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 really liked this book. I had to get used to the slower pace, but I think it was perfect for this story. I really enjoyed meeting the Powell sisters and their family. I loved their loyalty and love for each other. I also liked that they were so musically talented. I really liked John’s character. I’m really looking forward to reading this whole series!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I loved everything about this book. Petersen is a great writer gifted by GOD!!
Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse’s first novel in The Treasures of Nome series is utterly captivating.
The trio of Powell sister’s interactions with one another rings true with varied emotions, small spats between the triad, and memorable personalities.
As an old family friend, John Roselli, strives to prove his worth to the Powell family you become enmeshed in finding new friendships, learning to trust, and something worth even more.
What an absolutely wonderful read, don’t miss the second in the series, Hidden Treasure, it’s absolutely fantastic as well. On the horizon, in early 2022, there will be a third added to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next to this interesting family!
If you read this book, get ready to be swept away to another time and another place. Such great characters and the plot points! Gracious! There had better be a Book 2! 🙂
Authors Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse are two of the best storytellers individually, the two co-authoring creates a true powerhouse team.
The two have written numerous series together, and individually, and I have never been disappointed when reading one of their books.
Forever Hidden, the first in The Treasures of Nome, is an excellent read full of mystery; lovable characters; history, a romance. Set in Nome Alaska during the gold rush of 1904, Hayvn Powell grew up on a farm just outside of Nome. Along with her mother, two sisters and grandfather, Chuck Bundrant, the four have worked hard to keep the dairy farm going. With her grandfather’s noticeable decline in health, Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the farm going.
Using their singing talent, the three sisters set about earning money by singing in town. Given the climate of the gold rush, their mother gives the girls permission perform, but with very strict rules. So loved by the peoples of Nome, the trio was protected by even the worst of the miners, who would themselves throw out anyone daring to overstep.
John Roselli has been tasked with a mission given to him by his grandfather before his death. The mission? Find Chuck Bundrant. John Roselli is no quitter and he keeps promises, despite the challenges the mission presents. Finding Bundrant in poor health when he finally tracks him to Alaska, and the four women desperately trying to keep the farm running, John finds himself a hired hand on the farm, falling head over heels for Havyn and keeping secrets that could put the entire family in danger.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
Forever Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse is the first novel in The Treasures of Nome series. Forever Hidden is a well-written novel that is rich with history and developed characters. I thought the authors captured the time period and the locale. The descriptions of Nome were beautiful (made me want to visit). The three Powell sisters are so talented. Whitney, Havyn, and Madysen each play an instrument. The three women have varying personalities. Whitney, the eldest, is strong willed, independent, opinionated, plays the piano, and is good with sled dogs. Madysen, the youngest, plays the cello, has a sweet personality, but is absentminded. Havyn, the middle sister, plays the violin, a good listener, loves her chickens, and the secret keeper of the family. Forever Hidden is Havyn’s story as she works to bring in money to keep the farm afloat, helps care for her grandfather, and gets to know John Roselli. I like how faith is intertwined into the story. Faith plays a vital role in each of the main characters lives. It is a part of who they are which shines through the pages of the book. I enjoyed reading Forever Hidden. There is quite a bit happening in the story from the grandfather’s illness, John arriving in town, Havyn’s chickens, Judas Reynold’s and his conniving, the new doctor in town, Madysen and the sheep, and so much more. It is enjoyable to read a story that can make you laugh and cry. It is an enriching story and I am eager for the next tale in The Treasures of Nome series. Forever Hidden is an emotional story that will touch your heart.
I always enjoy tales set in Alaska; it seems like such a beautiful place! Readers will enjoy the beautiful scenery described, the mystery involved and the three red-headed young ladies who are at the center of the novel. We meet their mother, Melissa Powell, as she raises three daughters in the rugged land and uses their musical talents to the glory of God. The daughters are named Whitney, Havyn and Madysen and are as unique as the spelling of their names.
Each of the girls have special talents, tender hearts, fiery tempers and a love of animals! In Forever Hidden, the story centers around Havyn. Her heart for chickens and the Lord is quite evident. The story captured the heart of this reader when the authors tied together themes of family, faith, health and love. The grandfather takes care of his daughter and three granddaughters after the death of the husband. When the grandfather’s heath begins to decline, a young man is hired on as foreman. While the women don’t know the young man, the grandfather knows exactly who he is and how just maybe he is an answer to prayer.
There were times while reading I found my heart filled with laughter and other times touched by the hardship this fictional family endured. I found the faith exhibited by the family and the foreman written in a way that made it seem real even when tragedy struck. These characters weren’t immune to trouble or heartbreak, but through those times their faith helped carry each member.
The girl’s names and the explanation as to why they are spelled the way they are was really interesting to me. The romance that begins when John is hired as a foreman along with his background tale added a special touch the tale. I was born with asthma so when one of the players in the book is diagnosed with it, I was able to immediately understand and feel the trial when episodes occurred.
The book seems to leave some questions that arose in my mind as I read unanswered, so I look forward to reading the other books in the series as they are released. This was a very entertaining and thought-provoking story, so don’t miss the wonder that awaits!
I loved meeting the Powell family in Forever Hidden. Three musically gifted sisters, their equally gifted mother and the grandfather who loves his family more than anyone or anything else. I adore a storyline with strong family dynamics and Ms. Peterson and Ms. Woodhouse certainly brought the love of family to life within the pages of their latest novel.
In 1904 in Nome, Alaska readers get to know this family and the secrets they keep and on my goodness do they have a lot of secrets but they also have a deep love for each other as they face the daily work of farming and illnesses but through it all their love of music and for each other helps them get the through the hard times. I loved the distinct personalities of the three sister, they can be feisty, sweet natured but no matter what they are feeling family always comes first. They have their disagreements, especially when their grandfather hires John as a foreman on the farm. Not exactly a popular decision shared by everyone but he was the perfect addition to the storyline I absolutely adored him, he’s kind, a hard worker and an all around good guy.
I loved everything about this book, from the engaging character to the amazing storyline.
Overall, I thought this book was well written, thoroughly researched and the story flowed perfectly. I am a huge fan of both authors and this novel, so it’s going to be difficult to wait for the next book in the series. I think this book is a must read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was under no obligation to write a review, all opinions are completely my own. .
Chickens, cows, and beautiful music—what a strange combination to pique a reader’s interest! Mingling the ambiance of The Sound of Music with the knowledge of The Chicken Whisperer, the authors unfold a tale of three twenty-something red-headed, musically talented sisters living in the wilds of Nome, Alaska during the Gold Rush years. Three unique sisters each find joy in their own special place: Whitney the eldest at 25, keeper of the sled dogs and master pianist; Havyn the middle child at 23, chicken whisperer and consummate violinist; and last and youngest is Madysen at 20, who is the peacekeeper of the family and a bit on the absent-minded side, but an excellent cellist .
The story unfolds as the girls experience some challenging family times when the poor health of family members combines with the life challenges of living in Alaska. It is sad in places, happy in others, and sobering and realistic in many. I enjoyed the details of everyday life in Alaska on the farm as well as the loving atmosphere of the warm, musically-minded family.
A sweet romance slowly develops throughout the story as challenges are met and trust is gained. While not entirely a happy ever after story, the book nonetheless is a solid, pleasant read filled with historical details on early Alaskan life and an interesting adventure into the world of farming. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley.com. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
#ForeverHidden #NetGalley
Tracie Peterson at her best!
Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse have outdone themselves again with another great read. Forever Hidden introduces us to the Powell sisters, and is set in Alaska. This book is a must read you won’t want to put it down. Set in the early 1900s, readers get to see the treatment of the day of pulmonary disease and stroke, complicated by living in the Alaska Territory. I especially found this to be interesting because I also have severe Asthma. It was interesting to me to see how much medicine has changed in the last century. The main characters in this novel are models of faith and strength, but also demonstrate the struggles with forgiveness and following one’s own agenda that even Christians face. This novel also addresses the wisdom of keeping secrets, even when it seems the right thing to do. This story has some twist and turns that you will least expect but that is what keeps you on your toes wanting to read more. If you love a story with some romance, love, mystery, and suspense this is a must read for you! The three redheaded sister’s stories will continue and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. Their story will continue and we as readers can look forward to following them in The Treasures of Nome series.
Close your eyes and you will be transported to Nome, Alaska and it will be 1904. This book paints a picture of farming near a mining town and the hardships and good times of a close knit family. Music is the key that opens the door to their hearts and hidden secrets is what keeps the same doors closed. I love the characters of three red headed sisters each having a unique personality and their family dynamics with a loving, protective grandfather and their mother. The strength they have in dire situations and the faith they rely upon makes for a great read. Enter a handsome hero to cause a little upheaval and help in a way they didn’t see coming. There are many twists and turns with unsavory characters and unexpected circumstances. I found myself engrossed in the story line as well as the setting, as the collaboration of these authors never disappoints. Another one to go on my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Forever Hidden is a sweet yet heart wrenching story of three girls who are sisters. Three incredibly talented and opinionated girls. The characters are definitely what draw the reader in to the pages. They are incredibly well developed, and they each have their own wonderful personalities with flaws to which readers can relate.
The setting of a dairy farm is well done. We have goats that we milk and use that milk to make cheese so I really enjoyed that part of the story. We use to have seventy chickens or so, but honestly I can’t say I was overly fond of them. We hope to get some in the spring, and their mention throughout the story makes me eager to get maybe six. I have never been able to raise chickens for eating either.
Just as in life, there are surprises, tests of faith, forgiveness, and hope. The faith theme is strong in this book, and I greatly appreciated the Godly truths woven in the story. This book gave me the feel of a prairie romance with a bit more realism and Alaska( which obviously isn’t a prairie!) .
I’m eagerly awaiting the next read in this series.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This historical novel is set in a Colorado mining camp, then on a farm in Nome, Alaska. It’s a generational story full of musical red-headed sisters, treachery, intrigue, and God’s had an work. Details about the genesis of the book and about a flock of chickens as pets with names are charming, as is the hero who wins the day.
I don’t think I can express how much I love this book! It was so unique and wonderful story! I was so caught up in what was happening in the story, that I just stayed up reading. It was 4:30 am when I finished and just sat there. I didn’t want it to end. The Biblical truths were a HUGE blessing! I needed to hear them and I feel God brought this into my life at the right time. I can’t wait for the next book in this series, I don’t want to wait, I guess that’s a sign that this is an amazing story.
Bethany House, thank you for sending me this. What a great surprise. This is my honest review.
#BethanyHouse
Oh, the secrets people keep and just what hiding them can do. In Forever Hidden, we are introduced to the three Powell sisters along with their love of music and their headstrong, red-headed personalities as they find themselves dealing with circumstances they never expected.
I think my favorite part of this novel was the cast of characters. Even though this was really Havyn’s story, I appreciated getting to know each of the other members of her family and how they’d all been shaped into the people they were. At different times I felt like I could resonate with each of them in a unique way. I also adored John. At times I’ll admit he seemed “too good,” but I still think he was the perfect man to save the day. I have to say his most swoon-worthy moment for me was when he talked to Havyn’s chickens. I appreciated that he supported her instead of making fun of her love of animals. That’s a good guy right there. Another favorite scene? The sheep herding. But I’m not saying anything more you’ll have to read it for yourself haha.
Although at times I felt like I could resonate with each of the sisters, I think my heart resonated more closely with Whitney. She put a lot of weight on her shoulders and felt the most at peace when she could control things. Change was a scary thing. She liked to be needed and didn’t like having to rely on anyone else. The anger she held onto towards her father was a fuel to protect her heart and not let others in. But while she bottled up all of her emotions and held them close, it didn’t mean she didn’t have feelings. She just had to learn how to process them and she couldn’t pretend they didn’t exist. I can’t wait to read Whitney’s book. I hope it’s next just so I don’t have to wait long for it.
If you’ve ever read any of the authors’ other books, you’ll know that faith isn’t something that’s merely added in, but holds a genuine, vital role. What I loved about this one was that while the overall lesson may have been the same, each of the characters had to learn it differently. As people none of us are the same. We have our own experiences and personalities that shape us into who we are. We each have our own secrets we’d rather not be revealed either for our own protection or that of others. Yet even though we can have the best intentions for why we keep them, they can still hold great power to destroy. It’s amazing the healing powers that faith can have on a person’s soul.
I truly enjoyed reading this one and can’t wait to continue with the next one in the series. I’m only sad I have to wait another whole year for it to come. I got plenty of laughter out of the fun with the animals and I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters. I can’t wait to see Whitney and Madysen get their happy endings as well.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Feel good story of family sticking together trusting God to take them through hard times. And good triumphs over evil in the end. A story of a family that goes above and beyond what they think they can do to preserve the family and the farm.
Great first book in the series. Now reading Book #2. Can’t wait for the rest of the series.
This is a story of many hidden secrets. Would those secrets be kept or would their revelation cause heartache years later?
The Powell family has known heartache and tragedy and they move with Grandfather Chuck Bundrant to Nome, Alaska and build a substantial dairy farm complete with chickens to serve the people of Nome. Life is busy and hard in such a fierce climate but the three daughters of Melissa Powell have their music and their faith to sustain them. When health problems loom, God sends an old friend to help out. John Roselli arrives at the farm to deliver a package to Chuck from his grandfather who has passed on. Chuck gives John the job of foreman, as God provides for all during this time of adjustment and upheaval. So many secrets, so much to work through.
The characters were all well developed and there is just the right amount of tension to make an great story. It is lightened by the antics of the granddaughters and their farm animals.
Love and trust grow and surprises are in store.
But the story is not quite complete. It continues in the next book: ENDLESS MERCY out in January, 2021.
Two of my favorite authors give us an atmospheric tale of Nome, Alaska and an interesting family.
*I won a copy of this book from the author via AFCW Book Club. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
Forever Hidden is a five-star beginning to the Treasures of Nome series by two gifted storytellers. It is a delightful introduction to the Powell sisters—Whitney, Havyn, and Madysen–who are “each unique…with strong personalities, and a million good qualities.” A steadily-moving, well-constructed plot featuring layers of secrets, hardships, and family relationships; well-developed, engaging, memorable characters; slow-developing, sweet romance; beautifully described settings; and stirring faith messages combine to make a touching, entertaining read. Deeper than usual insight into secondary characters adds depth and interest. Flashes of humor lighten the load of the struggles. I totally enjoyed Havyn’s story and highly recommend it. I look forward to reading Madysen’s story in the next book in the series Endless Mercy.