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forestidylls's review against another edition
4.0
It's 1923 and Cassidy loves her life in Curry, Alaska as an assistant chef. She and her father are right in the middle of history being made and she can't imagine a better life, unless she could reunite with her grandparents, who disowned her long ago. Then Allan arrives, bringing with him a past that haunts her father and new feelings Cassidy has never experienced before.
I loved the historical aspects of this book, reading about the beauty in Alaska, and the difficulties in climbing a mountain! I have to admit, however, the characters were not my favorite. Cassidy seemed a little too cheerful and positive at all times, and while I realize that was supposed to be a good way to witness to others, it made her a little flat. I loved Thomas - he was just a side character, but it was fun getting to know him, and watching him try so hard to grow up and please everyone. The plot did drag out a little too long...I felt like the characters would mentally resolve something only to be struggling with the same thing again in the next chapter. Not that that isn't true to life, but in a book format it gets a little old. All in all, though, it was a fun book to read, I read it in one sitting, and I moved immediately to the second book in the series!
I loved the historical aspects of this book, reading about the beauty in Alaska, and the difficulties in climbing a mountain! I have to admit, however, the characters were not my favorite. Cassidy seemed a little too cheerful and positive at all times, and while I realize that was supposed to be a good way to witness to others, it made her a little flat. I loved Thomas - he was just a side character, but it was fun getting to know him, and watching him try so hard to grow up and please everyone. The plot did drag out a little too long...I felt like the characters would mentally resolve something only to be struggling with the same thing again in the next chapter. Not that that isn't true to life, but in a book format it gets a little old. All in all, though, it was a fun book to read, I read it in one sitting, and I moved immediately to the second book in the series!
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
4.0
I had put off starting this book, but it was very good! Loved the Mount McKinley setting and the history about making t a state park. Excellent start to a new series
a_kira's review against another edition
4.0
Good story incorporating circumstances where characters remember and turn to God.
clents's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jazzthecat's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
riversong200's review against another edition
3.0
Good story but too heavy on the religion aspect for me.
shammons's review against another edition
4.0
First in a series and a great one to start with. I'm enjoying my Kindle Unlimited Trial membership, and trying to read books by authors that are not readily available to me. These books are all set in Alaska, at the Curry Hotel, in the 1920's. There is some fascinating historical tidbits woven into the fiction story and I'm thoroughly enjoying them so far!
lmmays371's review against another edition
3.0
A good book, but if not for the interesting setting I may have been bored. An easy read including romance, faith, and murder.
shelfesteem's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted to https://christianshelfesteem.wordpress.com/
For anyone who has ever dreamt of visiting Alaska, In the Shadow of Denali is a must read. During my years in the majestic state, I ventured south to Seward and north to Talkeetna, both of which are mentioned in the book. It was from the Talkeetna Airport that a pilot/friend allowed me to glimpse a birds eye view of Denali. This story helped me revisit these places in my mind and to imagine what life may have been like in 1923.
From the opening lines of the prologue to the last page there exists a delightful tension. It begins with a tragic expedition which claims the life of one climber. Six years later Allan Brennan unknowingly accepts a position working for John Ivanoff, the man who served as his father’s guide on the ill fated expedition. Bitterness and anger consume his thoughts, even as he finds himself falling for the John’s daughter. At this point the story takes a profound turn towards love, forgiveness, and faith.
Through their collaborative efforts, Peterson and Woodhouse capture a sense of anticipation surrounding the birth of Mt. McKinley National Park. Historic details about early attempts to summit Denali, daily operation of the Curry Hotel, and the railway responsible for delivering visitors into such a remote region of the Alaska Territory add a profound richness to the story. All combined—imagery, history, fiction, and faith—In the Shadow of Denali leaves readers clamoring for the second installment of The Heart of Alaska series.
Many thanks Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own.
For anyone who has ever dreamt of visiting Alaska, In the Shadow of Denali is a must read. During my years in the majestic state, I ventured south to Seward and north to Talkeetna, both of which are mentioned in the book. It was from the Talkeetna Airport that a pilot/friend allowed me to glimpse a birds eye view of Denali. This story helped me revisit these places in my mind and to imagine what life may have been like in 1923.
From the opening lines of the prologue to the last page there exists a delightful tension. It begins with a tragic expedition which claims the life of one climber. Six years later Allan Brennan unknowingly accepts a position working for John Ivanoff, the man who served as his father’s guide on the ill fated expedition. Bitterness and anger consume his thoughts, even as he finds himself falling for the John’s daughter. At this point the story takes a profound turn towards love, forgiveness, and faith.
Through their collaborative efforts, Peterson and Woodhouse capture a sense of anticipation surrounding the birth of Mt. McKinley National Park. Historic details about early attempts to summit Denali, daily operation of the Curry Hotel, and the railway responsible for delivering visitors into such a remote region of the Alaska Territory add a profound richness to the story. All combined—imagery, history, fiction, and faith—In the Shadow of Denali leaves readers clamoring for the second installment of The Heart of Alaska series.
Many thanks Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own.