My next book review is The Icecutter’s Daughter, by Tracie Peterson from the series
Land of Shining Water
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
fiancée shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.
In my opinion, this book has just the right amount of mystery and romance
to keep my attention and "stay up late to finish just one more chapter". I liked Merrill because she was compassionate
and willing to help her father and brothers instead of thinking of
herself. She had discovered she loved
caring for her father’s Belgian horses that he raised. The descriptions of the goodies prepared throughout the book made me hungry as Tracie described
the tempting meals that Merrill served in the story. I wish she would share the recipe of the carrot cookies (Page 46).
With the descriptions of building furniture in Rurik's uncle’s carpentry business I could almost smell
the fresh wood as it was being cut. The dilemma in Rurik’s relationship with his
pre-arranged fiancée sure gives the story a puzzle to solve. His best friend, Nils, challenges Rurik as they share their idea of becoming business partners.
I recommend this book to someone wanting a good fictional
story with plenty of twists.
*Disclosure of Material
Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their
blogger review program. I was not
required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,
Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising
