Nothing Short Of Wondrous is Regina Scott's second book in the American Wonders series.
I enjoyed reading the wonderful descriptions of Yellowstone National Park.
It was brought to life through the author's words and this armchair traveler enjoyed her glimpse of life in the early days of Yellowstone National Park.
Intrigue and romance will keep you reading this book full of strong themes of putting trust in God during trying times and forgiveness.
I am enjoying this series set in US National Parks and I look forward to the next one.


Pub Date: 20 Oct 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Explore Yellowstone Park in 1886. Widowed Kate Tremaine knows the area well and runs a quality hotel for visitors to the territory she and her young son love. The US Calvary has taken over supervising the national park so she is thrust into working with the officer in charge of her section, Lt. Will Prescott. Through their eyes, we witness the magnificent natural wonders and the dangers of this wilderness. The author did an amazing job crafting unique characters and a compelling plot to flesh out an intriguing tale. The book definitely stands on its own, but it makes you want to read more of her stories. In this novel, two wounded people travel through struggles and discoveries toward inner healing and deeper relationships. I found it heartwarming and encouraging as I also learned more of the history of Yellowstone. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

An engaging adventure, with captivating characters, bring to life the early days of Yellowstone National Park. 

Yellowstone is my favorite National Park, so I was thrilled when I found out about this book, I added it to my TBR instantly. And this book does not disappoint, Kate Tremaine is a widow raising a young son, and one of the first hoteliers possessing a lease on the new National Park. She is happy to help the Calvary as they take control, flushing out poachers and troublemakers. I admired how capable and ready to tackle a challenge, Kate is. She is a master at keeping multiple plates spinning, and is an excellent mother to Danny. 

Lt. William Prescott is haunted by his past, but determined to do his job well, but's hard to do when you don't know the lay of the land, so he asks Kate to help him. I loved how this book shows the wild beauty of Yellowstone, through the eyes of both Kate and Will, who make an excellent team. 

Overall, a quick read, I enjoyed every minute of it and was sad to see it end. Danny is an adorable and intelligent child, and I loved every scene with him in it. An entertaining, engaging read with strong themes of forgiveness, faith, family, and new beginnings set against the stunning Wyoming sky. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This must be the season of National Park novels. I have read and enjoyed several and have noticed a few more I’d like to add to my list. Nothing Short of Wondrous definitely lives up to its title and is a worthy addition to my collection. Set during the early days of Yellowstone National Park, the narrative covers many of the trials and hard work involved in establishing Yellowstone.

Both Lieutenant William Prescott and widow Kate Tremaine are strong characters who captured my imagination from the beginning. Kate especially was a hard worker, determined to make her hotel a success in order to obtain the lease she needed to continue the dream of her late husband. William needed Kate to help him and his team learn their way around the vast acreage they had been assigned to patrol. Faced with danger in every direction that included the wild animals, poachers, and even competitors, William and Kate found themselves fighting side-by-side more than once. Naturally their close working relationship was bound to develop into even more as time progressed.

With plenty of action, danger, light-hearted moments, humor, faith, and romance, Nothing Short of Wondrous also contained vivid descriptions of the wonders of Yellowstone that made me want to visit. As always, the author Regina Scott has provided me with a few hours of enjoyment as she helped me to step back into history through the pages of her book.

“She laid her head against his chest, as if listening to the sound of his heart. And his heart, the heart he’d buried eight years ago in Oregon, beat harder. For her.”

Wyoming is one state that I’ve always wanted to visit. In my mind I always picture it as a place of forested wilderness because my grandpap worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps there in the 1930s. Reading about Yellowstone National Park and the incredible terrain of the surrounding area somewhat surprised me. It isn’t a place that I would feel comfortable living in, at least not as it is in the novel, but I do think that it would make for an unforgettable visit, and I certainly enjoyed the time I spent there with the characters in this story.

Aptly named “Nothing Short of Wondrous,” this second book in Regina Scott’s American Wonders Collection, which can be read as a standalone, plunges readers into life at Yellowstone about 14 years after it has been recognized as a national park. Featuring a young, widowed proprietor named Kate Tremaine, Scott brings to light the challenges of maintaining the integrity and purity of the land and wildlife, particularly the bison, a task given to the U.S. Cavalry. Determined to protect her home and her son through her livelihood, Kate agrees to serve as a guide to the soldiers, including Lieutenant William Prescott, whose past haunts him. As they work together through several harrowing situations, they both begin to heal from the guilt that has caused each to shutter their heart. 

As much as I admire and love the main characters, the story would not be as fun or as complete without the secondary cast. There is seven-year-old Danny, of course, and the selectively mute but courageous Caleb. My personal favorites are Mrs. Pettijohn and Miss Pringle, spirited sisters who encourage and add light humor to just about every situation. There are a few characters whose motives I questioned, and I will leave it to fellow readers to tease out their own theories about these. 

Within the pages of this novel lies a message that resounds clearly in these chaotic days: that God alone is in control. No matter how much we plan and prepare, the unexpected is an inevitability. That is why we need to mature in our faith, spend time with God in His Word, and truly come to know Him, because when we do, we can rest assured that He knows the end from the beginning and that nothing will ever happen outside of His will. As Kate remarks, “I’m learning that God wants to hear from us. He wants to hear from you too.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Nothing Short of Wonderous by Regina Jennings

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Regina Jennings new series begins in one of the most beautiful places of the US and includes great descriptions, characters and a quiet love story that readers will enjoy.

In 2019 my family spent 12 days in Yellowstone National Park. We stayed at Old Faithful Inn and drove to the many tourist spots to gaze in wonder at the creative hand of God in that fantastic place. I hiked some hill or mountain every day and saw real snow for the first time in my life. Its one of my absolute favorite vacations I’ve ever taken and hope to visit it again. So when I was offered this new book from Ms. Jennings that takes place in this wonderful area, I jumped at the opportunity. How glad I was to see that she included so many of the best sights to be seen with enough detail to help my imagination take me back there in my mind. Her time period was definitely different but that made no difference to me. The story begins in 1866 when the US Calvary is taking over managing Yellowstone. Too much poaching and destruction of nature has been happening lately and without the Calvary’s help, things will soon become a real problem. William Prescott is the lieutenant in charge of a contingent of men sent to patrol the area between Firehole River and Old Faithful. The vast land is impossible to manage without a guide but no funds were provided to help Will hire one. Recent widow Kate Tremaine runs the Geyser Gateway hotel and is very knowledgeable about the area. Will and Kate work out an agreement that she will guide him and his men through the area in exchange for help with repairs to the hotel. Little do either of them know that they will become far more to each other than they ever thought. But they will each have to set aside the hurts and failings of their respective pasts and take a chance if they are to find love. They will need all the connection they can get when vindictive outsiders try to run them off the land. Will and Kate must stand together to fight against these outsiders and fight for the chance to be together. I really did enjoy reading this story. Not only for the location but for the quiet love story. There was no overtly passionate encounters, no creepy innuendoes; rather there was the sacrificial love of two people who wanted the best for the other. Will and Kate are attracted to each other but each is hesitant to speak up because of their pasts. Their slow healing of past wounds and finding their way back to God together fueled their fledging love and allowed them to understand that their worth is not determined by their mistakes. There was also an occasional inclusion of action that gave the story some good depth and kept it moving. It was also fun to consider how Yellowstone might have looked back before it became the huge tourist attraction it is now. Many pools in the park have been corroded by people over time and I was glad to read of Kate and Will trying to preserve the park’s beauty for others. While fictional, they are surely indicative of those who managed the lands and cared for the park in the past. I will certainly be recommending this book to others in the hope they will enjoy journeying to Yellowstone as I did, even if only in our minds. I’m excited to see where Ms. Jennings will take us next in this wonderful new series.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. As they work together to protect the park and stand firm through injustice and tragedy, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.

This is the second book in the American Wonders Series.  It is not necessary to read the first book in the series to read this book.  

Kate's only means of support is her hotel in Yellowstone National Park.  She has to convince the government representative to give her a 10 year lease.  Lt. Prescott is there to keep trouble makers and poachers out of the park.  This is Kate's journey to find love again and Lt. Prescott to find forgiveness for past actions.

This is a good clean book.  I recommend it to all ages.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Title:  Nothing Short of Wondrous
 Author:  Regina Scott

Ch: 29

Pg:  323

Series: American Wonders Collection book 2

Genre:  Christian Historical Fiction

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

     Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott the second book in the American Wonders collection. A series about the US National parks before they were National parks. Nothing Short of Wondrous takes us to Yellowstone as the US Cavalry takes control of the park.

    Lieutenant William Prescott enlists hotel owner Kate Tremaine to show him the park he’s supposed to help protect. She agrees for help around the hotel. Neither expects anything to come of it. But when threats and strange things start happening to the hotel Will vows to protect Kate and her son Danny on top of his US Army duties.

I enjoyed seeing Yellowstone before it was Yellowstone in these pages especially after having read Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett a book that showed Yellowstone as Yellowstone National Park in the 1930s it was nice to see where when and how the park got its start.




I loved the balance between the history of the park and romance between Kate and Will that was more of a slow burn but Danny was still my favorite character and even though it enjoyed this one my favorite of the series is still the first one. However I do look forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

NOTHING SHORT OF WONDROUS by Regina Scott is a story rich with historical detail, guaranteed to delight readers with its poignant tale of love, hope and second chances. This is a heartmoving tale about two decent people striving together to overcome hardship, proving that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in complete control.  This is a convincing historical novel in which Regina Scott writes with grandeur and finesse. It has a sweet, heartfelt and engaging cast of characters. True to its name, Will and Kate’s story is nothing short of wondrous. A life-changing story, set in the magnificent Yellowstone National Park, this is a book with great characters and a spectacular setting. The suspense and mystery of the novel does not detract from the interpersonal dynamics between the characters. The feisty innkeeper, Kate has admirable strength, ingenuity and determination. Regina Scott’s knowledge of Yellowstone National Park, its rich history and amazing natural resources, appeals to readers on different levels. We are spellbound and starstruck by the awesome beauty of the park’s majestic geysers, steaming springs and imposing wildlife. We get a glimpse into the lives of William and Kate as they share deeply personal secrets and celebrate the awesome power of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. I highly recommend this book to readers who would like to get the satisfaction of a really good read.

I've always enjoyed books by this author and this one is no different. The setting of historical Yellowstone is great fun to read about. The characters are well developed and you can't help rooting for them to be happy and be a family.

This was a new author for me but the book is warm and joyful. The characters are well drawn. The romance is deeply satisfying and I felt as though I’ve visited the park myself in this book. This will be an author that I will keep my eye on for up coming books.. Lisa

If you are unable to take a trip to Yellowstone, pick up a copy of Regina Scott’s “Nothing Short of Wondrous.” Her vivid description of its natural beauty is the perfect backdrop for the sweet story of Kate Tremaine, who runs the Geyser Gateway Inn, and Lt. William Prescott who has been sent with troops to protect Yellowstone from those who would thwart the law and damage its natural beauty. This is a tale of redemption and new beginnings. I recommend this book for those cold rainy days when nothing but a good book and a mug of hot chocolate will do.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book of the early days at Yellowstone when the Lieutenant Will Prescott and his cavalry troops have been sent to prevent poaching in the new national park! I admired widow Kate Tremaine who is running a hotel and raising a seven year old son. It was amazing that the bison population was down to 20 because I saw many bison when I visited Yellowstone last year! Kate agrees to act as guide to the troops and show them the dangers of the park in exchange for repairs on the hotel! She and Danny do not reveal their secret though! You will wonder about the guest who goes fishing every day but never brings back a catch! Kate's lease on Geyser Gateway is expiring and she is determined that it be renewed but Virginia City Outfitters is determined to run her out. A poacher, forest fires and a kidnapping all add to the excitement in Nothing Short of Wondrous! People who came to Yellowstone had only heard of the natural wonders without all of the media we have today and were truly amazed. Like today, they did not believe the dangers. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

This book was received as an ARC from Revell in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am in need of some good Christian Fiction for our collection since it is one of our most popular collections at our library and a lot of the popular books that circulate well are books dealing with love and family bonds and you could not get any better than that. The knowledge that Kate had throughout the book with the wilderness and the conflict of the US Calvary and their control over Yellowstone National Park and with her home being one of the affected targets, Kate will stop at nothing to protect it even if she develops a love with William one of the Lieutenants and they both protect the park and remember the power of God is always with them. I needed to read a book like this and anything that signifies hope is in existence and on its way, I can't help but have my heart feel warm and smile.

We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Nothing Short of Wondrous, by Regina Scott, is book two in the American Wonders Collection. This story takes place in Yellowstone National Park in 1886. Kate was widowed a year earlier and is now the sole owner of a hotel in the park that is in need to repairs. Lieutenant Prescott and his unit are new to the area and in need of help with learning where they can safely go. The two make a deal that he will help with repairs if she helps him and his men learn the area.
This is a great story that is filled with strong caring characters. The writing is so clear it is easy to imagine the colors and smells of the volcanos. The parts to me that stand out are how the men treated her, her son and her employees. I also likes the theme of forgiveness that runs through the story. Will is working hard to regain his spurs and Kate is struggling with her husbands death. This a really good, easy to read story. I got hooked right from the beginning and wish there was more to follow through on Will and Kate’s story.
I received an e-book copy of this story through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

Nothing Short of Wondrous
American Wonders Series - Book 2
By Regina Scott

Revell - October 2020

Inspirational Historical Romance


Kate Tremaine wanted to remain in the dangerous beauty that was now home to her and her son. She wished to protect the natural landscape and animals that lived there. She and her husband had come to Yellowstone National Park to run the Geyser Gateway Inn. Nature had made her a widow after her husband encountered a bear, and although the work was more difficult now, Kate still embraced this new life.

When she met Lieutenant Will Prescott, it was as if a new future was available. Oh not the man, she was a widow of only one year, but he brought great news and opportunities for her and her inn. First, she learned that she might have a chance at a ten year lease. But she needed to meet certain criteria, and her staff was busy. Luckily, she and Lieutenant Prescott were able to trade help. She could be a guide and teach him and his men the area. He would help with sprucing up the inn.

Will's assignment was as inspiring as it was treacherous. They had a large swath of land to oversee, but dangers lurked. Wild animals, fires, and poachers were only a few of the challenges they had to face. However after spending time with Kate, Will soon learned the greatest danger was losing his heart.

Nothing Short of Wondrous is simply a wonderful romance in a glorious setting. Yellowstone seeps through on every page as readers see Kate and Will navigate towards one another. It was fascinating to see Yellowstone through the lens of a historical, including the challenges of trying to save the animals and natural resources for future generations. Nothing Short of Wondrous was a true pleasure to read and I look forward to further stories in Regina Scott's American Wonders series.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

I've really been wanting to go to Yellow Stone park for a long time and this wonderful story has enabled me to do that. Her descriptive scenes made me 'see' the beautiful park for what it was. 
It's for this reason I love historical fiction. I bet the park is beautiful in person.
This is the second book in the American Wonders series by Regina Scott. 
When I read the first book I was really hoping that there'd be a second one. I wasn't disappointed. Not by far! In fact I cheered!
I loved this book because it offers hope, love and the  possibilities of second chances. 
I also love the throught of the adventures, looking at the park like it might have been before people came hidden dangers, and of course the romance
I didn't want the book to end because it was so very good!
Five stars for this marvelous book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own

An incredibly detailed story from Regina Scott!  Nothing Short of Wondrous is a sweet story featuring an intriguing look into the early days of Yellowstone National Park.  Though the story is a bit slow at times, it never lacks in detail or inspiration.  Readers won’t want to miss this enjoyable addition to Scott’s American Wonders series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott is the second book in American Wonders Collection.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not read A Distance Too Grand.  I thought Nothing Short of Wondrous was well-written with developed characters.  The story moved along at a gentle pace.  The author certainly did her research for this book.  She painted such a vivid picture of Yellowstone National Park.  I could envision the park in my mind with its numerous natural wonders along with flora and fauna.  Regina Scott really made the park come alive for me.  The story was intriguing.  The Calvary were working with limited resources to protect such a large amount of property.  It was hard to believe that people were out to destroy such beautiful animals and natural wonders (like the paint pots). I learned some interesting facts about Yellowstone National Park.  This book got me curious to learn more.   I liked the action that kept the story moving forward to its delightful conclusion.  The romance was nicely done.  I liked that it did not dominate the story.  We get to see people get to know each other while enjoying each other’s company.  They learn to trust each other as well as respect each other while they fell in love.   Lt. William Prescott had an issue in his past that drives him to be a better man.  I think it enhanced the story without adding drama to the relationship.  I liked the various characters in the story.  Alberta, the cook, was one of my favorites along with Kate’s curious son, Danny.  I look forward to the next tale in the American Wonders Collection.  Nothing Short of Wondrous has friendship, mystery, suspense, romance, action, faith, and family all woven together into one interesting tale.  Nothing Short of Wondrous is a multifaceted historical novel with perilous paint pots, a curious kid, a problematic poacher, besieged bison, a chivalrous Calvary officer, and an impressive inn owner.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book set in Yellowstone in 1866 in the early days of the park since I only live about 4 hours away from it.   Due to poaching and fires, the US Calvary has been brought in to protect the park.  Widowed hotelier,  Kate Tremaine, and her young son are running the Geyser Gateway Inn, one of the smaller hotels. but set in some of the most beautiful of the geysers, mud pots, and hot springs.  Lt. Will Prescott and his group are assigned to the area of the Geyser Gateway Inn.  Filled with descriptions that paint a beautiful picture of this wonderful national park, a hint of suspense, and a touch of romance, this story made anyone want to visit this amazing park.  The growth of both Will and Kate as they each recovered from personal tragedies was great.  Will had to learn self-forgiveness and rebuild his faith.  Kate had to realize that her husband's death was not her fault and that she had the strength and determination to make the Inn a success.  I suspected who the arsonist and poacher was before it was revealed, and absolutely loved the ending for Will.  

Scott's historical research of the early days of the park definitely brought this book to life.  Well written and historically interesting,  I certainly recommend it.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book  from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.