To Have and to Hold by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller
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.
Learn more about Tracie and her books on her Website.
Learn more about Judith and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Summoned by Boyd Cunningham, an old friend of his deceased father, Marshall Graham reluctantly accepts a position overseeing the construction of a new exclusive resort for the wealthy on Bridal Veil Island. Both Marshall and Boyd’s daughter Audrey share unhappy memories as a result of their fathers’ alcoholism. In fact, Audrey believes that Marshall shares his father’s weakness and wants nothing to do with him. As time passes Marshall proves himself to be an honorable man and Audrey gradually begins to trust him. Despite numerous misunderstandings the pair find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Delays, mishaps, and apparent sabotage plague the construction site and a sense of danger increases daily. Marshall attempts to find answers to the disruptions and Audrey’s efforts to help soon places her at risk.
Set in post Civil War Georgia on the idyllic fictional island of Bridal Veil, To Have and to Hold is a captivating tale filled with remarkable characters. Supporting cast includes one feisty, larger-than-life, shotgun wielding, elderly Aunty Thora who has never gotten over the “War of Northern Aggression”. She adds a touch of levity throughout the book. Vivid setting descriptions cause the reader to almost feel the sticky humidity and southern breezes among the live oaks of the island. A well paced plot is filled with drama, action, touches of mystery and suspense and a satisfying romance. A spiritual lesson primarily about trusting the Lord is woven unobtrusively throughout the narrative.
To Have and to Hold is just one more example why both Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller are longtime favorite authors of mine. If you enjoy historical romance or books about the south, To Have and to Hold should be on your to-read list.