The second in the American Wonders series, this novel functions well as a standalone. The author has once again done an amazing job of describing the setting - Yellowstone - and making the reader feel as though he is there. Our protagonists are Kate and Will. She runs the local inn, serving tourists, and he comes to act as a guide for the newly-arrived soldiers. Together they face dangerous issues such as forest fires and poachers, but they learn to rely on each other, as well as God's grace. Each has a difficult past to overcome, but they do it together and build what the reader can only assume is a more solid future.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I had never read Regina Scott before, but I’ve long been interested in giving her a try, and my interest was piqued by the concept for this book being about Yellowstone, one of the nation’s most well known landmarks, and on the long list of places I’d love to visit someday.

Regina Scott paints a vivid picture of Yellowstone, making it feel like I was there even while knowing next to nothing about the lay of the land. And she also provides some greater context for a pivotal period in Yellowstone’s history.

I really admired Kate and her dedication to the park as a guide. She can be charming to most guests, while also being protective and doing what she needs to if a guest poses a threat to the park’s natural beauty. Will is also a pretty interesting character, and while I’m not often into a man who is reluctant to pursue a relationship because of something in his past, I think this one was done well, without being overly angsty to the point of ridiculousness.

I also was engaged with their journey to root out all the nefarious dealings in the park. The pacing made for some intriguing twist and turns on that end that explored all the things that could go wrong in the park.

I really enjoyed this book, and I will be on the lookout for the first book, as well as other titles from Regina Scott. And if you love sweet, evocative historical romance, you’ll enjoy this one.

I enjoyed the setting of this story so much! Because I have been to Yellowstone, I could picture the places the author set her story in. This is a clean, cute little read that's appropriate from tween to adult.

I must say, I did enjoy this book more than the first in the series. Nothing Short of Wondrous had more tension and a more gripping plot than the 1st one. However, I would like to see even more tension in the plot and between characters. The "mystery" of the poacher was not really a mystery, was it supposed to be? I also felt there were some things revealed that could have been placed near the beginning and see the character struggle with it throughout the novel (For example, 3/4 of the way through the novel one of the characters is told, "you will have to choose between your career and her." I feel this could have been "known" earlier. I feel the main struggle of the main male character could have been crafted in a way to add tension as well--like give him flashbacks instead of simply state remorse; this left me thinking his "fault" was greater than it was and left me with unmet expectations as to how flawed he was.)
In the end, it's a cute story, and the setting & general storyline is memorable. I am glad that I read it and had this insight into the beginnings of Yellowstone National Park.

** “Too much darkness in my life back then. … I wanted to spend the rest of my days surrounded by beauty.” **

Author Regina Scott takes us to 1886 Yellowstone National Park and a world of glorious geysers and painted pots with “Nothing Short of Wondrous,” a story of taking chances and forgiveness.

Widow Kate Tremaine owns the Geyser Gateway Inn, hoping to secure a 10-year lease to keep her hotel running for years to come. To maintain her high reputation though, she must battle competitors who spread lies and rumors about her hotel, poachers and fires.

When Lt. Will Prescott and his band of cavalrymen come to the inn seeking help to map out the area for patrol, Kate and Will strike up a symbiotic relationship — she will help him learn the area, he will help her with projects around the inn — they quickly find themselves attracted to each other, all while together solving the mysteries happening around the inn.

Even though “Nothing Short of Wondrous” follows a fairly predictable formula — young pretty widow trying to make it in a “man’s world” meets and finds herself attracted to a man with his own troubled past — it is still a truly delightful story. Kate must learn to take chances and trust. Will must overcome a tragic mistake in his past and see that he is worthy of love and success in life.

The author does a great job of developing these flawed characters, while also creating a great supporting cast — Kate’s adorable son Danny; cook extraordinaire Alberta; mysterious guess Mr. Jones; and Will’s quirky troop members.

Besides being a lovely historical fiction novel, “Nothing Short of Wondrous” reminds us of several great themes, like overcoming guilt and finding forgiveness; always look for the wonder in life; finding the beauty, and not the darkness, in life; and the importance of learning from our mistakes.

Lovers of historical fiction and stories with strong female characters, as well as novels like Karen Barnett’s “Vintage National Parks” series will love this story.

Five stars out of five.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott
Reading this book made me want to go to Yellowstone! They describe the beautiful area so well and I’m sure it is just as scenic now. It is based in 1886 and is based in Yellowstone. The US Cavalry control of Yellowstone to protect the trees and the animals that live there. Kate Tremaine is a widower that runs a hotel with her son. This is a love story, as well as a historical novel and is written so well that I’m sure it will encourage many to go and visit Yellowstone! The book is also Christian based. I really enjoyed reading about what it took back then to protect the park from poachers and vandals. It was Nothing Short of Wondrous!

I received this book in the kindle format from NetGalley. My thoughts and comments are my own and freely given. I gave the book 5 stars.

Description as found on NetGalley.com:
It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. As they work together to protect the park and stand firm through injustice and tragedy, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.

Nothing Short of Wonderous
By Regina Scott
4 stars

What I love about a historical book is when I learn. This novel takes place in Yellowstone park in the late 1800s. Widowed Kate is trying to keep her inn afloat, protect her son and protect Yellowstone. William comes to Yellowstone as apart of his Cavalry order to track down illegal poaching. Kate needs his protection and Will needs her assistance as a guide through the dangers of Yellowstone. Thier blossoming friendship turn romance was so sweet. When Will finally tells Kate about his past, she doesn't scorn him but accepts him, knowing him for the good man he's proved himself to be.

I never knew Yellowstone and surrounding parks had hotels and inn for tourists. I didnt know the cavalry was sent in to protect the parks. There was a lot of rich details and a lot of heart.

I received this complimentary ebook through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

You can tell this author loves Yellowstone; her descriptions of the rugged park and its glories are painted so vividly, I just have to go there to see reality lives up to the cinema she's created in my head.

Kate Tremaine, owner of the Geyser Gateway Inn and mother to the cutest little boy ever, isn't too keen when Lieutenant Will Prescott arrives, with an object to protect the park Kate loves so dearly. But the handsome lieutenant isn't all that Kate has on her mind; the lease for her hotel is coming up for a possible ten year renewal. But can Kate keep the inn's reputation up to par, when poachers and inconsiderate guests are thwarting her every attempt?

I've never read anything by this author before but after this read I will definitely pick up some more of hers. I just can't get over how beautiful her descriptions are of the gorgeous Yellowstone park. Kate and William's romance was sweet, gradual over the course of the book and enjoyable to read.

I would 100% recommend this book.

All thoughts expressed are my own. Thanks to the publisher and the author for my ebook copy via Netgalley.

Regina Scott paints a beautiful, vivid picture in her description of Yellowstone in its early years as a park. I feel like I’m taking in the views along with the characters. She paints with words and turns what could be an average story into something to remember.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I loved the first in Regina's new series American Wonders, A Distance Too Grand, all about the Grand Canyon. Nothing Short Of Wondrous is just as exciting. The setting for this story is Yellowstone National Park. Kate Tremaine and her six year old son Danny, run the Geyser Gateway Inn. The Government in 1886 took over the park, sending the US Calvary to patrol and protect it against poachers. Lieutenant Will Prescott refused the guide the Army wanted to assign him, so he finds he needs Kate's help. This author is a master at character development. She has such a way of painting word pictures of the beautiful settings. You feel as is you can see the rainbow-colored mud pots or feel the Fairy Falls. Both Kate and the Lieutenant feel due to their past they are not ready, or are undeserving of another relationship. God may have a different--and better--future planned for them than either could imagine. Even in the hard times I loved the way Ms Scott was able to draw hope out of the darkness.
This was an exciting and lovely historical romance. I would highly recommend it. I thank Revell Company. I received a copy of this book from them through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Author Regina Scott always makes me feel as if I’ve been on a trip when I read her books. With excellent descriptions of both territory and people, Nothing Short of Wondrous was an adventure and a treat to read.

Kate and William’s story reveals the history of Yellowstone in an enthralling way. Add in a sweet romance and bad guys, and there’s something for everyone. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Regina Scott is an excellent author, and I enjoyed the first book in her "American Wonders" trilogy, "A Distance Too Grand." Unfortunately, the main characters in this book, William and Kate, just don't have the same chemistry between them. Kate, the widowed owner of an Inn set in Yellowstone National Park, is trying to keep the Inn open while also raising her son on her own. Along comes William, a soldier with a secret to hide. I enjoyed the historical and nature-based elements of the novel, but had a hard time keeping interest in the main relationship. Overall, I enjoy Scott's books and will continue reading them.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is about a time period in American history that I was not aware of. After the US government declared Yellowstone a national park, the US Calvary was sent in to protect the land.
The author is very descriptive in her book and you get a sense of awe as Yellowstone comes alive.
A determined young widow is fighting to keep her hotel lease. The army comes in to help and romance buds. I did guess the mysterious part long before the end, but I often do.
You can still visit Yellowstone today. But give wild and unpredictable animals their space.

I do not choose to read historical novels often unless asked to review. I honestly had no clue what I was getting into when I chose to read this story. I am glad that I did read it.
The story swept me up and I couldn't put it down, even though sleep is necessary as a working mom of three littles. The respect of the natural wonders of Yellowstone along with the valiant efforts of the calvary was quite evident throughout the story.
Yes, there is a bit of romance but honestly, for once, it didn't overshadow the whole plot. Rather, it worked like the filing between layers of cake. It sweetened it without overpowering it.
I have not read the first book in the series but i intend to now. Rarely does a book make me want to do that. I fully recommend this.
I did receive an ARC via Netgalley but I freely give my honest review.

Regina Scott paints such a magnificent picture of Yosemite in this novel, I wanted to go visit myself!
Truly, this series will cause the reader to 'see' the landscape and natural wonders as they are actually there. I was captivated not only by the story, which is very well done, but the beauty of the national park as seen through the eyes of the characters.

Scott includes a wonderful plot line as well, populated with equally wonderful characters. Kate and Lt. Prescott were precious together and her son Danny stole my heart. Her hotel cook, Alberta, made me hungry with those pies of hers, too! Book two in this series is not to be missed.

*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is my own.

This is a book that I would highly recommend. I chose this book because of the beautiful cover and that it was about Yellowstone National Park, a place that is on my bucket list. The book was written by Regina Scott, a new author for me, and one that I will seek out again.
The author paints a beautiful picture of Yellowstone about the geysers, each with their own unique name, as well as the vastness of the park. Kate Tremaine, owner of the Geyser Gateway hotel, wanted to protect the park and its attractions, as well as her seven-year-old son, Toby. She offers to be a guide to the newly stationed Lt. Will Prescott and his army detachment. Both are looking for second chances in life and the author weaves a wonderful story of depth and mystery as well as real life circumstances for Kate and Will, all to occur before they are snowed in for the winter.
I was given a free copy of this book for review by Net Galley and the opinion is my own. #NothingShortofWondrous #ReginaScott #NetGalley

"Nothing Short of Wondrous" is a Christian romance set in 1886 in Yellowstone. Though it is the second in a series, it's a stand-alone novel. Historical details about what the park was like at that time were woven into the story and brought the story to life. The main characters were interesting, complex, and reacted realistically to events. Kate and William built each other up and helped each other heal from the past.

Kate felt guilty about not doing more to save her husband from the grizzly bear that killed him, and she struggled to keep her inn in good repair. A company offered to buy the place from her, and they're willing to spread rumors and worse in order to get their hands on her inn. She acted as the guide for a detachment of US Calvary in return for their help in repairing the inn. She got to know Lieut. William and admired his dedication, hard work, and kindness. He admired her in return, but he failed profoundly in the past as a military officer and felt unworthy of her love and like he must atone for his sins before God will accept him again.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I recommend this enjoyable historical romance.

I enjoyed going on an up-close and personal tour of Yellow Stone National park in its early years. I would love to go especially after going on this journey with Kate Tremaine and Lieutenant William Prescott. I was clueless to all the dangers that someone could encounter on such a tour. I was also clueless at what Kate and her son would endure as they stayed the winter at the park because the B & B was their livelihood even though no paying customers visited at that time.

Note from the author,…”When I learned the US Cavalry rode to the rescue to manage our nation’s first national park, I knew I had to write about it….facilities at Mammoth Hot Springs, the Norris Geyser Basin, and Old Faithful are also as realistic as I could make them, as are the descriptions of the wonders of the park…Of course, no national park is more vivid to me than Mount Rainer, which I can see from my own backyard.”

The authors passion for these parks, history, and the heartbreaking story about the bison in that area shine through. I was fascinated by the park’s history and surprised by park poachers.

This is the second book in the American Wonders Collection where the author takes readers on an adventure exploring National Parks. This would make a great book club pick as there is so much to talk about. This makes for a fun read and wonderful if you are looking for a mini-staycation during these COVID times.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

This was a fun romance with well-developed characters set in historical Yellowstone. I enjoyed the peek into how the park must have been like in the late 1800s.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I totally enjoyed learning more about the beginnings of Yellowstone while watching the romance between Will and Kate unfold. They both had tragic things happen in their past that they needed to overcome. We are shown their transformations in such a great way with Yellowstone as the backdrop. The side characters were also so much fun. I loved Danny, the older ladies who visit and the young Cavalry men. This book has lots of adventures and a little bit of a mystery too.

If you enjoy historical Christian fiction, don't miss this book!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.

After the death of her husband, Kate Tremaine has worked hard to keep their Yellowstone Park inn running. Between protecting the natural wonders from thoughtless guests, ruthless poachers, and greedy outfitters determined to see her gone, romance is the last thing this mother of one is looking for. Lieutenant Will Prescott has a stain on his past and he knows he must clear it before he can think about the future. But their hearts have different ideas as they work together.

Though it has been years since I visited Yellowstone National Park, the author did an excellent job of bringing the place to life on the page. Kate Tremaine has a passion for the park she has come to call home. The one point that kept taking me out of the story was how Kate continually said she was too busy but easily dropped whatever she was doing to ride out with Will, many times to show him something.

Will was a nice character. He had a loyalty to his post and determination to redeem a mistake he once made. Though he knows he shouldn't, he falls fast for the beautiful widow.

The plot moves at a nice pace, though there were so many times I was frustrated because I had figured out a plot point and the characters did not until the end. It was a nice, relaxing read.