A Distance Too Grand

American Wonders Collection, Book 1

By: Regina Scott

Narrated by: Rachel Botchan

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession - starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

©2019 Regina Scott (P)2019 Recorded Books

Christian Historical Romance

I wish there was a bit more of a Christian theme, but this accomplished woman does grow in her desire and need for a personal relationship with God. I loved the narration and the exciting adventures around the Grand Canyon. I wasn't as big a fan over her insecurities and lack of self worth, but like reality, the more you understand God's love for you, the more you can love yourself!

The Story Flows like a River

I loved the characters, the story line, the visuals that were created and the display of God's character and Love. It was monotonous at times but I suppose a real expedition could be exactly like that, short of some minor mishap or major calamity befalling them. The author did break up the slight boredoms with a change of scenery every once and awhile. What better backdrop to write a story about unfolding love and God's goodness than the uncharted canyons of infant America? I will be listening to the next installment of this series.

Fun Characters

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
When a spunky photographer wrangles her way onto an 1871 survey crew of the Grand Canyon she thinks nothing can stand in her way. But her mind changes when she finds out she'll be working alongside the one man she doesn't want to fall in love with.

MY TAKE
The blurb should say Meg doesn't want to fall in love with AGAIN. She met Ben Coleridge when he was at West Point, and she was helping her father take photos of cadets. Ben fell for her right away and even proposed marriage. But Meg's independence is important to her, and she knows that his mother is set on him having a woman who will fit in society. And Meg, who wants to pursue a career as a photographer like her father, knows that's not for her. So she breaks his heart.

Now, she's come to fulfill her late father's contract as a photographer for a survey of the Grand Canyon. After convincing Ben, who's now a captain and in charge of the survey team, that if they want to go now they'll have to accept her services, they head out. The group is full of interesting people, all the way from the privates to the cranky guide.

They're pressed for time because of the lateness of the year, and they find they've attracted a follower. Thus begins a series of curious and wonderful experiences as they look for a route for travelers. Ben hasn't told all though. There's a mystery regarding his father who made the same trek two months ago and never returned. Forced together again, Ben and Meg's feelings begin to come alive again. But the reason she refused his proposal hasn't changed. When circumstances turn dire, each of them will have to decide what's most important to them.

The characters are engaging and the descriptions of the vistas are beautiful. My only complaint was it seemed to take a VERY long time to get to the end. When things start to happen, though, they do so quickly. It's got a sweet and satisfying happily ever after.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator Rachel Botchan did a great job.

4 1/2 stars

A unique read

What I liked:

*Meg's confrontation with the fort clerk to honor her photography contract for the Grand Canyon expedition immediately caught my attention.
*I liked the uniqueness of this historical romance. I have not read any books with a military expedition to the Grand Canyon using a female photographer.
*I found the historical details excellently researched.
*The narration was very good and brought the story to life.

Good story

The narrator was a great distraction in listening to this book. I almost quit 1/2 way through. I knew how it would turn out. But I plodded on and ultimately was glad I did. I would recommend a narrator who didn’t stumble over words in the future.