Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.

Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?
     

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 80 novels. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.

Favorite Verse: Joshua 1:9 (NIV) - "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

 Our Interview with Tracie Peterson

Have you lived in or near  Texas all your life?

Answer:  Your question made me smile.  I was born and raised in Kansas and then moved 10 years ago to Montana.  However, I did live for 2 years in Texas when I was a little girl.  I often joke that I was there long enough to pick up a bit of a Southern drawl.  For this series I did go to Texas and do research and I loved every minute of it.  The folks in Texas are so awesome to work with and so open about sharing their history.

What was your inspiration to develop Chasing the Sun?

Answer: In researching about the Civil War period and Texas I was pretty amazed to see that there was great differences of opinion.  There were a lot of Texas folks who supported the South, but quite a few who supported the North.  Then there were those Texans who were even stronger in their loyalty and support of Texas.  It made for fascinating story conflict.

How much of the story comes from personal experience?

Answer:  Well I can’t really say that the story comes from personal experience, but the conflicts and problems that are created in the storyline are definitely ones that happened.  In reading accounts of those who went through the time period, I found some wonderful situations to put into the story setting.  It was a fascinating time and there was always a strong undercurrent of Spiritual growth present.

How much research did Chasing the Sun take?

Answer:  I am always reading a researching, looking for new projects.  I probably put about a year of research into this book before ever writing it, and then continued to research as I wrote.

What are the most interesting facts that you learned while researching and writing Chasing the Sun?

Answer:  As I mentioned before, I was fascinated to see that a state that was thought of as a stalwart supporter of the Confederacy, was actually divided with those who supported the Union and others who wanted to just stay out of the war altogether.  In researching territories and states during the Civil War it has been fascinating to me that the further west you went, the more the attitude by many was that the Civil War wasn’t their war to fight.   I also found a lot of interesting research that dealt with the Indian Wars that were going on at the time.  As the army pulled out from the western forts and went east to fight the Civil War, the west suffered uprisings and conflicts from both whites and Native Americans. This time period was a harsh and dangerous one for folks on the frontier.

What are some of the challenges you face as an author?

Answer:  I think the element of time management is one of the biggest challenges.  My writing is a ministry for me and I want to use the time wisely and stretch it between the actual writing, the research, the booksignings and speaking events, as well as anything else God brings about.  Many has been the case where I’ve watched God faithfully multiply my time like the loaves and fishes and for that I am most grateful.

What aspects of being a writer do you enjoy the most?

Answer:  I really love to research.  My husband is a historian and research is his love so we get to participate in this area together.  I can’t really say, however, that I dislike any part of the writing journey.  I love being creative, love researching, love sharing the Word with the reader and the hope that God has given me.  I feel so blessed to be able to entertain, educate and encourage (my 3E’s).

What clubs or organizations are you involved with helping with your writing?

Answer:  Many years ago I helped to found the American Christian Fiction Writers organization.  I love this group and have watched them grow from a couple of people to nearly 3,000.  It’s a phenomenal group and I’m blessed to continue working with them.  I also belong to Romance Writers of America, MT Pages (our local chapter of ACFW).  I’ve been a part of Bible Study Fellowship and my own church Saving Grace which have done great things for helping me to understand God’s Word.

What new projects are on the horizon?

Answer:  I’m currently working on three books set in Minnesota during the late 1800’s.  The only thing the series has in common is the general time period and state.  I’m having a lot of fun researching the various elements that are particular to life in Minnesota.  I have also had a lot of readers requesting new Alaska stories, so I’m looking into that as well.

What message would you like your readers to take from reading Chasing the Sun?
 
Answer: That God is faithful even when man is not, and that forgiveness forms the foundation for all relationships.

What were your favorite books as a child?

Answer:  Oh there were so many.  I loved Little Women, Little Men and Eight Cousins.  I loved the Anne of Green Gables stories.  I loved biographies and history books that shared about the events that formed our nation.  I also loved Bible stories and Mother Goose.  I can still quote quite a few Mother Goose rhymes.

What is your greatest achievement?

Answer:  Well, since my relationship with God is all about what He’s done, I guess I can’t say that getting saved was my greatest achievement, but it certainly has been my greatest blessing.  My faith has allowed me to remain married for over 32 years – to be mother to three incredible kids even though we’ve had our ups and downs, and to write as a means of serving and honoring God.

What do you do to get away from it all?

Answer:  I love to hang with friends and just enjoy a quiet time together.  I love to read in front of my fireplace.  Travel often takes me to Alaska for rest and research, so that’s one of my favorite places to visit for getting away from it all, but working at the same time.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Answer:  I want to thank the readers for their loyalty and friendship.  Their letters of encouragement have done much to bolster me in difficult times.  I love to hear from the readers and hope they will continue to drop me a note from time to time through my website at www.traciepeterson.comMy prayers are that God will bless each and every one who reads my books and bring glory to His name.