Land of My Heart by Tracie Peterson

Have you ever felt like you have been on a long journey? A journey full of bumps and bruises where sometimes you wonder where God is ? 

Land Of My Heart  by Tracie Peterson tells story of the Chadwick family. The story begins with an accidental shooting which causes the death of Mr. Chadwick. His family has mixed reactions to his death. His wife Susannah blames her daughter Diane for the accident and causes her nothing but grief. The oldest son Trenton has no desire to follow in his father's career. He is so angry by the death and wants to blame the Yankees. The oldest daughter Diane has always loved her father and wanted to help but when he goes out to protect her and the accident occurs. She blames herself and wants to make it up to the rest of the family. Diane proposes that the family move west to escape the Civil War and go to their Uncle's house.   The twins and her two younger sisters are game for a new adventure.



The remaining members of the family make plans to head to Montana where their uncle lives. The first stop is Saint Louis Missouri to pick up odds and in and then  head to Independence Missouri. They have to make sure they meet inspection by Cole Selby and his boss for the trail. Cole doesn't think this family stands a chance and makes sure that Diane knows this at every opportunity he gets. The family meets other friends on the trail. The Hammonds who are also traveling west on the trail and  befriends the  Diane’s family. Then there is Grace and Malachi who are freed slaves on the trail who also befriend Diane. Finally there is Griselda Showalter who is an ally and friend to Susannah on the trial. The family has a few mishaps along the way.


After having survived the trials on the trail they make it to Montana to find their uncle. Susannah expects that he would be here waiting for them. What she doesn't know is he doesn't know she is coming. Diane makes plans for the first winter in Virginia City. She is caught by surprise by her uncle's attitude but he doesn't know her either as a person. Cole helps her uncle to see who Diane is truly as a person. 



The message of this book is to not judge a book by its cover. You never know who God will bring into your life. Don't exclude what you could learn about a new friend. Help can come in the most unlikely places.

Ratings:  5/5