The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson's latest book in her Land of Shining Water series is called The Miner's Lady.  This is book three in her Minnesotan series.
Below you will find a description of the book, my review and information about the author. 

Back Cover Description:
When Chantel Panetta's younger sister claims to be in love with Orlando Calarco, Chantel knows there is no hope. The Panettas and Calarcos have been sworn enemies for decades, and young love cannot heal the deep wounds between the two iron-mining families. Yet, unable to resist Isabella's pleas, Chantel agrees to help her sister spend time with Orlando. . .only to have a run-in with Dante, Orlando's brother. 

Chantel can't deny the attraction that flares when she's with Dante. But when a tragedy occurs at the mine, is there any hope that the hatred that has simmered between these two families might be resolved? Or will Chantel's and Isabella's hope for love be buried amidst decades of misunderstanding?

My Review:
The love story in this book reminded me a lot of Romeo and Juliet's story.  Young people in love that are caught up in a feud between their two families.  Instead of the Capulets and Montagues, it is the Calarcos and the Panettas.  The feud has destroyed dear friendships all because of a story that has not even been told to the current generation.  The children are carrying on a feud that they think surrounds the killing of a mule, but the story is so much more than a mule.  I liked the story, but wasn't struggling to put this book down when I needed to.  It has a good theme throughout of forgiveness and the story is heartwarming, but I would probably only give it 4 out of 5 stars.

You can read my review of Book 1--The Icecutter's Daughter here and Book 2--The Quarryman's Bride here.

About the Author (from her website):

Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 95 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.
Tracie received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell and her daughter Jennifer.
Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women's conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA "Best Books 2011" Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love!.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max..
For information on having Tracie speak at your event - contact Noelle Buss at Bethany Publishers/Baker Books.


***I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.