Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together…until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne’s youngest sisters. Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated.

Years later, Emmalyne’s family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne’s father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin’s father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.

Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?

This is the second in a series of books by Tracie Peterson that takes place in 1800’s Minnesota. I am always drawn to books that take place in my home state because I tend to know the places they are talking about and can understand much of the culture and trends that are going on. Emmalyne’s family is of Scottish origin and has a lot of the old traditions, like the one that forces her to take care of her parents and give up the engagement to the love of her life Tavin.

The story itself for this was one good, and emotional taking a lot of turns and a family as well as the people as individuals all learned how to grow and love. The biggest lesson learned by this book is that it is never to late for love. Whether it is love of a man and a woman who wish to marry, or the love of a father. I am looking forward to reading the next of this series, because the characters are so enjoyable and loveable. Tavin by far was the one who I most connected with.

My one and only complaint and I am sure it is because I got an early copy from Netgalley (very glad to have it as well!) is that there were a lot of formatting errors that needed correcting. F’s were missing among other things. Otherwise it was a perfect read.

My Gemstone Rating: