Forever Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

-
Forever Hidden

Nome, Alaska and dairy farming don't seem to go together real well and yet this is the story of Chuck Bundrant and his daughter and three granddaughters who moved to Alaska to escape the past and have settled down and worked hard to make a dairy farm successful. There are cows to milk, chickens to feed and talk to, sled dogs, and even sheep by the time the book is done. There seems to be way more work than can be done in a day especially after illness and tragedy strike.

This book does a good job of showing the resilience of men and women. The phrase from the Bible, "cast down, but not destroyed" comes to mind. While it's taken out of context here, this family was determined to make a way when times were tough. The Pastor preached on contentment and joy in all circumstances and Havyn (the main character of the main characters) really wanted to do that in her own life. I needed that reminder myself that even when life is throwing a curve ball, I can choose contentment and I can choose joy.

Another thing I liked about the book is it didn't end happily ever after. Yes, there was a happy ending, but it was overshadowed by grief and loss and I appreciate when books do that. Life doesn't always give happy endings and I like when my books reflect real life.

I read a lot of Tracie Peterson books and I think my favorite are the ones she co-authors with Kimberley Woodhouse. It might all be in my head, but they seem to have a deeper depth to them than the ones she writes on her own. The characters seem more developed and thoughtful perhaps; I'm not sure I can completely describe it, but that is my takeaway so far.

I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Fragrant Whiffs of Joy by Dorcas Smucker (It's Giveaway time)

-
Image
Ah yes, this was just what the doctor ordered. I've wanted to review Dorcas' last book or two and was always too chicken to ask, but this time I threw caution to the wind and said, "Yes, I want to review your book." And I'm so glad I did. It was the perfect book for this stage in my life. Short, easy to read chapters that can be picked up and read whenever and wherever. They are guaranteed to either make you laugh, smile, cry, or or just give you that ah-ha feeling that someone else experiences life like that too.  I could quote from pretty much every chapter something that struck me in one of those ways, but I really want you to go buy the book so I won't do that many spoilers. I only want to give you a hint of what is to come in the book. First off, isn't the cover beautiful? I can dream of a kitchen table like that with the apple pie still steaming and the tea pot, or coffee pot more likely, full to the brim and a beautiful arrangement of flowers
Read more

PRECIOUS CHILD

-
In my dreams, you are alive and well Precious child, precious child In my mind, I see you clear as a bell Precious child, precious child In my soul, there is a hole That can never be filled But in my heart, there is hope 'Cause you are with me still In my heart, you live on Always there never gone Precious child, you left too soon Tho' it may be true that we're apart You will live forever... in my heart In my plans, I was the first to leave Precious child, precious child But in this world, I was left here to grieve Precious child, my precious child In my soul, there is a hole That can never be  filled But in my heart there is hope And you are with me still In my heart you live on Always there, never gone Precious child, you left too soon,  Tho' it may be true that we're apart You will live forever... in my heart God knows I want to hold you,  See you, touch you And maybe there's a heaven And someday I will again Please know yo
Read more

With Every Memory by Janine Rosche

-
Image
  The story opens with Lori returning home after a year in rehab following a car accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury and missing memories. She works hard to regain her former life, but as her memories return, things seem confusing and hard. What happened in those years she is missing in her memory? I'm not going to say more about the story; I don't want to give anything away, but you start to wonder pretty early on in the book, what actually happened. The story flips back and forth between Lori and her daughter, Avery.  This is a story of redemption, hope and healing. It is a story of grief and loss, a bit of rebellion, but a lot of love too. It's a story about faithfulness in the midst of unfaithfulness. All in all, it's a good book, and one that had me turning the pages as fast as I could to find out how everything came together in the end.  I really enjoyed this book and would be interested in reading more by Janine in the future. I received this boo
Read more