The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson, Book review

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0764206191

Synopsis:

As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she's never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl--she'd rather work with her father's horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she's been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors.

When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle's carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build...until Rurik's former fiance shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.

Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God--and each other--when scandal threatens their newfound love?

My thoughts:

My first novel by Tracie Peterson was Book #3 in the 'Land of the Lone Star' series entitled 'Taming the Wind' (see review HERE), a good Western in itself and proof yet again this well published author has always something new up her sleeve! 
Easy to read, entertaining and with just enough historical facts to give even this quickly bored reader something to ponder about, her novels reflect a wholesomeness and faith  readers of any age will enjoy.

The Icecutter's Daughter's jacket alone was eye catching: I love raised lettering and the image and colours were a strong pull in my choice for reading it, in fact as much as the resume (I know,  I know, you should never judge a book by its cover but the series' name alone 'Land of Shining Water' was striking!).

Icecutting was a vast industry in the US before machinery overtook this skilled art and I was curious to see what Tracie might have dug out when she wrote her historical fiction about two young people, destined to be together yet separated by lies and scandal. 

 
Merrill has always seen to the needs of her large, mostly male family and her German ancestry is as much a part of her life as Rurik's Swedish roots are his. Tracie weaves a convincing tale about their budding love amidst Nordic traditions and deep faith, wrongs to be righted and duties to their families. 

As always you may depend on this author's for the myriad of details which makes this tale a sweet read on these cold and rainy Spring evenings this Pacific NW coastline is known for!

4 Stars!

 
About the Author:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than eighty-five novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

For more information visit her website (HERE)

I received this book free from BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS & CHOSEN BOOKS as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.