About the Book
Title: Over the Horizon
Series: Horizon Series, Bk 1
Author: Penny Zeller
Released: July 18, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
A most unusual proposal…
Alone in 1870s Idaho Territory, Paisley Abbott has nowhere to turn. With no other options, she finds herself consenting to an unconventional, but mutually beneficial agreement.
During an unplanned return to his family’s farm, prodigal Tyler Shepherdson inherits three orphans. When Tyler finds a woman hiding in the back of his wagon, an idea begins to form and he makes a rash decision that results in perhaps one of the most spontaneous marriages of convenience ever.
Despite an unorthodox beginning to their marriage, will Paisley and Tyler trust God as they forge ahead to create a home for three children? Will love arise from a desperate situation?
In the first book in the Horizon Series, travel to the late 1800s to the town of Horizon in the Idaho Territory with a cast of unforgettable characters, journeys of faith, and abundant humor.
About the Author
Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.
Today Penny is a multi-published author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.
When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.
Penny is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website, http://www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, http://www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks. To sign up for her monthly newsletter with book news and other fun morsels, go to https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/262119/74964679867237940
My Impressions
“You will marry me, Paisley. Your pa agreed to it.”
“…she was desperate. And sometimes, in those extremely desperate moments, one does foolish things.”
Penny Zeller is an upcoming author I look for, esp. in the world of historical fiction. Over the Horizon, book one of her series, Horizon, is set in Idaho Territory in 1872. I was quickly drawn into the narrative as Paisley Abbott resists the bullying attempts of Ivan Marchesi to marry her.
While Paisley’s escape isn’t unique in the book or movie world, the events, communication, and thoughts leading to her marriage to Tyler kept me reading. I love marriage of convenience stories, and loved seeing how much Paisley and Tyler had to learn to adjust in order to make the marriage work. “Besides, if he wanted his new marriage to grow and succeed, he’d have to mend the tension between them, just like mending the broken fence.” So realistic, this novel!! So like real life in its conflicts for newlyweds and new parents, esp. for those who are foster or adoptive parents. If you love children, your heart will go out to Albert, Lucy, and little Mae!!
I loved how Paisley kept the faith by reminding herself of God’s faithfulness in the past! We need to do the same in our own lives.
Paisley and Tyler’s problems, including those with Ivan, seem to increase after the marriage. The marriage is not easy, contrary to Tyler’s expectations. “…he knew nothing about being a father. Being a husband was likely much easier.” This made me howl!
Another recurring event that made me LOL was the way that Paisley wouldn’t lie. But she sure found some interesting, unique ways of tiptoeing around the truth!
I highly recommend this book! It is so heartwarming as it tells of five unique characters thrown together to create a family! Shades of late 1800s western Brady Bunch concept.
After reading the advance blurb for the next book, I cannot wait! It will be Mae’s story!
I received a copy of the book from the author. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“While he was ill-equipped at being a father and the burdens of caring for his new family seemed all too much, he would succeed by the grace of God.”
“Just remember, when you marry, it’s a vow forever—through the good, through the bad, and through the times in the middle.
“Say the right word this time, Tyler. Your future, and perhaps your life, may depend on it.”
“However, I serve a God who is the Author of miracles.”
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magnificent!
I felt like I was watching a reality show from the 1880s, if they had them then! But the main players were determined to follow God.
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions 