Steadfast Heart

Welp. I blazed through this one like my coattails were consumed by flames.

This was, without a doubt, another winner by Mrs. Tracie Peterson. The plot was different and unique in that the leading lady went on a trip and a secondary leading lady stepped in to bridge the gap while the first one was gone. I can see how this approach wouldn't work for everyone. Yet, for me, it seemed so realistic. As I was washing dishes while listening to the audio, I couldn't help but think it's a great reflection of life. We go on trips sometimes, for business, pleasure, or a mix of the two, and life does continue on back home without us in the days we're off having an adventure or business meeting or what have you. This aspect is not always presented in fiction, so it was quite refreshing for me to see it in this novel.

The characters were pretty great. A couple of them were rightfully annoying, the leading lady was charming but not a standout, but the one who really stole the show was the secondary leading lady, Abrianna. Perhaps it was the unity I sensed in the similarities she and I share. We both have red hair and freckles and can be quite the chatterboxes. It might also be that she had a servant's heart and wanted to do what was good and right and would make a positive impact on the lives of the people around her. She challenged people to try their best to do the right thing, and she lived that same principle out in her own life. These were admirable traits, which made Abrianna a character to not only enjoy but to also admire.

I was surprised that a serial killer popped up, but I always love a dose of mystery, so it was a good plot twist. Following the mystery was fun and engaging, and it was well written into the plot so that it felt like a natural addition rather than one that stood out as not belonging.

Two things struck me about Kolbein Booth. One, his name was unique and one I had never before heard... and I liked it. Two, his search for his sister, to save her from harm or soiled reputation, was admirable and exactly what I would hope for in a brother if I had one. This guy was a hero that I could root for, one that was strong and capable and chivalrous and manly, yet sensitive to the women around him (most of the time). He had his faults, sure. Which of us don't? But I found throughout the story that these fallacies were merely opportunities for him to grow, not reasons to condemn him.

Steadfast Heart was an enjoyable story that I recommend to anyone who loves a smart leading lady, a story-stealing supporting lady, a heroic hero, and a plot that will suck you in and not let go until you discover all the answers.

One extra bonus: This story is one of the very few that actually stands on the biblical edict that gossip is a sin. I was very happy to see this. It's rare to find a book that states that gossip is, in fact, a sin. Usually that sin is overlooked or even lauded, to make people feel better about gossiping, but not this one. It calls us to action to think twice about the words that come out of our mouths and challenges us to dig deep into the Word of God to discover the truth about the nature of gossip.

Content: tobacco, drugs, alcohol, tattoos, soiled doves