In 1871 Meg Pero is an expert photographer who learned her father’s trade in her travels with him all over the United States and during the infamous Civil War. When her father dies, she is forced to pave a way for her own photography without the support of her limited family. Ben Coleridge is a young Captain in the U.S. Army of Engineers tasked with finding a path down into the Grand Canyon. With an unexpected blast from the past, he embarks upon a life changing journey into the most stunning territory yet to be discovered.

The pace of this story makes it a hard book to put down. With twists and turns and the majesty of an unexplored Grand Canyon, the story of Meg and Ben does not disappoint. Meg presents the typical heroine of today’s literature: beautiful, resilient, capable and independent. Ben Coleridge steps into the scene as the strong, respected, and honorable hero.

Do not mistake me, I loved this story. However I did find Meg to be aloof as a character. She does not seem to truly grieve her father as Ben does, despite having had a close relationship with him. She also seems to be unresponsive in her emotions concerning Ben. Perhaps she is supposed to be stoic? I also would have preferred a stronger redemption to the characters’ internal struggle with faith.  Either way, she comes off as cold when it comes to those she is supposed to deeply care about. Due to this, I give this book a four star rating (meaning I would recommend it, but will not likely keep it on my shelf to read again).

Leslie