The Way of Love is the 2nd novel in Willamette Brides series by Tracie Peterson. I do recommend reading Secrets of My Heart before embarking on The Way of Love. The story begins in December of 1879 in Portland, Oregon with Faith moving into Nancy Carpenter’s boardinghouse (from Secrets of My Heart). I like that the story features a strong, intelligent, and Christian main character. Faith Kenner is determined to become a doctor to help Native Americans on the reservation. She grew up among them and knows the conditions. Faith is a woman of strong convictions. She does not understand why there is prejudice in the world. As Faith states, “a person can hardly be blamed for their heritage.” The Way of Love is rich in historical details. It includes the racial tensions and laws that existed in Oregon at that time along with the “Storm King”, Willamette College, and much more. Christian values and beliefs are prevalent as well. I thought The Way of Love was well-written with vivid descriptions. The pacing is gentle which suits the story. It was nice catching up with Nancy, Seth, Mrs. Weaver, and the other residents of the boardinghouse along with our main characters families. We get to find out Mrs. Weaver’s secret and it was something I never expected. Samuel Lakewood and his cohort, Gerome Berkshire are back with their evil plans. I am eager to learn the identity of the man who calls the shots. I appreciated the author’s note at the end. My favorite line from The Way of Love is “The sooner people put aside prejudices, the sooner we’ll have peace in our country.” I thought The Way of Love was a timely novel considering what is currently happening in the United States. The Way of Love is a compelling historical novel with a surprising storm, fine friends, a satisfying surprise, racial pressure, Christian codes, and a romantic riverboat captain. ( )

I requested this book to read and review through Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers. I enjoyed the book as I expected I would. I am a fan of Tracie Peterson and this book did not disappoint.
The story is set in the 1800s in Oregon. It is historically accurate and full of adventure. There is a mystery, though sadly, it didn't seem to come to a full conclusion in my mind.
The book kept my interest throughout. It is a Christian book but not a preachy type of story. It is written from a female's side/viewpoint. It is her story to tell.
I would recommend this book to my friends and I give it a 3 out of 5 stars, meaning I like it. ( )

FROMAMAZON: Faith Kenner is pursuing her dream to become a doctor at Willamette University's medical college so she can use her gift for healing to help those in need, especially the native populations forced onto reservations and then neglected. When she meets Andrew Gratton, a handsome riverboat captain who has been injured on his ship, she uses her skills to tend his wound, and a friendship grows between them. Andrew admires her strength and willingness to stand her ground, and Faith appreciates his intelligence and compassion. But Faith holds a secret that means their friendship can never become anything more, so she must bury her feelings for Andrew as best she can.

When her fellow students put together lectures to speak out against Oregon's racist laws and policies, Faith is eager to participate. But some powerful men have other plans for their state, and soon Faith is caught in the middle of a plot to push the local Indian tribes to rebel. As she and Andrew fight for the rights of others, their love for each other grows. Can they trust that God has a way toward love for them, or will her secret stand in the way of their one chance for true happiness?