A Promise to Believe In by Tracie Peterson

Reviewed by Vickie McDonough

"Peterson makes the wilds of Montana come alive and vividly shows the hardships of 19th century life in the area."

After being dragged from town to town for years, following her vagabond father, Gwen Gallatin, has finally found a place to settle. The roadhouse she operates with her two sisters and father in the wilds of Montana has become home, rugged though it is. When her father is accidentally killed, Gwen and her sisters must decide whether to stay or sell out and move on. But where could they go? All they have is each other.

Having lost her husband, Harvey, after just ten days of marriage and now her father, Gwen believes she’s cursed. Everyone she loves dies. Could she be endangering her sisters by staying with them?

One day a stranger arrives, questioning the odd circumstances of Harvey’s death. He claims to be Hank Butler, Harvey’s estranged brother, and says that Harvey stole valuable items from their mother. Gwen can’t believe her sweet, impoverished husband could be the same man Hank Butler is looking for. Harvey never mentioned having any family, and he certainly wasn’t wealthy. If he ever had money, he’d long ago spent or lost it. But as the days draw on and Hank stays, she begins to question if she really knew her husband at all.

More problems arise as Gwen’s youngest sister recklessly endangers her life to find the man responsible for killing their father. Gwen blames herself when her other sister is injured. Can she keep her family safe and together when everything else is falling apart? Will she find a new love and learn that God can help her if she only trusts in Him?

A Promise to Believe In is the first book in a new series called Brides of Gallatin County by popular Christian fiction author Tracie Peterson. The series features the three Gallatin sisters, who are feisty and determined to make a go of their roadhouse, even though they are fighting an uphill battle and sometimes dealing with less than scrupulous townsfolk.

Book One is Gwen’s story. She’s a troubled but tenacious woman who loves her sisters. She has longed for a home, and is determined to keep the roadhouse when everything seems to be against her. When a stranger arrives and disrupts what little truth she’s known, Gwen is flummoxed. For her own peace of mind, she must learn the truth about her deceased husband. But as she gets to know Hank Butler better, she becomes more confused. What he says about his brother just doesn’t add up to the man she married. Could they be talking about two different men? Gwen is determined to find out.

Readers will enjoy the tale about these feisty sisters who aren’t afraid to take on anyone who challenges their right to be in Montana. The two sisters play pranks on Hank when they feel he is threatening Gwen, which adds a dose of humor to the story. Peterson makes the wilds of Montana come alive and vividly shows the hardships of 19th century life in the area. The book stands alone for the most part, but minor threads were left open, such as the situation with the saloon owner, that are sure to be settled in the future books. For a dose of the Old West, try A Promise to Believe In.

Vickie McDonough is an award-winning inspirational romance author. She has written four Heartsong novels and five novellas. Her stories have placed first in several prestigious contests, such as the ACFW Noble Theme, the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest, and the Texas Gold contest. She has also written books reviews for nearly five years and enjoys mentoring new writers. Vickie is a wife of thirty-one years, mother to four sons, and a new grandma. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, gardening, watching movies, and traveling. Vickie loves hearing from her readers via e-mail.