This was a great book. I enjoyed every minute. The characters were well developed and I loved all of them. The head cook for the Curry Hotel was Mrs. Johnson and she reminded me so much of Mrs. Patmore in Downton Abbey! Cassidy, her father John, and Allan were great and believable. The plot was well thought out and full of history. I looked up pictures of the Curry Hotel and while reading the book, I could really visualize the scenes.

There was a wonderful faith aspect in this novel. The way Cassidy and her dad, John, loved the Lord and trusted Him in their lives was inspirational.

I’m looking forward to reading the next two books in this series. ( )

Excellent First book in the series Of early alaska and introduces characters used in next books in series ( )

This was a nice start to what I hope will be a wonderful trilogy of books taking place in Alaska in the 1920's. I love it when I learn new stuff from reading fiction. I think there is so much more for me to learn about Alaska and as always, Tracie Peterson's characters are real, honest and emotional. ( )

This was a wonderful trilogy by Tracy Peterson set in the hauntingly beautiful Alaska at the historic curry hotel at the base of Mount McKinley. This series follows a group of characters as they grow in love, faith, and friendship. I really enjoyed the series this was a wonderful trilogy by Tracy Peterson set in the hauntingly beautiful Alaska at the historic curry hotel at the base of Mount McKinley. This series follows a group of characters as they grow in love, faith, and friendship. I really enjoyed the series and I loved the carrying over of characters from each book. ( )

Continuing my quest to learn more about Alaska through fiction, I listened to the audiobook edition of In The Shadow of Denali, the first book in the Heart of Alaska series by Tracie Peterson and Kimberely Woodhouse. I really enjoyed the journey back to the early 1920s when the railroad leading to the new national park was completed. Denali had been renamed Mt. McKinley, and experienced and not-so-experienced outdoorsmen were flocking to see the wonders of the Alaskan wilderness. I loved this glimpse into the history surrounding Denali. I found the historical details interesting, while the adventure and intrigue kept me saying just one chapter more. The descriptions of the beauty of the area has heightened my anticipation to see Alaska for myself. There is also a wonderful romance for fans of the genre. Peterson and Woodhouse weave a faith thread throughout the book that focuses on the reliability of Christ to care and provide, even in the hard times. Main character Cassidy Ivanoff is the catalyst for many of the characters to discover or grow in their faith. Cassidy’s faith is also tested in ways that felt very natural. The book’s plot line is resolved, making it a standalone, but I am eager to return to Denali to see just what awaits some of the other characters that were introduced in book 1.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )