Nancy Pritchard’s husband is found dead one morning in 1879 and Nancy is left to take care of everything. She has no knowledge of her husband’s business or household accounts because her husband had taken care of that. She soon becomes aware that that was not all she wasn’t aware of in her husband’s dealings. One of his friends is trying to marry Nancy so he can get his hands on everything and Nancy hires a law firm to handle the estate and also investigate the mysteries behind her husband’s secrets. Seth Carpenter, an old friend from her childhood is working for the firm.

This book is interesting from a historical point of view. The characters are interesting as well. Nancy’s emotional / psychological quirks are a little hard to understand but the story is solid and I enjoyed reading it.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Secrets of My Heart is the first book in a new series by Tracie Peterson. As always, Peterson weaves history, mystery, romance, and God's grace into a storyline that is not only believable, but also very difficult to put down! Oregon history is woven into the story of young widow Nancy who is putting back the pieces of her life after the death of her husband. As Nancy reconnects with her family and friends from home, she also has to learn who she can trust and who to be wary of as she seeks to find answers to her husband's life that he hid from her during their marriage. This is a fantastic historical fiction novel that will keep you guessing until the end, plus leave you wishing the next book in the series was already published!

Another lovely story from Tracie Peterson!

Peterson knows just how to blend history and story, and this novel was no exception. Peterson did a wonderful job of outlining the ways people thought and rationalized their bigotry and racism back then, and it was haunting to see some parallels to the present day. The inclusion of historical facts and figures never draws the reader out of the story, which makes the story all the better.

Readers will love seeing characters from the Heart of the Frontier series again, and it was a pleasant surprise to see that all three heroines in this Willamette Brides series are the children of characters from the former series. It was so fun to see their children all grown up and having adventures of their own.

Nancy is a flawed heroine, which allows readers to grow along with her as she receives lessons in life, love, and faith. Her doubts and fears are all very relevant and relatable in the lives of readers, and Peterson does a wonderful job of creating side characters who help her through her struggles, and can in turn help readers examine their own lives.

4/5 stars

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

As always, Ms. Peterson never fails to pull me into her wonderful storylines! This was a wonderfully well written historical fiction with just the right amount of adventure, mystery, and even a couple of unexpected twists. A very young woman was left a widow by a man that she married more out of spite to escape her family. Early in her life, she lost a brother that she related to like he were her own son. This left her very broken and hardened toward God. Shortly after marrying him, she found that she did not gain love, but did gain all of the material possessions she could desire. This husband also discouraged all relationships with any of her family members. This was essentially how the story began, and it fully developed into a deep story leading to deeper relationships than she ever experienced before, and opportunity to heal her very broken heart and soul. At first, I was disappointed in the ending until I discovered this book is the first in a new series. This means that the little bit of an incomplete ending will likely leave a door open to pass into future books. This is always fun!

This author presented many very well developed characters. I love when I can picture the characters so completely that I believe I would recognize them if they were real people and I met them in person! It is a true gift to so fully feel like a part of a story that is being told. Every character was so completely different then all of the others. A truly wonderful array of eclectic characters make for a wonderful reading experience! I found myself relating with each and every one of them at some level.

I look forward to watching for the coming books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The first in the Willamette Brides series is set in 1879 Portland, Oregon, introducing us to the recently widowed Nancy Pritchard.

Nancy, left to clean up the disaster of her late husband’s life, discovers his illegal activities and involvement with some very unsavory, racist people. Unable to untangle his knots of lies on her own, Nancy turns to her faith and seeks God for help.

Meanwhile, needing an income, Nancy sets up her home as a boarding house and we meet a quirky set of loveable characters. As always, God’s timing is perfect. Coming into her life just as Nancy needs it is her old friend Seth, now a lawyer. After setting his sister up in Nancy’s boarding house, Seth is around to help Nancy. However, Seth has not been entirely upfront with Nancy. Will there be a right time to tell her that he is handling her late husband’s affairs?

Tracie Peterson continues to delight her readers in Secrets of My Heart with her markedly historical, wonderfully engaging and spiritually inspiring story.

I highly recommended this true rosebud of romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House, for the read of Tracie Peterson’s, Secrets of My Heart.

Opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.

Historical fiction by an excellent author. This is a quick read with some lovable characters. A recent widow opens a boarding house with the story centering around the inhabitants. There is a mystery as to what really happened to the widow’s husband, but that seems to be the backstory. The reader cheers for the protagonist and wants her to be successful. This author writes happy endings, so one is seldom surprised. I like that occasionally. Get a pretty afgan, a comfy chair and look forward to an enjoyable afternoon.

Nancy Pritchard became a widow under mysterious circumstances. Her life with her late husband was not a happy one, she did not love him and he was not in love with her. So she is not grief stricken and does not try to appear as if she is. Her husband’s love was his business and making money. Which she had no knowledge of all his business activities. He is found dead in the river and seems to have been involved in the criminal activity of selling fire arms and whiskey to people who in turn sold them to the Indians to stir up an uprising among them. Seth Carpenter arrives to investigate this matter and finds that Albert Pritchard’s widow is a childhood friend. He cannot tell her why he is really in town and then he becomes closely involved with helping her and falls in love with her. I thought the plot was good and kept moving at a steady pace. Peterson is an excellent writer and this book is no exception. Although I felt that the ending was incomplete. I guess we will find out more in the next book in this series.
If you enjoy historical romantic suspense, this will be a good book for you.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review.

Nancy's husband has just passed away. They were married for eight years. But she wasn't happy with him, her husband was a
distant man and Nancy kept her pain and secret inside of her heart.

She married her man she didn't really know and who was involve in an illicite trade...

She struggles to trust God since the death of her little brother when she was a teenager, she thinks that God does not really care and that he is too far and her husband behaviour didn't improve things.

After her husband death she hires a lawyer to deals with his affairs and he turns out to be Seth Carpenter her childhood friend who fall in love with her. Nancy will have to learn to trust Set and to trust God in order to find the true love she has always dream of.

It was an interesting story Nancy is a wounded woman she needs to turn her eyes to God and accept his love. She seems angry at God because of her brother's death
and it's something that God who need to heal in order for her to move on. She has to let go of her past,to lay it at the feet of Jesus. He is the one who knows the secret of the heart and who can deal with it.

I received a copy of this book and this is an honest review

"The Secrets of My Heart" by Tracie Peterson is a fiction book. This book is in the Willamette Brides series and is Book #1 . The story takes place in Portland, Oregon in 1879. Nancy Pritchard is a recent widow. She shows caring and kindness to people around her. She copes in an amazing way after losing her husband. She opens her home to have others to live there . She has a strong character. and supports those who live with her. What are the secrets of the heart and how does the story reveal them? Thank you to the publisher, netgalley, author for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions about the book are my own and not given to me. I will post my review on Amazon, netgalley Goodreads, my blog, our church staff.

I loved this first book in the Williamette Brides Series, which is a sequel to the Heart of the Frontier Series. We get to see what happens to Grace, Hope and Mercy's children.

This story has a great villain, one we love to hate.
Nancy took a little while for me to like and want to root for her. I'm not sure if it was her privileged upbringing or the fact that she didn't know how to do anything for herself...once I got past that part and she started trying to do things for herself I grew to like her.
The supporting cast is great and we get glimpses of Grace and her sisters. (added bonus)

The story begins with Nancy finding out that her deceased husband has squandered her inheritance and left her with all of his debts. Unsure what to do, she turns to the local attorney.
Enter, old childhood friend, Seth, who is a lawyer. Seth helps Nancy repay all of her husband's debts, but he has ulterior motives.
I thought the plot was good and kept moving at a steady pace.
If you enjoy historical romantic suspense, this will be a good fit for you.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Secrets of My Heart by Tracie Peterson is the first book in Willamette Brides series. In a way, it is a continuation of Heart of the Frontier series featuring Grace Armistead, Nancy Pritchard’s mother along with Hope and Mercy. All three ladies appear in Secrets of My Heart. Secrets of My Heart, though, can be read on its own for those who have not indulged in Heart of the Frontier novels. I thought Secrets of My Heart was well-written and it captured the time period. Indians were living on reservations in Oregon and certain people want that land. Other issues addressed in Secrets of My Heart is the education of black children and women’s suffrage. The arguments were realistic and prevalent. I like how the author showed both sides of the issues. We can see that attitudes of people in the 1870s is very similar to those of some people today (which is shocking and upsetting). Nancy is wrestling with God. There are many discussions on the matter along with prevalent scripture verses. I did find it a little much for me. I would have preferred a lighter touch. The mystery of Albert Pritchard was intriguing. It turns out that Nancy knew very little about her husband who was a private man. Unfortunately, the mystery is not fully resolved in Secrets of My Heart. There is a great villain in the story. It is one of those that you love to hate (and cannot wait to see him get his comeuppance). I liked that Nancy established a female boarding house. She had some diverse tenants from the reclusive Mrs. Weaver to the pious and proper Clifton sisters. The romance between Sean and Nancy is sweet and representative of the time. Nancy is naturally reluctant to marry again (her first marriage was not ideal). Sean falls for Nancy, but he is naturally worried about her reaction to the information he withheld from her. I found Nancy a conundrum. At time she claims she is too weak and tired to deal with an issue. Then she gets upset when she feels excluded. I would have liked her to have been take charge with regard to her deceased husband’s business affairs. I thought the book ended abruptly. I would have liked an epilogue that could have been an introduction or lead in for the next book in the series. The Willamette Brides series continues with The Way of Love which features Hope’s daughter, Faith Kenner who is attending medical school. Secrets of My Heart is a complex novel with vile villain, secreted stores, a bounty of boarders, palpable pressure, soul searching, and a tender romantic relationship.

(4.5 stars) - all things happen for good to them that love God

When Nancy's indifferent husband dies & her old friend Seth returns, it seems she has a chance for her life to begin anew. Unfortunately, her husband left the tangles of his sins behind & she won't be free (or safe) until the mess is unraveled. Thankfully, Providentially it seems, Seth is there to help.

This was such a good story! It was interesting to learn some of our country's history out West after the Civil War. The story is suspenseful & exciting. The romance is sweet & satisfying. And the protagonist's reconciliation with God is the best!

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

Tracie Peterson wrote a series of novels centered around the history of the Whitman Mission. This novel is a few years later, when the second generation has grown up.

In 1879, Nancy was living in Portland, OR, after her husband died and trying to figure out what her next move was going to be. Gerome Berkshire, one of her husband's friends, wants to marry Nancy for her money and to continue the sketchy practices her husband delved in.

As a surprise to Nancy, a former neighbor from Oregon City, Seth Carpenter, shows up with his sister for his sister to rent a room from Nancy. What Nancy doesn't know is that Seth has moved to Portland and is working for the lawyer who is handling Nancy's husband's estate.

Tracie writes a compelling novel with a bit of intrigue woven into the warp and woof of her plot, which keeps the reader engaged in her novels all the way through to the end. This is a five star novel with two thumbs up and a room at the finest boarding house in town.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the galley I read for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Secrets of My Heart
By Tracie Peterson
Following the death of her husband, Nancy is left feeling uncertain. In attempts to move forward, Nancy opens her home as a boarding house. The past, however, is not settled as Nancy discovers her husband was not who he claimed to be. Looking for help Nancy seeks out her lawyer who happens to be working with a childhood friend, Seth. Working closely with Seth opens Nancy's heart to the possibility of love. There is so much to discover of her husband's nefarious life will they be able to navigate a relationship?
I enjoyed this read. It was easy to follow the deception and sneaky makings of Nancy's husband's past.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

I was so excited to see that Peterson had another trilogy of books releasing this year. I immensely enjoyed her Brookstone Brides collection last year, so I was excited to start the Willamette Brides series, and it did not disappoint! I am such a fan of historical fiction and romance, so I think that’s why I enjoy her books so much.

I really liked the transformation of Nancy through this book. Her personal and faith journey were ones that I could relate to. She was a strong, independent character that sometimes got in her own way, and who doesn’t at times? I liked the plot of her story. I thought it was interesting to get some insight on Native Americans and what they faced from settlers in the Oregon territory. I also thought that Seth complimented Nancy well. They both had similar attributes, yet it showed up in vastly different ways that kept the relationship interesting.

Isn't this cover lovely? I sure think so.
Just when you think you know a person then bam! The start of a,good story coming down folks!
I just love Tracie Peterson. I love and respect her stories so very much! She never disappoints me. I look forward to her books! Each book has a charm all their own but I think this one is my favorite so far.
Nancy and Seth are the most intriguing couple I've ever met. I say this because their relationship started off pretty much like mine did with my husband''s.
First friends and you know what usually happens after that.
You will recognize some of the supporting characters as you read this book. I cheered when I seen who they were.
The conversations in this book sure was lively! Some was about slavery and abolition, animals or whatever they deemed worthy talking about that day.
Nancy is stubborn and tends to dig her heals in which is good of course (like my husband) but look at all she's been through! My goodness! But I was cheering for her the whole time!
I devoured this book in two sittings some of it on the city bus. I just simply couldn't put it down!
I liked Seth. His strength and support towards Nancy meant alot to me. He's good, kind, supportive and looks out after my friend. Friends are important to have.
Peterson weaves in faith filled messages throughout her stories and this one is no exception. I like that she doesn't leave anything out!
There does seem to be a bit of mystery that was also weaved expertly of course.
Who was Albert and why was he so private about his affairs? He sort of reminds me of my husband on this.
You'll just have to read this wonderful, amazing, awesome book to find out Albert's secrets. You'll not want to put the book down until you do.
I highly recommend this book.
My bc thanks to Bethany House and Netgalley for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I requested Secrets of My Heart in the interest of trying more Tracie Peterson and seeing which ones I like, so I’m not completely giving up on her after one bad series. . And while it’s still somewhat flawed, this might be my favorite I’ve read so far, given its overall focus on its central plot and the two main characters, giving me time to fully become invested in them, while also subtly introducing possible future leads.

I found both Nancy and Seth instantly sympathetic, and it helps that the story has one of my favorite tropes, friends to lovers, with some added complexities due to Seth’s profession. I enjoyed watching Nancy working to put her life together after her husband died, finding out the dark side of him he his in the process. I also enjoyed how Seth’s lingering affection for her came into play as a conflict to his own mission, as originally he has no idea the man he was investigating was married to his old friend.

There did seem to be an attempt at a suspense plot, and it for the most part was fairly solid, but I didn’t find that it had the most satifactory resolution, and I felt the book overall ended a bit too hastily.

There is, however, a lot of historical detail, and in it, I saw parallels in the conversations the characters were having in regards to the issues of slavery, abolition, and the equal rights, and some of the arguments, particularly in regard to the 14th Amendment, are quite chilling, in how that has continued to be an issue of discourse today.

This was more or less enjoyable, and I look forward to seeing what comes next for this series. If you like sweet historical romance with a Christian/inspirational center to the story, this is a great one.

Following her husband’s, death Nancy Pritchard finds herself in an entangled mess of race issues and criminal activity. She has to protect herself from dangerous men threatening her for information about her late husband’s affairs. Her childhood friend and lawyer, Seth Carpenter, comes to her aid.

Secrets of my Heart is installment #1 in the Willamette Brides Series by Tracie Peterson. We get to follow Nancy Pritchard’s struggles following her husband Albert’s mysterious death.
He is found dead in the river and seems to have been involved in criminal activity selling fire arms and whiskey to Indians. Now his dangerous accomplices come after his wife Nancy and threaten to hurt her family if she doesn’t do as they ask. Nancy’s childhood friend and lawyer, Seth Carpenter, comes to her aid offering to deal with the late husband’s legal affairs; only he doesn’t tell her the truth about why he is really in Portland. I did not know much about racial issues in Oregon in 1800s. This was the first time I got opportunity to read about it in a fictional work, which I found very interesting. I particularly enjoy books set in the Western USA. Being European I find these plots exotic

Nancy Pritchard became a widow under mysterious circumstances. Her life with her late husband was not a happy one, so she is not grief stricken, but she feels very insecure about whom she can trust. Nancy tries to stay active and get back on her feet, so she starts a boarding house exclusively for women. I can relate to her need to be of use after her husband’s death. I find her a character easy to like and she is my favorite in this story. She struggles with anger towards God and feels He has abandoned her ever since her beloved little brother died.
Gerome Berkshire is Albert Pritchard’s best friend and local politician. He offers a dodgy presence in the story and I really didn’t like him. While I didn’t like his political views at all it was also pretty clear from the start of this story that he was up to no good.

I found the writing flowed well and the dialogue was interesting and well crafted. Tea parties with good conversations on Nancy’s porch appealed to me and they drew me into a feeling of coziness and protection.

My favorite part of the story was descriptions of the 4th July celebrations at the time. They seemed to be so nice and entertaining for all. Quite grand and exotic to me, compared to the 17th May celebrations in Norway.

There is a strong element of faith running through the story with a number of discussions relating to Nancy’s struggles. I enjoyed Nancy’s process moving from struggle to being at peace with God.

Secrets of my Heart #1 in the Willamette Brides Series is a sweet and entertaining story recommended for fans of Tracie Peterson and for readers of historical romance fiction.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
My rating: 4 stars / 5

I have a lot of respect for Tracie Peterson. She isn’t afraid to fill her books with Christian viewpoints and lessons. This isn’t one of those books that are labeled Christian fiction but come across as mainstream. It’s the real deal. I also found every one of these lessons to be biblically accurate. So refreshing. The plot of the book was quite good. I admit that I found the character development and dialog to be a bit cliche. But this is a sweet story and a light read. I also love the cover! 3.5 stars.

A great start to a new series, The Williamette Brides. Readers familiar with the Heart of the Frontier series will recognize some of the characters included in this book. Years later, Grace's daughter, Nancy, having been suddenly widowed is surrounded by the secrets of her deceased husband. Can her childhood friend Seth help untangle the web of deceit or is he also hiding things from her? Readers will enjoy seeing the beginning of this mystery unravel. The conclusion will have readers anxious for the next installment. Recommended!