A Distance Too Grand (American Wonders Collection Book #1)

•*• Well Done Story Featuring the Grand Canyon before it was a Natl. Park •*• *** I thoroughly enjoyed this story and read late into the night and then woke to finish it. It is well written and moves along nicely. ***1871 Ft. Wilverton, AZ Territory *** Meg Pero, a budding photographer, has just lost her father, Matthew Pero who taught her everything she knows. She has a government contract, which is technically his, but was written for M. Pero and she intends to fulfill it and make a name for herself in the process. She is 26, talented, opinionated, beautiful and smart. “But you’re a woman. Women aren’t photographers.”, the corporal said. *** Cpt. Benjamin Coleridge has a survey job to do and he needs an able-bodied photographer to get it done. He’d heard Matthew Pero would be that man, even looked forward to seeing him again after several years. But he had no idea his feisty daughter would show up in his place, the woman who’d broken his heart. *** This story is full of adventure as a team that includes two young privates, Dot the spunky cook and her cartographer husband, Hank, eager-to-prove-himself Corporal Adams and the grumpy guide, Mr. Pike set out into the Grand Canyon with horses, wagons, and mules. Cpt. Coleridge is hoping to find some evidence as to the whereabouts of his missing father Col. Coleridge. *** Adventure, discovery and mayhem wind through the canyon with the group and I enjoyed every minute of it. *** Tea Quotes: 1. “Oh sit down,” Dot said with a wave of her free hand. “This is an expedition, not a fancy tea. Meet Meg Pero. She’s our photographer.” 2. Dot had figured out how to turn the most plentiful plant in the area – pine – into a nourishing and refreshing tea. *** Faith Moment: Directly in front of her the highest point was a fist of golden white stone, pointing to the heavens as if to remind her there was someone else above all this. Her Creator. *** Tear Inducing Moment – I won’t give this away, but it was an incredibly kind and unexpected moment that made me cry. : “I realized I was the closest to you in size. I hope I won’t offend you, but I thought you might find use for these.” She held out the bundle. *** History: There are good notations in the back of the book by the author about The Grand Canyon which I enjoyed. She also shares a bit about her upcoming story which is set Yellowstone – the world’s 1st Natl. Park. I cannot wait! *** Netgalley and the publisher kindly sent me an eBook in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation or expectation. All opinions are my own.

A Distance Too Grand American Wonders Collection #1 By Regina Scott Meg Pero has been her father's assistant from the time she was eight years old and capturing a moment in time has become her passion. With her father's death, she is determined to fulfill the last contract that he signed with the US Army. If she can capture the perfect image with her cameras she can start making a name for herself and secure her future. There is just one problem the US Army isn't prepared to take a single unaccompanied young lady on a survey expedition of the Grand Canyon's North Rim. And she'll have to appeal to the leader of said expedition if she hopes to join it. Too bad she broke Ben Coleridge's heart when he asked her to marry him. Captain Ben Coleridge has no choice in the matter - he has to take Meg Pero with him if he has any hope of getting the North Rim survey done before winter sets in. He needs a photographer to journal the survey and unfortunately, Meg is the only one available with necessary skills. In addition to commanding the survey expedition, Ben has another mission one that he is not at liberty to share with those accompanying him. Months ago his father Colonel Coleridge never returned from a similar route and Ben needs to determine what happened. Why did his father never return? A Distance Too Grand is an exploration of the unknown - 1871 finds the country still recovering from the wounds of war. Travel into the vast wilderness for pleasure is unheard of and most have never seen an image of the Grand Canyon. It is into this world that Meg Pero fights to capture and not with a phone but with equipment that needs its own wagon for transport. Images captured in a moment not happening rather minutes are required to preserve a view. Travel is limited by the wagons they bring with them and the willingness of their mules and horses to carry their additional supplies as well as most members of the expedition. One would be hard-pressed to imagine just what it was to live in such a manner but Regina Scott gives the words life so that one gets a glimpse of the dangers and efforts that such an undertaking entailed. I can't say that the hard-living has much appeal to me, but the awe at getting the first glimpse at the untouched and unknown glory of that they came upon would be a feeling one can only hope to experience. The pacing is good and most of the characters are likable. The descriptive detailing of the various settings is perfect in bringing the scene to life, at least in this reader's opinion. If you are a fan of Historical American fiction this is one you'll want to add to your TBR list. I like it when a book makes me want to delve deeper into what it has shared and this one certainly does that on several topics - early photography and surveying of the Grand Canyon. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.