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The Hope of Cheyenne #2
Designed with Love
After being widowed on her wedding day, Emma Johnson moves to Cheyenne with her sister-in-law to start over. Emma's life has been marked by wild living and a desire for fun, but the death of her husband forces her to reassess her priorities. Her brother-in-law, Colton Benton, travels with them, intending to help Emma get established. However, Emma becomes wary of Colton's intentions, wondering if he is genuinely interested in her or merely after his brother's inheritance.
Colton, who has harbored feelings for Emma since they first met, is caught between his love for her and the pressure from his brothers to marry her for the family's financial benefit. As they settle into Cheyenne, Colton tries to balance his business dealings with the Union Pacific and his growing affection for Emma. His sister, with her simple yet profound belief in God, becomes a source of inspiration for both Emma and Colton. They embark on a journey of faith, and through their struggles, they discover that love, forgiveness, and a divine plan are intricately woven into their lives.
A master of historical romance, bestselling author Tracie Peterson continues her The Hope of Cheyenne series with a heartfelt and hopeful novel that is sure to delight.
Colton, who has harbored feelings for Emma since they first met, is caught between his love for her and the pressure from his brothers to marry her for the family's financial benefit. As they settle into Cheyenne, Colton tries to balance his business dealings with the Union Pacific and his growing affection for Emma. His sister, with her simple yet profound belief in God, becomes a source of inspiration for both Emma and Colton. They embark on a journey of faith, and through their struggles, they discover that love, forgiveness, and a divine plan are intricately woven into their lives.
A master of historical romance, bestselling author Tracie Peterson continues her The Hope of Cheyenne series with a heartfelt and hopeful novel that is sure to delight.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2025
55 people are currently reading
3015 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
263 books3,060 followersTracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.
pen name: Janelle Jamison
pen name: Janelle Jamison
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 27, 2025
I loved this book! The story of redemption and new found faith had me turning the pages so fast! I fell in love with the characters and the time period. The friendships in this story were my favorite, even more so than the romance. I loved the found family of the towns people.
*thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
*thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
August 4, 2025
In this latest novel by Tracie Peterson, we have a tale that is loosely based on the Prodigal Son. Emma becomes a widow just moments after her I Do's as her husband is shot by a woman from his past. Emma herself also gets shot. Upon waking up, she is confronted with her reckless and wasteful past and is determined to change. She's surprised to learn her husband had already written a will and signed over all he owned to her. Leaving her a very very rich woman with railroad shares, money, and investments.
Colton is her brother-in-law who has been in love with her for over a year. Now he's being urged by his younger brothers to do a marriage of convenience to his brother's widow to take back control of the wealth and railroad shares. They don't care how he does it--just get her under his control.
IN the middle is Rosie. Rosie is Colton's sister and Emma's new sister-in-law. Due to a an issue at birth, she is considered slow and was never taught or expected to learn anything...except Emma recognized that Rosie WAS smart enough and had started to work with her--and now she demands to go anywhere Emma does.
This leads them to use her inheritance and return back to Cheyenne...where she grew up and her family still lives. She's wanting a new start and to repair some past fences. Colton agrees to let Emma take Rosie and start fresh...but he's going to tag along to make sure everything goes smoothly. The brothers think he's going to make Emma marry him and save the family fortune.
The rest of the book is Emma and Colton learning to see how God isn't one to standoff. He is a God of love and new beginnings. REAdy to welcome you home.
I'm going to give this 3.5 stars because it wasn't that...eventful. Fairly predictable. No real meat to chew on. Just a good story. With some old characters back.
I'm giving it 4 Stars for the sake of Goodreads.
*Thank you to NetGAlley and the publishers for my ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
Colton is her brother-in-law who has been in love with her for over a year. Now he's being urged by his younger brothers to do a marriage of convenience to his brother's widow to take back control of the wealth and railroad shares. They don't care how he does it--just get her under his control.
IN the middle is Rosie. Rosie is Colton's sister and Emma's new sister-in-law. Due to a an issue at birth, she is considered slow and was never taught or expected to learn anything...except Emma recognized that Rosie WAS smart enough and had started to work with her--and now she demands to go anywhere Emma does.
This leads them to use her inheritance and return back to Cheyenne...where she grew up and her family still lives. She's wanting a new start and to repair some past fences. Colton agrees to let Emma take Rosie and start fresh...but he's going to tag along to make sure everything goes smoothly. The brothers think he's going to make Emma marry him and save the family fortune.
The rest of the book is Emma and Colton learning to see how God isn't one to standoff. He is a God of love and new beginnings. REAdy to welcome you home.
I'm going to give this 3.5 stars because it wasn't that...eventful. Fairly predictable. No real meat to chew on. Just a good story. With some old characters back.
I'm giving it 4 Stars for the sake of Goodreads.
*Thank you to NetGAlley and the publishers for my ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
July 8, 2025
Designed With Love by Tracie Peterson is a moving historical romance set in Cheyenne, Wyoming, during the 1870s. Through the eyes of Emma Johnson, a headstrong woman who rejects her parents’ teachings on God, and Colton Benton, a lawyer with no use for God, the author weaves the Biblical tale of the prodigal son.
The story opens with a younger version of Emma who had been dared by her brother and his friends to steal some whiskey. She is caught and brought to the sheriff. This sets the stage for a long talk with her mother, where Emma eventually reveals that she doesn’t want to be a Christian because “Christians don’t have fun.” Emma’s rebellion against God and her parents’ desire for her to obey Him set the stage for a future that will change her life forever.
Colton Benton has secretly loved Emma for years, and when she marries his brother, he feels the only sensible thing to do is avoid her as much as possible, which leads everyone to believe he doesn’t like her. Their lives are brought together throughout the book in such a romantic way that it was hard to stop reading.
While some people might find this book overly preachy, it had a clear plan of salvation that I enjoyed. The added character of Rosie, Colton’s little sister, was a delight, and I hated to have this story end.
If you like faith-filled books combined with romance, you will no doubt love this book. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest review.
The story opens with a younger version of Emma who had been dared by her brother and his friends to steal some whiskey. She is caught and brought to the sheriff. This sets the stage for a long talk with her mother, where Emma eventually reveals that she doesn’t want to be a Christian because “Christians don’t have fun.” Emma’s rebellion against God and her parents’ desire for her to obey Him set the stage for a future that will change her life forever.
Colton Benton has secretly loved Emma for years, and when she marries his brother, he feels the only sensible thing to do is avoid her as much as possible, which leads everyone to believe he doesn’t like her. Their lives are brought together throughout the book in such a romantic way that it was hard to stop reading.
While some people might find this book overly preachy, it had a clear plan of salvation that I enjoyed. The added character of Rosie, Colton’s little sister, was a delight, and I hated to have this story end.
If you like faith-filled books combined with romance, you will no doubt love this book. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest review.
July 5, 2025
Designed with Love is the second book in The Hope of Cheyenne series by Tracie Peterson. This s a wonderfully written story with strong caring characters. Emma’s mothers raised her with Christian beliefs, yet she longed for fun and adventure. When her husband is shot at their wedding, she decides to move back to Cheyenne, with her special needs sister-in-law, to be near her family.
This is such a good story with so many inspirational parts to it. I enjoyed the strength Emma has with starting a life over alone, and I also admire her patience with helping her sister-in-law to learn the things she was never given the chance to when she was younger. I enjoyed the determination Colton has with watching over Emma and his sister, the loyality he has with watching over his family, yet the strength he has to stand up to his brother’s demands and do what is right for all involved. I enjoyed how Emma and Colton were both taught Christianity by their mothers and how, years later, that now becomes important to them. This is a nice Christian historical story that has a growing friendship and romance.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.
This is such a good story with so many inspirational parts to it. I enjoyed the strength Emma has with starting a life over alone, and I also admire her patience with helping her sister-in-law to learn the things she was never given the chance to when she was younger. I enjoyed the determination Colton has with watching over Emma and his sister, the loyality he has with watching over his family, yet the strength he has to stand up to his brother’s demands and do what is right for all involved. I enjoyed how Emma and Colton were both taught Christianity by their mothers and how, years later, that now becomes important to them. This is a nice Christian historical story that has a growing friendship and romance.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.
May 27, 2025
What a beautiful book this was. It felt almost like a loose retelling of the Prodigal Son, in that it speaks to the Biblical truth that anyone can turn back to God. I love that Emma, the main character, understands God's forgiveness but has to navigate the process of learning to forgive herself. That's a lesson many of us may identify with as we move through the pages. It has so many meaningful lessons, from God's faithfulness to overcoming past regrets, and the story immerses readers in the rich time period of the late 1800s. The characters were warm and easy to fall in love with. As a new reader of Mrs. Peterson's work, I can understand why she is such a trusted and beloved author to so many. Highly recommended.
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July 19, 2025https://annafowler1978.blogspot.com/2...
3 John 1:4 ESV
" I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in thr truth."
WOW! What a beautiful story of forgiveness, love, grace, reconciliation, family, and redemption. The story begins with Emma, one of the main characters, who as a young girl decides she wants to turn her back on her faith to have fun. After the introduction, Emma becomes a widow on her wedding day. While dealing with her own injuries, she repents and turns back to the Lord.b.
Tracie Peterson handles the story of Emma's redemption story with great depth and understanding while weaving so many biblical truths throughout the story. There is the issue of special needs individuals from the perspective of Rosie (a character you will immediately fall in love with). There is forgiveness and reconciliation as Emma learns to acknowledge her past and what God's forgiveness and grace truly mean and to not listen to the lies of the enemy.
For me, as a parent, Tracie Peterson does a wonderful job of speaking several important biblical truths to parents: the importance of intecessory prayer, praying for the future spouse of your child, what legacy am I leaving, and to train up a child in the way he should go. Emma, along with her brother-in-law both grew up with godly mothers but turned their backs on God. Through a touching, beautiful romance, Peterson shows how God is always working in our lives and calling us to repentance.
This novel is a true grm: rich in scripture, tender in dealing with difficult subjects (special needs, loss of a parent, family dynamics, and the consequences of sin). Tracie Peterson weaves throughout the beautifully written story God's steadfast love and faithful character. While being transported back in time to the Wyoming territory, you will fall in love with Tracie's characters who have an appealing simplicity while a depth of understanding Gods love. More importantly, I hope that in reading this book it will help you fall more in love with the God of the Bible and rest in His promises and faithful character.
Simba gives this book 4 paws
3 John 1:4 ESV
" I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in thr truth."
WOW! What a beautiful story of forgiveness, love, grace, reconciliation, family, and redemption. The story begins with Emma, one of the main characters, who as a young girl decides she wants to turn her back on her faith to have fun. After the introduction, Emma becomes a widow on her wedding day. While dealing with her own injuries, she repents and turns back to the Lord.b.
Tracie Peterson handles the story of Emma's redemption story with great depth and understanding while weaving so many biblical truths throughout the story. There is the issue of special needs individuals from the perspective of Rosie (a character you will immediately fall in love with). There is forgiveness and reconciliation as Emma learns to acknowledge her past and what God's forgiveness and grace truly mean and to not listen to the lies of the enemy.
For me, as a parent, Tracie Peterson does a wonderful job of speaking several important biblical truths to parents: the importance of intecessory prayer, praying for the future spouse of your child, what legacy am I leaving, and to train up a child in the way he should go. Emma, along with her brother-in-law both grew up with godly mothers but turned their backs on God. Through a touching, beautiful romance, Peterson shows how God is always working in our lives and calling us to repentance.
This novel is a true grm: rich in scripture, tender in dealing with difficult subjects (special needs, loss of a parent, family dynamics, and the consequences of sin). Tracie Peterson weaves throughout the beautifully written story God's steadfast love and faithful character. While being transported back in time to the Wyoming territory, you will fall in love with Tracie's characters who have an appealing simplicity while a depth of understanding Gods love. More importantly, I hope that in reading this book it will help you fall more in love with the God of the Bible and rest in His promises and faithful character.
Simba gives this book 4 paws
September 5, 2025
“Emma, I will never marry anyone but you. I cannot ever love another. You’ve completely captured my heart. Please, please tell me that I might have a chance to convince you of my sincerity and win your heart.”
This is a beautiful story of redemption and love taking an unexpected path, with amazing characters, an age gap, and loads of faith and scriptural truth.
Emma is determined, loving, and kind. She has to deal with a pretty earthshaking event. I loved seeing her renew her faith and the way she leaned into it when she was struggling. Her growth was amazing. I enjoyed seeing her relationship with and trust of Colton grow. Colton is protective, intelligent, and loving. He’s committed to his family and loyal to Emma, which sometimes cause a little trouble for him. I loved his journey to faith. I really enjoyed his conversations with Edward and Rich. Emma and Colton have a few ups and downs, they have a beautiful, sweet romance. I absolutely adored Colton’s sister Rosie. She was an absolute ray of sunshine and exuded joy. Her relationship with both Emma and Colton was fantastic!!
One more quote:
“I never believed in love at first sight, but it happened to me with you. There was something about you that spoke to my soul. I wanted to take you aside and tell you how I felt. I wanted to woo you, but you were with Tommy, and I couldn’t intrude on that. He was my brother, and I would never hurt him by betraying him that way.”
Notes: 1)There is an on page death.
2)This book is the second in the series but works as a standalone. You will see many characters from the first book as well as The Heart of Cheyenne series.
This is a beautiful story of redemption and love taking an unexpected path, with amazing characters, an age gap, and loads of faith and scriptural truth.
Emma is determined, loving, and kind. She has to deal with a pretty earthshaking event. I loved seeing her renew her faith and the way she leaned into it when she was struggling. Her growth was amazing. I enjoyed seeing her relationship with and trust of Colton grow. Colton is protective, intelligent, and loving. He’s committed to his family and loyal to Emma, which sometimes cause a little trouble for him. I loved his journey to faith. I really enjoyed his conversations with Edward and Rich. Emma and Colton have a few ups and downs, they have a beautiful, sweet romance. I absolutely adored Colton’s sister Rosie. She was an absolute ray of sunshine and exuded joy. Her relationship with both Emma and Colton was fantastic!!
One more quote:
“I never believed in love at first sight, but it happened to me with you. There was something about you that spoke to my soul. I wanted to take you aside and tell you how I felt. I wanted to woo you, but you were with Tommy, and I couldn’t intrude on that. He was my brother, and I would never hurt him by betraying him that way.”
Notes: 1)There is an on page death.
2)This book is the second in the series but works as a standalone. You will see many characters from the first book as well as The Heart of Cheyenne series.
June 30, 2025
With the overall theme of The Prodigal Son, Ms. Peterson crafts a western tale set in Cheyenne Wyoming in the 1870s. Both Emma Johnson and Colton Benton could fit the role of prodigal since they grew up learning about Christ from their mothers and memorizing scripture but going their own ways as adults. Many circumstances arise to trun their hearts to God once again. The Gospel shines in this story as it does in all works by this author. She uses good friends and relatives of the main characters to speak spiritual truths to them.
A favorite character was Rosie who seems simple minded but is straightforward in her childlike faith and when given a chance, proves to be an eager learner.
An additional theme is restoration. God restores order out of chaos, rejoicing out of regret and joy out of sorrow.
This story gave me hope since I have several prodigals in my family.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
A favorite character was Rosie who seems simple minded but is straightforward in her childlike faith and when given a chance, proves to be an eager learner.
An additional theme is restoration. God restores order out of chaos, rejoicing out of regret and joy out of sorrow.
This story gave me hope since I have several prodigals in my family.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
July 24, 2025
I love this heartwarming, faith-filled historical romance read. It was a joy returning to 1870s Cheyenne to reunite with some of my favorite characters from previous books, especially the Vogel and Decker families! This beautiful story of family, friendship. and faith kept me immersed from the tragic beginning to the satisfying conclusion. The beautifully crafted cast of characters is headlined by courageous heroine Emma Johnson Benton and determined lawyer Colton Benton. I enjoyed how their touching, tender romance evolved. Although I adore Emma and Colton as a couple and individually, my favorite character is sweet Rosie. Her childlike faith is inspiring, and her quest for learning is endearing. I love how her story plays out. I appreciate the spiritual themes of forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation reflected through renewed and new found faith with emphasis on God's faithfulness and steadfastness. I highly recommend this book as a must read for Christian Historical Romance fans!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 25, 2025
Designed with Love by Tracie Peterson is another must have book! I absolutely loved the characters. It is like time traveling back in time and getting to meet some of the best people ever. Tracie Peterson's books are like Hallmark movies were back when I was a kid. Heartwarming, engaging, and mysterious. The characters' have difficulties that change their lives and sometimes these changes happen to be the best changes for each of them. Death, loss, hope, and love blossom on these wonderful action-packed pages. A brother who lost his brother at a wedding is now taking care of the woman his brother loved. Only he has come to fallen in love with her too. Now, she is suspicious on the brother wondering if his intentions are really good to her or just an act. It takes some misunderstandings and trouble to bring these two characters closer. With time, all is fixed and healed. But it is still up to them to make their future for better or worse.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
July 12, 2025
What a wonderful book! It shows what a great life you have when you give your life to God! Emma, living in Wyoming before it was even a state, lived her life seeking fun and excitement. That ended when her newly married husband Tommy was killed by a woman he had wronged. Emma realized that instead of living for herself, she would have done better to listen to her parents and live for God. Colton, Tommy's brother, later reveals that he has had feelings for Emma, but held back since Tommy was to marry her. Tommy and Colton's sister Rosie blossoms under Emma's friendship, and this character spoke to me more than any other character. Even though she was considered simple and unable to learn, she was interested in learning and being given a chance. Evidently her future husband saw good things in her and loved her as she was, and they married! This is a strong faith-based novel with a satisfying story!
July 21, 2025
Matrimonial tragedy. Unexpected romance. A feisty heroine. A reserved hero. Those are only a few of the elements dancing on the pages in Tracie Peterson's novel, Designed with Love. The opening of the book captivates readers with a heart-yanking scenario that twists the plot in unforeseen ways. Each chapter weaves threads of spiritual impact with the eloquence of a well-delivered sermon. Peterson brings her readers back to the 19th-century frontier through the eyes of her strong female protagonist. A tale of self-discovery pulses like a heartbeat, giving life to the redemptive themes that provide a strong undercurrent to the narrative. Rich in faith, the book brings plenty of Scripture to life. Doused with a clear Christian perspective, Designed with Love is a must-read for fans of Christian Historical Fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 5, 2025
Designed with Love by Tracie Peterson is book #2 of The Hope of Cheyenne series. This is a Christian historical novel. Takes place in Wyoming 1889. Wyoming is not yet a state but there is a railroad. Emma Johnson is widowed at the alter when he husband is shot dead. Colton, her BIL, escorts Emma along with his challenged sister back to her home in Cheyenne. She has money now. What are everyone's intentions?
This is a time period where a woman alone is not safe. Not safe to travel alone; not safe to live alone. There are many references to Bible verses.
This is a time period where a woman alone is not safe. Not safe to travel alone; not safe to live alone. There are many references to Bible verses.
July 1, 2025
This was such an uplifting read! It has a great plot, wonderful characters, and religious themes sprinkled throughout the story. My favorite character was Rosie because of her childlike perspective on life. I also loved the main characters Emma and Colton. They both made big changes by adding God in their lives. This is a great book to read when you want a wholesome, uplifting story!
Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 8, 2025
An enjoyable book in this series about life in Cheyenne in the 1800s. This wasn't my favorite in this and the prior series, but it was still enjoyable. It had a quite unexpected beginning. I just never seemed to warm up to most of the characters except for Rosie and Rob although they were secondary characters. A strong Christian message and no offensive elements.
July 22, 2025
One of the best books I’ve read this year.
August 10, 2025
Started out strong and then fell off. I would have liked a little more action or conflict.
August 10, 2025
Not surprised it is a 4.45 rating. Very wholesome book with a positive outcome. A little hokey at times but OK. I would read the next book in series after reading a different genre.
August 16, 2025
excellent book.
August 20, 2025
she's a good author
August 23, 2025
Delightful read!
August 30, 2025
knew where it was going but still enjoyed it!
August 29, 2025
"Love weaves together two determined hearts through even the most unexpected paths."
💭My Thoughts:
This book begins with a bang! Literally and figuratively. 😳 I was instantly pulled into the story and it held my attention all the way to the end. Emma's life shatters when she’s suddenly widowed on her wedding day, but her journey back to Cheyenne with her sister-in-law is a stunning tale of redemption. I loved watching Emma grow from a wild, pleasure-seeking woman into a kind, selfless heroine whose faith shines. Her tender, unexpected romance is torn between love and doing what's right in God's eyes. Truly a beautiful story of redemption and sanctification straight from the heart.
5/5 ⭐️
I highly recommend this book, as well as A Constant Love (book 1) And I can't wait for book 3 to release in October!
⚠️Topics to Note:
(All mild in description and handled in a sensitive, classy way.)
Injury by violence. Unexpected murder. Suicide. Reference to an extra-marital affair resulting in pregnancy. Prejudice toward a mentally impaired person. Grief from loss of family members. Absolutely no profanity or spice. Mild kisses only romance.
💕 Read If You Like:
•Westerns & Early 1900's frontier America
•Unexpected romance
•Gentle faith messages
•Kind, generous heroines
•Beauty-from-ashes stories
💭My Thoughts:
This book begins with a bang! Literally and figuratively. 😳 I was instantly pulled into the story and it held my attention all the way to the end. Emma's life shatters when she’s suddenly widowed on her wedding day, but her journey back to Cheyenne with her sister-in-law is a stunning tale of redemption. I loved watching Emma grow from a wild, pleasure-seeking woman into a kind, selfless heroine whose faith shines. Her tender, unexpected romance is torn between love and doing what's right in God's eyes. Truly a beautiful story of redemption and sanctification straight from the heart.
5/5 ⭐️
I highly recommend this book, as well as A Constant Love (book 1) And I can't wait for book 3 to release in October!
⚠️Topics to Note:
(All mild in description and handled in a sensitive, classy way.)
Injury by violence. Unexpected murder. Suicide. Reference to an extra-marital affair resulting in pregnancy. Prejudice toward a mentally impaired person. Grief from loss of family members. Absolutely no profanity or spice. Mild kisses only romance.
💕 Read If You Like:
•Westerns & Early 1900's frontier America
•Unexpected romance
•Gentle faith messages
•Kind, generous heroines
•Beauty-from-ashes stories
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews