Touching the Sky

Back Cover

Though their first encounter is hardly auspicious, Laura Marquardt soon discovers herself drawn to the dashing Captain Brandon Reid.  As an officer over the colored troops, he eagerly supports her desire to educate blacks and seek harmony in a town where the defeats of the South is a bitter reality.

When Laura’s sister marries her confederate beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation after overhearing a discussion with frightening consequences.  In her heart she feels she should confide in Brandon, but Laura fears to do so may endanger her sister’s life.  Yet as the stakes continue to rise and Brandon’s motives for pursuing her come into doubt, Laura questions where to turn…and wonders if her own dreams of love may be forsaken.

Review

Touching the Sky is the second book in the “Land of the Lone Star” series.  (You can read my review on the first book, Chasing the Sun, here.) 

Touching the Sky is Tracie Peterson at her best.  A tale richly woven in history, every effort was made to instill the reader into the thinking and mannerisms of the day.  The reader feels along with the characters and sympathizes with their beliefs and dreams.  I felt that one of the subtle points of the story was finding out God’s will for one’s life and following through.  For Captain Reid, it was whether or not to go back home to Indiana to work on his father’s Thoroughbred horse breeding farm, or start up his own in Texas.  And for Laura, she strongly wants to help the recently emancipated blacks with reading and writing in order that they may have better job opportunities. 

This novel is also one about healing. 

Even though the Civil War was over, it was far from over in the hearts of many people.  Acceptance and forgiveness are things not easily given when hurt has been inflicted.  The lines were still drawn in the sand between former neighbours, friends, and family.  And most certainly between those who fought for the South and the newly freed slaves.  But through God’s grace, which he has so generously showered among us, healing may begin.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.