Booklist referred to Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse as a “dynamic authorial duo.” They once again prove their mastery of the historical romance genre with the release of their new book, The Heart’s Choice, the first in The Jewels of Kalispell Series.
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, both historical and contemporary, with more than 6 million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.
Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in Colorado, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.
In this interview, they talk with us about what fans can expect from their new offering, The Heart’s Choice.
FF: Can you please provide a brief summary of your novel, The Heart’s Choice?
They must uncover the truth before it’s buried forever.
After witnessing a wrongful conviction as a young girl, Rebecca Whitman—the first female court reporter in Montana—is now determined to defend the innocent. During a murder trial, something doesn’t sit well with her about the case, but no one except the handsome new Carnegie librarian will listen to her.
Mark Andrews’s father sent him to college hoping he would take over the business side of the family ranch, but Mark would rather wrangle books than cows. When a patron seeks help with research in hopes of proving a man’s innocence, Mark is immediately drawn to her and her cause.
In a race against time, will Rebecca and Mark find the evidence they need—and open their hearts to love—before it’s too late?
FF: The Heart’s Choice is the first book in The Jewels of Kalispell Series. What is the connecting element for all of the books in this series?
We’ve used three fascinating historical landmarks in Kalispell. The Carnegie Library, which is now the Hockaday Museum; The Great Northern Railway Depot, which is now the Chamber of Commerce; and the McIntosh Opera House, which is still there, but needs renovation and is not open to the public.
FF: What was the inspiration for The Heart’s Choice?
We have lots of inspirations for our books. Tracie and I have a blast when we brainstorm and research together. But for this book, two big ones stood out: One was the unique landmarks we used—in this case the brand new Carnegie Library. The second was to have our heroine be a court stenographer and love mysteries.
FF: Your female protagonist, Rebecca Whitman, witnessed a wrongful conviction as a young girl. How did this event impact her life?
It made her want to fight for the underdog and always seek justice. So she ventures into the law by become a court stenographer. When she is working on a case in the courtroom in Kalispell, she becomes passionate that a man being tried for murder is actually innocent.
FF: Librarian Mark Andrew has failed to live up to his father’s expectations. What were his father’s plans for him and what route did he choose instead?
Mark’s father built a large ranch and longed for his son to continue the empire. But Mark’s passion is with books and he is the director of the new library.
FF: How does Mark try to convince his father that what he does is important and vital?
Mark and his dad have to learn some hard lessons in The Heart’s Choice. The biggest being that loving someone means to support their dreams and passions.
FF: Rebecca Whitman and Mark Andrew work in completely different fields. How did their paths cross?
Marvella Ashbury (the judge’s wife who will be in each of the books in this series) is set on matchmaking the two although the young people don’t make it easy in the beginning. But since they both share a love of books, Rebecca finds herself at the library seeking Mark’s help. Especially when a man’s life hangs in the balance.
FF: The Heart’s Choice is set in Montana. Why did you choose this location for the setting of your new novel?
We both love Montana and, for a few short years, had the opportunity to live less than two miles apart in the Bitterroot Valley. Kalispell is one of our favorite places.
The Heart’s Choice
The Jewels of Kalispell Series #1
Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse
Bethany House
Genres: Historical Romance
Release Date: May 16, 2023
ISBN-10: 0764238973
ISBN-13: 978-0764238970
Book Summary:
They must uncover the truth before it’s buried forever.
After witnessing a wrongful conviction as a young girl, Rebecca Whitman—the first female court reporter in Montana–is now determined to defend the innocent. During a murder trial, something doesn’t sit well with her about the case, but no one except the handsome new Carnegie librarian will listen to her.
Librarian Mark Andrews’s father sent him to college hoping he would take over the business side of the family ranch, but Mark would rather wrangle books than cows. When a patron seeks help with research in hopes of proving a man’s innocence, Mark is immediately drawn to her and her cause.
In a race against time, will Rebecca and Mark find the evidence they need–and open their hearts to love—before it’s too late
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