Knowing You, set during the final days of the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo in Seattle, is a wonderfully satisfying conclusion to the Pictures of the Heart series. It is a perfect blend of history, romance, drama, and faith. Strong, compelling characters kept me firmly invested in the outcome of the story. I love how the sweet romantic relationship between May and Lee progresses despite racial prejudice especially from Lee’s own family. I also appreciate how the subject of interracial marriage is handled with biblical insight and thoughtfulness. I love this book and the series, and I give them my highest recommendation. NOTE: Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but for a richer reading experience, I recommend reading the series in order.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

What an amazing book! Tracie Peterson once again crafts a story so engaging that I could hardly put it down! There's mystery, intrigue, and a love story! There is also a difficult subject addressed: racism. I absolutely loved how Tracie incorporated scripture and grace to the topic of racism.

The characters are relatable and genuine! I loved the continuation of Pearl and Otis' stories! I also enjoyed reading about the rest of the Camera Girls' lives. May absolutely blew me away! She is full of grace and beauty. She loves fully, and she believes in the true goodness of people. Lee is a Godly man! He's strong, loving, and committed to his job and his family.

The theme of forgiveness is prevalent throughout the book. May's mother struggles with this, and so do Lee's parents. Lee and May gently guide their parents towards God and that they should give their troubles to Him.

This is a definite read! I would start with the rest of the series, "Remember Me" and "Finding Us," so that you can get to know the characters better!

I was provided a copy of the book from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

Although this is book three in the Pictures of the Heart series I had no difficulty reading it as a stand-alone. Previous characters are mentioned and play a small part in the story but this focuses on May a Japanese American who meets her old friend and defender Lee whom she hasn’t seen for ten years. Lee is now a police detective working at the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition in Seattle Washington in 1899 where May is working as a camera girl and also colorizes the photos by painting on them. This is a story of racial division and of family secrets and also has the intrigue of a heist about to be committed of a Japanese samurai armor. It was a nice friends to love theme with many obstacles to overcome. I especially enjoyed how May and her mother overcame her mother’s secrets to find a deeper relationship. I enjoyed this story as it was different and kept my attention. I recommend even if you haven’t read the previous books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. ( )

Knowing You by Tracie Peterson is historical fiction. This book is the third book in the Pictures of the Heart Book series. Tracie Petersen weaves together moving works of Christian historical fiction. In this book, May Parker is a budding artist who is captivated by the Japanese exhibits at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. She longs to know more about her mother’s heritage—which her mother refuses to speak of because she left heartbreaking memories in Japan.

Working as a camera girl for the exposition, she inadvertently stumbles in danger when samurai armor becomes the target of an elusive art forger. It also leads to her reuniting with Lee Munro, a police detective assigned to watch the exposition, and her childhood friend.

With parents who refuse to accept anyone who is not the same as them, Lee relies on his Christian faith to navigate life. I found myself unable to put this book down. The descriptions of May’s artistic talent, faith, and willingness to help others truly bring this book to life.

So if you are looking for historical fiction, check out Knowing You by Tracie Peterson for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

It is no surprise to me that the author has written a book that is a subject not written about very often where we see the human side of racism. It unfortunately is here and has become more of an issue than ever before. I will never grasp the concept of why people think that it is acceptable to belittle other nationalities, judge them, harass them, bully them and treat them less than human. We are all here because God put us here. We are to work together and become united. As you read this story you will witness the senseless hurt and shame put on a particular culture that is rich in history.

May wants to know more about her mother’s heritage and sets out to find out about the Japanese and how her mother was raised. May yearns to know the history about the Japanese and discovers some intriguing facts about herself as well. The author is known for her exquisite ability to draw historical facts into a story and create a realistic look at the time period. I was ready for my journey to begin. So here we go readers as we sit back and allow the words to paint a picture on what racism looks like and how it can change if we take the first step to stop it.

This is a beautiful story where we learn about the Japanese culture and how a young woman yearns to know her ancestors. She is faced with cruel comments and prejudice from others because of her nationality. May has a strong faith that sees her through many difficult times. It is hard not to be upset as we witness the racism people have faced in the past. I think it also reminds us that racism is still active now and we need to do better.

I loved how May and her dear friend Lee from childhood meet years later. Their friendship has latest all these years so it seemed natural for them to pick up where they left off. The author does add a bit of romance along with a mystery that keeps readers on their toes. I think this is one of the author’s best books and I highly recommend it to all readers.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )