DISTANT HEART - Tracey Bateman
Avon Inspire
ISBN: 978-0-124634-0
January 2008
Inspirational Historical Fiction

The Oregon Trail - 1850

Toni Rodden is one of the many dusty travelers on a wagon train headed to Oregon. Her dream has come true. Who would believe that she has the opportunity to start her life again? At only twenty-two, she endured seven years of being forced to work as a prostitute. After receiving a beating that nearly killed her, Toni was rescued. With her faith in God, she knows that the only scar she will have is the scar that did not heal properly on her cheek. Toni’s strength and kindness will be tested repeatedly on the journey west. With her beautiful white blonde hair and shy smile, Toni has attracted the unwanted attention of a Cheyenne war chief, and now the wagon train is in danger.

Sam Two-Feathers is half Sioux and half white. Not only is he the wagon train's head scout, but he is also the preacher. Sam falls in love with Toni the very first time he sees her. But what chance does he have with her? As for Toni’s past, as a man of God, he knows of God’s love and believes in the forgiveness of sins. As Sam gets to know Toni, he believes that he will never have a chance to win her love. Can they admit their feelings for each other? What will Sam have to do to keep Toni safe from the war chief who is demanding the wagon train give her to him? Why do some members of the wagon train want Toni gone?

This is the second book of the Westward Heart Series. The trilogy follows three strong women, all from different backgrounds, who have overcome the stark reality of life. Our heroine, Toni, has left her past behind, and heading west, is excited about a new start. Even though her fellow travelers tend to be mean-spirited and cruel, Toni demands respect. She, who has the tainted past, sees through the petty bickering of the people of the wagon train. She even teaches them a thing or two. What dark secrets do her fellow travelers harbor?

Secondary characters round out the story. Fanny, the heroine from book one, DEFIANT HEARTS, is now a new bride, but despite her husband’s disdain for Toni, her friendship with Toni remains strong. Ginger is a pain; she is rude and obnoxious, but perhaps in the third book we will learn why she is the way she is.

Tracey Bateman has chosen the theme of beauty for ashes in DISTANT HEART. Toni felt scared and ugly and unworthy of love because of her past. Yet, when she surrenders to God, and asks for his forgiveness, the beauty of his love and forgiveness turns her past into ashes. Ms. Bateman has created a memorable heroine. She has embraced the pioneer spirit that was at the heart of those seeking a better life. Even today, that same spirit is all around us. I enjoyed DISTANT HEART, and I look forward to reading the final book, DANGEROUS HEART.

Deborah C Jackson