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Written on the Mist

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Jonas Redding never wants to be a lawman again. He’s spent a decade as a US Marshal, wearing a tin star on his chest and chasing dangerous criminals across the great state of Texas. But when a case goes wrong, Jonas finds himself standing over two tombstones—his mother’s and his fiancée’s.
Resolved to protect his sister from meeting the same fate, Jonas cuts off all communication with her, changes his name, and heads north to the vast, untamed Alaskan wilderness.
Jonas isn’t even in Alaska for a day before meeting Ilya Amos, a boy with wide eyes, an endless smile, and a heart of pure gold. Before he realizes what’s happening, Jonas finds himself sucked into the everyday life of the Amoses—a sprawling family of eight siblings who are more Alaskan than American and unapologetic about their heritage.
Yet Jonas is resolved not to get too close to the Amoses, especially Ilya’s older sister Evelina, a woman with long chestnut hair and kind eyes and a desire to help everyone she meets. The last thing he wants to do is put another woman in jeopardy.
But when the unthinkable happens and dangerous men seek revenge against the Amos family, Jonas must decide between hiding from his past or putting his badge back on and risking everything to save the family he doesn’t want to admit he loves.
Set against the sprawling backdrop of Alaska, this sweeping book brings to life the rich history of taming a land that was never meant to be tamed and one family’s fight for justice amid the adversity of changing times.

427 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2023

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388 people want to read

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Naomi Rawlings

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,472 reviews216 followers
September 20, 2024
“This here’s the most beautiful place in the world when it’s sunny.”

This was such an enlightening read and so unique!

It’s no secret that I love Alaska. I gobble up all the books I can with this setting. This one’s unique because it’s set just after America buys Alaska from the Russians and the author shows how difficult it was for America to govern the 650,000 acres. It becomes obvious from the start that nobody knew how to ‘run’ Alaska and even getting someone, anyone, in charge to deal with a ‘police’ issue was difficult. Rawlings examines the range of bureaucracy from a Committee of Public Safety to a Marshal (yes, singular) to a Department of the Interior and shows the absolute disaster of the initial decade in terms of governing as a backdrop to her main narrative.

We are docked in Juneau at the Gastineau Channel and on the port side of our ship is Douglas Island. This is where the Treadwell Mine is located in the novel. Jonas arrives at this port on a steamship called the Alliance.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,886 reviews208 followers
October 30, 2023
Written on the Mist is a great start to a new series! I like that this author took a character, Jonas, from her previous series that was set in Texas, and transplanted him to Alaska to begin a whole new set of stories. So, if you have read the Texas Promise series, you will recognize Jonas from the end of that series. However, you do not have to have read the previous series to start this new one. By the way, the author also used this method to connect her Eagle Harbor books to her Texas Promise books. I really enjoy being able to connect the series through a specific character, yet have the series stand on its own, as well.

The setting of rugged, historic Alaska was beautifully described. I could feel the wet and cold that seeped into everything. I also enjoyed the introduction to the Amos family. There are many siblings, so I am looking forward to many interesting stories to tell their happily ever afters. This book set in motion some events that will be interesting to read about as future books are written.

There is a strong faith thread and good romantic tension between the main characters. It was hard to see Jonas struggling to trust God and let go of the fear that had hold of him. He was tired of losing people he loved and was trying to hold onto what he thought was control of his life by limiting his connections with people. That made for a few problems in the story as he began to develop feelings for Evelina Amos. Evelina had her share of fears that were controlling certain parts of her life, too. Trusting in the goodness God at all times was a theme in this novel.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Judy.
3,296 reviews
November 26, 2023
Written on the Mist by Naomi Rawlings
Dawn of Alaska Series Book One
Jonas Redding, former US Marshal. Now, he is going by Jonas Darrow to protect the last of his family, his sister, from the same tragedy his mother and fiancée had suffered. And he was heading to Alaska, far away from what happened in Texas. Only distance and time didn’t stop the nightmares from following him. And leaving the lawman behind didn’t work out so well either.
Evelina Amos and her seven siblings were left a shipbuilding business and a string of trading posts in Alaska after their father had died. While their oldest brother, Alexie, had been out on his ship, the three girls and youngest brother moved to Juneau. Evelina’s twin sister, Kate, was a doctor and wanted more patients. And Evelina was teaching the young natives to read and write in English. Much more than they could do in Sitka.
I loved the storyline and the characters. I always enjoy books with several POVs, more than the hero and heroine. I’m looking forward to more in this series. I like how the author takes a character from the previous series and moves them into the new series, as she did with Jonas.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Profile Image for Terri Harr.
242 reviews7 followers
February 20, 2025
I’ve been eyeing this book since it came out last year. There is just something about the cover that made me want to explore the story.

The characters were very well developed and the Amos family tugged at my heart from the beginning. They love so big and family means everything. They care so much for each other and aren’t afraid to show it. I’m giddy with the knowledge there are 6 books in the series and we get to explore the other siblings love stories.

There was so much history in this book about Alaska, which I knew nothing about before reading this book. This is my favorite way to learn history because it sticks in my memory so much better than a history book. The author lets us know what was based on fact and I’m happy to say the history part was all factual.

The story had great descriptions and lots of depth. I loved the scriptures and faith in the story. It wasn’t overly much but it wasn’t too little either.
Profile Image for _sassy_39.
2,597 reviews158 followers
June 22, 2025
"Written on the Mist" by Naomi Rawlings is the first book in the Dawn of Alaska series. The story centers around Jonas Redding, a Texan who, after a tragic case that cost him both Harriet(his fiancée) and his mother, is determined to protect his sister at all costs. He escapes to Alaska under a new identity—Jonas Darrow—hoping to leave his painful past behind.

In Alaska, Jonas finds himself wondering if a fresh start can truly erase old wounds. When he steps in to defend a young boy, Ilya Amos, wrongly accused of theft, he is violently attacked by drunken men and left seriously injured. He is nursed back to health by Ilya's family, which includes Kate, a skilled doctor; Alexei, Ilya’s half-brother; Evelina, a schoolteacher; and other kind-hearted members.

As the story unfolds, Jonas and Evelina develop a deep bond, but Jonas struggles with his feelings, fearing that getting close to her might put her in danger.

As he takes up the role of sheriff to solve the town's cases, he might be getting into danger. Is someone from his former life still hunting him?

The novel features multiple engaging subplots that enhance the main narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book—Naomi Rawlings has crafted a compelling and fast-paced story with well-developed characters. The cover is also beautifully done. I'm looking forward to diving into the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Sherry.
128 reviews16 followers
November 8, 2023
Do yourself a favor and dive right into this book. Grab your favorite beverage and a warm throw before you curl up in your chair. Because you’re not going to want to quit reading until you reach the last page. I was absolutely thrilled to learn that Naomi Rawlings had begun a new series, Dawn of Alaska. I was not disappointed. This first book, Written on the Mist is set in the untamed wilderness of Alaska. A beautifully told story which made me eager for the rest of this new series.

We met Jonas Redding in Naomi’s series Texas Promise. Running from his past he has decided to go to Alaska and work in the gold mines. Before he starts working he is involved in an altercation and receives some knife injuries. The Amos family takes him in to care for him until he is fully recovered. Jonas becomes attached to the family and one lady in particular. Full of intrigue and mystery with unexpected twists and turns throughout, the Amos family and Jonas will keep you reading straight through to the last page.

My gratitude to the publisher for a complementary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Andie.
46 reviews
June 16, 2025
I learned so much about Alaska that I didn’t know. And, of course, it was reiterated to me that although there are many tribes of indigenous peoples in Alaska, the native peoples are all considered Eskimos by most Americans, just as the native peoples in the continental United States were known as Indians (now more properly called Native Americans) instead of by their tribal names. It was fascinating to learn about the struggles the U. S. had figuring out how to govern such a large area as Alaska, after buying the region from Russia in the 1860s, and that the Department of the Interior had a Minister of Education in Alaska who set up the native boarding schools just as the boarding schools set up in Canada and the continental U.S., and treated the native children there just as poorly with the same “assimilation” programs which proved to be so detrimental to the indigenous peoples. There was mystery, intrigue, danger, and a bit of romance in the book. It all worked together and was a very enjoyable read.
412 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2024
A Texas lawman finds love in the Alaska wilderness.

Enjoyed being with this author again. Jonas and Evelina story was exciting from the start. Jonas comes to Alaska to hide from his past. But instead finds love. It was love at first sound and sight for Jonas. Evelina had become his nurse after an incident at the docks. But his past hindered that love for Evelina. Her past also brought misgivings into their relationship and life. But her sister Kate and her brothers gave her good advive . Jonas had to prove himself to Alexei, Sacha and Yuri Evelina brothers that he could take care of her. Which he did and also needed to let go of his fear. So happy for them. Looking forward to the brothers and Kate stories. It was fun being back in Alaska too. I've been to Juneau so it was fun reading about it in earlier years.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 23 books140 followers
August 11, 2025
A beautifully written story about a man running from his past and settling in Juneau, Alaska, in 1886, to get a fresh start. When his path crosses with the Amos family, there are lots of surprises and danger. The Amos family is involved in shipping, and there is betrayal, kidnapping, murder, and secrets that kept me turning the pages. I couldn't put it down. The historical background was interwoven with the fiction seamlessly.

The characters were real, easy to connect with, but had many layers. Jonas is brave but still bothered by his past secrets; he doesn't want anyone to know. The ending wrapped up everything nicely, and the complicated, sweet romance between Jonas and Evelina had me wondering what would happen. I highly recommend the series and will be reading the rest of the books.
11 reviews
October 17, 2023
Written on The Mist
It’s the first book in a series of Dawn of Alaska
Oh my word I loved this book it has everything excitement , mystery and a great Romance all with a Christian theme running through it
I have read all the books by this author and I can honestly say this one does not disappoint!
Jonas Redding headed to Alaska to forget he didn’t want or expect to develop feelings for a family or a young woman in Juneau
The Amos family grabbed me right away ,and I am intrigued to find out more about them especially the head of the family Alexei I feel he will have a great backstory .
So glad it’s the first book in a series and I’m already looking forward to the next book .
I was so fortunate to get a copy of this book but the review is definitely all my own .
Profile Image for Vicky Sluiter.
Author 1 book88 followers
November 3, 2023
Another great adventure by Naomi Rawlings, Written on the Mist is book 1 in her new Dawn of Alaska series. I’m looking forward to book 2, Whispers on the Tide.

Rawlings did her research, and we can see what Alaska was like during and post gold rush. It was rough and not for the faint of heart. Jonas had secrets that kept trying to come to the surface. The Amos sisters were trying to forge their ways in a man’s world. And it all could come crashing down due to horrible men wanting revenge. Yet through it all we see God’s hand.

If you like adventure, mystery, historical facts written into a wonderful story, then Written on the Mist is for you!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Profile Image for Kris.
74 reviews
May 9, 2025
This author says her books are not typical romance. I found a lot of typical romance. I don't need to hear about all the attraction ...I rather have a great story and skip those things. Especially for a Christian author. It was borderline. The story itself was very good. I enjoyed reading about Alaska. I have never read a book set when Alaska was not yet a state and still had Russians living there. I really got a feel for how natives were treated and what it might have been like to live through that transition. I loved the description of Alaska. I enjoyed the mystery involved! That kept me going to the end when I had endured one too many mentions of "his chest" ... I would seriously skip those in future writing. All that said... I do plan to read the second book!
Profile Image for Diane Shearer.
1,199 reviews10 followers
November 18, 2023
Naomi Rawlings is one of my favorite authors and this book just proves why. Not only is it a great story about two people who find the courage and faith to overcome their fears, but the setting is spectacular. I learned things about Alaska I never knew, even after watching decades of Discovery Channel tv shows set up there. I love the Amos family. I can’t wait for the rest of the series. This is the first time I’ve started a series in the beginning. I found Naomi Rawlings after her previous series were finished so I was able to binge them. This is going to be a challenge! I guess I’ll have to reread all her other books while I wait.
138 reviews
January 22, 2024
A Very Good Read

The book begins with a bang. Jonas arrival in Juneau held more excitement than he wanted. He wanted to be unseen but his natural instinct to protect made him the center of attention. The Amos family owe him a debt of gratitude but did he bring danger with him?

The Amos family and Jonas are strong, likable characters. The story pulls the reader in and never bogs down. Once you pick it up you will not want to put it down. I read all night.

There is an unexpected turn of events toward the end that will sit you on the edge of your seat.

It is a very good read.
2 reviews
October 23, 2023
This first book of the Alaska Series does not disappoint! Jonas has had a tragic past. He decides to go to Alaska to hide and forget. He meets the Amos family and things begin to change for Jonas. Will he finally learn that “God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think”?
Once again, the author delivers a book that resonates with her readers. It will keep you captivated and ready to read more!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
38 reviews
March 29, 2025
This one is challenging to review. I was not previously aware of this author and found the preachiness very off putting. Also, I found it extremely simple. I guess I was hoping for more about Alaska, and less of a love story. I generally don’t read romance novels. Therefore, I was surprised by the content on two fronts (preachy AND a simple romance novel). However, if that’s your thing, then you may appreciate this book more than I did. It wasn’t bad, just not was I was expecting. I’m not sorry I finished it, but I won’t read additional books in the series.
236 reviews6 followers
October 17, 2023
This was a beautiful story of Jonas finding not only love, but healing and forgiveness. He is running from his past and doesn't want anything to do with law enforcement, but that is who he is and when he is needed he can't walk away. The Amos family becomes like family to him and he finds a home with them. A great beginning to a series I look forward to reading.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
23 reviews
October 19, 2023
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

I loved Naomi Rawlings last series set in Texas and wanted to find out what happened to Jonas. Well this new series does not disappoint - it’s a page turner with plenty of mystery, adventure and romance. Love the Amos family - such an eclectic mix of personalities and I cannot wait to read the next in the series. This book is a keeper to be reread at a later date.
Profile Image for AnnaLee Conti.
Author 9 books34 followers
January 14, 2024
A thrilling novel of the early days of Juneau, Alaska

I spent my childhood in Juneau in the fifties, so reading a story set in the earliest pre-territorial days of what is now the capital of Alaska attracted my attention. And I was not disappointed! I was immediately caught up in this action-packed story of a man trying to escape a heart-breaking past. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Laura.
719 reviews14 followers
March 11, 2024
Rawlings tackles a number of difficult topics in this first book of her new series, Dawn of Alaska. Things like spousal abuse, discrimination, "Indian Education" at boarding schools, and fear. She wraps it all up in a tender story that tugs at your heart. As I was reading, I felt as if I was watching a movie playing out in the theater of my mind.

I recommend this for a sweet romantic read that isn't all fluff and nonsense.
Profile Image for Patty.
681 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2024
Good story, interesting characters.
Jonas, former Marshall from Texas, flees to Alaska to get away from tragedy of the death of his mom and fiancé and to keep his sister and her family safe from people he’d imprisoned who had escaped.

Jonas is rescued by the Amos family after he is knifed on the wharf as he arrived in Juneau. Evelina nurses him back to health after her twin, Kate, a medical doctor, sees up his wounds.
Profile Image for Beth.
923 reviews
May 12, 2025
Rounded up to 3.5 stars. This is the story of the very large Amos family, residing in Alaska during the Yukon gold rush. Jonas, a ex-Texas lawman, ends up in Sitka, seeking refuge from evil men who want to harm him after killing his family. I found it a bit slow until the action picked up toward the last third of the book. I feel that the high ratings this book garnered were from the frequent religious references scattered throughout.
Profile Image for Peggy.
252 reviews9 followers
August 13, 2025
Book 3.5 ⭐️
Narrator 3.5 ⭐️

Very nice love story with historical adventure woven in. Main character is an ex US marshal from Texas wanting to start a new life in Alaska in the late 1800s just after the US purchased it from Russia. I enjoyed the story but the writing was a tad too melodramatic for me. I did appreciate the clean writing - no foul language or gratuitous sex. Narrator was mostly very good except for young kids’ voices and the bishop — they sounded cartoonish.
Profile Image for Judy.
385 reviews6 followers
December 26, 2025
Such a moving tale of the life lived in Alaska not long after they were purchased by the U.S. A prominent family are an integral part of this region and their lives will be impacted by the stranger from Texas who decides to relocate/hide here from possible danger. You will be thrilled with all the happenings as the story unfolds. Hold your breath as things become tense. A great book showing strength in a family bond.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,915 reviews29 followers
October 10, 2023
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

I love the characters, and the story was engaging and exciting.
The historical aspects are great to read about.

I love that, while this romance is complete, there is an overall story arc that will continue as the series progresses. I look forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Ann.
2,648 reviews3 followers
October 31, 2023
This book is a great start to a new series. The author brings the book to life with her words, and you feel like you are there. It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Virginia Heslinga.
Author 9 books79 followers
Read
December 6, 2023
Written on the Mist uses a mix of drama, romance, and history to take the reader into Alaska in the last third of the 19th century. The history and culture of Alaska is woven well into the challenges of the Alaskan people, family, and a newcomer to Alaska. Since this is the first book of a series, a reader can look forward to learning more about Alaska while enjoying a captivating story.
10 reviews
March 20, 2024
Spellbinding.

I love this whole series! I would almost be on the edge of my seat when there was danger lurking. When I could I would read and keep on reading…the only bad thing is when I finished the last book…the next in the series had or has not been released so I have to WAIT!
330 reviews
June 18, 2024
excellent!!

The historical facts regarding Alaska included in this book make it an awesome read. Jonah’s and Evelina’s story teaches us sometimes we’re just have to be patient and don’t get ahead of God and he can do exceeding abundantly above that we ask or even think according to the power that works in us. That power of Jesus Christ can do all things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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