Treasured Grace (Heart of the Frontier Book #1)

If you enjoy historical novels, then this one fits the bill. Tracie Peterson does her homework and many of the facts of the Whitman massacre are accurate in her story. Grace and her sisters have come west to meet up with their uncle in Oregon Territory. Grace had to marry in order for them to be accepted on the Wagon Train but her husband has died and as we are introduced to the characters we find that it was a loveless marriage.

At the Whitman Mission, Grace meets Trapper, Alex Armistead. Alex lives among and trades with the Indians. He and Grace have some disagreements about the Indians early on but quickly become allies trying to help when they are stricken with measles.

Grace and Dr. Whitman but heads about her healing gift and his being a trained doctor. It is obvious however, that Dr. Whitman and his wife care for the Indians but they struggle to gain their trust. Tensions end up ultimately in loss of life and compromising of many of the women including Grace's sister Hope.

Emotions come to a head between Alex and Grace but he, unintentionally, humiliates her because he has some secrets of his own. Grace and her sisters head on to Oregon City where they find they aren't through with the consequences resulting from the attack.

I found this book an interesting read and worth spending time with but I can't give it my highest recommendation because I was frustrated with the lack of growth and maturity in the romantic relationship between Grace and Alex. At least I think there could have been more depth given the characters. The lack of trust and communication made for too much angst, in my opinion. However, it still had a good plot and one can see where the foundation is laid for further books in this series.

I received this book for an honest review from Netgalley.

With over one hundred books to her credit, Tracie Peterson is a prolific writer. While Treasured Grace falls among her historical fiction novels, Tracie writes contemporary fiction as well. Her fans will be very pleased with this first book in her latest series.
Treasured Grace is set in Oregon Country in the mid-1800s, leading up to Oregon’s recognition as a territory of the United States of America. Peterson’s fictional characters survive the trials of life on the Oregon trail, only to live through the real life horrors of the Whitman Mission massacre. Readers of Jane Kirkpatrick’s The Memory Weaver, which told the story of Eliza Spaulding, an actual Whitman Mission survivor, and her family, may also be interested in reading the story of the Flanigan sisters: Grace, Hope and Mercy.
Following the death of their widowed mother, the sisters embark upon a journey to Oregon Country in order to locate their uncle. Unable to make the trip as a single woman, Grace, the eldest, enters a marriage of convenience. The Right Reverend T.S. Martindale, meeting the Mission Board’s requirement of having a wife, agrees to take on the responsibility of Grace and her sisters, while also taking most of their resources. However, during the trip to Oregon City, the Right Reverent succumbs to illness, and Grace becomes a widow whose marriage was never consummated. She finds that she must place herself and her sisters at the mercy of Dr. and Mrs. Whitman, who graciously allow the sisters to winter over while they build up their strength, and determine their next course of action. Any thoughts they had about their future were abruptly changed as the Cayuse attack the mission killing the older boys, men, and Mrs. Whitman, and keep the women and children hostage.
Themes presented through this story deal with forgiveness, prejudice, healing, and faith in the face of the most difficult of times. I recommend this book to fans of well-researched historical fiction as well as fans of Christian romance novels. I thank the publisher for making this book available to me in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

Grace Martindale understands hardship. After both parents die, Grace takes on the task of raising her two younger sisters. With limited options for women in 1847, Grace enters into a marriage of convenience to a self-righteous minister who also dies of cholera with many others on the wagon train to the Oregon Territory. Grace's determination to seek a better life for her and her sisters is undaunted, however, and she decides to continue her trek west with the remaining families in the wagon train. Hoping that she can make a living using her gifts as a natural healer at the Whitman mission, she finds her efforts are stifled by Dr. Whitman who views her techniques as primitive and inferior. Tensions and fear run high at the mission as the settlers fear attacks from the Native Americans in the area are imminent. Shunned by Dr. Whitman, Grace is able to make friends with some of the natives offering her treatments and kindness to them by way of French-American fur trapper, Alex Armistead. Alex and Grace's relationship begins to transform into something deeper as he escorts her to visit the sick. However, Alex is shackled by events in his past stalling the romance. After tragedy strikes the mission and her sisters experience a grueling attack from one of the local tribes, Grace and her sisters try to pick up the pieces by resettling in Oregon City with their uncle. Faced with very few options, Grace once again despairs that she may have to enter into a loveless marriage to simply survive. But then....Alex returns!

Treasured Grace chronicles the hardships- and atrocities- suffered by many of the early settlers along the western frontier. I found the inner strength, resiliency, and determination of Grace's character admirable. Grace's sister, Hope's, story of devastation and the repercussions she suffered after the attack on the mission were a beautiful reflection of how God can take a seemingly wicked event and mold it into something beautiful for His glory. And, of course, I have to mention the romance between Alex and Grace- yet another sweet ending of healing and love!

This review contains my own thoughts and opinions. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Treasured Grace is the story of Grace Martindale and her two sisters, heading west on the Oregon Trail. The story begins with the death of her new husband and continues with them adjusting to life on the Whitman mission, as they wait for Spring to continue traveling. Grace uses her midwife skills to help the other settlers. After meeting a fur trapper, Alex Armistead, she also starts helping the local Cayuse tribe. While her medical help angers Dr. Whitman, Grace is determined to help wherever she can.

The story takes an unexpected and tragic turn when the massacre at the Whitman Mission occurs. The Cayuse tribe believe Dr. Whitman is posioning their tribe and seeks revenge on him and his wife, as well as all the others living at the mission. The story continues as the girls come to terms with all that has happened to them, even as it threatens their faith.

Alex and Grace develop a friendship, but Grace can't understand why he is so reluctant to share his past with her. When he finally does open up to Grace, their relationship deepens.

I enjoyed this book (as I do all of Tracie Peterson's books) but I must admit this was a sad and (at times) difficult book to read. I didn't know much at all about the Whitman massacre, and reading it through the eyes of the sisters made it very real. For that reason, I will say that this is not my favorite Tracie Peterson book. Treasured Grace was well-written but quite sad and one I will not be rereading.

I received this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Grace Martindale has known more than her share of hardship. After her parents died, raising her two younger sisters became her responsibility. A hasty marriage to a minister who is heading to the untamed West seemed like an opportunity for a fresh start, but a cholera outbreak along the wagon trail has left Grace a widow in a very precarious position. Having learned natural remedies and midwifery from her mother, Grace seeks an opportunity to use her skills for the benefit of others. So when she and her sisters arrive at the Whitman mission in "Oregon Country," she decides to stay rather than push on. With the help of Alex Armistead, a French-American fur trapper, Grace begins to provide care for her neighbors, including some of the native populace. But not everyone welcomes her skills--or her presence--and soon Grace finds herself and those she loves in more danger than she imagined possible.

This book, the first in a new series, feels like a non-fiction book. It's a fictional story, but the author has done so much research into the time period, the setting, and how the people lived that it really feels like a true account. I'm a big fan of stories where you learn something along the way, so this was a plus. Also, it's not dry, like regular old textbooks. While I've heard of Walla Walla, I'd never heard of the Whitman Massacre, so everything was new information. There is the obligatory romance, struggles, and hardships, as well as the overcoming of them, but that wasn't the meat of this story for me. There are also associations with the local Native American people, but they don't go into as much depth as the rest of the story. If I could change one thing about this book, it would be the interactions between the main characters and tribal characters.

"Treasured Grace" by Tracie Peterson takes us to 1847 Oregon where we meet sisters Grace, Hope, and Mercy. As the story begins we learn that Grace has just lost her husband on the Oregon Trail and is now in charge of her younger sisters. They have nowhere to go and very limited possessions. They travel onward to the Whitman Mission in hopes of staying through the winter. Grace has been taught the practice of healing with natural remedies but finds her help is not wanted by the doctor that runs the mission. However when an outbreak of measles occurs the local Indians request her help when the doctors ways do nothing for their people. There to help her and guide her is a trapper named Alex. Alex moved to the Oregon territory to escape his past and is determined that he will never love another woman. However he soon finds himself falling for the sweet, gentle Grace and longs to help her in her darkest time.

This is another amazing book by Tracie Peterson. She has the ability to tell a story that draws the reader in and will keep their attention to the end. She also is not afraid to write about dark topics while teaching the reader a lesson. In this book we see that no matter how bad the situation is Grace always turns to God and trusts that He will protect them and guide them to where they need to be. We see how Alex's past has caused turmoil in his life and how he has pushed God away because of it but when tragedy strikes he turns back to God to help him through. This is a wonderful book that tells a tale of hardship and tragedy and also of hope and love. I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Bethany House Publishers.

Leading off the new Tracie Peterson series, Heart of the Frontier, Treasured Grace introduced the sisters Grace, Hope, and Mercy. Grace, the main character, was the widow of Rev. Martindale; it was a marriage of convenience as he needed a wife in order to set up a mission in the west and she and her sisters needed a way west after the death of their parents. Grace was a respected healer among the people of the wagon train, but when she tried to use her gifts at the Whitman mission, Dr. Marcus Whitman grew jealous and refused her the right to do so.
At the mission, she met Alex Armistead, a Canadian fur trapper, and although they both wanted to deny it, there was an attraction between them. When the measles epidemic broke out among the people at the mission, it also affected the nearby Cayuse Indian tribe. Because so many died, the Indians blamed this on Dr. Whitman and took their revenge in a horrific way. Grace was away, helping a friend during the raid, but her two sisters, especially Hope, suffered greatly from the attack. Alex was always there to be of help, but in indirect ways, as he had so much on his conscience from his early days. He had grown apart from God, while Grace held fast to her beliefs.
If you like historical fiction, you will enjoy this realistic story concerning the journey to Oregon and the missionary, Dr. Marcus Whitman. The hardships of the trail and the fear of Indian attack were real to the early settlers and were well described. Yes, Grace seemed to be tough at times, but then she had to be to survive herself and to help others. I look forward to the upcoming books in the series.
This book was provided to me by Bethany House for my honest review.

Treasured Grace is the first book in the Heart Of The Frontier trilogy by Tracie Peterson, a historical fiction series set in the late 1840s western frontier of the United States. The trilogy focuses on three sisters (Grace, Hope, and Mercy) who lost their parents and now must rely on God's strength to endure. Grace secures safety and care for herself and her sisters by marrying a Reverend headed west from St. Louis to Oregon by wagon train. However, when the Reverend dies en route, the sisters' future becomes unclear and they seek refuge at the Whitman Mission for the winter.

Tracie has entwined historical events and situations into a beautiful story of God's redemption for those who seek Him. She reminds us that no matter how many hardships we face or how much pain we hold in our past, the key to our future lies in forgiveness and mercy through a personal relationship with God. Each of the characters in Treasured Grace has a story to tell, and a path that only God can reveal.

Treasured Grace does contain graphic scenes of violence pertaining to the Whitman Mission massacre and the abuse of the white women and children following that tragic event. I would not recommend this book for those who are faint of heart.

Overall, I'm giving this book 5/5 stars and look forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy (Beloved Hope and Cherished Mercy).

*Disclaimer: I received a free print copy of this book from Bethany House for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*

Lately I have stated to really enjoy historical fiction/historical romances and it is due to amazing books like this one. I was drawn into this world of the mid 1800’s and the quest for land west. The conflicts with the Native American tribes brought out the drama and suspense of the time period.

The romance between Alex and Grace was organic and developed over time. I loved the conflicting emotions they both endured and since both of them had separate obligations, there was the wonderful build up that we all love in our romance novels. The flow of the romance was perfect for this book and the push and pull of their desires was flawless.

The characters were so easy to love and to empathize with. I cannot imagine living in that time and experiencing all those people went through everyday. The pain, sickness, and death they all had to endure was heartbreaking.

The differences in the Native American’s viewpoints between tribes were interesting and seem realistic. Often we get the view of either angry Natives or peaceful natives; this gave the chance to see both and how that affected each of them as well as the whites who were moving onto their land.

At times some of the dialogue was a bit cheesy but for the most part this was a really great book and something I would definitely read again. I am excited that this is the start of a new series; I cannot wait to read more about these people and this new town!

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves historical romances.

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*

Treasured Grace is the newest novel by Tracie Peterson and is set in the 1840’s when Americans were moving and settling out west. This novel is a little different from many of Tracie’s previous work, there is still a strong message of faith but this story has more violence and takes on a very tough part of our American history.

With that being said, the violence is not overly graphic but along with touching on the trouble between settling Americans and the local Indian tribes, there is also the fact that many of the women in this story are sexually assaulted and raped. As with any of Tracie’s novels, this one has characters that are very well developed and there is a strong story line.

The main character, Grace is a young women moving west with her new missionary husband. This marriage was a marriage of mutual convenience, not a marriage of love. However, on the trip west he comes down with cholera and does not survive.

Grace has been trained by her mother and grandmother in the art of midwifery and the use of natural herbal healing remedies, she is able to use these remedies to help both the locals at the missionary and some of the surrounding local Indians as she and her sisters wait to travel to meet her Uncle. During her stay she meets a trapper, Alex and slowly a romantic relationship begins.

I enjoyed the story even though it tackled a lot of very tough subject matters but it was done using faith and with a Christian message.

This book was given to be by NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Tracie Peterson is a favorite author of mine so getting to read the first book of a new series is always fun for me. It usually means I will end up reading the whole series. It never fails. So I was excited about this series because it really follows a very interesting time in our nations history. In a time when the nation was expanded into the Oregon territory and before it actually became an actual “territory”, there were many ups and downs between the white settlers and American Indian natives in that area. Tracie used that event as the backdrop for this current series.

This event is true and really happened. She did excellent research so that she could weave a story around this event and stay as true as possible to the historic accounts all the while giving us a very classic and enjoyable tale that has made her a successful author.

As usual the characters are so believable you can imagine it all in your mind’s eye. You begin to forget that these people are not really sharing their stories with you. You laugh with them and of course you want to cry with them. I am so very glad that Tracie was able to capture the struggle between the different people groups, as well as, the difficulties that arose because of the expansion of the nation.

As usual it makes me want to get the next book but in this case even more so, as I am a fan of history and any book that can create a good story around an actual historical event intrigues me. I am looking forward to seeing where we will go next.

I love reading about the early history of America, especially any thing about the Oregon Trail. This story centers around the Whitman Mission massacre, a well-known piece of history that forever changed the western frontier. There is blame to be placed on both the Indian and the white man. So much harm and killing and torture of the innocent because of misunderstanding and difference in cultures. Grace Martindale, married the Right Reverend T. S. Martindale so she and her two younger sisters could move west on the Oregon Trail. She hopes to meet up with her uncle in Oregon City and live there with her sisters. They agree to keep the marriage one of convenience over one filled with love. They just didn't expect the Reverend to die along the way and leave Grace a widow. Now with no money to really begin a life, all she has is her talents as a natural healer and in a hostile world faced with increasing Indian threat at the Whitman Mission, the place where Martindale girl's are slated to stay for now. ....Then the Massacre by the Cayuse Indians. All the men are killed and the rest taken as slaves and worse. Alex Armistead, a local trapper, with problems from his past, is taken with Grace and cannot forget about her although he tries. After the army moves the remaining women and children to the fort, he helps her and her sisters to travel to Oregon City to reunite with her uncle. This is a very moving and heartfelt story, with christian principals and a happy ending...........I received a complimentary book from Baker Publishers in exchange for my honest review. Treasured Grace (Heart of the Frontier Book #1) by [Peterson, Tracie]

Traci Peterson has another winning novel in “Treasured Grace”. Traci has written twenty series of books, some in collaboration with another author. I have read quite a few of them. “Treasured Grace” begins along the Oregon Trail in 1847 with the death of Grace’s husband, a narrow-minded preacher. Grace was forced to marry him in able to join a wagon train going to Oregon because a woman alone could not make the trip. She and her two sisters were orphans and were trying to get to her uncle in Oregon. After the untimely death of her husband (in name only), Grace was forced to winter over at the Whitman Mission. Dr. Whitman built the mission to bring the gospel to the Indians, the Cayuse and Nez Perce. He is an arrogant man and refuses to allow Grace, with her knowledge of healing medicine and herbs, to tend the sick. After an outbreak of measles which was a deadly sickness to the Indians, Dr. Whitman and the mission were attacked and many were killed, including Dr. Whitman and his wife. Grace, along with a trapper who she comes to love, do all they can to save those who are ill and rescue those whom the Indians are holding hostage.
Ms. Peterson does a great job of incorporating real historical events with the tales she writes. Obviously she has an inexhaustible aptitude for giving her readers abundant stories in historical fiction. I will continue to appreciate her talents as long as she writes.
I received a print copy of this book from Baker Publishing in return for my honest review.

Tracie Peterson begins a startling, sometimes alarming, storytelling of the frontier west when folks of differing skin colors and nation cultures converged. Both sides feared the other. A few went as missionaries to preach Christ; but some of those failed due to their misunderstanding of the tribal ways. “Treasured Grace” tells it like it really was and guides readers back to the Oregon Trail’s end point and the existence found at the end of the perilous trek. The end as fraught with danger as the journey. Expect more truth than fiction, sometimes gritty truth. Where Christianity and violence collide.

This series feels much more like nonfiction that is tweaked only by providing a few fictional characters. I strongly suggest readers, prior to devouring the book’s story, read a bit on the Internet about Whiteman Mission and the massacre of 1847, now a National Historic Site, also viewable online. You will get to know and see photographs the many real people that are also characters in Tracie Peterson’s rendition of the lives of both Native Americans and Pioneer Americans, their struggles, their hopes, their deaths, their loves, and their faith. Online you get photos and drawings of the mission, from 1847 and today.

“Treasured Grace” provides historical reading for men, women, and teens, a delightful way to be educated about the Cayuse and Nez Perce peoples—and their plight.
Previously I had a Tracie Peterson book favorite:
NOW “Treasured Grace” is her BEST, in my humble opinion.

Treasured Grace (Heart of the Frontier #1)Treasured Grace by Tracie Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series "Heart of the frontier" book #1, Treasured Grace by Tracie Peterson

I like reading this author and the story of Grace is one you don't want to miss.

Three young women Grace-Hope and Mercy head west on the Oregon trail, Grace marries The Rev Martindale to be a marriage in name only as he needs a wife only to go to the mission field.
He was a man that seemed to be full of himself and was always "Right", the sisters did not seem to miss him much when he died early on and was buried along the way, Now the sisters hope to stay at the Whitman mission over the winter as many have been ill and died when Measles affected the train.
Grace is a healer and works helping many but while at the mission the good doctor does not want her helping him. His ways are different from hers. At the mission they also meet a tribe of indians called Cayuse , many were not happy with the good doctor and thought he was killing their people with poison. There is tension between the mission and the indians.
This is a complex story and you will enjoy reading how the girls live and work at the mission. Grace meets a man named Alex that becomes a great friend over time.

View all my reviews
I was given a book to read and review by Bethany House publishing, it is my honest review.

To start, the premise of this book fascinated me. Grace marries, not for love, but to provide for herself and her two younger sisters. They head West with her minister husband, in order to join an Indian Mission on the frontier. Along the way her husband dies, leaving the girls once again on their own. Thankfully, there's room for them to live and serve at the Indian Mission. But their story is far from over. While at the mission, they experience the Whitman Massacre, a horrible incident, drawn from real life, in which one of the local tribes turned on the mission and killed almost everyone there. 

I love the amount of research that went into this story. Peterson did a lot of work to bring a real life incident to life. The intermingling of fact and fiction has always fascinated me. Historical fiction has always been one of my favorite genre's. I really thought Peterson did an excellent job with the historical aspects of this story.

I will say this: the dialogue felt extremely stilted and unrealistic to me. Even way back when, I doubt that people talked the way that they do in her book. I also felt like a few of the interactions felt a little too scripted. Would the head of a settlement really sought out Grace and her sister's like He did, taking such an intentional interest in her well being, over others?

For me, the research and setting made it fascinating, but the dialogue was too unrealistic for me to really dig in. It left me distracted, skimming through certain parts so that I could get to the end of the story. I don't really like when that happens.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, from Bethany House, in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! Tracie Peterson wrote an amazing book, but it was also filled with gut-aching pain and unimaginable circumstances. "Treasured Grace" tells the story of three sisters, Grace, Hope, and Mercy, as they traverse a rough road west. Grace, the eldest, may be considered the main character, but the story weaves around each sister and their newly made friends. While I appreciated the historical accuracy that Peterson strove to portray, this was a difficult story to stomach so I would not suggest it for any young or sensitive readers.
Since "Treasured Grace" is the first of the Heart of the Frontier series, I expect Peterson will focus on each of the sisters for subsequent books. With what these girls endured, I can only imagine that each book in the series will be as heart-palpitating and intriguing. I'll be watching for the next books and I will be suggesting "Treasured Grace" to my family and friends!
I received "Treasured Grace" complimentary from Bethany House Publishing and I am happy to share my honest review.

Treasured Grace is just that a book that shows you how to treasure Grace. What an amazing reminder to us all isn't it and it just takes us to going back to settler days to do that. This is about Grace who goes with her husband, who is a minister, and heads on the wagon trail. On the way there there is a cholera outbreak leaving her a widow. Well now the others needed someone to nursemaid those that were sick, pregnant, hurt etc and Grace happened to have some experience in that area helping the settlers and the Native Indians. She gets to Oregon and decides to stay there because her experience is needed. There is Alex, a fur trapper - who seems to help and like her - and she needs it because there are those who are not too happy she is there and she is in some danger - So, what happens is.........y'all I can't tell you what happens - you have to get the book and read but I tell you -this book is authentic especially with this being a historical novel - and this Author is ONE of the best one's I have read for historical books. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book one of Tracie Peterson’s Heart of the Frontier series, Treasured Grace, takes us westward in the 1840s. We follow the difficult journey of Grace Martindale and her two younger sisters as they seek a fresh start in Oregon.

The reality of frontier life was harsh. I’m reminded that people faced illness and obstacles and even death as they settled a country I now take for granted. Cholera outbreaks plagued the settlements of both missionaries and natives. Animosity and fear, loneliness and isolation were daily realities. There was nothing easy or glamorous about it.

Thankfully, the story has some light through the healing gifts of Grace and her friendship with fur trapper Alex Armistead. But the Whitman mission and the natives face growing tensions that cannot be dismissed. There is, again, a reality to the harshness of mid-1800s life in what we now call Oregon.

Treasured Grace is not an easy read and it’s not a feel-good read. But it is a worthy read. Because we all need to be reminded that the America we enjoy today came with great sacrifice and a steep price. And maybe, just maybe, that will make our days a little more grateful and our hearts a bit more merciful with the people around us.

Treasured Grace (Book 1 in the Heart of the Prairie series) is a historical fiction novel by Tracie Peterson, set in the 1840s American frontier. The book focuses on a young widow named Grace Martindale who travels to the Whitman mission in Oregon Country. One of the things that makes the book interesting is that real events – such as the settlers’ relationship with the Nez Perce – are combined with fictional plotlines. And real historical figures – such as the missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman – are combined with fictional ones, like Grace Martindale and her love interest Alex Armistead, a French-American fur trapper.

I decided to come up with three book discussion questions for Treasured Grace that could be used in a book club:

1. What did you like more about the book – the educational historical elements, or the love story?
2. Who was your favorite minor character (such as one of Grace’s sisters, Hope or Mercy)?
3. If you had lived during the 1840s, would you have traveled to Oregon Country? Why or why not?

*I received this book for review*

Grace Martindale has a heavy load to bear but she is more than willing to sacrifice her own happiness to protect and provide for her two younger sisters. Grace is a compassionate and teachable young woman. She is intelligent, brave, and hard-working. Grace is a big sister after my own heart.

Alex Armistead is a quiet, steady trapper who has years of experience with natives and other early inhabitants of the Oregon Country. He and his friends know the flood of settlers will change their lives irrevocably yet they choose peace and acceptance. Under the buckskins, Alex is a gentleman at heart.

This story of sacrifice, strife, and survival shines a spotlight on a tragic chain of events in our nation's history yet the light of hope and love shines brighter in the darkness. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys frontier tales and stories of the early Oregon settlements! What a promising start for this new series!

I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

Like always Tracie Peterson brings to life a different era in time with such detail...This is no different with "Treasure Grace." It's the first book in the "Heart of the Frontier" series. With her series she leaves the end of the book with you wanting more...That can be a good & bad thing! Hahaha! The bad thing is that you have to wait. Tracie Peterson is by far one of the best historical fiction authors.

In this book we see the life of Grace Martindale. After her parents pass away, her sisters Hope & Mercy become her responsibility. They end up living at a mission with Dr. Whitman & his wife. Things become dangerous when there is a measle outbreak & Grace finds herself in the middle of a battle with trying to treat those that are sick. But also going against the wishes of others.

Beautifully written book & if you are a Tracie Peterson fan, you will love it!

I received this book from Bethany House for my honest review.

Just finished a book by Tracie Peterson entitled TREASURED GRACE, the first of the "Heart of the Frontier" series. The book took me to the Whitman mission in Oregon and held me to the story.

From my own research for my writing, I've dealt in general terms with this mission effort. What I did not know is the details of the massacre. Tracie's story starts just before this historical event that takes us back and takes our heart as well.

Grace and her sisters are on their way to Oregon. She'd married simply to provide for her sisters to a man who needed to be married to be commissioned as a missionary. But the marriage was in name only and when he dies along the trail, Grace is relieved. But now what?

They end up at the Whitman mission. A trapper with a past finds his heart engaged with the feisty Grace. But with tensions among the native tribes rising, when measles takes hold. Is there hope of either peace or love?

Another winner from Tracie.

Today I finished a book called Treasured Grace by Tracie Peterson this was a wonderful read it is a tale about a Woman who is a widow named Grace. Her husband died on the trail and she promises herself that she will not enter another marriage without love in it. This historical fiction takes you through 19th century America and how towns were beginning to exist. It shows how there was conflict with the Indians. This book portrays forgiveness and healing because Grace’s sisters Hope and Mercy both had to deal with PTSD after the Indians attacked. They also had to learn how to forgive other people.

Tracie Peterson did a great job writing this book. It flowed very nicely. She portrayed the events of what the early settlers went through. Showed that people had to learn to get along with other people. She added forgiveness and Mercy to the book. She also developed a nice romance between Grace and Alex she let their love grow slowly. She kept you wondering what was going to happen next in the book such as Are Alex and Grace going to get together or will it be Niger and Grace? She portrayed very well what happened in 19th century to single women. They would marry out of desperation because society back then said women couldn’t be alone. Loved how she showed how both sisters dealt with the trauma they both had been through.

We see that Mercy deals with it by claming up at first because the pain is too much to deal with, but Grace is so patient with her by acknowledging the pain she is going and later on she finally tells Grace what happened at the mission after Grace left them both. She apologizes to her sister again for not insisting they go with her to visit her friend. Hope is having a very difficult time dealing with it because she was raped and she had thought of murdering it until a kind woman suggests she give the baby to her and her husband because they had tried to have a baby, but it died. So, Hope gives the baby to them to raise as their own. She discovers how precious life really is.

To find out what happens to Grace and Alex you have to read the book for yourself to discover that answer for yourself. I received this book in exchange for my honest review I was not paid by the publisher to read this.

Treasured Grace, is about 3 sisters who have lost thier parents, but cant travel to thier uncles alone, they meet a pastor who needs a wife to get the job he wants so Grace marrys him, but on the way he dies, and the girls are alone till the get to uncle Edwards, first they are at a missions where measles break out and so many die, the Indians blame the dr and attack the fort killing ever one but a few, Grace, Hope and Mercy along with others are taken captive, a book of history sadness hope, faith, forgivness as the Goverment is taking the land belonging to the Indians abusing them killing thier women and children, of course the Indians fight back, and the inocen on both sides are caught in the middle, if you love hiostory, you will love this book, i highly recommend it

Treasured Grace

by Tracie Peterson

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers
Christian

Pub Date 28 Feb 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing Treasured Grace through the publisher and Netgalley:

It’s late October 1847 on the Oregon Trail, from the time she was a young girl Grace was trained in the healing arts.

The Wagon Train is without a doctor so Grace helps care for the sick or injured. When a child comes down with the Measles Grace realizes an outbreak will likely soon follow.

After several months of travel the group shows up at Whitman’s Mission. Grace soon finds herself doing what she can to help.

Can Grace help those in need around her?

I give Treasured Grace five out of five stars.

Happy Reading.

While I was well of the Whitman Mission massacre that took place in 1847, this is the first-time I've read a novel centered around the event. Tracie Peterson has creatively weaved together real-life historical characters with fictional characters, but I had a few issues with the book. Starting with the narration, it felt too wooden compared to other novels by the author. Some of the actions by the Grace and Alex were unrealistic.

Overall, Treasured Grace was slightly disappointing read. The plot was intriguing, but I didn't care for the way the novel was written. I'm hoping book two will be better.

*Note - I received a review copy from the publisher.

Treasured Grace by Tracie Peterson

When is the next book coming out? I will be first in line for that one. This story swept me up on the very first page. Grace thought of others more than for herself. She made decisions based on her head than her heart. She paid the consequences for sacrificing her happiness.

Grace and her sisters were traveling West for a new life. They got more than they bargained for.

The definition of GRACE in the dictionary is "do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one's presence." This describes Grace perfectly. She was a joy to know - a sister I would have Treasured to have.

Five stars. Loved it!

Treasured Grace was a fascinating read; one I stayed up late into the night reading because I did not want to put it down. It is a clean story (no swear words or sexuality), with many Christian references and Bible verses. The topics of rape, kidnapping, and suicide are all touched upon, so it would not be a book for the younger crowd or those who might be sensitive to these subjects. I loved reading Treasured Grace, which is the first book in Tracie Peterson's new Heart of the Frontier series. I look forward to the next book in the series, and in the meantime I will be seeking out more of her books to read! I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Grace travels West with her two younger sisters to find a better life than they left back East. After a huge tragedy befalls her sisters, Grace tries to put the pieces back together of her dreams for her and her family. Torn on whether she should follow her heart or put love aside and follow the path that gives her and her sisters stability and a permanent roof over her head.

The story shows tragedy, faith, forgives and restoration.

I found this story very gripping. I have read many novels by Tracie and this one was full of page turning intensity. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series if they are anything like this one.

I had a very difficult time putting this story down to do my household work. Even found myself falling asleep reading it at night.
I grew up on a hobby Ranch only 200 acres. I am also a Western History Buff mostly South Dakota and my Best friend and her husband (both Ojibwa) are my best friends. I introduced them over 30 years ago and Kenneth married my husband and Myself 13 years ago. Kenneth is not only a minister but also a Ojibwa
(Chippewa) Elder. Their 1st 2 Children are Sioux. The next 9 are Ojibwa. I Love South Dakota! So much western history there! And you only made 2 short mistakes. I was so into you’d story that I forgot them. Please do not stop your writing. I truly enjoyed not only your story but a bit more True Western History.
Thank you so much!

Mary

I really enjoyed reading Treasured Grace. It's different than anything I've read in quite a while. The characters are fun, and I loved the setting. The story is set back in the mid 1800's when conflict starts to arise between the Indians and the settlers out west.

This book is one that I could sit back and relax while reading, and then be on the edge of my seat the next minute. It has a few twists and turns that kept me wondering what was going to happen next and I think it also has just the right amount of conflict and romance.

I've read quite a few Tracie Peterson books, and I have to say that this one, was one of my favorites. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. If you're looking for a good book to read, I would highly recommend Treasured Grace.

* A free copy of this book was given to me by the Publisher. No positive review was required. All opinions are my own.

“Treasure Grace” is well deserving of the five stars. The main character, Grace Martindale, is a woman ahead of her time on the frontier. Not only is she fighting the stereotype of a strong abled woman but also the prejudice that surrounded the natives in the 1800’s. The story of Grace and those close to her and the many people she encountered are very well developed. I admire Ms. Peterson for providing us with a piece of history as well as a strong story of grace, trusting the Lord and salvation. The Christian element to this novel is beautifully interwoven that the reader is hardly aware of it. “Treasured Grace” is only my second period novel; both happen to have been written by Tracie Peterson. I can firmly say that I am now a fan of Ms. Peterson and look forward to reading more.

While I was well of the Whitman Mission massacre that took place in 1847, this is the first-time I've read a novel centered around the event. Tracie Peterson has creatively weaved together real-life historical characters with fictional characters, but I had a few issues with the book. Starting with the narration, it felt too wooden compared to other novels by the author. Some of the actions by the Grace and Alex were unrealistic.

Overall, Treasured Grace was slightly disappointing read. The plot was intriguing, but I didn't care for the way the novel was written. I'm hoping book two will be better.

*Note - I received a review copy from the publisher.

Treasured Grace by Tracie Peterson

When is the next book coming out? I will be first in line for that one. This story swept me up on the very first page. Grace thought of others more than for herself. She made decisions based on her head than her heart. She paid the consequences for sacrificing her happiness.

Grace and her sisters were traveling West for a new life. They got more than they bargained for.

The definition of GRACE in the dictionary is "do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one's presence." This describes Grace perfectly. She was a joy to know - a sister I would have Treasured to have.

Five stars. Loved it!

Treasured Grace was a fascinating read; one I stayed up late into the night reading because I did not want to put it down. It is a clean story (no swear words or sexuality), with many Christian references and Bible verses. The topics of rape, kidnapping, and suicide are all touched upon, so it would not be a book for the younger crowd or those who might be sensitive to these subjects. I loved reading Treasured Grace, which is the first book in Tracie Peterson's new Heart of the Frontier series. I look forward to the next book in the series, and in the meantime I will be seeking out more of her books to read! I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Grace travels West with her two younger sisters to find a better life than they left back East. After a huge tragedy befalls her sisters, Grace tries to put the pieces back together of her dreams for her and her family. Torn on whether she should follow her heart or put love aside and follow the path that gives her and her sisters stability and a permanent roof over her head.

The story shows tragedy, faith, forgives and restoration.

I found this story very gripping. I have read many novels by Tracie and this one was full of page turning intensity. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series if they are anything like this one.

I had a very difficult time putting this story down to do my household work. Even found myself falling asleep reading it at night.
I grew up on a hobby Ranch only 200 acres. I am also a Western History Buff mostly South Dakota and my Best friend and her husband (both Ojibwa) are my best friends. I introduced them over 30 years ago and Kenneth married my husband and Myself 13 years ago. Kenneth is not only a minister but also a Ojibwa
(Chippewa) Elder. Their 1st 2 Children are Sioux. The next 9 are Ojibwa. I Love South Dakota! So much western history there! And you only made 2 short mistakes. I was so into you’d story that I forgot them. Please do not stop your writing. I truly enjoyed not only your story but a bit more True Western History.
Thank you so much!

Mary

I really enjoyed reading Treasured Grace. It's different than anything I've read in quite a while. The characters are fun, and I loved the setting. The story is set back in the mid 1800's when conflict starts to arise between the Indians and the settlers out west.

This book is one that I could sit back and relax while reading, and then be on the edge of my seat the next minute. It has a few twists and turns that kept me wondering what was going to happen next and I think it also has just the right amount of conflict and romance.

I've read quite a few Tracie Peterson books, and I have to say that this one, was one of my favorites. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. If you're looking for a good book to read, I would highly recommend Treasured Grace.

* A free copy of this book was given to me by the Publisher. No positive review was required. All opinions are my own.

I hardly ever pick up a romantic fiction story, but I was super excited to see this new read set in the Eastern Oregon county where I grew up and lived most of my life. Tracie Peterson's simple and touching story, Treasured Grace, is an interesting historical fiction that was simple to imagine as I know this landscape like the back of my hand. I've always been interested in the stories of Whitman Mission and other local Oregon Trail history. My mom and I are actually planning a trip to visit the site of Whitman Mission in the near future.

I'd read the story of the Whitman Massacre multiple times before, but this time was very difficult having already established a relationship with them. The tragic upon tragic of this story made any happy endings fall flat. Perhaps that's what the author intended or perhaps the story was just too personal but I came away feeling very bummed.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Tracie Peterson done a wonderful job with this book! It is well written and has memorable characters.The plot and speed of the story were great. And it was hard to put the book down! Although some of the events that took place were hard to hear about. But Tracie Peterson handled a hard time in history nicely, and the book never got into to many details. It was a great book and I highly recommend it!

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Treasured Grace by Tracie Peterson is the first book in Heart of the Frontier series. It is late October in 1847 on the Oregon Trail. Grace Flanagan Martindale has just lost her husband, Right Reverend T.S. Martindale (I do not know why he is Right Reverend). Grace is not exactly sorry that he is dead (he treated them like slaves). It was a marriage of convenience on both their parts (they did not share a bed). Grace wanted to go west with her two sisters, and Martindale wanted to go to the mission fields. The timing, though, is imperfect. The trail is no place for a widow and her two younger sisters especially when winter will soon be upon them. It is suggested that Grace, Mercy, and Hope spend the winter at the Whitman Mission (especially after she refuses the proposal of Nigel Grierson). Grace agrees and hopes that she will be able to earn a living with her healing herbs, nursing skills and midwifery. Dr. Whitman, though, does not appreciate (or trust) Grace’s skills with herbs. The local Indians, though, could use Grace’s help after illness strikes them (thanks to the settlers). Fur trader, Alex Armistead helps Grace get over her fear of the Indians by showing her that they are just like her. Grace receives a letter from Mr. Browning, her friend Eletta’s husband. Eletta is ill and needs her assistance. While away helping Eletta, the Indians attack the mission. Hope and Mercy are at the mission and the Indians take them captive. Can the sisters and the other hostages be rescued? If so, will they ever be the same again? Join Grace and her sisters on their journey to Oregon in Treasured Grace.

Treasured Grace is well-written and has good characters. My attention was captured and held throughout the book. I found it to have a good pace which made it easy to read. There is extreme violence in the book which is historically accurate, but I found it upsetting. Prayer and faith are prevalent themes throughout the book. It emphasizes how important it is to have faith that God is there for you in the bad times and the good. I give Treasured Grace 4 out of 5 stars. It is a lovely yet heartbreaking story. It does have a sweet ending once you get past the serious parts (which are sad, heartbreaking and slightly depressing). There is the requisite romance, but I did enjoy the character of Alex. Tracie Peterson did a great job with her research. Her writing brought history to life. I have read the majority of Ms. Peterson’s novels (I still have a couple in my TBR pile), and I will continue to read her stories in the future.

I loved the romance and the history. This seems to have been very well researched. I had a hard time putting this book down. I had to check in to see who did survive the Whitman massacre. I loved the characters of Grace and her sisters and Alex. Each character handles adversity in a different way. I look forward to reading the second book in the series.

Trace Peterson's excellent research of the history of the Whitman Mission make this book entirely authentic and believable. Wrapped around the tragic events of history is a beautiful story of friendship, hardship and romance.

Tracie's historic novels are always well written and interesting. She has a way of transporting the reader back to a time when this country was in it's infancy. This particular book was not a sugar coated love story but have a realistic view of the dangers that real people faced in the western territories. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to start the next in the series.

Tracie Peterson has a way of being able to captivate you for hours on end. Her books are amazing and bring history to life. Treasure Grace is about a woman and her two sisters that move West where the Indians have been living. The story tells about their travels and the terror that they experience during their move and after they settle in. Grace is what they called a "healer" and she is trying to help in world where only men are supposed to be doctor's. Not only does Grace have to worry about the Indians and moving West, but she has to worry about stepping on the Doctor's toes when some of the women want her help instead of the Doctor. This is an amazing story of how people survived and how they used their faith to help them through in times that they thought they would never make it.

I have never read a Traci Peterson, book I couldn't finish, this was the first. I know what horrible things happen in a massacre, but I was just not prepared for having Hope not succeed in shorting g er self to being raped over and over. I tried for several more chapters but i just couldn't get passed it!

Treasured Grace is the first book in Tracie Peterson's Heart of the Frontier Series. Grace Martindale has buried her husband on the Oregon Trail. She continues on the trail with her two younger sisters, Mercy and Hope. They are traveling to Oregon City to be with their Uncle after the death of their parents. Grace has decided they would stop at the Whitman Mission and stay until spring instead of traveling on. The Whitman Mission is run by Dr. Marcus Whitman.
Shortly after arriving at the Mission, there is an outbreak of measles. Grace is a healer and can help, Dr. Whitman does not allow her to. Even though Dr. Whitman has been helping the nearby Cayuse Indian camp, the measles is taking the life of some of their people. Grace travels to the camp with Alex Armistead, a fur trapper and his friend, Sam. She finds the camp filthy and attempts to treat the ill but it is too late in some cases.
Grace is called to help a friend who is ill. Her sisters do not want to go with her. While she is away with Alex and Sam caring for her friend, the Cayuse attack the Mission killing the doctor, his wife and many others. Those that are left are taken hostage and the women are abused. The hostages are eventually taken to Fort Nez Perce and traded back to the white people. The women and children are so traumatized they did not want to be with others. Rumors of the Cayuse coming back for the hostages caused them to be taken by boat to Oregon City.
Grace was in a loveless marriage and since the day her husband was buried, Nigel Roberson has been proposing to her. After arriving in Oregon City she realizes she can not support herself and sisters on her healing. She feels she has no option to care for her sisters and herself than to marry him, even though it is Alex that she loves.
This is a good but very hard story to read. The author has spend much time researching to make the story as real as possible. The story brings to life the situations with the early settlers moving into Indian territory and how the Indians feel threatened by them. The story does an awesome job of explaining this.
I found this book very hard to put down. I appreciated the importance of Faith that is written through out the story. I also appreciate the importance of having love in a marriage that was brought out many times. The story is a very violent one, it gives a glimpses into the fears the early settlers had and the hardships they endured. The topics within the story could be bothersome to readers, but they were true events of the time. I think people who enjoy reading stories based on the Oregon Trail and early settlers will enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this honest review.

“Treasure Grace” is well deserving of the five stars. The main character, Grace Martindale, is a woman ahead of her time on the frontier. Not only is she fighting the stereotype of a strong abled woman but also the prejudice that surrounded the natives in the 1800’s. The story of Grace and those close to her and the many people she encountered are very well developed. I admire Ms. Peterson for providing us with a piece of history as well as a strong story of grace, trusting the Lord and salvation. The Christian element to this novel is beautifully interwoven that the reader is hardly aware of it. “Treasured Grace” is only my second period novel; both happen to have been written by Tracie Peterson. I can firmly say that I am now a fan of Ms. Peterson and look forward to reading more.