Book Review: All Things Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

Back Cover: Gwyn Hillerman loves being a nurse at her father's clinic on the beautiful Alaskan frontier. But family life has been rough ever since her mother left them, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn's younger sister with her.

In Chicago, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan finds his life suddenly turned upside down when his medical license is stripped away after an affluent patient dies. In a snowball effect, his fiance breaks their engagement. In an attempt to bury the past, Jeremiah accepts Dr. Hillerman's invitation to join his growing practice in the isolated Alaska Territory.

Gwyn and Jeremiah soon recognize a growing attraction to each other. But when rumors of Jeremiah's past begin to surface, they'll need more than love to face the threat of an uncertain future.

My Review: I was absolutely intrigued with the historical context of All Things Hidden. I've read a lot of historical novels, but I can't remember reading another book about depression era Alaska. The uniqueness of the time and place of the setting enhanced my enjoyment of the novel. The main character, Gwyn, is well developed and likable. While she isn't perfect, I was happy to accompany her through her story. I loved how the authors created tension between Gwyn and Jeremiah (the handsome young doctor running away from scandal in Chicago). Jeremiah has so much to lose. I held my breath most of the book waiting to see if the truth would set him free or if it would be the final condemnation to end all his dreams. I won't give away the outcome. In my opinion, this was a very enjoyable book, even if I didn't find the antagonist as believable as I would have liked.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson

Excerpt: "There's your proof," a grizzled, menacing man told Herbert Lockhart. He pointed to several items on the desk. "I took 'em off him just like you said. Now pay me."

Lockhart considered the pieces a moment. A gold pocket watch and chain, a leather wallet, and a small daguerreotype framed behind glass. He picked up the watch and noted the inscribed initials. Just as quickly he cast it aside. Next he examined the photo of John Dandridge's pretty wife. Se was dead, and it was a real pity. The woman was quite attractive. Not as beautiful as Hannah Dandridge, but very pleasing to the eye. Looking through the wallet, he found nothing of interest, and very little money. "Where's his cash?"

The man threw him a smile. "Well, I had to pay to get him buried. Couldn't very well just leave his body out there to rot on the road." Chasing the Sun, pg 19.

Back Cover: HANNAH is desperate for help..
WILLIAM is determined to regain his family's land...

When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but also for the Texas ranch her father recently acquired. A marriage of convenience could ease her predicament... but is it the true desire of her heart?

Wounded soldier William Barnett returns home only to find out that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angered at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.

Despite these circumstances, Hannah and William form an uneasy truce... and an undeniable attraction builds between them. In a land where loyalties are divided in a country ravaged by war, is there any hope that the first blush of love can survive?

My Review: I enjoyed Chasing the Sun. The novel is a story of forgiveness, kindness, and friendship. The characters are well developed, and the plot was interesting. The antagonist continued to cause problems for the two main characters, and I found myself disliking him more and more, hoping he would get caught in his despicable plan. I really enjoyed the antics of Hannah's younger siblings. The children were a lot of fun to read about, especially at the end of the story. I was encouraged by the themes of the book. It made me think about how God is with us, even when we don't feel his presence, or understand what is going on in our world. Tracie Peterson wove a wonderful story in this first installment of the Land of the Lone Star series.
My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to readers of westerns and fans of Tracie Peterson.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson

Excerpt: Just like that. No further explanation. No other comment. After fifteen years of avoiding anything that referenced our mother and the place where she'd died, our father was suddenly plunging us back into the nightmare. House of Secrets, pg 27.

Back Cover: They vowed, as children, to be silent...

When her father orchestrates a surprise trip to the summer house of her childhood, Bailee Cooper is unprepared for what follows. What is intended to be a happy reunion for Bailee and her sisters quickly becomes shrouded by memories from the past.

Together again, the three sisters sift through their recollections of fifteen years ago...of an ill mother, and of their father making a desperate choice. One sister believes their silence must end and the truth be revealed. But they soon come to wonder if they can trust their memories.

Mark Delahunt arrives in the wake of this emotional turmoil. Determined to win Bailee's affection, Mark becomes a strong fortress for her in this time of confusion, and what was once a tentative promise begins to take root and grow. Caught between the past and an uncertain future, can Bailee let God guide her to healing...or will she risk losing the chance to embrace love?

My Review: I wasn't sure what to expect when I agreed to read and review House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson. While I've read many of Tracie's historical fiction novels, I was sure what a contemporary novel would be like. I was not disappointed. Tracie brings to life a very confused young woman, trying to deal with the secrets of the past and move on with her life. However, the further that she digs into the family secrets, the worse those secrets become. Can she ever learn to trust and love? This novel deals with some difficult subjects, including mental health. Tracie did a great job with this novel.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to readers of contemporary Christian fiction.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: To Have and To Hold by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

Excerpt: Audrey Cunningham knew that look. The wrinkled brow, the furrowed crevices around the lips, the eyebrows dropped low above gunmetal gray eyes - the look her father displayed when trouble loomed in their future.

She'd observed far too many of those worried expressions over the past months. And though she'd questioned her father on more than one occation, he continually denied that anything was amiss. But not this morning. This morning, he motioned her toward the breakfast table and pointed to one of the spindle-back chairs. She settled on the cane seat and braced herself for the bad news that was sure to follow.

"We've got troubles." To Have and To Hold, pg 7.

Back Cover: Take a trip back in time to beautiful Bridal Veil Island

When Audrey Cunningham moved with her father to his ancestral home on Bridal Veil Island, Georgia, she hoped the beauty and remoteness of the place would keep him sober and close to God. But now wealthy investors are buying up land to build a grand resort on the secluded island--and they want the Cunninghams' property.

Contractor Marshall Graham can't imagine why Boyd Cunningham would ask him to look after Audrey. Marshall has no desire to be saddled with caring for the fiery young woman who seems to think the worst of him. But when someone appears to be sabotaging the construction work at the resort and Audrey's life is endangered, Marshall realizes she holds more of his heart than he thought and he'll do anything to keep her safe.

Amid a time of growth and change for Bridal Veil, can Marshall and Audrey find a foundation on which to build a love to last forever?

My Review: To Have and To Hold is the first book in the Bridal Veil Island series by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller. It's the story of hope and trust in the midst of hardships. Audrey Cunningham has known her share of sorrow. Her mother has died, and her father spent most of her life as an alcoholic. Now sober, he has taken her back to a small island in Georgia where he grew up. Audrey is then faced with some of the most difficult circumstances in her life, and must learn to discern the true character of two different men. Will she loose her heart to the wrong one? Will she be able to hold on to her faith when yet another sorrow disrupts her life? Can she learn to stop jumping to conclusions and trust the Lord to direct her path?

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to fans of Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson

Excerpt: "It feels strange - coming home after being gone so long."

"You're no longer a child." Euphanel gazed at her daughter. "Something happens to us when we cross that threshold to womanhood."

Deborah considered that a moment. "Everything seems different, and yet nothing has changed."

"You've changed."

She startled at her mother's words. "I'm still the same old Deborah."

Her mother shook her head. "Hardly that. You are a woman now. While many would have called you one before, there can be no doubt about it now. You have tasted the world and its delights - traveled to see so many exciting things. You walked beyond your own gate, as my mother would say. It opens your heart and mind to so much that you didn't know before." Embers of Love, pg 42-43.

Back Cover: After being educated in the East, Deborah Vandermark returns to Perkinsville, Texas, where her family is part of the thriving logging industry. She brings along an unexpected companion - her best friend, who is fleeing a wedding and groom she has no interest in. A determined matchmaker, Deborah sets her sights on uniting her brother and friend in what she hopes will be a true love match.

Then Deborah meets Christopher Clayton, the town's new doctor - and quickly realizes that she has a much greater interest in medicine and science than the bookkeeping she studied in college. Soon Deborah is caught between her fascination for doctoring and her obligation to her family. And in the midst of her warring emotions is the doctor himself. Are her tumultuous feelings for the man, or for what he can teach her?

My Review: Embers of Love is the first book in Tracie Peterson's new series - Striking a Match. It has been a while since I've read any of Tracie's books. After reading Embers of Love, I want to go back and read Tracie's other books that I have in my collection.

This is a story of one young woman's quest to find out what she really wants from life. While she is willing to match up other people, Deborah guards her own heart for the sake of the greater good - her family's well-being. After reading the book, I had to ask myself why I do the things that I do. Do I do them because they are laid on my heart - a passion from God - or do I do them because I think that others expect it from me.

I do have to admit that the story seems to drag in spots, though the whole thing takes place in six short months. The rate in which the characters fall for each other is a little unrealistic, but putting that aside the story line is enjoyable.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romance and especially fans of Tracie Peterson.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.