I didn't realize this was the third book in the series, Willamette Brides, but that was not a problem. I had already read the first two books, so I was familiar with the characters and the background story for the book.
A reader would probably enjoy this book without reading the first two in the series, but I'm not sure it would mean as much to them. Knowing the complete backstory, what brought us to this point in time on the Indian reservation, fills in what might otherwise be blanks in the book. I do recommend reading the first two books first, but you will definitely want to read the resolutions in "Forever By Your Side".
Synopsis of Forever By Your Side
Forever by Your Side
(Willamette Brides)Constance Browning is thrilled when she is hired to catalogue the history of the American Indians on the Oregon reservation, her own childhood home. Constance's parents are still missionaries there and she is excited to return after years away at school.
Tom Lowell, Connie's best friend, is the second half of the team hired to record the historical facts. Together, they travel from the East Coast to the Oregon reservation. Once there, they are welcomed to stay with Connie's parents instead of other government accommodations. This is an optimum arrangement for Connie & Tom since they also hope to find out who is supplying the Indians with whiskey and guns. It has been rumored that her parents are behind the shipments and are organizing an upraising.
Connie is certain her parents are not involved in anything that would put the Indians in danger. She knows their hearts and their mission to help the people they love. Unfortunately, her opinion doesn't matter when there is evidence that her father is part of the operation.
Since Connie knows some of the Indians, she & Tom plan to use their research as a cover for inquiring about a potential upraising. They are stunned by some old friends who now consider Connie's family the enemy.
Connie is equally surprised by the government agent, Clint Singleton, on the reservation who now expresses a romantic interest in her. She had a childhood crush on him years before and he had totally dismissed her then. She has to ask herself, is she still in love with Clint?
All the changes are confusing, but Connie is determined to prove her parents are innocent. With the evidence against her father, that won't be easy to do.
My Recommendation
As I stated in my introduction, while this could be a stand-alone book, I believe the entire series should be read in order. Connie's cousins, their marriages, and most especially one husband's murder, are important to understanding the entire Willamette Brides story plot and the resolutions in this book.
Personally, I was glad to finally know the true identity of Mr. Smith and the reasons behind his actions.
The previous books in the series, Secrets of My Heart and The Way of Love are wonderful books, full of love, mystery and an excellent story that carried through the series. I highly recommend the Willamette Brides series by Tracie Peterson, especially now that we have Forever By Your Side that provides the answers and resolutions.
Secrets of My Heart (Willamette Brides Book #1)Check PriceThe Way of Love
(Willamette Brides #2)Check PriceForever by Your Side (Willamette Brides #3)Check Price
