Designed with Love

Author: Tracie Peterson
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Hope of Cheyenne #2
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Love weaves together two determined hearts through even the most unexpected paths.

After being widowed on her wedding day, Emma Johnson moves to Cheyenne with her sister-in-law to start over. Emma's life has been marked by wild living and a desire for fun, but the death of her husband forces her to reconsider her priorities. Her brother-in-law Colton Benton travels with them, intending to help Emma get established, but she becomes wary of Colton's intentions, wondering if he is genuinely interested in her or merely after his brother's inheritance--which is now hers.

Colton has harbored feelings for Emma since they first met, and he is caught between his love for her and the pressure from his brothers to marry her for the family's financial benefit. As they settle into Cheyenne, Colton tries to balance his business dealings with the Union Pacific and his growing affection for Emma. With his sister's simple yet profound faith in God as inspiration amidst their struggles, Emma and Colton will be challenged to believe that a divine plan is intricately woven into their lives.

---

Reviewer: Carolyn Bryant

I love this heartwarming, faith-filled historical romance read. It was a joy returning to 1870s Cheyenne to reunite with some of my favorite characters from previous books, especially the Vogel and Decker families! This beautiful story of family, friendship and faith kept me immersed from the tragic beginning to the satisfying conclusion. 

The beautifully crafted cast of characters is headlined by courageous heroine Emma Johnson Benton and determined lawyer Colton Benton. I enjoyed how their touching, tender romance evolved. Although I adore Emma and Colton as a couple and individually, my favorite character is sweet Rosie. Her childlike faith is inspiring, and her quest for learning is endearing. I love how her story plays out.  

I appreciated the spiritual themes of forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation reflected through renewed and newfound faith, with emphasis on God’s faithfulness and steadfastness. I highly recommend this book as a must-read for Christian Historical Romance fans!    

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Designed With Love by Tracie Peterson is a moving historical romance set in Cheyenne, Wyoming, during the 1870s. Through the eyes of Emma Johnson, a headstrong woman who rejects her parents' teachings on God, and Colton Benton, a lawyer with no use for God, the author weaves the Biblical tale of the prodigal son.

The story opens with a younger version of Emma who had been dared by her brother and his friends to steal some whiskey. She is caught and brought to the sheriff. This sets the stage for a long talk with her mother, where Emma eventually reveals that she doesn’t want to be a Christian because “Christians don’t have fun.” Emma’s rebellion against God and her parents' desire for her to obey Him set the stage for a future that will change her life forever.

Colton Benton has secretly loved Emma for years, and when she marries his brother, he feels the only sensible thing to do is avoid her as much as possible, which leads everyone to believe he doesn’t like her. Their lives are brought together throughout the book in such a romantic way that it was hard to stop reading.

While some people might find this book overly preachy, it had a clear plan of salvation that I enjoyed. The added character of Rosie, Colton’s little sister, was a delight, and I hated to have this story end. 

If you like faith-filled books combined with romance, you will no doubt love this book. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest review.

---

---

Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

With the overall theme of The Prodigal Son, Ms. Peterson crafts a western tale set in Cheyenne, Wyoming in the 1870s. Both Emma Johnson and Colton Benton could fit the role of prodigal since they grew up learning about Christ from their mothers and memorizing scripture but going their own ways as adults. Many circumstances arise to turn their hearts to God once again. The Gospel shines in this story as it does in all works by this author. She uses good friends and relatives of the main characters to speak spiritual truths to them. 

A favorite character was Rosie, who seems simple-minded but is straightforward in her childlike faith and, when given a chance, proves to be an eager learner. 

An additional theme is restoration. God restores order out of chaos, rejoicing out of regret and joy out of sorrow. 

This story gave me hope since I have several prodigals in my family. 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.

---

---

Reviewer: Diana Varela

Tracie Peterson’s first book in the series, A Constant Love, was such a good story, and I could not wait for this book. If the first one was good, this one was amazing! She shows rather than just tells the story. It feels very real, and I cannot wait for the next one. 

The characters Emma and Colton felt like such real characters. They stayed true to who they were as people. Colton was a protective and patient male character that I enjoyed reading about. A man who is not afraid to ask for help or admit his wrongs is a character I fall in love with.

The story was not rushed. It happened over a course of time, which felt realistic. I also love when there is a story with the side characters. So, it is like two in one. 

There are Christian elements in this book, but not where it is pushy.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. 

---

---

Reviewer: Lori Parrish

As always Tracie Peterson never disappoints me with her fabulous stories. I liked this one the best in this series.

Rosie is my favorite character. She’s sweet, charming and knows how to be herself. I love her child-like wisdom.She made me laugh and cry sometimes.

Emma was a stinker. Until her fun loving ways got her in trouble. I laughed at some of her antics. But I also disapproved of her not believing either. However, I kept rooting for her.

There are a few villains in this story. But not too bad.

I did learn a few things as I always do whenever I’m reading historical fiction like this. I feel like Cheyenne is an interesting town that’s slowly become like my home.

I didn’t want this book to end and I’m looking forward to see what she has next. This has been a great series, with this one being the best one.

This book deserves 5 stars and more. A few twists and turns that surprised me. I finished this one late last night. It was so very good! In fact, I devoured it.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.

---