Beyond the desert sands

Isabella Garcia was devastated as a child when her parents took her away from their prosperous ranch in California to live in New Mexico, where they run a silver mine. Years later, she is comfortable living with her wealthy aunt back in California, but now, in 1911, her parents ask her to spend Christmas with them, and they arrange for Santa Fe railroad man Aaron Bailey to accompany her on the journey. Isabella and Aaron don't get along. He sees her as spoiled. Isabella hopes to marry Diego Morales and return to California. But what if God has other plans? As she makes mistakes and matures, Isabella learns to appreciate what she has and becomes more compassionate. The second of Peterson's Love on the Santa Fe novels, following Along the Rio Grande (2022), depicts a Mexican American family within a compelling historical context. Good read-alikes for Peterson's latest are novels by Janette Oke, the Mesquite Springs series by Amanda Cabot, and Francine Rivers' The Lady's Mine (2022).

In the uplifting second installment of Peterson's Love on the Santa Fe series (after Along the Rio Grande), Peterson follows a spoiled young woman as she learns the ways of God and the importance of family in the early 20th-century American Southwest. Bratty Isabella Garcia has always resented her family's move from California to Silver Veil, N.Mex., and after she turns 18, her father, Daniel, agrees to let her live with her aunt Josephine back in California. Seven years later, Daniel summons her to Silver Veil for Christmas, but she returns begrudgingly, bitter that she'll have to wait until her return for a marriage proposal from her suitor. Daniel sends his business associate, Aaron Bailey, to accompany Isabella and her maid during the trip. Sparks fly between Aaron and Isabella, but her self-absorption and entitlement give Aaron pause and cause him to seek God's direction to sort through his feelings for her. When Isabella learns that her father is in poor health, she must find her faith, with Aaron's guidance, to make the most of the time Daniel has left. The poignant rendering of transformation through faith will resonate with inspirational readers. This is another strong showing for Peterson. (July)