From a Distance by Tamera Alexander: Book Review

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: Timber Ridge Reflections (Book #1)
• Length: 384 pages (Kindle edition)
• Publication Date: June 1, 2008

Tropes

• Forced proximity
• Opposites attract

My Rating

Book Description

“What happens when the realization of a dream isn’t what you imagined — and the secret you’ve spent a lifetime guarding is finally laid bare? 

Determined to become one of the country’s premier newspaper photographers, Elizabeth Westbrook travels to the Colorado Territory to capture the grandeur of the mountains surrounding the remote town of Timber Ridge. She hopes, too, that the cool, dry air of Colorado and its renowned hot springs will cure the mysterious illness that threatens her career — and her life. 

Daniel Ranslett, a former Confederate sharpshooter, is a man shackled by his past, and he’ll do anything to protect his land, and his solitude. When an outspoken Yankee photographer captures an image that appears key to solving a murder, putting herself in danger, Daniel is called upon to repay a debt. He’s a man of his word, but repaying that debt will bring secrets from his past to light.

Forced on a perilous journey together, Daniel and Elizabeth’s lives intertwine in ways neither could have imagined when first they met . . . from a distance.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Photographer and aspiring reporter Elizabeth Westbrook arrives in Timber Ridge hoping to take pictures of the scenery and wildlife. When her new friend Josiah has to leave town, only former Confederate soldier Daniel Ranslett can guide them through the treacherous mountains.

Reading about the photography process back in those days really made me appreciate being able to just tap a button on my phone!

While the beginning of the book felt a bit slow, the last third really picked up when Daniel, Elizabeth, and Josiah’s journey started.

I’m glad that Elizabeth eventually realized her previous deception wasn’t okay, and that her mentor wasn’t the best person to be emulating.

Josiah endured so much hardship and brutality without becoming bitter or vengeful, which is such a testament to his character. 

There was one loose end that I don’t recall being explained: Senator Westbrook’s response to his daughter’s actual job and reasons for going out West. Even though Elizabeth expressed concern about his reaction a couple times, it wasn’t brought up at the end.  

Favorite Moments

📸 the hot spring
🦌 flower delivery
📸 sharing the bearskin
🦌 tangled hair and a shoulder rub
📸 climbing up the cliff dwellings

Favorite Quotes

“No matter how many times she’d done this, capturing a slice of time on a piece of glass so that people far away could appreciate beauty they’d never seen, always gave her a thrill.“

Tamera Alexander

“To say that Daniel Ranslett knew who he was, was like saying that the sun knew a bit about shining. This man was more comfortable in his own skin than anyone she’d ever met, and she found that quality attractive. No, more than just attractive. She envied him for it.“

Tamera Alexander

“Daniel Ranslett acted the same, regardless of who was watching or what anybody else thought. Whether he was with a child of five or an adult of fifty-five.“

Tamera Alexander

“‘I gets up each day and I face what God gives me to handle, ma’am. Sometimes I fear it. Won’t say that I don’t. But knowin’ He’s already sifted through it and that Jesus knows what’s comin’ before it gets to me…well, I reckon that ought to be enough.’“

Tamera Alexander

“‘Way I see it, Miz Westbrook, if you mad ’bout him writin’ the truth, you gotta ask yourself why. But if it’s lies he’s tellin’, some folks’ll believe ’em. Some won’t. Best thing you can do is live a life that makes him the liar.’“

Tamera Alexander

“Truth is constant. A person’s perspective might be skewed, but that doesn’t change what the truth is. All it means is that a particular person is…mistaken, for whatever reason.“

Tamera Alexander

“What she hadn’t known then was that God loved her enough to intervene in her dream — to shatter it, to shatter her — only so He could put her back together and give her an even bigger, better dream. His dream for her life.“

Tamera Alexander

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