to Susanna upon meeting her, but he hesitates to risk opening his heart again. Especially as painful memories are stirred up of his own late sibling as Susanna’s brother is assigned to work under him.

When misguided choices put Susanna’s family in an even more precarious situation, she needs someone to rely on. But if Owen can’t face the past, he’ll miss out on his greatest chance at love.

My Thoughts

Fan-favorite Tracie Peterson kicks off a new series with a tale of sweet romance and new beginnings.

Susanna was a sweetheart. I really admired her for the way she handled the change in her family’s situation. My heart went out to her as she dealt with her less-than cooperative parents and brother. Yet in spite of the adversary, she faced life with grace and humility. Owen was a stand-up hero. Hardworking and quiet, he was always set on doing what was right for everyone around him, making him a character to admire.

Peterson’s eye for historical detail brings late 19th century New Mexico to life. Descriptions of the adobe architecture, the Harvey House, and the train station fill the pages and create the perfect backdrop for this sweet historical romance.

Sweet and heartfelt, Along the Rio Grande is a solid choice for readers of historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.