All Things Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse, Book review

• 
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 7, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211195

SYNOPSIS:

In 1935, Alaska is still a wild frontier, largely unexplored by Americans from the Lower 48. When the New Deal opens up the Matanuska Valley for settlement, Dr. Hillerman and his daughter Gwyn have no idea of the scale of the work before them in providing medical care for an entire new colony. 

After life seemingly turns against him, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan of Chicago decides to head up and help Dr. Hillerman, whom he had known in his youth. Jeremiah arrives in Alaska full of secrets, but how long will he be able to keep them? 

Award-winning Peterson and Woodhouse have coauthored a marvelous story of love and adventure in the Alaskan frontier. Their characters spring to life against a background of historical events. The faith of the Hillermans and other characters in their exceptional circumstances rings true, and, indeed, they have little else to depend on.

 Readers will enjoy romance and excitement as Gwyn and Jeremiah figure out each other’s intentions and work hard to create a new life in beautiful and demanding Alaska.

(Source Booklist)

My Thoughts:

Drawn against the breathtaking Alaskan scenery at the time of the Matanuska project  'All Things Hidden' opened a scarcely known fact: In 1935, 203 pioneer families arrived in this last frontier valley to carve a new life for themselves.
I don't imagine many people would have known of the colony until Tracie and co author Kimberley released their story. I enjoyed 'the story behind the story' and I could not resist checking the list of the original settlers (HERE).

With dozens of novels to her credit Tracie Peterson needs little introduction. Her writings continues to delight many with her steady blend of love, faith with a little mystery and adventure thrown in for good measure.

Gwyn and her father love their Valley and despite the challenges of this beautiful land, have found a measure of happiness. Gwyn's estranged mother and sister have long departed for greater metropolis, their rather cold and selfish attitude a cloud on the young girl's life. 

Dr. Hillerman cares for all Valley folks, settlers and native alike for decades and prepares himself for the challenging task of doctoring also the new comers. Upon arrival some are discovered sick and not all are happy in their new situation.  A few of the newcomers also resent the nearby native settlement despite receiving a warm welcome and thoughtful gifts.

As with all such projects, there are glitches and concerns are raised particularly with Winter on the horizon. A race to finish the housing necessary for all settlers leaves little time for the Hillermans to enjoy their usual peaceful relationship.

Gwyn does not like changes and wish everything would remain as it was whilst a concerned Dr. Hillerman invites a well known young physician to help him care for the new settlers in addition to his own patients.

However Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan has left rather suddenly his practice in Chicago after his fiancee discovers his medical license has been suspended. He carries his guilt around and fears discovery. His attraction to young Gwyn does not help alleviate his concerns. What will she and her father think when they discover the truth?

The historical background of this particular Depression era, the sweet characters and dramatic plotline were consistent with Tracie's writings praising God and His work in our lives. 
The combined team work of Tracie and co author Kimberley Woodhouse, All Things Hidden provided a light reading if a little predictable,  ideal for the many rainy days we have experienced lately and suited to any age.

4 Stars!


Meet the Authors:

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. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit her website (HERE)

Kimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. 
A popular speaker, she's shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel's Mystery ER. Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy, releases from Tyndale House Publishers September first. 
In addition to her non-fiction, she also writes romantic suspense and children's books. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly "extreme" home. 

Visit her website (HERE)


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book courtesy of BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS as part of this book promotion. 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.