What an interesting story this was by a new-to-me author. A Distance too Grand is a unique take on the post-civil war era in America when the Grand Canyon is being studied.
I found the characters likable and realistic in their hopes and dreams. I really enjoyed how they kept pushing forward despite many obstacles and difficulties in their path.
Can I just talk about the photography aspect? It was so interesting to read about the process and 'experience' the art with Meg. I honestly felt that I was at the Grand Canyon with her and behind the camera, seeing the beauty through the lens with her.
The middle was a bit slow but otherwise, I loved it.

Rating: 4 Stars
Content: 4 Stars

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. A positive review was not required. Opinions expressed are completely my own. ( )

My Review: I expected to enjoy this book as a light and somewhat serious historical romance and what I found was that and more with the descriptions of the Grand Canyon, reading about the beautiful depths of the canyon was so interesting and is was as though I was there – which would be amazing – the details were written so we’ll. This did end with some sadness but much sweetness.

Rating: 4 stars,

Recommendation: 16 up for romance and slight violent mentions (can give details if wanted.)

Verse: Deuteronomy 13:4 Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.(King James Version.) (Not only was this verse the verse of the day, but it also fits the book and how the characters needed to grow.)

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

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LOVE the cover on this book. And I'm a fan in general of the concept of novels set in the early days of national parks. It just turns out that I like them set not quite so early days. Anyone who likes a more rugged Old West story would find lots to enjoy here. Ultimately for me, though, it was just a little too much struggle-for-survival, foraging-for-plants, do-we-have-enough-bullets, baking-in-the-sun adventure. Call me when there's a visitor center, a few rangers to give talks, and maybe even a dance! :D ( )

This book was well-written and the characters real and believable. It makes me want to return to the Grand Canyon as soon as possible. I will look for more by this author. ( )

Thank you to JustRead Publicity and Revell for providing me with a print copy to review. A positive review was not required nor am I being compensated for this review.

Let me start this review with this important note – I am not a historical fiction or historical romance kind of girl. A quick glance at my Goodreads profile, my Bookbub profile, and my blog would tell you that.

So, the high marks and praise in this review do not come with a blind love of the genre, nor do they come simply because this was a “freebie”

Also, this is the first book I’ve ever read by Regina Scott.

With that said …

This was an AMAZING read! The first night/early morning (I started early morning Saturday 9/28) I read 104 pages, stopping at Chapter 9. I couldn’t put it down. All day Saturday as I prepped my review – I couldn’t help but glance at the gorgeous cover and want to steal a read in it. I save my reading for bedtime so I can get things done during the day. I read this in about a day (ending early morning of 9/29), and given the length of the actual story – 356 pages, that was an average of 178 per night. In total, it took roughly 10 hours for me to read this.

That just doesn’t happen very often. It was that good!

“A Distance Too Grand” is the first book in the “American Wonders Collection”, a historical fiction, historical romance series about the National Parks and their history. This novel explores the history of the Grand Canyon which was established February 26, 1919, marking its 100th year this year. The term “Grand Canyon” was coined in 1871, which was previously called the Big Canyon.

“A Distance Too Grand” features Margaret “Meg” Pero, a photographer, who studied under her father. When he dies from an illness, she takes over his profession as well as the contract he had with the US Army and their survey team. The team is headed to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in August 1871.

Unfortunately for Meg, the leader is a man she refused to marry – Captain Ben Coleridge. He would prefer to leave her behind, however he needs her services and they have no time to get a replacement photographer. But, he refuses to allow her to be a distraction. This isn’t any normal survey mission; this is also personal for Ben as he tries to figure out what happened to his father who went missing some months earlier.

Danger begins to confront them – coming from not only outside, but inside as well. Meg and Ben face it together though in this beautiful novel full of intrigue, wonder, danger, and romance.

This is a wonderful book for not only the story line, but the history of one of my favorite subjects – photography. In addition the risks some photographers took to get a picture along with their role with the Army survey teams. It is amazing to learn how far we’ve come with it.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical romance, historical fiction, romances with the Army, or expedition stories.

It is interesting to learn how crucial the Army was in the lives of settlers with regard to surveying safe routes, identifying water sources, along with food sources. ( )