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| The Miner's Lady |
Bethany House, 2013
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
4.5 stars~
Romance Italian
Style!
Author Tracie Peterson sweeps the reader away to Ely,
Minnesota, in the 1800s…a growing iron mining town with a mixture of
ethnicities and a variety of businesses comprised of unfortunately far more
saloons than churches. It is here we meet two Italian families, the Panettas
and the Calarcos, who have been feuding for over 50 years over a matter they
are vaguely aware of. Although the male members of each family all work at the
iron mines together, they resentfully and cautiously keep their distance from one
another.
The fireworks begin when the youngest Panetta sister,
Isabella, falls in love with Orlando Calarco, in spite of the many warnings by
her eldest sister, Chantel. Chantel finds Orlando's brother, Dante, totally
insufferable albeit disturbingly handsome; as he fights tooth and nail to keep
Orlando from marrying a hated Panetta. When a life threatening accident occurs
to Mr. Panetta, his heart is forever changed and he resolves to put an end to
this bitter feud. Will it take a near disaster as well to change Mr. Calarco's
hatred and way of thinking?…and will even the enticing Chantel Panetta be
enough to dampen Dante's resolve to prolong the feud?
I simply love all of Tracie Peterson's books, and this
one was certainly no exception. I enjoyed the plot and the way the characters
evolved spiritually and emotionally throughout the book. The Calarcos'
"Nonna" is a delight, as is Mrs. Panetta, and they are the backbone
of their families—filled with wisdom and the love of Christ. I enjoyed learning
about some of the customs and traditions of the Italians, and the cuisine was
very mouthwatering indeed! This is a book about love, loss, forgiveness, and
redemption, guaranteed to touch the reader's heart and leave it full. And your tummy if you satisfied your
craving for lasagna and rigatoni while reading this delectable book! ;)
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I received a copy of this book by Net Galley in
exchange for my honest opinion.
___________________________________________________
GIVEAWAY: Reader's choice of a copy of any of Tracie’s new books—audiobook, ebook, or paperback. *** Please leave your email address for contact purposes! ***
Question: Have any of your family members ever been in a feud and what steps, if any, did you take to fix it?
Excellent review Diana.
ReplyDeleteI would love the opportunity to
win Tracie Peterson's book
the Miner's Lady.
CherylB1987@Hotmail.com
Yes there has been feuds in my family.
DeleteIt takes alot of time, prayer to get throught it.
CherylB1987@Hotmail.com
Thank you for sharing, CHERYL! It is so sad when that happens b/c life is so short. My siblings just can't seem to get along. Pray for them as they need to accept Christ in their lives.
DeleteI have a brother who is mentally ill and he blamed his illness on the family. He does not want anything to do with any of us now. We did everything we knew how to help. He is now in a home for the mentally ill now. angelachesnut246@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteIn this type of situation only God has the answer, ANGELA. I'm so sorry this has happened. :(
DeletePrayer and patience is about the only thing that gets me through family issues. bran0224@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI agree, BRANDIE! Lots of each! :)
DeleteMy Father ,Stepmother ,stepsister and niece did not have a real relationship for 7 years because a family member was wanting to keep us apart by telling lies .My niece and I made a mends after she was attack by the "blue eye rapist " in February 2006 .We prayed together a few years later and we are really close now .My dad ,stepmom mends was right before my bad car wreck in April 2011. My stepsister and I followed a few short months after that. We all have talked and know all the lies that the other told .And we all know that during that time we were all praying that God would move in our relationships and He did in a wonderful way .We all are are very close and vowed to let the is other person or anyone else come between us . Blessings ,DanaGirl
ReplyDeleteDANA, first of all I want to say that your posts on FB always encourage me. I'm so sorry for what happened to your niece---that is just horrendous. It's sad that it takes a tragedy to draw families together, but I'm thankful for the reconciliation of yours!
DeleteI agree. Tracie's books are always good. Ugh...family feud's. They are so depressing and stressful. Yes, I have been in the middle. Shoot, I live in the middle of one that has been going on for years. I try to encourage the two to be honest with one another and forgive each other. We all make rash judgments and mistakes. I pray for them but so far, neither one is interested in putting aside their pride. And they won't until the Lord removes the scales from their eyes. Then they will see how sinful they are and in need of forgiveness from HIM, leading them to forgive each other.
ReplyDeleteANNE, blessed are the peacemakers the Bible says! At least you are trying! Time is so short for such foolishness. :(
DeleteAwesome Review Diana ! I would say stand for Truth and godliness always, Yes it was hard but I would rather be on God's side then on anyone elses ! Even family... God first.
ReplyDeleteLinda Finn
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com
Thank you, LINDA! If we seek to put God first I believe everything that isn't right with families (feuds and whatnot) will gradually fall into place. And even then, sometimes it takes a lot of praying for wayward family members!
DeleteWould love to win this book in print.
ReplyDeleteHi, BONNIE! Can you come back and leave your email addy for contact purposes? Thanks so much! :)
DeleteA wonderful review. Thank you for introducing a new author to me. Her book sounds awesome. LeAnn angel4god(at)charter(dot)net
ReplyDeleteLeAnn, I've enjoyed Tracie's books for a long while now. I'm sure you will, too! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThe only feud in my family that I'm aware of is over an heirloom sewing machine between my aunt and great aunt. My mother recommended that we just stay out of it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review and giveaway! Looking forward to reading her books!
colorvibrant at gmail dot com
Good advice from your mom, HEIDI! Those kind of things are often argued over and it sure isn't worth it!
DeleteGreat review Diana.This sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming by, JACKIE! I really enjoyed it, although it DID make me hungry! lol
DeleteSo glad you are have plans to read MINER'S LADY. As Diana mentioned I included lots of Italian food comments and it will make you head straightaway to your local Italian restaurant if you aren't careful. :) Merry Christmas to each one of you and God Bless You!
ReplyDeleteOh, Tracie, you had me craving lasagna in the worst way! lol Merry Christmas and blessings to you and yours!
DeleteThis sounds like a fantastic book! Sadly, my hubby's family excels at feuds. We try to stay out of it all and remain neutral. We have stepped in a few times and tried to help fix situations by reminding them they all need to focus on what God wants. Oh well, such is the sinful beings we are. Great review!
ReplyDeletelattebooks at hotmail dot com
Thanks so much, SUSAN! I hate to admit it, but in this case it's my side of the family. They aren't saved and just don't speak to one another. I don't even know if they know why. :/ I just stay out of it, b/c I love peace and no drama!
DeleteUnfortunately disagreements come up even in Christian families. It takes a lot of prayer and emotional and spiritual surrender to over come the problems. Not an easy or pleasant experience but life is so much richer in the end.
ReplyDeleteLove Tracie's books.
Thank you
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
That's so true, JACKIE. We are all human!
DeleteI love Tracie's books and try to read all of them! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteSince I am an "only"....no feuds...lol
jacsmi75 @gmail dot com
Great! No family feuds for you, JACKIE! But what about extended family? Inlaws? I'm not trying to find one for you---only teasing! LOL I adore Tracie's books!
DeleteAbsolutely wonderful review DIANA!! I've read quite a few of Tracie's books, although the number is really a pittance compared to how many books she has written. I have quite a bit of catching up to do but this one certainly has piqued my interest, and is going to be a MUST-READ after reading your review!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you'd call it a family feud what's going on in my family, but I just stay away from my siblings unless I want to be involved in gossip and insensitive and hurtful interference etc. Like yourself, I value peace, and after trying too many times already, this is the way I go now!
It's sad to have to do that, NOELA, but necessary for a time until God works it all out. It's sadder to end up in the middle of all of it! Thank you for your kind words!
DeleteThe book and the review sound wonderful......
ReplyDeleteIm in the middle of a family war right now And Im praying for God to intervene.....
and show people how important family should be
God bless you
Chris Granville
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet
Oh, CHRIS! :( It's such a sad thing, b/c God never intended it to be that way when He instituted the family. But there was indeed family strife even in Bible days. Hoping everything works out for your family---life is too short!
DeleteNo family feuds in my family. We are big talkers, so I guess everything eventually gets resolved.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
That is wonderful, MARY! I wish that for every family!
DeleteYes, they have. I learned there was nothing I could do to fix it. Time has taken care of most of the problems. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com
ReplyDeleteExcept in the case of Tracie's characters---the Panettas and the Calarcos. Time only worsened their feuding b/c then they forgot what they were feuding about! lol
DeleteSometimes all you can do is pray. I would love to win Tracie'a book. Thanks for a chance. MAXIE
ReplyDeleteIf I sshould win, please use this email: mac262(at)me(dot)com
And prayer is the best thing, MAXIE! Good luck, sweetie!
DeleteYes. They're not fun and difficult to work through. :-(
ReplyDeleteAmy
amybradsher@gmail.com
I agree, AMY. :( Throwing your name in my cyberhat here! ;)
DeleteHa, no family feuds in my family (that I know of), and I am thankful for that.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to this story as I have read the first two in the series. Would love to WIN this copy!
Thank you!
Georgianne Barnett
A close-knit family IS something to be thankful for, GEORGIANNE! Hoping for a win for you!
DeleteThankfully everbody in my family is pretty easy going... no serious fueds that I know of!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed many of Tracie's books, and look forward to this series.
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
That is so wonderful, PATTY! And the way it should be!
DeleteDIANA what a great review and now that I've read your review I MUST read the book!! Sure hope I've been good enough for Santa to bring me that Amazon card I've been wanting, I hope Carlton heard my hints! lol
ReplyDeleteAs for the feuds question, we do have some family members that won't have much to do with us and it breaks my heart that they have kids that won't ever know their great-grandma or their terrific great aunt...ME! :-) All I can do is pray for them and hope one day it will all be worked out,
You are the best auntie! How sad for them not to know you, TERESA. :( And in those situations prayer is the only and best thing that works most times.
DeleteThis is a yummy book, T, in more ways than one! Yummy heroes, yummy food... LOL
P.S. I hope Carlton AND Paul catch those Amazon gift card hints. My gift card balance just ran out. :o
DeleteGratefully I can say that I have not had a feud with any of my family. As the youngest of 5, there have been times when I have felt that my siblings don't approve of my choices, but it has never affected any relationships, thank the Lord.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading these MN books.
That is so wonderful, BETTI! I think it's so neat when siblings are close in spite of everything.
DeleteWonderful review, Diana!
ReplyDeleteLove the story line, & theme of "The Miner's Lady"! Bet those recipes are delicious, also! Love the idea of being able to learn more about Italian customs, & traditions!
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
OWG
Thanks BONNIE! Hunger warning ahead! LOL I particularly enjoyed their wedding rituals---interesting!
DeleteDiana
ReplyDeleteDid you received my comments yesterday ?
JKTerrazas09@aol.com
No KIM, I didn't. :/
DeleteDiana - A fascinating review !!! Actually I am borrowing this book from the library. I have had read the first few chapters. I can't even put this book down as I turn the pages eagerly see what's happening next. I don't want to fast forward to get a glimpse on the very last page on the very last chapter. I don't want to get spoiled but rather have full of surprises. !!! With faith in God, I am believing both feud families to resolve and a romantic wedding for Isabella & Orlando.
ReplyDeleteI have a feud family who is all grudging against me and disown because I am the only one to contact my stepmother. God made each one of us in an unique way.y stepmother has Jesus in her heart but my family don't have Jesus in their heart. I tried to witness them and they were very furious with me. I also sent them the tracts. They got more furious with me. I pray for them everyday. I love them and forgive them.
I would love to win this fascinating and adventurous book !!! Merry Christmas. !!! Christmas is Love and Forgiveness !!! :) JKTerrazas09@aol.com
Merry Christmas, KIM! My family withdrew from me somewhat when I became a Christian, so my hubby's family has adopted me so to speak. lol I love them and want to see them go to Heaven, so they are in the Lord's hands now.
DeleteUnfortunately, yes, my family has been in several feuds over the course of the years with each other. That is the sad part. They resort to not speaking, which makes it virtually impossible to mend. I just keep chipping away with communication, even when I am not in the wrong, to restore the lines of communication, so that members of the family are not lost to each other forever.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win this great book.
Karen C.
sweetnessnlight@comcast.net
KAREN, that is so sad! But at least you are trying to mend the breach, and God will honor you for that.
Delete