The three Gallatin sisters found themselves following
their father as his wanderlust carried them from place to place all
throughout their childhoods. When he settled the family in Gallatin
County , Montana Territory, the women hoped their wandering days were
over. They unexpectedly begin running their roadhouse alone after their
father is killed. Gwen, Beth, and Lacy Gallatin are different as can be,
but they love each other fiercely. Hardworking, selfless Gwen is
sure that she is cursed, and that she should never marry again or have a
family because she would lose them to the curse. The long line of loved
ones, including her mother, husband, and father, that she has buried is
proof enough for her, despite her faith in God. She finds plenty of
evidence of curses in the Bible, so her curse must be real.
When an angry stranger arrives on the stage, demanding to know which
of the sisters is his brother Harvey ’s rich widow, the women close
ranks. Hank Bishop is a rich dandy who is sure one of the Gallatin
sisters coerced his brother into marriage and then killed Harvey for his
money. He is positive that they are hiding the items he came to recover.
As Gwen discovers her dead husband’s lies, Hank is stunned by the
changes Harvey made in his life after moving west. Gwen and Hank are
bothered by the feelings they develop for each other, complicating
matters further.
Realistic characters, such as a boorish saloon owner, the local
deputy, and a funny pet cat, flesh out the rest of Gallatin County ’s
inhabitants. Tracie Peterson has created another historical series that
sweeps the reader away into 1880’s Montana .
I found myself reading funny portions out loud to my husband and
staying up late at night to read “just one more chapter” to find out
what happened next. I also enjoyed reading from different characters’
point of view, which transitioned easily throughout each chapter. The
story is well balanced with romance, interesting plot lines, and a dash
of humor. This book is more light-hearted then Tracie’s Heirs of Montana
historical series, but just as well written. It focuses more on the
characters and plot then it does on details of the setting. I would
highly recommend “A Promise to Believe In” to historical fiction fans.
