For Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bondrant’s dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at 23, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather’s health is declining and … everyone seems to be holding secrets from each other, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.John Roselli arrives in Nome looking for a steady, consistent job. He has grown tired of the promises of getting rich quick and just wants an honest job with honest pay. His grandfather once knew a Chuck Bondrant, and so when John arrives at the dairy, he’s quickly offered a job–and a path to more if he wants it.Havyn’s plan for helping out the family means using her beautiful singing voice and her sisters’ musical talent at a local roadhouse. They’re an immediate hit, and it looks like her plan will be a success. But the spotlight brings with it dangerous eyes that covet Havyn and are jealous as she and John grow ever closer. But will they realize the peril before it’s too late?
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I loved this first book in the Nome series. Havyn is the middle sister, and I loved her personality and dynamics with Whitney and Madysn. I look forward to the next book! A great historical fiction with suspense, romance, and faith.
This book has so much in it. I love the descriptions of Alaska. They almost make me want to brave the weather there. I love the characters. I laughed and cried throughout. Havyn and her family go through many trials and then they meet up with John who helps them through so much. This story is fantastic and I can’t wait to read book two in this series. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
This historical novel, set in the wild gold-mining town of Nome, Alaska, in 1891, shares the story of Melissa Powell’s family, including her father, Chuck Bundrant, and talented three grown daughters. The girls sing and play instruments, which helps add to the family income, along with the dairy farm. They are joined by John Roselli, sent by his grandfather to join his old friend Chuck. However, secrets have a hold on several family members and some surprises pop up as the book unfolds. The dramatic tale touches the heart with its endearing characters and the compelling family story. The authors weave the multiple threads together into a seamless saga that endures in readers’ thoughts as they await the next installment. I received a story from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Secrets, secrets, and more secrets! It seems like almost everyone in the story had something they were keeping Forever Hidden from the others. From the setting in Nome, Alaska to the endearing, realistic, and colorful characters, Peterson and Woodhouse have penned a wonderful, captivating story of a family trying to survive on the land. The musical aspect of the tale enthralled me, and I admired the talents of Melissa Powell and her three musical daughters. John Roselli is a fantastic hero—hard-working, courageous, faithful, and trustworthy, and it was fun to see his relationship with Havyn develop. It was interesting to see the ingenuity of the characters as they found new ways to add to the family income. I recommend this book to those who enjoy clean, wholesome historical fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.
It is very commendable when someone is sworn to secrecy and they keep that secret. Sometimes keeping a secret brings much hurt and even sometimes harm. Peterson and Woodhouse have teamed up and written an interesting book based on keeping secrets and hiding things…… It starts in Colorado in 1891 where Melissa Powell and her three daughters live. Tragedy strikes, her husband dies and they move with Melissa’s dad to Nome, Alaska, where the family now run a dairy and poultry farm. Each of the Powell girls have their own responsibility on the farm and the mother runs the home. Chuck, the granddad keeps the dairy and farm going. Secrets abound and they are starting to be revealed one by one, even shockingly so. A Christian theme of love, forgiveness and trust are woven throughout this story. There is also deceit, lies, trickery and even murder within the pages. This is a well written book with strong believable characters as is Peterson and Woodhouse’s style, as all their books are. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series as it will feature one of the other sisters.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and the authors. I was under no obligation to write a review, all opinions are completely my own.
I have been a fan of these authors for years. This book dos not disappoint and kept the pages turning and my interest through the book. Excellent writing and character building.
An interesting story during the Alaskan Gold Rush
My rating is 4.5 stars
I’m of the opinion that one of the signs of a great historical fiction novel is that it makes me want to search out something I’ve read to learn more about it. In Forever Hidden, there were several such treasures.
The Powell sisters were so delightful in their enthusiasm for music and their love for their mother and grandfather. Each was so different and yet they had a strong bond.
John was my favorite character. All alone in the world after the death of his grandfather, his last living relative, he found himself in Alaska to fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish. Offered an opportunity by Chuck, his grandfather’s best friend, he struggled to be sure he was doing the right thing. I loved his work ethic and his commitment to take care of the farm and the family there to the very best of his ability.
Havyn’s chickens were great! I loved the way she cared for each and every one of them and had given them names. And spoke to them and sang to them. And then there was the incident with the sheep!!
I was also fascinated to read about cheese making. The great description of making mozzarella made me want to look up a video to see this being done. I had no idea it was so fast and easy. I now understand why it has such an unusual texture.
Forever Hidden has a satisfying conclusion, though some of the intrigue and conflict is not completely resolved. It is clearly the beginning of a series with closely intertwined stories .
If you enjoy historical fiction with a strong Christian message, you will enjoy Forever Hidden.
The silence of secrets could cost them more than they ever guessed
Read my review of Forever Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Fans of Tracie Peterson will enjoy Forever Hidden, because of her experience writing rich novels set in Alaska. Collaborating with Kimberley Woodhouse for this new Treasures of Nome series enriches the story with her musical background. The book is filled with the three Powell sisters who are woven together as a musical tapestry that plays an integral role in the family’s survival when their grandfather has a stroke.
Moving to Alaska after the death of their father meant something different to everyone in the family. The impact was profound, as forgiveness and trust are woven throughout this story. As a reader, one has the privilege of seeing and understanding each character. In fiction, as in life, we react to things because of our life experiences. It is when we are open to seeing situations with fresh eyes that we begin to understand, forgive and trust.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy well written historical Christian fiction. I particularly liked the setting in the Alaska gold rush heyday. This book begs for a sequel or two, because every sister has a story to tell!
“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
I enjoy d reading it.
Another wonderful book from Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse! Forever Hidden is set in Alaska. The theme of secrets and God’s provision hit home with me. Havyn’s conversations with her chickens are amusing, mostly because I do that with my horses! I love the books from these women! It is so hard to put them down, even with 6 kids in the house. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!