A Distance Too Grand

Author: Regina Scott
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: American Wonders #1
Release Date: October 1, 2019

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. He can't afford to be distracted during this survey, which is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

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

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Reviewer: Abigail Harris

I expected to enjoy this book as a light and somewhat serious historical romance and what I found was that and more with the descriptions of the Grand Canyon, reading about the beautiful depths of the canyon was so interesting and is was as though I was there – which would be amazing – the details were written so we’ll. This did end with some sadness but much sweetness.

Recommendation: 16 up for romance and slight violent mentions (can give details if wanted.)

Verse: Deuteronomy 13:4 Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.(King James Version.) (Not only was this verse the verse of the day, but it also fits the book and how the characters needed to grow.)

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

The striking cover and the setting drew my interest in this historical fiction novel by Regina Scott. The Grand Canyon is truly awe-inspiring, and Scott captured the beauty, vastness, and danger of it well. The characters are well-drawn and engaging. I enjoyed Meg’s spunk and independence and Ben’s leadership and protectiveness of his team. Dot and Hank were favorites of mine, and their obvious love for each other was evident throughout the story.

I learned much about the photography process in 1871, the flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon area, and Army life during that time. The history aspect was interesting, and Scott’s descriptions painted a beautiful picture of the area. There were a few parts where I felt the story dragged a bit, and parts where I felt it could have benefited from deeper plot points, but on the whole it was a satisfying read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Abigail Thomas

“Perhaps she could fit in, just as she was. All she had to do was be herself.”

In A Distance Too Grand, Regina Scott reminds us to rise above the world’s expectations simply by being ourselves. The main characters, Ben Coleridge and Meg Pero, do just that. They go against who they are told to be and embrace who they truly are. Instead of following the generational path his father wants for him, Ben chooses his own, that of an engineer. Meg goes against her aunt as well as the constraints of society placed upon a woman of her time. She defies convention, denies marriage, and follows her father’s path of a landscape photographer.

The story follows the sweet romance between Ben and Meg, a romance that once was and possibly could be again. The slow build, the slow kindling of old feelings, was a journey of its own. Though the ending was, perhaps, a little odd, it utilized the humor that wove its way through the story.

I enjoyed the characters, each with their own quirks. Meg and Dot especially were strong female characters with a quick wit I could identify with. The men were given certain insecurities that seemed to resolve in part because of Meg’s listening ear and kind words, as well as the ability to meddle.

God was very much present on this journey through the Grand Canyon. Scripture was read, hymns were sung, prayers were spoken. There was even a moment where Ben remembered that God was the One who could always be counted on.

I would love to give this novel five stars, but something was lacking. Plot development seemed to drag, and was perhaps a bit dry, leaving my mind free to wander more often than I would have liked. Though I enjoyed the characters, the minor ones were difficult to keep straight, and character growth was somewhat lacking.

All in all, this was a great book, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light historical-fiction read.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

Regina Scott captures the stark beauty of the Grand Canyon with her eloquent prose.

The story takes you back in time to 1871 when expeditions were trying to find a way West through the Canyon. The perilous trip was so interesting as were the descriptions of early photography. The small band of explorers met several obstacles which were presented in an authentic way.

Captain Ben Coleridge is leading the group into unknown territory to take samples and chart the territory for a possible road and crossing point. Meg Pero is along to photograph the beauty and grandeur of the iconic landscape. She is fulfilling her deceased father’s contract with the Army to document the trip.

Meg and Ben have a shared history from their time at West Point, where her father took portraits of the cadets. It is now five years later and they have both changed. Meg is a feisty woman, determined to make her mark as a photographer in her own right. She is no shrinking violet debutante. Yet she seeks to please society’s matrons. Ben counsels her: “There’s only One who matters, Meg. And He forgives our mistakes freely. All we have to do is do our best. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.”

This book is adventurous and compelling. It is more than pretty scenery. It is a solidly written historical story with romance and some mystery.

A copy of this book was provided by Revell Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Susan Poll

What kept the pages turning in this was the unique storyline, beautiful landscape descriptions and lovable characters!

Such a grand story (pun intended) that keeps you locked in with the mystery and suspense of the danger all around. You never knew what would happen next. The descriptions alone made me in awe of the depth and heights they were looking at – almost as if I was standing on the edge myself! I adored the chemistry and spunky banter between Ben and Meg, also. Neat tidbits about historical cameras and what they went through for a picture. This will send you on a wonderful emotional ride with sadness, laughter, tears, heart stopping suspense, and heart-filling love and sacrifice.  So good! Very worth the read and it is now a bookshelf keeper.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are strictly my own.

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Reviewer: Liz Franklin

This was my first time reading a book by Regina Scott and it did not fail to meet my expectations! The first thing that caught my eye was the cover -- very pretty! And secondly the the word “photographer” in the blurb. 

I loved all the descriptions of the Grand Canyon -- it made me feel as though I was right there, watching the plot play out! Overall, the whole expedition plot was very interesting  and real to me! I did like that while this is still a love story, during the expedition, there were real dangers and they were focused on, not shoved away. 

The characters were all so unique! I was especially entertained by courageous Ben, headstrong Meg, and fiery Dot, but all the side characters were enjoyable as well.

The descriptions of Meg’s cameras and how she took her pictures were very interesting too, as I am interested in photography myself.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell Division through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Nicole Wegscheider

Regina Scott’s book, A Distance Too Grand, is a fascinating story of a military expedition staring at Fort Wolverton, Arizona in August 1871. This expedition is an information collection mission. It is comprised of military personnel and civilian personnel. The team leader, Captain Ben Coleridge, discovers that the photographer is not a man but a woman, Meg Pero, a woman who refused his marriage proposal years ago. Meg is authorized to join the expedition team. Both the photographer and the cook are the two females on this expedition.

Meg is a unique character. She is a photographer who was mentored by her father. After the passing of her father, Meg chooses to live on her own. She is an independent and adventurous woman, not the stereotypical woman of the 1800s. She has a passion for photography and is talented at her craft.

As Meg and Ben journey together on this mission, they make several discoveries about themselves, the truth about Colonel Coleridge, Ben’s missing father and the loyalty of team members.

Challenges are a part of life. The team experiences environment challenges and issues arise with two women in this a male-dominated group.

This military expedition has different elements such as territorial dangers, a villain, natural disasters, separation, romance and love. Author, Regina Scott definitely spins an intriguing tale. 

I would highly recommend the book, A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott.

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group Revell division.

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Reviewer: Melissa Glor

I very much enjoyed this historical novel set just after the Civil War that takes place at the Grand Canyon. The author does an amazing job at describing the beauty of the Grand Canyon, painting vivid pictures in my imagination as I read the story.

The book has a lovely blend of romance, mystery and a breathtaking setting. The mystery aspect kept me engrossed the growing romance between Meg and and Ben was sweet.

I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this new series, and I hope Ben’s sister, Diana gets her own story!

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

When I saw the cover and then the synopsis of this book, I knew I had to read it as it sounded very intriguing. However, I had no idea I would be given such vivid detail of the Grand Canyon. I feel like I've just been there!

The main characters have a past that connects them. But the extra characters in the story (my favourites were Dot and Hank) added both humour and a familial quality that made our little party of sojourners into the Grand Canyon a cohesive unit.

At times, however, the plot seemed to take as long as the journey our characters were on. While the author provided exquisite detail of the Canyon, at times I felt it was a bit too detailed. From Meg getting her camera ready to take a picture, to breaking down and setting up camp. To Meg and Ben's dance around their past, I quickly became bored with the little details and found myself skimming pages to find some excitement.

When the excitement did come, I was not disappointed. The added faith element to this book made an impact as well. 

With a satisfying ending and the promise of another book in the future, I look forward to reading more in this series. ​

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division.

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Reviewer: Abigail Harder

I knew as soon as I saw the Grand Canyon and that this book was centered around the Army that I had to get it for a review. Combining two of my favorite things, the military and National Parks! This book did not disappoint!

This book was beautiful and not just because the cover is. I loved it so much! I was hooked from page one and I couldn't stop reading until I finished. I love stories like this one. I honest to goodness do, Especially the romance aspect of it, but I'll get into that later!

The storyline and plot were unique and very well done. I highly enjoyed both. I have been to the Grand  Canyon before so I could only imagine how these different scenes were playing out in my mind. I love books set in National Parks so that also added to my love for this book.

The characters were darlings and I loved them all so dearly but the villain in our novel, alas. Meg, Dot, Ben, Meadow, Adam, and the other side characters my mind is blanking out on right now, were amazing and I loved reading about them and feeling like I was right there with them at the majestic Grand Canyon years before it became a National Park.

The romance was actually more realistic in this book than others. I loved how Ben pursued Meg constantly even after being denied. That shows true love and a willingness to get hurt for the person you love. One of my mom's friends actually has a love story like this and it is the cutest! So, I was very happy to read about Ben and Meg's!!

The faith content was good and not over preachy. It was used just enough and I loved how the characters trusted God throughout this novel.

In conclusion, I will definitely be reading the next books in this series and I will be looking into reading Mrs. Scott's other books as well!

FTC: I received this book from Revell through Interviews and Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

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