A Love Discovered - (The Heart of Cheyenne) by Tracie Peterson

“She was married to a man, but wasn’t a wife. She cared for a child, but wasn’t a mother,” Marybeth realizes in Tracie Peterson’s novel, A Love Discovered. ~ What ~ The first book in The Heart of Cheyenne series, this three-hundred-and-four-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance about a young couple trying to find their way in their marriage while living in the wild west. With no profanity, topics involving illness, physical abuse, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending has a teaser of the next book in the series, the author’s biography, and advertisements. Set in 1867, twenty-year-old Marybeth is at a loss when her father dies and she promised to raise her two-year-old half-sister, especially when the local pastor wants her to give up the child. Yet her dear friend, Edward, who has lost his wife and son, devises a unique solution to marry only for convenience, benefiting both of them. When they move to rural Cheyenne, Wyoming, the two must rely on God and each other to get over their fears. ~ Why ~ Living in the American frontier during the building of the railroad had its many challenges, and this book covers the lawlessness and fear as well as friendship and trust in others. I love that the author includes Bible verses, prayers, and that eternal salvation does not involve works. The growing love between the struggling protagonists is well written. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story of learning to trust God while dealing with fear and anger. Others may not care for the repetition sometimes found in the story. The story is predictable. ~ Wish ~ Since this is a series, it may be helpful to include a map of Cheyenne and a list of characters. ~ Want ~ If you like a historical romance about the expansion of Cheyenne while two people learn to shed their fear and anger and join in a wholesome marriage, this is a great start. Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.