Destined for You (Ladies of the Lake #1)

Title: Destined for You (Ladies of the Lake #1)

Author: Tracie Peterson

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publishing Date: March 2. 2021

Publisher: Bethany House

Length: 336 Pages

Links:  Baker Book House | Amazon | Goodreads

About the Book:

In 1869, Gloriana Womack’s family is much smaller since smallpox killed her mother and two of her siblings. She lives in a modest cottage in Duluth, Minnesota, with her father and young brother, and she has dedicated her life to holding her tiny, fractured family together–especially as her father is frequently gone on long fishing trips. Their livelihood may come from the waters of Lake Superior, but storms on the lake can be dangerous, even to those who know it well.

Luke Carson has come to Duluth to help shepherd the arrival of the railroad to the city’s port, and he’s eager to be reunited with his brother, Scott, who recently moved there with his pregnant wife. Competition for the railroad is fierce, with the neighboring city of Superior, Wisconsin, fighting for the tracks to come through their town instead. But the real danger lies in a resident of Duluth who is determined to have his revenge upon Luke.

When tragedy brings Gloriana and Luke together, they help each other through their grief and soon find their lives inextricably linked. If they survive the trials ahead, could it be possible they’ve been destined for each other all along?

My Review:

I don’t know exactly what it is that has me so fascinated with stories that take place around the expansion of the railroads, but I find them highly intriguing and I couldn’t wait to pick this one up and dive in. Without spoiling, this story wasn’t what I was expecting but I absolutely loved it. I want a book to make me feel something, and this one certainly succeeded with that. I loved the characters and how Gloriana and Luke’s relationship developed. I like that their love blossomed through caring for one another rather than focusing on physical chemistry. Even in the midst of their circumstances it didn’t feel rushed or forced to squeeze a story out of them. It felt natural and genuine. As someone who is VERY picky about their romance in a story, this is saying something.  I really loved this one and highly recommend it. I can’t wait to see where the author goes with the next book in the series!

*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

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