My Review of To Have and To Hold (CFBA Tour)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing To Have and to Hold Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Tracie Peterson
and
Judith Miller

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. In 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests. Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max.

Judith Miller's first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when she was commuting sixty miles to work each day. She wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. Through a co-worker, she was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from her. Having never met Tracie, Judith was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history. Since that first encounter many years ago, Judith has been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, she and Tracie had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, they have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When Audrey Cunningham's father proposes that they move to Bridal Veil Island, where he grew up, she agrees, thinking this will help keep him sober and close to God. But they arrive to find wealthy investors buying up land to build a grand resort on the secluded island--and they want the Cunninghams' acreage.

Contractor Marshall Graham can't imagine why the former drinking buddy of his deceased father would beckon him to Bridal Veil Island. And when Boyd Cunningham asks him to watch over Audrey, Marshall is even more confused. He has no desire to be saddled with caring for this fiery young woman who is openly hostile toward him. But when Audrey seems to be falling for another man--one who has two little girls Audrey adores--Marshall realizes she holds more of his heart than he realized. Which man will Audrey choose? And can she hold on to her ancestral property in the face of overwhelming odds?

If you would like to read the first chapter of To Have and to Hold, go HERE.

My Rating: Spring

My Review:

For those who enjoy a sweet historical story with a few tummy-tingling romantic moments and some added mystery, To Have and to Hold is a book you'll want to have on your shelf and hold in your hands. (The lovely cover is an added incentive!)

For Audrey, there doesn't seem much she can have and hold - not the island, not her father's health, and not trust in God or anyone else. But dear (and interesting) friends, a hard-working (and handsome) young man, and some suspicious characters challenge Audrey to open her heart again.

Those secondary characters really add a lot of fun and intrigue to the novel. The whole cast of characters is quite unique, as is the lovely setting, which fits in well with the whole bridal theme. And then there's Aunt Thora... (You'll have to read the book to know what I mean!)

With throwbacks to the Civil War, tension at the construction site, and romantic conflict, this book holds the reader's attention until the end. Peterson and Miller present a well-rounded and enjoyable story in To Have and to Hold.

*With thanks to Bethany House through CFBA for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*