Ashes and Ice

Yukon Quest #2

by Tracie Peterson

When heartache and loss invade Karen Pierce's carefully ordered world, she is devastated. Her plans and dreams for the future seem distant and unattainable, and she is bound by a promise to care for two young adults who are struggling with a loss of their own. Continuing their journey north to the goldfields seems their only option, and Adrik Ivanov agrees to be their guide. With a late start and the constant threat of winter hastening their pace, Adrik wonders at the wisdom of their decision. But he longs to prove his commitment and growing love for Karen, who has pushed aside his advances in the past. Inspired by the beautiful and rugged landscape, Karen thrives under the difficult conditions of their trek. As her heart begins to journey back to the core of her once-solid faith, will she dare to embrace the love offered to her?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical

384 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

About the author

Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

pen name: Janelle Jamison

Reviews

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book. This series has seriously captured my heart!

The setting is so intriguing. I love to learn about history and learning about the hardships that people endured. But, more importantly, what people put themselves through because of stubbornness and selfishness, which is one of the themes of the book. This reason is why some of the story is so heartbreaking.

Tracie Peterson is seriously so good at writing about grief and making you empathize with the characters. I deeply felt the pain of Karen and of Grace. I also felt so much anger towards Peter, even more than the actual villian of the book because Peter knew better!! Whew, I was all fired up!

Now onto my favorite part, THE CHEMISTRY. The chemistry between Adrik and Karen was sooo 👌 *chef's kiss* absolute perfection. I adore when a writer can write a love story that you just WANT the characters to get together and you can feel it in your bones. This is how I felt about their relationship. Just wonderful.

Go read this book for all the romance and the history! It is so worth it.

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story deals more about Karen and Adrik, but Grace and Peter are still in it. Grace and Peter are unequally yoked which kinda bugged me. And let me just tell you, Peter is a downright and outright JERK to Grace!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Christian historical fiction. There was a lot of scripture quoted in this. That usually isn't a bad thing, except when the author doesn't trust the reader to "get it". That is when it becomes annoying. So the author creates marital discord, and then illustrates it with a scripture, then just in case you aren't capable of putting a 2 piece puzzle together, she steps in and explains it. Ugh. Once I could look past that, I was able to get a feel for the characters and the story line (both of which I liked). So overall.....3 stars.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great follow-up to Treasures of the North.

I was excited to see that Karen was going to have a turn at romance. I was so happy for her! I liked that she had to fight for it and wrestle with it. Her heart for the kids in her care was so precious. The journey she went on to make sure they were all right was spectacular and breathtaking.

Peter and Grace might have had the romance spotlight in the previous book, but they came back in this installment to show us that marriage is worth fighting for. It’s worth the battle to keep one’s marriage, and I love how the struggle and fight and passion were on display here. It gave me encouragement that working out differences is possible.

The emotions in this story were spectacular. Grief was palpable, heartache tangible, and hope exquisite. Even more important, the faith thread was strong. It was neat to see the characters’ faith overcome their faulty reasoning and irrational thinking patterns. Faith and God’s love are stronger than our human fallacies.

Content: prostitutes, alcohol, saloons/gambling halls, giving whiskey to a child as a medicine

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another engaging, well-written historical novel...with an abrupt ending. Let's hope that the series' finale provides a more satisfying conclusion.

[L8blmr · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my least favorite story in the Yukon trilogy. There was very little to "enjoy" as almost everything that occurred was sad, annoying, or tragic. I was committed to finishing it so that I could move on to the final book and end the love/hate relationship ... well, it's more of a like/dislike relationship I have with this series. The setting is interesting, some of the characters are likable, and there are even a couple of minor "mysteries" that I would like to see settled. I found myself speed-reading through many sections because they were so repetitive. I have found that the 2nd book in a trilogy is often the weakest; I think of it as little more than a bridge between books 1 and 3. That certainly seems true in this case.

[Ana Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book just like the previous book!
In this book we focus more on Karen and I was really excited about her having a love interest and I definitely liked the chemistry that she had with Adrik.
What I thought was very interesting in this book was how Karen handled with the many struggles in life and loosing those she loved and I loved getting to read about how she had to learn to let go of her anger and trust in God’s plans.
At the end of the previous book you’re led to believe that Peter and Grace are going to have a good marriage and that Peter is starting to accept Grace’s religion but in this book you get a clear view of how a marriage between two people when one doesn’t believe in God is very difficult to navigate and it really comes to show the wisdom in God when he says in His Bible that Christians shouldn’t marry someone who doesn’t share their beliefs to avoid heartache.
I’m really looking forward to reading the last book in the series specially since this book ended in such a cliffhanger.

[Gwenyth Lynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intriguing read as the author continues the stories of the Peter and Grace and their families. However, Martin Paxton is ever present and interlaced throughout the story his ruthlessness constantly intrudes into their lives. Interspersed with the romance between Karen Pierce and Adrik Ivanokov much happens to the group seeking to wend their way northwards into the Yukon.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that ended in a nice cliff hanger!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahh, so *this* is where we see Karen Pierce grow into the God-fearing woman who mentored both Leah and Jacob Barringer!
I thought the way this story was told was interesting . . . taking a company of people along the 'path' from Alaksa, into the Yukon, in search of answers. There were a few times I went to the Google maps page to 'chart' their course. It was cool to see the characters in places I've heard about, even though I've never been as far as Whitehorse, let alone Dawson City.
I also enjoyed the interplay between Karen and Adrik . . . how he wasn't going to give up on winning her heart, and how she was just stubborn enough to deny that she had any feelings for him.
There were a few unexpected twists and turns, and I'm definitely intrigued to see how the series will finish out.
3.5 stars

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is centered on Karen, the former teacher of Grace from the first book. There are many adventures in this book, and therefore I wanted to find out the ending, but there was much kissing and emotionality, so I half wondered why I was reading it. Because of these romantic portions, the Christian aspect seemed rather shallow and unreal in the characters' lives.

[Rachel B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Like the first book in the series, this was quick to read and mostly enjoyable, but there were some comments that indicated a poor understanding of God's standards regarding relationships.

One character did realize the error in her thinking that was present in the first book; but then, other characters are told that they need to "follow their heart," that men need a good woman to "complete" them, that romantic love is greater and more important than life itself - better to die with the person you love than to live without them. It's indicated that God has a "special man" in mind for all women. When vows are exchanged, they talk of "eternal love" instead of "til death doth part," which is a subtle but telling difference.

There were several scenes that were overly sensual, moreso than in the first book.

I did generally like the character of Karen, and appreciated seeing her struggle with anger towards God. Yet, this seemed too quickly and easily resolved. I really wish this had been more true-to-life - which is maybe an unrealistic expectation from "Christian" fiction.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a splendid adventure! I haven't enjoyed a second book in a series as much as I did this one in a while. The journey of this book was fascinating. It starts out with a bang right from the first word. Then it adds a lot of heartbreak into the first part. This is rough, especially Karen's part; however, Karen manages to come out of this despair rather quickly. So it doesn’t bog the book down for too long. The trip going north into Yukon Territory is so interesting. The clothing, the supplies, the culture, the hiking, the packing, the boats, and the little towns and communities that they experience along the way are so intriguing. I loved learning about each of these experiences. Traveling with the characters as they made this trek was a highlight of the series for me. Karen's romance was heart melting and sweet. So much was accomplished in this book, and yet, the characters are so far flung currently that I can't wait to see how she weaves everyone back together.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adore the Yukon Quest series! Book 2, continues the adventures of Karen & Adrik, Grace & Peter, Miranda & Crispin, Jacob & Leah, as they brave the cold and dangerous journey to the Yukon. Tracie Peterson is a superb writer and researcher, combining historical detail with opportunities to grow faith in God, and encourage it in others. The physical and emotional challenges of such difficult circumstances may foster hope as well as despair. Journeying with others who have established strong faith in Christ, and lived it in their everyday lives, gives vision to what our own lives can be, if we, too, learn to grow our faith and trust our loving God.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book well enough to try book 3, so I can see how things end. I would have given 5 stars to this 2nd book in the series, but it seemed to drag along in places. However, there was a lot of suspense during quite a few chapters.
One of the things that made me pick up the book was I'm not familiar with the Yukon and I won't be traveling there, so it's fun to read about places from my armchair as a senior.
I'm not sure it would appeal much to men. There are too many parts focusing on flowery women stuff. My husband saw the cover, but ended up flipping here and there, not attracted to reading it at all.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this book wasn’t any more interesting than book one in the series but it was quite useful for my “fall asleep to an audiobook” plan. I had to listen to the last 30 minutes three times because it kept putting me to sleep, I would finish the book and not know what happened.

I think the most interesting character in this series is the bad guy, Mr. Paxton, who WILL marry Grace no matter what she (or anyone else) may think. But why? Well, you’ll have to read the book for yourself to find out.

[M.L. Dunker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has been sitting around my mom’s house forever. I finished my other book early so I picked up this one during my weekend at their place.
I love the Yukon Territory, really like pioneer and gold rush stories, and thought I could get through the romance stuff to get to the rest of it.
Nope. This is straight up romance heavily salted with “here’s why you can’t live without a man” backed up with Scripture. Lots of miracles and coincidences (how convenient), over the top villains, and stereotypes, but not enough Yukon and adventure.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes and Ice picks up shortly after book one ended in this series. Peterson shines with weaving the history, hardships, greediness, grief, faith and romance into this series. I felt the emotions of the lovable characters and sensed the evilness of the flawed ones. But one thing about it God sure made a difference for those willing to realize only through Him could true peace, forgiveness and happiness be found. Now on to book three to see what’s happening next in the Yukon where so many were fighting for their lives, along with those only wanting to find their treasure in gold.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this I really hope the next book turns out good. I’m not saying this was bad I just really hope that after everything a group of these characters has gone through in the last part of this book that it gets resolved. Also this made me hate Paxton even more. Ashes and Ice was well written and just like with Treasures of the North, I finished this within a day. Looking forward to the final book in the Yukon Quest trilogy.

[Natasha Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The historical setting in this one was great. I appreciated the reference to Soapy Smith and his fake telegraph office, I had just read about him in a different book. My husband asked if Soapy was mentioned, and in the very next chapter he was! Lol
I enjoyed getting to know Karen more in this installment. She’s relatable and imperfect. I understand how she was feeling after losing so many people she loved. Looking forward to Miranda’s story!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accurate description of climbing and boating the Chilkoot trail during the Klondike gold rush. We lived in Juneau, Alaska for 30 years, traveling the route in several ways. Author explains the hardship well through her characters. She weaves in Biblical passages well and explores the many ways people are drawn to understand God's abundant love for us.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So exciting to read more about Grace and Karen. Grace is now married but still being threatened by Martin Paxton. Karen is told that the two children she watches father has died. Yet, none of them believe this to be true. As a result Grace, Karen, Grace's sister-in-law, the one of the children get Adrik to lead them to Dawson to find out and to find one of the children.

[MaryBeth Lyford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

Tracie Patterson keeps you wondering what will happen next. You think Mr Paxton can't hurt Grace anymore when something else happens. I love that they trust God but are also human and wonder about Him too.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4-4.25. I liked this better than the first. Excited to read the next one. Lots of things going in that kept me reading and not able to put it down. A bit more realistic than the first, just easier to buy into.

[Susan J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

Looking forward to book 3. Excellent story teller , magnificent word smith, love the spiritual moments and the constant reminderon spite of our trials God is ever watchful of our needs ❤

[Shauna Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I ended up reading the 3rd book first by accident. That fact may have influenced my rating but this book was boring for the most part, I struggled to get through it and almost decided not to finish it a few times but was able to manage.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hours between the covers of this novel flew by!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen's story. Great read.

[Beverly Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the second in this series. It always takes me a little while to get into a new book but once I got in I could not put it down.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2