Where Justice Ends and Mercy Begins

As Far As The West

Written by Barbara A. Curtis

Series: Blooms of the Bitterbrush, Book 2

Published by Wild Heart Books

Release Date: 09.23.25

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Christian Westerns

5 Stars!

Some stories don’t invite you in … they carry you until your own heartbeat blends with the characters’. As Far as the West did that to me.

Barbara A. Curtis writes with a faith-filled steadiness that points every story back to the heart of God … smooth, vivid, and honest. Her words breathe with sincerity, truth, conviction, grace, mercy, and love. I felt the sting of rejection, the relief of forgiveness, and the slow healing of hearts learning to trust. When I closed the final chapter, I just sat there, grateful and reflective.

This story leads to truth: forgiveness isn’t abstract … it’s blood-bought, costly, and complete as one line captures so perfectly: “Jesus, who owed no debt of sin but who took on our heavy load of debt Himself to pay.” That line is the Gospel in one breath, woven into every thread of the story.

The following reminders pressed on my heart motivating change long after I finished reading. Forgiven people live different. They notice need. They move toward it …

“Always keep an eye out for who you can help …”

“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”

And then there’s the bitterbrush … blooming in the hard places, whispering hope:

“The beauty of the blossoms did seem to offer a promise of hope, of God’s provision, as Mama always said… Something to remind her that God would go with her.”

That image lingers. Because the same God who made the bitterbrush bloom is still teaching His people to do the same: to trust His provision, to believe His goodness, to carry beauty everywhere.

Her storytelling feels both tender and timeless. Barbara A. Curtis writes as one who has walked with God through both dust and dawn, and her stories carry the fragrance of His faithfulness. As Far as the West is forgiveness embodied, faith tested and proven, and grace extended.

For readers who crave Christian fiction that feels alive with Scripture and anchored in Jesus—this one belongs on your shelf and in your soul.

I received a digital ARC from Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. Additionally, I purchased the audiobook! I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the great writing and the story’s wonderful content, ensuring transparency and reliability.