From a Distance

Review by Audrey Hebbert Elizabeth Garrett is not the usual 1875s woman. She's headstrong, educated, and the daughter of a United States Senator with a love for the camera. Elizabeth travels alone from the East to Colorado mountain country just after the Civil War to continue her work as a photojournalist. There she finds formerly unpublished, breathtaking photographic opportunities, along with a good deal of prejudice against her as a career woman and against the black man she's hired as an assistant. Her lack of interest in romance doesn't increase her popularity, either.Daniel Ranslatt, a former Confederate sharpshooter, is shackled by his past, and he'll do what's necessary to protect his land and his solitude. When the outspoken Elizabeth captures an image that appears key to solving a murder, Daniel is called upon to repay a debt. He's a man of his word, but accompanying Elizabeth on a perilous journey could uncover long-hidden secrets and bring him into too-close proximity to the feisty photographer.Bestselling, award winning author Alexander captures both the beauty and the tragedy of the 1800s American life and love in a way that makes romance lovers cheer. Alexander lived in Colorado for 17 years before moving to Tennessee. Anyone who loves Colorado will revel in the great descriptions, along with her deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots and poignant prose. Other books by this author are Rekindled, Revealed and Remembered.

I have never read a Tamera Alexander book that wasn't good. She doesn't disappoint with her new series. The characters are likeable and believable. I disagree with one reviewer who didn't think Elizabeth was believable. She was absolutely genuine and very likeable. Josiah was a wonderful character also and the ending was superb. I look forward to the next installment in this series.

In 1875 photographer Elizabeth Westbrook arrives in Timber Ridge, Colorado Territory to take pictures of the legendary beauties, Maroon Bells. She also plans to photograph the nearby recently discovered cliff dwellings. Elizabeth has another reason to come to the Rockies; she prays that the clean mountain air and the hot springs will help cure her from a mysterious illness. Daniel Ranslett is also in town still trying to move past the Civil War and the guilt he feels as a Confederacy sniper although a decade has passed and he rationalizes he was doing his job However, Elizabeth's life is threatened when a picture she took becomes key evidence in a murder case. Daniel vows to keep her safe even as they argue constantly; he also knows what is ailing her and how to fix her health issue while they fall in love. Readers will believe that Tamara Alexander employs a time machine as the audience will feel they have been transported to 1875 Colorado Territory. Provide yourself plenty of time for a one sitter as interruptions will feel annoying. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing as both have issues to deal with to include falling in love and keeping her safe though their interests differ. Harriet Klausner