~ REVIEW & SPOTLIGHT, 'IN PLACES HIDDEN' ~

~ REVIEW & BOOK SPOTLIGHT ~

-- 'In Places Hidden', Golden Gate Secrets Book One --

~ Written by Award-Winning Author, Tracie Peterson ~

ABOUT THE BOOK:
 

The search for her missing brother leads to the most dangerous part of the city . . .

Camrianne Coulter's brother Caleb is a successful San Francisco attorney. But when three months go by without a word from the usually communicative Caleb, Camri boards a train to the booming West Coast city to find out for herself why he hasn't written. When she arrives at his home, nobody seems to know where he is, or what has become of him.

Camri's search for her brother leads her deep into the political corruption of the city--and into the acquaintance of Patrick Murdock, who Caleb successfully defended from a false murder charge. Getting to know this handsome Irish contractor challenges all of Camri's privileged beliefs, but Patrick is unshakably loyal to her brother, and he seems to know more about what happened to Caleb than anyone else. As the two edge closer to the truth behind Caleb's disappearance, they risk angering the powerful forces that control the city. Can Camri trust Patrick to protect her from the dangers that lie hidden in San Francisco's backstreets?

LINK TO EXCERPT

------------------------ 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com

LINK TO AUTHOR Q & A
----------------------- 
MY REVIEW:

I was eager to read this novel because it is set in San Francisco in 1905. I was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and have spent a lot of time there over the years. I think it's fun to read a story set in a location with which I'm familiar. Also, I have read dozens of Tracie Peterson's historical novels, and I count her among my top ten favorite authors.

The story begins with Camri Coulter's arrival in San Francisco in late November, 1905. She has been sent from Chicago on a mission by her parents to find her missing brother, Caleb, an attorney in San Francisco. Her two previously unknown traveling companions on the train accompany her to Caleb's home as they need a place to stay due to their own misfortunes. The three women forge close friendships during the course of the book.

Kenzie Gifford is a jilted bride from Missouri who was stood up at the altar by her fiancee. She is searching for a new life--one which will allow her to find peace and happiness after the shame suffered by her family because of Kenzie's becoming an abandoned bride.

Judith Gladstone from Colorado is searching for an aunt she never knew existed until her mother passed away. While she was going through her mother's belongings, Judith found an old letter from many years ago addressed to Edith Whitley in San Francisco. She surmised from the contents of the letter that Edith was the older sister of Judith's late mother.

In the course of looking for her brother, Camri meets a former client of her brother's, Patrick Murdock. Patrick is a poor Irish immigrant who is out of work most of the time. Camri is led to believe Patrick has something to do with Caleb's disappearance by Caleb's employer.

The relationship Camri forms with Patrick's terminally ill sister, Ophelia, is touching and heartwarming. I don't want to say too much so as to spoil the story, but this was one of my favorite threads in the book. Ophelia is a beautiful soul with a kind, loving spirit filled with faith and hope.

Camri is persistent in her investigation of the circumstances surrounding Caleb's disappearance, and she is led into some of the more unsavory areas of the City as the time such as the Barbary Coast. Her determination and moxie are admirable.

Camri is a highly-educated woman for the time period, and she ruffles lots of feathers by insinuating that her new friends need to be more educated and liberated to be happy in their lives. She is a bit haughty and arrogant at times, and she learns a lot about how to treat people who are different than she by talking to her new friends, including Patrick Murdock.

As usual, the author has done her research about the San Francisco Bay Area, the clothing and customs of the era, and the lifestyles of the wealthy and poor for the time period. The story is enriched by the author's knowledge of what went on in San Francisco at the turn of the twentieth century.

Corruption, prejudice, poor treatment of immigrants, and the differences between the economic status of various groups are all included in this fantastic novel. The book flows seamlessly, and I'm eager to read the rest of the books in this series.

Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, California history, mysteries, suspense, romance, inspirational fiction, and Christian fiction.

I received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation from any party for posting my review on this blog or any other site.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

 -- Friday, April 13th: Book Spotlight and Snippet for 'A Place Called Hope'. SLB Tours.
 
-- Monday, April 16th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Post: TBA.
 
--  Tuesday, April 17th:  'Julie' by Author Catherine Marshall. Book Blitz Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity. Includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway!
 
--  Wednesday, April 18th: 'Better With You' by Author Rachel John. Promo Post hosted by I Am A Reader. Includes a giveaway!

--  Thursday, April 19th:  'Whitcomb Springs' Trio April Blast with $50 Giveaway. Promo hosted by I Am A Reader.

--  Friday, April 20th:  'The Burnheart Redemption' Book Spotlight and Snippet. Hosted by SLB Tours.

# # # # #