A Distance Too Grand ~ Review

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.


About the Book:

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart. He can't afford to be distracted during this survey, which is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides--and even from within--Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.