Friday, October 10, 2025

As Far as the West Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: As Far as the West

Author: Barbara A. Curtis

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: September 23, 2025

His only chance at happiness lies in the hands of a woman determined to expose his family’s darkest secrets.

Josiah Calloway lives in the shadow of two battles—the war that cost him his future and his leg, and the shame of his father’s betrayal. To restore his family’s honor, Josiah secretly repays the debts his father left behind, one by one. But the largest debt remains unpaid—to the Morgan family, his father’s sworn enemies.

Determined to save her family’s ranch, Lizzie Morgan takes a job at a Boise tailor shop, only to discover her employer is Benton Calloway, a man with a decades-old vendetta against her parents. Lizzie suspects he’s up to no good and plans to uncover proof of his schemes against her parents. The one bright spot in her dangerous game is Benton’s kind-hearted son who walks her home each evening, whose gentle ways and protective nature make her heart flutter.

As every evening walk draws them closer, Josiah finds himself falling for this determined seamstress with fire in her spirit and grace in her heart. When feelings deepen and Benton’s threats escalate, Josiah is given an ultimatum. But protecting Lizzie from his father might risk losing her trust and love forever. Can love overcome a legacy of betrayal or will the truth shatter everything they’ve built?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Barbara A. Curtis lives in Connecticut with her husband, and they have one grown son, a blessing to their hearts. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Novel Academy.

More from Barbara

Have you ever felt like a kid in a candy store?

In As Far as the West, eleven-year-old Gideon Brighton has the joy of living out that saying as he works for his grandmother in her candy shop, with his pay being in candy. And as a young entrepreneur, he has big dreams for Brighton’s Candy Shop.

Can you picture yourself sticking a hand into a big glass jar and pulling out favorites like Tootsie Rolls and Mary Janes? And other favorites of the day—Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses and Clark’s Teaberry and Wriggley’s Juicy Fruit gums. DeMet’s Turtles, Whitman’s Samplers, Cadbury’s, Life Savers, and Brach’s caramel squares. Necco wafers and butterscotch Reed’s Rolls. Yes, all available in 1920 and ready for Gideon to dig into. But his favorite of all? His Grandma Brighton’s homemade fudge.

Do you have a favorite “old-fashioned” candy that fills you with nostalgia? Or images of being a kid in a candy store yourself?

If you continue on with the next book in the series, Gathered from the North, you’ll get to meet Gideon once again—as an adult and owner of Brighton’s Candy Shop—and see if the young businessman fulfills his dream of adding an ice cream parlor to it.

I hope you enjoy As Far as the West—and maybe it’ll inspire you to make a visit to an old-fashioned candy shop yourself.

Blessings!

Barbara

MY REVIEW

What a beautiful story of being the hands and feet of Jesus. I could not stop being in awe of Josiah. His humble, Godly ways illustrates how we need to treat others. Although his father is no on the up and up, Josiah decides to repay those his father has cheated out of money. I love his example of faith by not only his actions but his words. He is able to restrain himself from the trap of the enemy and continue his promise to make things right to those who had fallen as a victim to his devious and greedy ways.

I liked how Lizzie stepped out on her own and traveled to Boise for an adventure in supporting herself. She does have a few hiccups but lands a job as a seamstress. Meeting a dear couple on her way to look for work, brings a lasting friendship for her. This couple welcome her in to their home when she had nowhere else to go. What a great way to show love to others in need.

As you read the story you will find a very special woman who takes Lizzie under her wings. Mrs. McPhearson opens her boarding house to Lizzie and gives her a place to feel safe. I liked reading about the delicious meals served each day and the love that went into them. Lizzie will always hold a special in Mrs. McPhearson’s heart.

Forgiveness is the main theme in this story and is illustrated very well. We find ourselves thinking that someone doesn’t deserve forgiveness but God wants us to forgive. If we don’t forgive we hold ourselves back from God’s blessings. This story is one that would be an excellent book to read in a small group. I can just imagine the group discussing each character and learning valuable and faith filled lessons that won’t be forgotten.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.’”

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