Beyond the Silence
Bethany House, January 2016)
ISBN 9780764214103
Book Description:
The shadows over this olive grove hide more than just the truth.
Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother’s dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. Murky rumors swirl around Woodward Colton, her new employer, but the gossip doesn’t match the man Lillian comes to know.
Still, something dark did happen in the family’s past. Lillian’s seven-year-old charge hasn’t spoken in over a year. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he’ll one day feel safe enough to share what scared him. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. When the housekeeper is brutally attacked, the town once again suspects the worst.
Will discovering the truth help Lillian clear the name of the man she has come to love – or will it endanger her even more?
Authors:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com.
Kimberley Woodhouse is a multi-published author of fiction and nonfiction. A popular speaker/teacher, she’s shared her theme of Joy Through Trials with over 150,000 people at more than a thousand venues across the country. She lives, writes, and homeschools with her husband of twenty-plus years and their two awesome teens live in Colorado. Connect with Kim at www.kimberleywoodhouse.com.
Review:  [rating=4]
I love historical novels and this one had me entranced from the very beginning.
Lillian’s strong character and faith in God was inspiring. The way she won the hearts of Jimmy, Woodward and Mrs Goodman in a short time with her sensitivity and sensible outlook is very charming. How God works through her to bring healing to them and to Harry, the brother of the villain is wonderful. In turn, their love and faith in her brings healing to Lillian of the pain she feels when her grandfather severs ties with her.
The underlying message of how gossip can lead to so much evil and cause people to be disheartened and ostracized is very powerful.
The story was emotionally appealing and the characters and plot kept me engaged until the end.

Disclosure: I received the book from Litfuse via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.