Book Review of 'Knowing You' by Tracie Peterson

Happy Friday Bookworms!!

Anyone else freaked out that Thanksgiving is next week? How the heck did we get here so quick?!! I have been buried in books, completely in denial that the holidays are here. Every year I say I'm going to be ready, and every year I am not. I would much rather get lost in a good historical fiction like the novel I am reviewing today. This was one of my favorite reads so far this month and I know you're going to love it too.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Knowing You by Tracie Peterson hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Knowing You

Series: Pictures of the Heart #3

Author: Tracie Peterson

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: November 7, 2023

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Could a captivating art exhibit hold the key to truth--and love?

Budding artist May Parker is captivated by the Japanese exhibits at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition and longs to know more about her mother's heritage--which her mother refuses to speak of because of the heartache she left behind in Japan. Wanting to experience more of the exhibits, May works as a Camera Girl--but her curiosity leads her into danger when a suit of samurai armor becomes the target of an elusive art forger.

After ten years apart, May is reunited with her childhood friend Lee Munro, a police detective assigned to keep a watchful eye on the exposition. Their friendship immediately begins to blossom with hints of something more, but when they become entangled in a dangerous heist involving the samurai armor and their love is threatened, can they overcome the odds against them?

My Review

I loved the ease of reading Knowing You. It was almost like listening to a story told by an old friend. May and Lee are both such sweet souls, and I love that they had one another during both good times and bad. That unwavering support of such a strong friendship is goals. The author did an excellent job of filling in the gaps from the first two books, the details from previous novels were added in so seamlessly that it made reading this as a standalone perfection.

Racism runs rampant in this novel, and it truly made my blood boil to read it. How people can see themselves better than others is just beyond me. I am white but I was raised to believe that we are all God’s children, and that race and culture is something to be admired and respected. For a long time I thought that was how everyone believed, so when I experienced racism for the first time at a young age it was a complete shock to me. I am in a biracial marriage and even in 2023 I am shunned for it, not only by perfect strangers but even members of my husband’s family! It angers me and breaks my heart but all I can do is pray for those people and live what I believe: that we are all equal. When I read about what Lee and May would face it hit very close to home, but the redemption made by some gives me hope and reminds me that God is bigger than racism and that He can soften anyones hearts. True redemption is so magnificently beautiful!

One of my favorite parts of this novel were the parts about the Japanese culture. I always love learning new things about other cultures and seeing the world through different lenses, so I soaked up all of the cultural tidbits that are sprinkled throughout the narrative with earnest. I found myself looking up different words as a I read and even got into a discussion with a friend of mine who has studied the Japanese culture extensively. So fascinating!

May’s strength in her faith was also so inspiring. Turning to the Lord in all things in prayer is something I’ve always struggled with, but to May it’s as natural as breathing. Oh, to have that kind of relationship with my Lord! It is clear that she lives what she believes and it was a sound reminder to myself to do the same.

Knowing You is hands down one of my favorite novels of the year! Add in a mystery, theft, and love on top of the cultural and historical aspects, plus strong writing and endearing characters, and you’ve got one novel that truly has it all!

My Rating: ★★★★★

More Books in Series

About the Author

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.

Connect with Tracie by visiting traciepeterson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of Knowing You and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 15, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 22, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!