Marybeth has just buried her father, when the local pastor and judge are trying to take away her baby sister! A close friend Edward steps in and proposes a marriage of convenience. He has been offered a job in Cheyenne, WY but is only available to a 'family man'. Determined to make a new future, they embark on a journey that tests their resolve to help settle a new territory and to remain only friends.

A great, rainy day romance. I live in Wyoming and love to read about books that happen in this state. The conditions in which the railroad people lived and endured is intense! I loved all the details and the character development. I recommend for anyone interested in Christian romance, wild west and new love.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for this e-galley; all opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I have enjoyed this author's books in the past, so I was looking forward to digging in. As a caveat, I don't gravitate toward a marriage of convenience trope, but nonetheless, I did enjoy this story.

The two main characters are well-written and likable.

I admire how Peterson weaves faith elements throughout her stories. She is very adept at doing this in a very genuine way that does not impede the development of the story. I love seeing how each character grows in his/her faith.

This ends up being a story about how to communicate, which the author handles well.

The ending did not bother me like it did some other readers.

My one minor complaint is the dialogue. Especially in the beginning of the book, it's a bit clunky because it's trying to explain things to the reader versus sounding natural.

I look forward to more in this series.

Tracie Peterson always writes a heartfelt and engaging novel. The reader can expect romance, historical American history, and Christian themes. Truly not many writers blend these themes so well! Edward and Marybeth both are trying to simply survive in the dangers of Cheyenne. They engage in a marriage of convenience to help each other. As we the reader should expect it will not simply end there. Attraction becomes love but not without some tears and finding peace in their faith and welcoming God into their marriage and life.
Truly a great read!
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Marybeth Kruger has been caring for her baby half-sister since her father passed away. She will do anything to keep her two-year-old sister. Edward Vogel is a good friend who is trying to get past the death of his wife and son. Edward decides to help Marybeth by marrying her so she can legally keep her sister. Marybeth must also agree to move since Edward has accepted a job in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The journey to Cheyenne begins and a hard life waits for them in this growing railroad town. Tracie Peterson has been one of my favorite authors since discovering her books many years ago. She is a fabulous author who can really tell a great story! This first book in "The Heart of Cheyenne " series proves to be another fabulous historical trip into the beginnings of the American West.

Oh! How happy I have been to find this book! Thank you, Tracie! This is such a simple story but so full of teaching and preaching about the power of love, faith and prayer. Marybeth is one of the strongest characters I've read in a while and her road to love with Edward was written so beautifully. The story has an elegance and a finesse that touches hearts, speaks to the soul and transports you in Cheyenne during the railroad building period. If you are a fan of the prairie life, of strong heroines and stories about self discovery this book is surely for you. A true gem that will remain in my list for a long time.

A Love Discovered is a great romantic tale of two souls coming together in hardship. Marybeth has lost all her family, leaving her with no one but her baby sister to love. Edward, a widower, receives the chance to sheriff a growing town in Dakota territory. A marriage of convenience takes place and their journey begins. This first book in a new series by Tracie Peterson has it all: romance, action, adventure, faith. I especially loved how the two characters’ faith was displayed throughout the book and in every situation they went through. Their gentle and slow relationship towards love was also very beautiful! I highly recommend this book.

YouTube review to come: 04/03/24
YouTube Handle: KeenCat

I love these historical fiction stories that demonstrate such details of the way of life back in the day when the west was still being discovered and explored....together with all of the dangers this entails.. I love Tracie Peterson and her style of writing! She never disappoints!

This was a wonderful story born of such loss and despair that led to matching up two individuals in a match of need and convenience. This mutual need led to a strong relationship of respect and support that both sides needed. Marybeth and her sister were given a chance at a more secure life, and Edward was given the chance after such devastating loss to rebuild his life pretty much from scratch. I truly loved this book!

Thank you, NetGalley and Bethany House, for this gift of reading this book in exchange for an honest review.

Not a “marriage of convenience” story but a “marriage of necessity” — and no! Not that kind of necessity.

The characters are rich in this book. I’ll mention first the guy I would most like to kick in the backside and then wring his neck. Pastor Orton. Hiss!!! And you won’t like him either! A guy you will like, Major Henderson. The character I loved was Granny Taylor.

The story revolves around three people: Marybeth Kruger age 20, her little sister Carrie about 18 months old, and Edward Vogel, widower and husband of her best friend Janey who died in childbirth, a stillborn baby boy. Marybeth understands because her mother died birthing Carrie. Marybeth & Carrie’s father has just been buried. Edward and Klaus Kruger were good friends, and Klaus was a mentor to Edward.

Now Edward is her best friend. Marybeth’s father has just survived and *that* man, Pastor Orton thinks Carrie should be given to a childless couple. Edward is on Marybeth’s side when the (in my humble opinion) so-called pastor tries to intimidate her claiming the baby will starve, etc.

Edward receives a letter from his former commander, Major Henderson, who is the law in the new town of Cheyenne. He wants Edward to come West to be one of his deputies *but* he should be married. And so, this is how the “marriage of necessity” comes about.

The town of Cheyenne is just starting in this story. It’s the end of the railroad until winter passes and bored railroad workers are a rough crowd anytime. But when they aren’t laying track, boredom leads to violence of every kind. The couple starts life in a tent of all things despite winter. Edward and Henderson work the night shift which is the most dangerous since men get liquored up and have no common sense. Edward had a law enforcement background but found it was different in Cheyenne.

The reader will learn how a “railroad” town starts and becomes a law-abiding place to live. I’m sure the author researched a great deal before writing A Love Discovered. The story builds and grows as we see the couple grow to more than be “best friends”. And little Carrie delights in having other children to play with–something that is new to her.

Tracie Peterson is an excellent writer and prolific author. I felt compelled to come back to this book over and over again. I’d put it down and then find an excuse to pick up my Kindle again. The next two books in The Heart of Cheyenne series can be preordered. And yes, I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “A Love Discovered” via NetGalley from the publisher, Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Series: The Heart of Cheyenne, #1 of 3
Cover: Nice. Attractive. Gets a reader’s attention
Pages: 298
Publish Date: 5 Mar 2024
#ALoveDiscovered #NetGalley #TraciePeterson

If you like Christian romance stories - especially historical ones set in the west that include marriages of convenience and friends to lovers tropes, you may really like this one. This story centers around Marybeth who has just lost her father and desperately wants to keep her very much younger sister, since Marybeth is the only real mother her little sister has ever known, but there are those who want to take the little girl away from Marybeth and give her to another family to raise. Her friend’s widower, Edward, hasn’t gotten over losing his wife and child during childbirth, but he wants Marybeth to be able to keep her little sister and he also wants to move west, away from all of his difficult memories. The town is really looking for a family man to fill the job he wants as a lawman, so… the friends join forces, get married (in name only), and head west where the Union Pacific railroad is planning to go through Cheyenne. Will real love follow? And will Edward overcome his fears of losing another wife? What about the struggles and dangers of living in a new, untamed western town? The faith element is very strong in this novel and remind us all to trust God.

A Love Discovered is the first entry in an new series, The Heart of Cheyenne, which will leave fans of Tracie Peterson wanting more. New readers will find a satisfying, historical romance which is quick and hard to put down. Tracie Peterson is a master of historical romances and this reader always learns some new historical fact after reading her books. Characters are written with just enough depth to care about each major character and the romance is always sweet and believable. Highly recommended to any reader who likes historical fiction.

I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, in exchange for an honest review.

I was interested in reading, A Love Discovered,by Tracie Peterson, because of it’s historical fiction theme about America settlers moving out west in the 1800’s. I also knew it was a romance novel about an arranged marriage. This author writes Christian themed books.
The story was a nice escape into a world filled mostly with love and goodness. The story is sweet and predictable and that was fine with me. I did find that the ending left me a bit disappointed. I would have liked a little more closure to the story.

A Love Discovered by Tracie Peterson was a hard book to put down. This "marriage of convenience" story drew me right in and had me stomping mad that a woman would have to take such drastic measures to keep a baby she loves.

Marybeth Kruger is in danger of losing her two-year-old stepsister, whom she has raised from birth, all because of an interfering pastor who thinks he knows what's best for the child. I'm so glad I was not born before women had rights because I would have bopped that arrogant, self-righteous preacher right in the nose! 

When he accosts her at the funeral of her father and comes to her home with a judge who threatens to take the child away from her (without even bothering to see how she is loved and cared for), Marybeth immediately says yes to Edward Vogel when he proposes a marriage of convenience. 

They get out of Dodge quickly and trade one nightmare for another. The very rough and wild town of Cheyenne. With very little money, they try to find a way to coexist without truly being husband and wife. But, as with all marriages of convenience stories, they both fall in love with each other. Unfortunately, Edward is letting fear rule his life, and it will take a huge leap of faith in God to help him truly love again.

I loved seeing both characters grow in their faith in God as well as their love for each other, despite all the setbacks they had. If you like marriage of convenience stories, you will probably enjoy A Love Discovered.

I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I love Marriage of Convenience stories and this one was amazing! Edward and Marybeth get married in order for Marybeth to keep custody of her baby sister after their father’s passing. Edward also needs a wife and family to get a job in law enforcement that is offered to him. However, the marriage must be in name only, he can’t risk losing another wife and child to childbirth. Edward’s late wife and Eloise were best friends so Edward and Eloise are friends as well. Of course, when love is discovered between them it’s hard to say no forever. I really loved this story! The characters are not awkward about being married they are just natural together and help one another. The author is so talented, and I just love her storytelling! The romance is great, and the Christian message is fantastic! I definitely recommend!

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

I loved this book so much! I’ll definitely be reading more books from this author. Most Christian romance books just describe a character that goes to church, or prays in their mind. This book actually describes the plan to salvation! I loved how this sweet romance could be used to describe the Lord’s love. Great story!

There are a few things that will automatically grab my attention and put a book on my TBR list. One is a friends-to-more scenario and another is marriage of convenience… and A Love Discovered by Tracie Peterson has friends who are in a marriage of convenience. Yes please!!

The heroine Marybeth is so lovely in spirit, and I loved spending time with her on the pages of this book. Despite the fact that we meet her on one of the worst days of her life and that she later faces harsh living conditions in Cheyenne, she remains gracious and displays an admirable inner strength and trust in God. Her 2-year-old sister Carrie not only has the best name (lol) but she’s also such a sweet little girl and instantly lovable. The scene where Marybeth is reading from the Psalms and teaches Carrie the verse that says, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee,” perfectly illustrates a childlike faith, and it’s one of my favorite moments between them.

Our hero Edward is one of the genuinely good guys in this story, and the way he steps in to provide for Marybeth and Carrie with an offer of ‘in name only’ marriage made him incredibly heroic in my eyes. Even if his stubborn refusal to risk losing another wife to childbirth eventually causes him – and Marybeth – unnecessary angst as their feelings for one another deepen past friendship, I don’t begrudge him those very human fears. I also thought the author portrayed his struggles quite authentically, including how he works through his feelings toward God and the moments (however briefly at first) that he lets his feelings for Marybeth slip past his carefully-fortified walls.

Bottom Line: A Love Discovered by Tracie Peterson begins her newest series with characters that readers will quickly embrace, including a fledgling little family born of need, based on friendship, and tested by life. We grieve with them over shared losses, we rejoice with them over God’s provision, we cringe with them over the harsh reality of life in Cheyenne, we wrestle with them over fears and frustrations, and we smile with them as love comes softly into their union. (And oh my word, I’ve never wanted so badly to purse whomp a fictional pastor – in fact I believe this is the first time lol – but he really needed it.) Edward and Marybeth are both layered and relatable protagonists whom I immediately liked, along with the friends they made in Cheyenne. I’m looking forward to reading Melody’s story next, and I’m curious as to which (or none) of the other females we met in book one will be the subject of book three. In short, A Love Discovered is a lovely reading choice for fans of Mary Connealy and Janette Oke!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I have always enjoyed Tracie Peterson’s books.
It was interesting how the characters came together and made friends with others.
Curious about the history of the railroad towns. Did the lawlessness continue when the railroad moved on?

I'm always so excited to read a new Tracie Peterson book. This is the start of a new series (The Heart of Cheyenne).
Marybeth Kruger is convinced she can care for her stepsister after her father's death, she has been left her father's house but not much money. The church is not so sure. I'll admit I didn't like the minister who stuck his nose in her business. Her best friend is a widowed man, Edward Vogel. Their marriage is a marriage of convenience, she'll get to keep her stepsister and he'll become a family man.
They move to Cheyenne, it's pretty lawless right now but this railroad town is looking to establish itself with law and order. Edward is a law enforcer and now a family man. This marriage of convenience will work for them both.
I enjoyed reading Marybeth's thoughts on being a young mother to her sister, the only one she remembers as her mother died at her birth. We also get Edward's thoughts on the danger in lawless Cheyenne as he tries to control the men who think they're above the law.
Edward and Marybeth both want this marriage to stay strong and work out but are afraid to let their true feelings show for one reason or another.
Carrie, the young girl is so sweet, smart and polite. I enjoyed her character a lot.
You can see how the characters in Cheyenne are trying so hard to just raise a family and have a normal family life and so many obstacles in their way. The emotions as you're reading the characters are experiencing become your own. I just wanted the best for these characters and wanted to see them succeed despite so many things against them. So realistic, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series.

Pub Date 05 Mar 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The historical aspects of this book were very interesting- life in Cheyenne before it was very settled, renting a tent instead of some sort of house or apartment!
I appreciated Marybeth’s devotion to her sister & her determination to keep her. I wish the ending would have felt more complete to me- felt lacking between Marybeth & Edward.

A Love Discovered, by Tracie Peterson, is the first book in the Heart of Cheyenne series. Marybeth’s father has past away leaving her and a very young daughter. The local minister is trying to take the little girl away from Marybeth. Meanwhile Edward’s friend has offered him a job thinking Edward was a married family man. Marybeth and Edward have both suffered great lost and decide to marry in name only.

This is a very well written, easy to read and imagine story that caught my attention from the very beginning and held it to the end. This story shows the depth of their friendship and commitment to each other. I especially enjoyed how realistic this book in with the feelings the women have of living in such a city, where women are scarce and it isn’t safe for them to be out by themselves. I enjoyed how strong the women are and how they watch out for and help each other. This is such and enjoyable story that is easy to get lost in.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

A Love Discovered by Tracie Peterson is a story about friendship, unselfish love, and overcoming fears and anger by putting one’s faith in God.

In this sweet marriage of convenience story set in the old west town of Cheyenne, Marybeth Kruger, who after the death of her father enters into a marriage of convenience with Edward Vogel, who is the widower of her best friend in order to keep custody of her little sister and in return helps him as his new job requires married men with families.

Life is not easy and both Edward and Marybeth putting aside their fears learn how to rely on each other and trust in God through the good times and bad.

Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite authors and as usual this story did not disappoint. I would highly recommend this story to those who love slow burn historical fiction with strong faith elements.

I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for this ARC of A Love Discovered by Tracie Peterson. All opinions are my own.