Title: A Lady of Secret Devotion
Author: Tracie Peterson
First published January 1, 2008
430 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780764205330 (ISBN10: 0764205331)
Rating: 4.11
Overview
Overwhelmed by the responsibility of supporting her family, Rosalind is grateful when she lands a job as a governess for the wealthy and influential Lady Montgomery. However, her excitement is dampened by the behavior of Lady Montgomery’s son, who is causing trouble for everyone around him.
As Rosalind tries to maintain peace in the household, she becomes increasingly worried about the safety of her employer and herself.
About the Author
Tracie Peterson is an accomplished author, known for her captivating stories in historical and contemporary genres. Her passion for research and creating characters that resonate with readers is evident in her best-selling novels.
Residing in Montana with her family, Tracie continues to craft emotionally rich tales that leave a lasting impact on her readers. She also writes under the pen name Janelle Jamison.
Editoral Review
Tracie Peterson’s A Lady of Secret Devotion is a charming historical romance novel that follows the story of a young woman striving to reconcile her faith and the love she has for a man who is not of her faith. Peterson is a prolific author of historical fiction, and her experience shines through in the vivid descriptions of the 19th century American West.
Throughout the novel, Peterson leans heavily into the themes of faith, family, and forgiveness with a nuanced touch that delves into the nuances of religious differences. The novel tells the story of young, headstrong young woman, Gabrielle, who has spent her entire life within the confines of a strict religious community.
Despite the rigid expectations of her community, Gabrielle finds herself irresistibly drawn to a young, charming Irishman named David, who harbors different beliefs. Against her family’s wishes, Gabrielle finds herself caught in a love affair that could shatter her world, as she must choose between her own desires and the expectations of her community.
Peterson’s strengths as a writer lie in her careful attention to detail and her mastery of pacing. She crafts a vivid picture of life in the American West with rich, evocative prose that immerses the reader in the story.
The characters are deeply human, and their struggles with faith, love, and duty are relatable and poignant. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
At times, the pacing can drag, and certain plot points feel overly sentimental. Additionally, the secondary characters are not given much depth, which can make their motivations and actions feel somewhat arbitrary.
Still, A Lady of Secret Devotion is a charming read that will appeal to fans of historical romance who enjoy exploring themes of faith and family. Peterson is a skilled writer who brings her characters and the setting of the American West to life with beautiful storytelling.
Fans of Peterson’s previous work or readers searching for an engaging romantic drama with historical significance will enjoy A Lady of Secret Devotion. Rating: 3.5/5
