When You Are Near (Brookstone Brides, Book 1 of 3)

After her father's death, Lizzy Brookstone, the star trick rider of the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, takes over management of the traveling show. In her new role, she has to work with both Wesley DeShazer, the man who once broke her heart, and Jason Adler, her financial partner. Soon, she finds herself torn between the two men.Ella Fleming is fleeing a forced betrothal when she stows away on the Brookstone train. Lizzy finds her and gives her a job in the costume department, but Ella has a secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza.When Mary Reichert, a former sharpshooter for the show, learns that her brother, August, has been killed, she refuses to believe it was an accident. She returns to the show to find the truth, but is she seeking justice or vengeance?As the three women work together to discover how August died, Lizzy strives to hold the show together. Can she keep the Brookstone Extravaganza alive without losing the desire of her heart?From the Inside Flap"Maybe we should hire someone to assist you next year," Lizzy said.Mother shook her head. "No, this is my last tour."Lizzy wasn't surprised to hear this declaration. Since Father had died, neither of them had much passion for the show."I think it shall be my last as well," Lizzy said, plopping down on the comfortable sofa. "After all, I'm twenty-eight. I'm getting a little long in the tooth to be doing this." She rubbed her abdomen. "I get sorer with each performance, it seems.""Besides, you should consider settling down, getting married, and having a family. I would find it a great comfort to have grandchildren." Her mother took off her black veiled hat and set it aside.Lizzy shook her head. "I'm not sure that's ever going to happen.""There's always Wes," Mother said.This was not a conversation Lizzy wanted to be having. She had loved Wes since she was a child, but he had never cared about her in the same way, and maybe that was for the best. She had watched her mother go through the overwhelming grief of losing the man she loved. It had made Lizzy rethink her dreamy notions of marriage."There are other things in life besides marrying and having a family. Wes has his own life, and I have mine. Besides, he thinks of me as his sister." Lizzy shook her head. "Nothing more than a pesky sibling."|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.Also AvailableIn Places HiddenGolden Gate Secrets #1In Dreams ForgottenGolden Gate Secrets #2In Times Gone ByGolden Gate Secrets #3From the Back CoverCome one, come all to the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza!After her father's death, Lizzy Brookstone, a trick rider in the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, wants nothing more than to quit her role as the star of the show and live a quiet life on her family's ranch. But returning home would bring Wesley DeShazer, the ranch's foreman and the man who broke her heart, back into her life. In addition, the Brookstones' new manager fears that Lizzy's departure could doom the already cash-strapped show.Hope grows in Lizzy during a stopover at Fleming Farm. Ella Fleming not only has a natural talent for trick riding and could easily replace Lizzy, but she's eager to join the show to flee a forced betrothal. However, while there, one of the show's wranglers is killed in a manner Lizzy finds suspicious. And during her escape from the farm, Ella stumbles across a secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza.About the AuthorTracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a var