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To Honor and Trust is the third novel in the Bridal Veil Island series by co-authors Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller. The novel, set on the fictional Georgia Sea Island of Bridal Veil in the winter of 1913, can be read as a standalone.

Callie DeBoyer is a young tutor to the wealthy Bridgeport family that winters at the resort on Bridal Veil Island. Her heart broken by an unfaithful and deceitful fiance, she has vowed to never marry, but devote herself to where God wants her. That question, however, has not been answered yet. She is torn between her current position, returning to teaching in Chicago or joining her parents at their mission in Africa. Wesley Townsend’s family is pressuring him to join the family business and settle down with a wife. Reluctant to do either, he is also unsure of where his future lies. When the two meet, there is instant attraction, but through a series of misunderstandings and purposeful omissions, their future together is far from certain.

To Honor And Trust is a sweet, yet predictable romance. The setting of a resort on the order of Jekyll Island is interesting, but not as prominent as in the first two books. The characters are likable even in their indecisiveness. I especially like the character of Maude, and was a bit disappointed by her treatment in the end. Without giving anything away, I had hoped she would be redeemed by the authors. Not my favorite of the three novels in the series, it will, nevertheless, appeal to those who like romances with historical settings.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book for review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Where I got the book: review copy from the Historical Novel Society. This review first appeared on the HNS website.

This inspirational romance is aimed at a conservative Christian readership who appreciates a gentle love story with few surprises and a strong emphasis, on the part of the protagonists, on following God’s will in their lives. It is set on the fictional Bridal Veil resort island in Georgia in 1913, and although there are some references to current events, the romantic and spiritual elements, rather than the historical setting, take center stage.

Callie is a governess trying to choose between several options for her life, including continuing in her privileged position as a tutor who is treated like a family friend or joining her parents in Africa as a missionary. Wesley is the son of a wealthy family unsure of his own path through life, to the point that he is willing to work as a golf pro for the winter season—thus paving the way for Callie’s misunderstanding of his identity.

An insubstantial plot is contrived to throw obstacles in the path of true love, but the plot lines are too predictable to offer much entertainment. At times the action looks promising—a mysterious nanny and a family argument near the end of the novel spring to mind—but these developments fall flat due to the characters’ tendency to do the right thing and conform to a worldview that has more to do with pious hope than reality. Overall, an unexciting read. ( )

TO HONOR AND TO TRUST by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller is an interesting inspirational historical romance set in 1913 Bridal Veil Island, Georgia. #3 in the "Bridal Veil Island" series,but can be read as a stand alone. See,"To Have and To Hold",and "To Love and Cherish". I have not read the other two in this series,but had no troubles following the storyline. Follow Callie Deboyer and Wesley Townsend on a journey of love,secrets,and betrayal. Callie,governess to the Bridgeport family on Bridal Veil Island Resort where she comes to care for Wesley Townsend,has secrets of his own. Callie is instigated in a theft ring,she considers going to join her parents on the Missionary Field in Africa. Wesley,is giving golf lessons to young Thomas Bridgeport but his secrets could destroy his and Callie's budding romance. Filled with faith,healing,forgiveness,hope,deceit,and love. The characters jump off the pages,as the storyline becomes clear. With a twist or two you will not see coming. These two ladies are superb storytellers.

RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews ( )