Designed with Love

Peterson revisits lawless late 19th-century Cheyenne, Wyo., in her propulsive follow-up to A Constant Love. Tragedy strikes for free spirit Emma Johnson, 27, when her Dallas wedding to affluent Tommy Benton is interrupted by a shooting that leaves her wounded and her husband-to-be dead. She journeys home to Cheyenne with her stepsister and stepmother, who try to help her heal and recapture her trust in God; meanwhile, an unexpected romance blooms with Tommy’s brother Colton, who accompanies her. But Colton doesn’t share Emma’s faith, and she’s suspicious that he might simply be after the stocks and other assets she inherited from Tommy. When Colton’s other brothers scheme to get the money back themselves, it looks increasingly unlikely that Colton and Emma’s relationship can get off the ground before it’s wrecked by greed and jealousy. Peterson effectively hooks the reader with the blunt force of the initial tragedy, before unspooling a thrilling and textured tale full of twists, lively romantic subplots, and colorful character work. Series fans will be delighted. (July)