Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson And Kimberley Woodhouse
Bethany House Publishers, Jan. 2016
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
(No Spoilers!)
Bethany House Publishers, Jan. 2016
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
(No Spoilers!)
Riveting Historical Fiction!
Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse have successfully teamed up to pen an intriguing, heartwarming read about a young woman who travels to the lush, rolling hills of California seeking to fulfill her dreams and finds much more than she bargains for—a chance at love and life threatening danger stalking her every move.
Lillian Porter's dream of going west has finally come to fruition as she defies her grandfather and accepts the position of a nanny in Angels Camp, California. But as dark and terrible rumors swirl around her from the local townsfolk, she wonders if she has made the right move. Her 7-year-old charge, Jimmy, has not spoken in over a year and there are sinister accusations made concerning Jimmy's father—her handsome, enigmatic employer—Woodward Colton. The Colton olive farm holds many a malevolent secret as Lillian encounters strange happenings taking place, but she is hopelessly drawn to Woodward in spite of the vicious rumors. She loves Jimmy as her own and her greatest desire is to help the traumatized lad to talk again. However, her efforts seem futile as Jimmy and her grandfather both refuse to speak—will they ever move beyond the silence to a bright future?
I. simply. fell. in. love. with each of the characters in this amazing story minus one of the most evil, menacing villains I have ever encountered. (gasp!) Poor, grief-stricken little Jimmy stole my heart from the very get go, Lillian is tough as nails and gentle as a lamb, Mrs. Goodman, the grandma-like housekeeper, is a "dearie" with a heart of gold, and then there is Harry. I can't wait for you to meet Harry—pure hearted, innocent Harry with a simplistic child's mind in a man's body. I wanted to hug him more than once and I'm sure you will, too. :) There are so many loose ends that get tied up in a nice little bow and make for a satisfying conclusion that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Kudos to Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse for staying true to the genre, Christian fiction. Isn't a permeating theme of God's love, healing, and miraculous power the reason we read Christian fiction to start with? Highly recommended!
Lillian Porter's dream of going west has finally come to fruition as she defies her grandfather and accepts the position of a nanny in Angels Camp, California. But as dark and terrible rumors swirl around her from the local townsfolk, she wonders if she has made the right move. Her 7-year-old charge, Jimmy, has not spoken in over a year and there are sinister accusations made concerning Jimmy's father—her handsome, enigmatic employer—Woodward Colton. The Colton olive farm holds many a malevolent secret as Lillian encounters strange happenings taking place, but she is hopelessly drawn to Woodward in spite of the vicious rumors. She loves Jimmy as her own and her greatest desire is to help the traumatized lad to talk again. However, her efforts seem futile as Jimmy and her grandfather both refuse to speak—will they ever move beyond the silence to a bright future?
I. simply. fell. in. love. with each of the characters in this amazing story minus one of the most evil, menacing villains I have ever encountered. (gasp!) Poor, grief-stricken little Jimmy stole my heart from the very get go, Lillian is tough as nails and gentle as a lamb, Mrs. Goodman, the grandma-like housekeeper, is a "dearie" with a heart of gold, and then there is Harry. I can't wait for you to meet Harry—pure hearted, innocent Harry with a simplistic child's mind in a man's body. I wanted to hug him more than once and I'm sure you will, too. :) There are so many loose ends that get tied up in a nice little bow and make for a satisfying conclusion that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Kudos to Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse for staying true to the genre, Christian fiction. Isn't a permeating theme of God's love, healing, and miraculous power the reason we read Christian fiction to start with? Highly recommended!
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| California Olive Farm |
AND...
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| California Olives! |
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Thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
GIVEAWAY: Tracie Peterson is generously giving away a paperback copy to one blessed commenter! (US entrants only.) To be eligible be sure to leave your email address for contact purposes -- written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
It sounds like wonderful book. Can't wat to read it!
ReplyDeleteHi, Miss RUTH! I loved it from beginning to end. A book laden with lovely characters and one dastardly one!
DeleteGood morning Diana, wonderful review! I have this book on my to-be-read list and want to read it even more since reading your review.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book Terri Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse!
Blessings, Tina
Good morning, TINA, my friend. Thank you! This is one of those books that just makes you feel like a better person just for reading it. Hope you get a chance to soon!
DeleteHi, KATE! It's a wonderful read!
ReplyDeleteI so want to read this book. Thank you so much for a chance to win a copy. spotts06(at)comcast(dot)net
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, STELLA! Hope you get the chance to read this ASAP!
DeleteDIANA, thank you for your riveting and intriguing review! I also enjoyed the photos. I can't wait to meet these interesting characters.... Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
Thanks so much, CARYL! Isn't that a lovely cover and so appropriate for the storyline. She looks a wee bit leery.
DeleteI am so excited to win a copy of this book because your review peaked my interest more than any other review. I hope to win this copy and thanks for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteprincessdebbie1_2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
DEBBIE, what a kind thing to say! Hoping you get a copy of this amazing, heartwarming story in your hands soon!
DeleteThis book is on my must read list. Thank you for the chance. Have a blessed and happy day, Diana.
ReplyDeleteI forgot my email. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
DeleteI hope it's at the top of the list, LUCY! Blessings and well wishes right back, my friend!
DeleteThanks, Diana, for the great review. I'm looking forward to reading Beyond the Silence. I think it will be fun to see how this collaboration reads. It sounds like there are some great characters, which I always enjoy. I already have a copy, so don't enter me in the giveaway. Blessings...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing even though you already have a copy, KAY! These two authors make a great team!!
DeleteI own and have read most of Traci Peterson's books!!! Her writing has become a staple of Historical Christian Romance.... I encourage all the girls in my church teen class to read her books!! I would love to receive this book!! I can be contacted at angemanderson(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHer writing has gotten better over the years, ANGELA, but one thing that hasn't changed is that she always includes is the message of hope and redemption through Christ. Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteDiana...I KNOW what you mean! I just LOVE this book. Jimmy, o, my heart broke for that little boy with the weight of the world (weight of the truth and lives of his love ones) on his tiny shoulders. Just love this. (As you can tell, I'm just stopping in. Already have this. No need to enter me in the giveaway). Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteANNIE! Thank you! I just love it when you come by and share. My son's name is Jimmy, so that endeared me even more to the little fella. Fabulous characters in this novel!
DeleteSounds good, how interesting that there are two authors!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Indeed, PATTY! I know Michael Landon Jr. teamed up with Cindy Kelley to write the Mercy Medallion series, and other authors have done it as well. But I really don't know how it works. Kimberley Woodhouse also co-writes with her daughter, Kayla!
DeleteWonderful review, Diana! I have been wanting to read this book and now I want to even more...lol. Thanks to the giveaway - I would love to win.
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
BETTI, thanks for your kind words! Lotsa luck in the drawing!
DeleteThank you, Diana, for your wonderful review of this great book. What a winner!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Thank YOU, MELANIE! Perhaps you'll be a winner, too! Wouldn't that be awesome!?
DeleteThanks Diana. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. Kim and I definitely had a lot of fun writing it. The research for me was a lot of fun. Kim couldn't get away, so I went to California and teamed up with author Cathy Marie Hake and together we went to Angels Camp to explore. It's always good to have more than one pair of eyes looking things over and Cathy definitely provided another aspect for me.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, TRACIE! I lived in CA for 13 years and had never heard of Angels Camp, so it was particularly interesting to read about it.
DeleteWhat a joy it was to write this book with Tracie - and a privilege to see this incredible review. Thank you so much, Diana. I pray you all enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI named the hero and his son after my beloved father-in-law who went home to be with The Lord a few years ago. This book is very special to me!
Thanks to everyone for stopping in and taking part!!!
It was also a joy to read, KIMBERLEY! You're so welcome for the review. I'm sorry for the loss of your FIL and what a tribute to name these awesome characters after him. Will you and Tracie be collaborating on any more books?
DeleteThank you, Diana and YES! three more books coming - the next one in January '17 - they all take place around the Curry Hotel in Alaska :)
DeleteI love Alaskan settings! YAY! I'll be looking forward to them!
DeleteYour review was nicely done just enough to give a glimpse but letting a lot of unanswered questions. Looking forward to reading the book sometime.
ReplyDeleteJking23(at)kent(dot)edu
I try not to put any spoilers in my reviews, JENNIFER. I read a review one time where the reviewer told how it ended. Ugh, I sure didn't want to read the book after that. Thx for your nice compliments!
DeleteI have to admit that I am a skimmer of reviews, because I worry about reading too much information that might take away from my own reading experience. I am one of those people who covers their ears and hums when someone starts talking about a book or movie that I might want to read/see. haha I appreciate thorough, but minimalist reviews that express what they did and didn't like. Your reviews are perfect and always let me make an informed decision. Fortunately, I had already made up my mind about Beyond the Silence. Yet, each consecutive positive review for this book is just getting me more anxious to read it. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks, TERRILL! What a nice compliment from a skimmer! lol I often do the same! When I put "no spoilers" up there, it's totally safe to read and I don't even put as much in my reviews as they put on the back covers most of the time. I skim blurbs! I think they give away too much. Good luck in the drawing! And thanks so much for sharing!
DeleteWonderful review DIANA! Love your descriptions of the characters too... Makes me want to get to know them! :-) I love these authors so I know this will be a great read. Thanks for telling us about it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, my dear cohort! This is such a heartwarming novel with some pretty creepy goings on as well! I hope you get the chance to read it, NOELA!
DeleteGreat review, Diana, and I agree wholeheartedly. I was given a review copy of Beyond the Silence and absolutely loved the characters and story--one of my favorites this year. Excellent!
ReplyDeleteThx so much for sharing your thoughts, KATHLEEN! It encourages me that you took the time to read my review. Blessings!
DeleteYour review makes me want to read it NOW.
ReplyDeleteDiane Rivera
quickchangeus (at)yahoo (dot) com
Welcome to OWG, DIANE! I love your NOW. Lol Ppl who don't read just don't understand that desperation, do they? ;) Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteThank you for your review! Looks like another great book.
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
It really is, MELODY! Thank you for coming by!
DeleteDiana, you always do some of the most beautiful reviews I've read! I was already excited about Tracie's newest book & I can see I won't be disappointed. One of my favorite things about any book, is the ability to connect with the characters... emotionally, spiritually and walk away at the end of the book feeling like I've made new friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review and the giveaway...it's already on my must-read list!
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
TRIXI, you just made my day! I was so sick trying to pass a kidney stone when writing this (TMI-lol), and I didn't feel as though I did it justice. So thank you, my friend, for your timely words! No, you won't be disappointed except when you have to leave these precious characters.
DeleteThis is a wonderful review and I can't wait to meet the wonderful characters and the "most evil, menacing villain" you have ever encountered.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this giveaway.
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh, CONNIE, he is desperately wicked! Ugh! But you will love the rest of the "gang." Thanks for your kind words!
DeleteThanks for the review,Diana!Sounds like a wonderful book.Wasn't sure about it at first,but now I'm looking forward to reading it. Please enter my name in for the giveaway,my e-mail is lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThe characters will stay in your mind long after you close the book, LYNNE! Hopefully the wicked one doesn't, however. ACK!
DeleteI love Tracies books. They are great reads.
ReplyDeleteThereadmaster@me.com
Then you're sure to love this one, Virginia! Just getting ready to let random number.org pick our winner
DeleteCongrats to Kate who won a copy of Beyond the Silence per random number!
ReplyDelete