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Alaskan Quest #1
Summer of the Midnight Sun
Leah Barringer's world is turned upside down when her brother brings home Jayce Kinicaid, the man who spurned her ten years ago. Part of an expedition to the Arctic, Jayce shocks Leah by inviting her brother along.
Helaina Beecham arrives in Alaska to hunt down the man the Pinkertons have sent her to apprehend. But when Jayce Kincaid appears to have been in two places at the same time, Helaina wonders if there might be a larger problem with the case.
Despite confusing, conflicting evidence, can Helaina discover the truth? Can Leah's injured heart ever love again?
Helaina Beecham arrives in Alaska to hunt down the man the Pinkertons have sent her to apprehend. But when Jayce Kincaid appears to have been in two places at the same time, Helaina wonders if there might be a larger problem with the case.
Despite confusing, conflicting evidence, can Helaina discover the truth? Can Leah's injured heart ever love again?
378 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2006
384 people are currently reading
2485 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
249 books3,116 followersTracie 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
pen name: Janelle Jamison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
May 2, 2011
I guess there is something about reading about the freezing cold Alaska country that makes me happy to have a warm comfy house with indoor plumbing. I enjoyed the easy flowing story here, even if it was a bit slow. It was good. It left me hanging a bit at the end so I'm interested to read the next book. Lucky for me it's sitting in my pile from the library. :) I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could.
Christian Fiction (and while I do not enjoy preachy Christian fiction, I appreciated the lesson here of balancing mercy with justice. I think forgiveness is an amazing thing as I've been on both sides of that street.)
Christian Fiction (and while I do not enjoy preachy Christian fiction, I appreciated the lesson here of balancing mercy with justice. I think forgiveness is an amazing thing as I've been on both sides of that street.)
June 10, 2024
This has second chance romance, which I normally don't like, but the setting, the faith, and the growth of the characters were all so good! Now I have to read book 2:)
April 19, 2017
Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite authors. The Alaskan Quest is series is an older series of hers. The first book in the series is Summer of the Midnight Sun. It is the sequel to the Yukon Quest series which is an absolute must read! Jacob and Leah are the characters that carry over from that series. Karen and Adrik’s story also takes place there. Are you ready for a thrill ride?
Synopsis:
Leah has had one desire for ten years which is to marry, but can she forgive the one man who broke her heart? Jayce Kincaid thinking Leah a child at that time rejected her. Now Leah is seeking new purpose especially after ten years of waiting for someone else to come along. Jayce comes back into her life and offers her brother Jacob an opportunity of a life time. A quest to the north pole. As Jacob starts preparing and helping Jayce an accident occurs and Leah is called to help him.
Meanwhile on the other side of the country in Washington D.C.; Stanley a Pinkerton agent gives instructions to his sister Helaina about capturing the criminal Jayce Kincaid. As she prepares to join this quest; will she find her man? Will Leah be able to Forgive Jayce and move on?
My Thoughts:
I loved this book! It is an easy read! The characters are compelling and interesting. The author does a great job of creating complex characters that grow over the arc of the novel. This story is set against the back drop of primitive Alaska. I thought that the dialogue was wonderful too! Jacob is a very direct character and one of my favorites. He will tell it like it is. He had a conversation with Jayce about Leah and her feelings. These characters are also used to communicate a faith track throughout the book. Tracie Peterson is a master!
Synopsis:
Leah has had one desire for ten years which is to marry, but can she forgive the one man who broke her heart? Jayce Kincaid thinking Leah a child at that time rejected her. Now Leah is seeking new purpose especially after ten years of waiting for someone else to come along. Jayce comes back into her life and offers her brother Jacob an opportunity of a life time. A quest to the north pole. As Jacob starts preparing and helping Jayce an accident occurs and Leah is called to help him.
Meanwhile on the other side of the country in Washington D.C.; Stanley a Pinkerton agent gives instructions to his sister Helaina about capturing the criminal Jayce Kincaid. As she prepares to join this quest; will she find her man? Will Leah be able to Forgive Jayce and move on?
My Thoughts:
I loved this book! It is an easy read! The characters are compelling and interesting. The author does a great job of creating complex characters that grow over the arc of the novel. This story is set against the back drop of primitive Alaska. I thought that the dialogue was wonderful too! Jacob is a very direct character and one of my favorites. He will tell it like it is. He had a conversation with Jayce about Leah and her feelings. These characters are also used to communicate a faith track throughout the book. Tracie Peterson is a master!
November 4, 2012
I guess I need to give most of you the fair warning/disclaimer that this is Christian Fiction. Yes, I know, eye roll and gag. But, this one was not bad.
Yes, there were some very heavy handed moments. Yes, most of the "suprise" moments were predictable. But, there was something about this one that did keep me interested.
This was a story based in Alaska (which was very different, but appealing), post gold-digging craze. The conversations were very proper in their speaking, so it definitely had that older, more reserved feel.
This was in a nut-shell about Leah, a 30 year old white woman who became an Alaskan native at a young age. She was a woman scorned. She confessed her love to Jayce at a young age and he gave her the brush off and left town. When he arrives back at her village with her brother ten years later, Leah's feelings resurface. We watch her struggle with anger and acceptance. Jayce has quite a few suprises that Helaina, the investigator brings to life.
This book is 110% revolves around faith. Faith to be patient in particular.
3.75 stars.... a huge achievement in the Christian Fiction genre coming from me. (I'm sorry if anyone finds this offensive.... I am whole-heartedly a Christian believer, but most of the genre is just horrible, written very dumbed down and not very appealing to me)
There is a #2 to this... not sure how I feel about that or if I will read the next installment??...?? I am interested in reading more from this author though.
Rambling as usual. I just can't help it :)
Yes, there were some very heavy handed moments. Yes, most of the "suprise" moments were predictable. But, there was something about this one that did keep me interested.
This was a story based in Alaska (which was very different, but appealing), post gold-digging craze. The conversations were very proper in their speaking, so it definitely had that older, more reserved feel.
This was in a nut-shell about Leah, a 30 year old white woman who became an Alaskan native at a young age. She was a woman scorned. She confessed her love to Jayce at a young age and he gave her the brush off and left town. When he arrives back at her village with her brother ten years later, Leah's feelings resurface. We watch her struggle with anger and acceptance. Jayce has quite a few suprises that Helaina, the investigator brings to life.
This book is 110% revolves around faith. Faith to be patient in particular.
3.75 stars.... a huge achievement in the Christian Fiction genre coming from me. (I'm sorry if anyone finds this offensive.... I am whole-heartedly a Christian believer, but most of the genre is just horrible, written very dumbed down and not very appealing to me)
There is a #2 to this... not sure how I feel about that or if I will read the next installment??...?? I am interested in reading more from this author though.
Rambling as usual. I just can't help it :)
May 19, 2007
Alaskan Quest - Book 1 --- Leah Barringer and her brother Jacob have lived awhile in the Alaskan wilderness. In spite of the hard life that territory makes a body endure, they had come to love the land and it's native people. On a trip to gather supplies for their trading post, Jacob took longer than usual and brought back more than supplies. He brought his friend Jayce Kincaid - a man that Leah had loved 10 years before and who had broken her heart. Not only was Jayce a painful reminder of her unmarried state as she turned 30, but she'd never gotten over him or his rejection of her love. Not only would Jayce reignite the flames of a long ago passion, leaving Leah with unresolved feelings, but her brother Jacob was seriously considering joining up with Jayce on an arctic expedition.
June 6, 2009
Another great story by one of the best in the business. An interesting note is that the book is dedicated to me and the main character is named after me! True story!
April 6, 2021
Dnf at 40%. I simply couldn't get into it.
April 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! The faith and Gospel content was superb! Looking forward to the next one in the series.
January 2, 2015
Although Summer of the Midnight Sun doesn’t break into my favorites list, I did enjoy the story and found a lot of good aspects therein. I think one of the things I most enjoyed about it was the setting. Alaska can be harsh and unforgiving even today, but in those days, before all of the modern conveniences available to those living in a cold climate now, it was downright brutal. I love how the land was almost its own characters and entity. I thought the little details and nuances of their daily life, the supplies they use, their mode of travel grabbed my attention and added a lot to the story.
The characters were intriguing, although I can’t say that I always connected strongly with them. At times they came across as a bit bland. Leah and Jacob Barringer had a really strong sibling relationship, and I liked their interactions together. It took me a while to warm up to her; at times I felt that she was kind of naïve for being a thirty-year-old. Helaina’s character was intriguing, though I’m not sure how realistic it is that a lady was a part of the Pinkerton Agency. I was glad to see some internal struggles with her spirituality, as well as some external struggles in her search for Jayce Kincaid, a long-time friend of Jacob & a man that turned Leah down years before. I think for me there was a lack of urgency in general for the characters; I didn’t feel their panic, fear, sorrow or joy. Sometimes the dialogue felt forced and didn’t seem to flow naturally. There was definitely more telling than showing, and it often felt like watching a movie – I was entertained, but not always moved.
I appreciated how there wasn’t a real villain in the story – there comes to be one, but he is a shadowy, distant figure that mostly just causes problem from afar. The real antagonist in the story was really the setting itself. As I mentioned above, the land came to be its own entity for me and really propelled the plot.
As for the spiritual aspect, it was just alright for me. It was a little on the nose at times and didn’t always weave into the story realistically, though I did like Helaina’s struggles throughout the story, and later Jayce’s toward the end of the story.
The ending is basically a cliff-hanger, but since I didn’t really fall in love with any of these characters, I’m not going to rush out and seek the next book. I would be interested in continuing the series eventually, just perhaps when I’m in the mood for the author’s style and setting.
The characters were intriguing, although I can’t say that I always connected strongly with them. At times they came across as a bit bland. Leah and Jacob Barringer had a really strong sibling relationship, and I liked their interactions together. It took me a while to warm up to her; at times I felt that she was kind of naïve for being a thirty-year-old. Helaina’s character was intriguing, though I’m not sure how realistic it is that a lady was a part of the Pinkerton Agency. I was glad to see some internal struggles with her spirituality, as well as some external struggles in her search for Jayce Kincaid, a long-time friend of Jacob & a man that turned Leah down years before. I think for me there was a lack of urgency in general for the characters; I didn’t feel their panic, fear, sorrow or joy. Sometimes the dialogue felt forced and didn’t seem to flow naturally. There was definitely more telling than showing, and it often felt like watching a movie – I was entertained, but not always moved.
I appreciated how there wasn’t a real villain in the story – there comes to be one, but he is a shadowy, distant figure that mostly just causes problem from afar. The real antagonist in the story was really the setting itself. As I mentioned above, the land came to be its own entity for me and really propelled the plot.
As for the spiritual aspect, it was just alright for me. It was a little on the nose at times and didn’t always weave into the story realistically, though I did like Helaina’s struggles throughout the story, and later Jayce’s toward the end of the story.
The ending is basically a cliff-hanger, but since I didn’t really fall in love with any of these characters, I’m not going to rush out and seek the next book. I would be interested in continuing the series eventually, just perhaps when I’m in the mood for the author’s style and setting.
September 2, 2025
I loved the relationships and family. The message and lessons. What i didnt love was helena. Helena uses jacob and lae’s Christianity to try and get what she wants out of them despite not being a believer.
I liked how jacob didnt instantly forgive helena for her lies. I liked that lea didnt fold on what she wanted just because maybe a perfect Christian would have immediately forgave and offered all she could to help. I also understand that you’re not really supposed to like Helena so she did a really good job at making me really irritated with her for half of the book.
Peterson shows these Christians characters not just as do gooders but normal people with emotion and depth and the ability to feel hate and resentment because thats part of life.
Excited to continue the series!
D.Qs
Did you think Jayce Kincaid was a criminal or did you believe he was being framed?
What did you think about life set in Alaska?
Jacob was very protective over his friend and sister do you think his protectiveness made him more hesitant to strangers?
What did you think of Helainas deception to try and get to jayce?
Did you think jacob was in the right trying to hide his friend from helaina?
Helaina wanted justice and no mercy until she was caught in a lie.
I liked how jacob didnt instantly forgive helena for her lies. I liked that lea didnt fold on what she wanted just because maybe a perfect Christian would have immediately forgave and offered all she could to help. I also understand that you’re not really supposed to like Helena so she did a really good job at making me really irritated with her for half of the book.
Peterson shows these Christians characters not just as do gooders but normal people with emotion and depth and the ability to feel hate and resentment because thats part of life.
Excited to continue the series!
D.Qs
Did you think Jayce Kincaid was a criminal or did you believe he was being framed?
What did you think about life set in Alaska?
Jacob was very protective over his friend and sister do you think his protectiveness made him more hesitant to strangers?
What did you think of Helainas deception to try and get to jayce?
Did you think jacob was in the right trying to hide his friend from helaina?
Helaina wanted justice and no mercy until she was caught in a lie.
July 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how it portrayed life in early 20th century Alaska, and how life was not easy by any stretch of the imagination. I also enjoyed getting to know Leah and Jacob and Jayce (and other more minor characters). I also enjoyed seeing Leah and Jayce find their way to each other and the plan God had for their lives.
All that said, I think the mystery surrounding Jayce was what really pulled me in. I liked that we got little bits and pieces of the answer to the mystery given to us through Jayce's thoughts and interactions with other characters, but the way everything played out with Helaina's hunt for him was intriguing. I'm not sure I actually *like* Helaina, though I see her character is starting to question her previous beliefs about God and that that questioning could easily lead her to a relationship with Him in the next book(s).
Note that this book, while not ending on a cliff-hanger, per se, definitely ends on a more suspenseful note. Good news is that all the books in this series have been published, so there is no need to wait to read what happens next!
(2020: re-read to prepare for finally finishing the series)
All that said, I think the mystery surrounding Jayce was what really pulled me in. I liked that we got little bits and pieces of the answer to the mystery given to us through Jayce's thoughts and interactions with other characters, but the way everything played out with Helaina's hunt for him was intriguing. I'm not sure I actually *like* Helaina, though I see her character is starting to question her previous beliefs about God and that that questioning could easily lead her to a relationship with Him in the next book(s).
Note that this book, while not ending on a cliff-hanger, per se, definitely ends on a more suspenseful note. Good news is that all the books in this series have been published, so there is no need to wait to read what happens next!
(2020: re-read to prepare for finally finishing the series)
August 25, 2017
Wow, yet another Tracie Peterson book that I absolutely loved. Can I just say that if you like Christian, Historical Fiction, and Romance these are the book for you. Oh and her books also have some action and suspense. I loved the characters and how they developed through out this book. The only bad thing about this book is that it left off on a cliff hanger. I HATE cliff hangers they are the worst possible things ever!! Lucky I get the next two from my library already so when I finish school I can start the next one. Though but really people you NEED to read these!!!
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: Leah Barringer's world is turned upside down when her brother brings home Jayce Kinicaid, the man who spurned her ten years ago. Part of an expedition to the Arctic, Jayce shocks Leah by inviting her brother along.
Helaina Beecham arrives in Alaska to hunt down the man the Pinkertons have sent her to apprehend. But when Jayce Kincaid appears to have been in two places at the same time, Helaina wonders if there might be a larger problem with the case.
Despite confusing, conflicting evidence, can Helaina discover the truth? Can Leah's injured heart ever love again?
REVIEW: Once again Tracie Peterson has penned a delightful historical novel full of historical interest and faith-filled romance. Having visited Alaska and learning some of its history and challenges, the storyline definitely kept my attention. Leah, Jacob and Jayce were all well developed characters. I loved the close relationship between Leah and Jacob as brother and sister. Leah's struggles with forgiveness in her love life were very true to life. Jacob's character as exemplified by his sharing the gospel with Helaina even though he didn't like her and didn't trust her was a great pointer to readers to what God expects of each of us. Helaina was a true villianess for most of the book but it was nice to see how God worked in her life through Jacob. Ms. Peterson definitely left the ending a cliffhanger making sure her readers follow up with the sequel.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "God has a specific plan for each person's life.... Some men will give in to the devil's prompting. God weeps for them."
"Who can know the mind of God?...You know that God has plans we cannot understand. I feel so distant from God. I feel so lost. Does that shock you?...We have all felt that way from time to time. The very nature of God often makes us believe Him to be unreachable. He is, after all, God of the universe--the King of Kings the Lord of Lords. How could He possible care about the day-to-day issues of our lives? ...Perhaps he here because the time is right to make things new."
"Second chances are always possible when God is in the middle of the matter."
Helaina Beecham arrives in Alaska to hunt down the man the Pinkertons have sent her to apprehend. But when Jayce Kincaid appears to have been in two places at the same time, Helaina wonders if there might be a larger problem with the case.
Despite confusing, conflicting evidence, can Helaina discover the truth? Can Leah's injured heart ever love again?
REVIEW: Once again Tracie Peterson has penned a delightful historical novel full of historical interest and faith-filled romance. Having visited Alaska and learning some of its history and challenges, the storyline definitely kept my attention. Leah, Jacob and Jayce were all well developed characters. I loved the close relationship between Leah and Jacob as brother and sister. Leah's struggles with forgiveness in her love life were very true to life. Jacob's character as exemplified by his sharing the gospel with Helaina even though he didn't like her and didn't trust her was a great pointer to readers to what God expects of each of us. Helaina was a true villianess for most of the book but it was nice to see how God worked in her life through Jacob. Ms. Peterson definitely left the ending a cliffhanger making sure her readers follow up with the sequel.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "God has a specific plan for each person's life.... Some men will give in to the devil's prompting. God weeps for them."
"Who can know the mind of God?...You know that God has plans we cannot understand. I feel so distant from God. I feel so lost. Does that shock you?...We have all felt that way from time to time. The very nature of God often makes us believe Him to be unreachable. He is, after all, God of the universe--the King of Kings the Lord of Lords. How could He possible care about the day-to-day issues of our lives? ...Perhaps he here because the time is right to make things new."
"Second chances are always possible when God is in the middle of the matter."
November 7, 2018
Typical cheesy Christian fiction
Typical cheesy Christian fiction , it got better once I made it 60% finished. How a girl can hold on to hurt feelings from her only crush for ten years is beyond me. obsessive and weird . Jayce rejecting her advances as a 19 year old wasn’t a crime but the author wrote it like it was a deep dark crime . The story line between Jacob and Helaina was stronger, more relatable, less cheesy, and the only reason I kept reading the book. Their story kept the book alive even though they weren’t the stars of the book.
Typical cheesy Christian fiction , it got better once I made it 60% finished. How a girl can hold on to hurt feelings from her only crush for ten years is beyond me. obsessive and weird . Jayce rejecting her advances as a 19 year old wasn’t a crime but the author wrote it like it was a deep dark crime . The story line between Jacob and Helaina was stronger, more relatable, less cheesy, and the only reason I kept reading the book. Their story kept the book alive even though they weren’t the stars of the book.
March 20, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Most books tagged “Christian romance “ end up being cheesy or sickeningly sweet. This was neither. It was a tad predictable, but the story was interesting and the setting was fabulous ( Alaska). I loved the main characters and the secondary characters from the village. It left off with a cliffhanger, so I will be excited to continue with this series and can wholeheartedly recommend this book !
January 17, 2025
My first read by author Tracie Peterson. It did NOT disappoint. I have nothing negative to say about this book. It was good from cover to cover. More than good!
I didn't read the back cover of it until just now, after I finished it. 😆 So every twist, turn, storyline, and everything within the pages was a complete surprise for me.
The book is set back in 1915. World War 1 is mentioned a few times. But the story is set in Alaska. It's book one in the Alaskan Quest series.
I loved how Scripture was woven through it. The gospel was clearly shared. It had mystery, adventure, struggles, and felt down to earth. Which I enjoyed immensely!
Other beginnings to trilogies set you up for the next book, but often you can continue it at your own leisure. I had no idea it was going to end in a cliffhanger!! So therefore, you have now been warned.
I just stopped by my library and got books two and three. Thankfully they were there! And I am planning on reading them next.
I didn't read the back cover of it until just now, after I finished it. 😆 So every twist, turn, storyline, and everything within the pages was a complete surprise for me.
The book is set back in 1915. World War 1 is mentioned a few times. But the story is set in Alaska. It's book one in the Alaskan Quest series.
I loved how Scripture was woven through it. The gospel was clearly shared. It had mystery, adventure, struggles, and felt down to earth. Which I enjoyed immensely!
Other beginnings to trilogies set you up for the next book, but often you can continue it at your own leisure. I had no idea it was going to end in a cliffhanger!! So therefore, you have now been warned.
I just stopped by my library and got books two and three. Thankfully they were there! And I am planning on reading them next.
February 11, 2024
Cliffhanger
I usually hate them but the series is done so no wait for me. I just have to download the next book. I am excited to finish the series.
I usually hate them but the series is done so no wait for me. I just have to download the next book. I am excited to finish the series.
May 11, 2017
Sigh
I stopped reading this author's books years ago because they always have an evil villain. All bad and no good. There is no examination into what made him that way and there is no redemption. I decided to give her another chance, seeing as how I inadvertently downloaded a free book, and now that I'm done, I realize it's not a current book that would have told if she'd improved or not, so I shouldn't really be disappointed over what I knew in the first place had I checked the publication date. That said, I was pleasantly surprised that the villain I found , the woman, had a heart and it was changing. But, I was fooled and the end of the book didn't even end the story, but the story will continue in the next book with a focus on dealing with....of course.....an evil villain. Using a villain to create a story is an excuse to write a bigger book but without more substance, thus wasting my life. And isn't the Christian romance genre about using the relationship between a man and a woman to show us how God loves us? There should be a sub-genre of romance with villains so I can avoid it. The historical aspect was enlightening, and the faith aspects were good. I read this genre to get an entertaining sermon as authors write for the glory of God and tuck one in there. I read this genre to get stories of broken hearts being healed as writers write from their own pain or those they've researched. It's all entertainment used to illustrate the ways God loves us and heals us. Read good books for the glory of God. Five-star books in this Christian genre use entertainment to teach inspire a reader to be closer to God. Use of an evil villain that has no other side to him ruins that goal as we are inspired to hate that person (even if the story claims otherwise) and it ignores that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against evil spiritual entities. It ignores compassion for the villain's broken heart and the possibilities of redemption. I do not plan to read the next book so I could be wrong about the way she uses a villain there but I know why I started avoiding her books in the first place. It would be great if the next story were all about the redemption of Chase and the reconciling of brothers. Someone can let me know if that's the case.
I stopped reading this author's books years ago because they always have an evil villain. All bad and no good. There is no examination into what made him that way and there is no redemption. I decided to give her another chance, seeing as how I inadvertently downloaded a free book, and now that I'm done, I realize it's not a current book that would have told if she'd improved or not, so I shouldn't really be disappointed over what I knew in the first place had I checked the publication date. That said, I was pleasantly surprised that the villain I found , the woman, had a heart and it was changing. But, I was fooled and the end of the book didn't even end the story, but the story will continue in the next book with a focus on dealing with....of course.....an evil villain. Using a villain to create a story is an excuse to write a bigger book but without more substance, thus wasting my life. And isn't the Christian romance genre about using the relationship between a man and a woman to show us how God loves us? There should be a sub-genre of romance with villains so I can avoid it. The historical aspect was enlightening, and the faith aspects were good. I read this genre to get an entertaining sermon as authors write for the glory of God and tuck one in there. I read this genre to get stories of broken hearts being healed as writers write from their own pain or those they've researched. It's all entertainment used to illustrate the ways God loves us and heals us. Read good books for the glory of God. Five-star books in this Christian genre use entertainment to teach inspire a reader to be closer to God. Use of an evil villain that has no other side to him ruins that goal as we are inspired to hate that person (even if the story claims otherwise) and it ignores that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against evil spiritual entities. It ignores compassion for the villain's broken heart and the possibilities of redemption. I do not plan to read the next book so I could be wrong about the way she uses a villain there but I know why I started avoiding her books in the first place. It would be great if the next story were all about the redemption of Chase and the reconciling of brothers. Someone can let me know if that's the case.
July 28, 2016
While I did appreciate the exotic (for me, since I’ve never been to Alaska) setting, the characters never grew on me and the plot felt completely phoned in. Some questions it raised for me:
- Leah is repeatedly described as a skilled healer with no formal training. Where exactly did she pick up these skills?
- Jayce decides maybe he’s actually been in love with the woman he hasn’t seen in ten years for those ten years because… I don’t know. He comes to this conclusion when they’ve barely had a conversation.
- Helaina travels to Nome to apprehend a suspect but doesn’t appear to have any plan on how to do that. She shows up and wanders around. We’re supposed to believe she’s experienced in this area?
- Helaina spends months “stuck” in a remote village with Jacob to avoid blowing her cover. This makes no sense. It is clearly a devise to have the two of them spend a lot of time alone discussing scripture. The contrived situation makes their conversations forced and unnatural. Not to mention how poorly the theme of justice versus mercy fits with the rest of the plot. He’s trying to convince her that not hanging an innocent man constitutes mercy. Uh, no.
- Leah was wronged by Jayce because she was truly and maturely in love with him ten years ago? She didn’t even know he had a twin brother. Did they talk at all?
- A shipwreck, the most interesting event in the book, is over in a chapter. The author spent more time cultivating a relationship between Helaina and a doctor that turned out to be irrelevant.
- Helaina and Jayce are finally both in Nome and she easily has the local law enforcement do what for some unknown reason she couldn’t do months ago. Wait, I know the reason. She needed to get to know Jacob first.
- Why in the world doesn’t Jacob question the letter he receives? It’s from a man he barely knows. It’s marked “urgent” because he wants help with something next year. It way too casually mentions that Jayce is somewhere Jacob knows he is not. Helaina has a private conniption about it. Shouldn’t Jacob think it’s at least a little weird?
There were bright spots that made me keep reading when I might have abandoned it. I have no interest in the sequel though because I didn’t care for the characters.
- Leah is repeatedly described as a skilled healer with no formal training. Where exactly did she pick up these skills?
- Jayce decides maybe he’s actually been in love with the woman he hasn’t seen in ten years for those ten years because… I don’t know. He comes to this conclusion when they’ve barely had a conversation.
- Helaina travels to Nome to apprehend a suspect but doesn’t appear to have any plan on how to do that. She shows up and wanders around. We’re supposed to believe she’s experienced in this area?
- Helaina spends months “stuck” in a remote village with Jacob to avoid blowing her cover. This makes no sense. It is clearly a devise to have the two of them spend a lot of time alone discussing scripture. The contrived situation makes their conversations forced and unnatural. Not to mention how poorly the theme of justice versus mercy fits with the rest of the plot. He’s trying to convince her that not hanging an innocent man constitutes mercy. Uh, no.
- Leah was wronged by Jayce because she was truly and maturely in love with him ten years ago? She didn’t even know he had a twin brother. Did they talk at all?
- A shipwreck, the most interesting event in the book, is over in a chapter. The author spent more time cultivating a relationship between Helaina and a doctor that turned out to be irrelevant.
- Helaina and Jayce are finally both in Nome and she easily has the local law enforcement do what for some unknown reason she couldn’t do months ago. Wait, I know the reason. She needed to get to know Jacob first.
- Why in the world doesn’t Jacob question the letter he receives? It’s from a man he barely knows. It’s marked “urgent” because he wants help with something next year. It way too casually mentions that Jayce is somewhere Jacob knows he is not. Helaina has a private conniption about it. Shouldn’t Jacob think it’s at least a little weird?
There were bright spots that made me keep reading when I might have abandoned it. I have no interest in the sequel though because I didn’t care for the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2016
Rating: 2 / 5
I'll go at this by.... bullet-point list:
+ good premise
- weak plot overall (nothing really happens, yet the narration goes on and on... and on); Maybe it was meant to be character driven, or emotion driven... I don't know, but by failing to connect to the characters, everything felt pretty boring;
- the romantic relationship is not properly developed; I failed to feel any sort of connection between Leah and Jacob;
- the writing style was what I'd call rigid; it wasn't bad, but it overflowed from additional explanations and, at times, irrelevant details (it should have focused on important things that aided the reader in discovering more about the plot and characters; I care little for the exact chair someone moved, or the exact spot they took on the bed, if said movement doesn't tell me anything relevant about the character)
I admit to not having finished this. The summary intrigued me, the whole promise of harsh weather, cold, danger... But the book felt dry. I could not connect to anything it told and showed me, especially the characters.
I'll go at this by.... bullet-point list:
+ good premise
- weak plot overall (nothing really happens, yet the narration goes on and on... and on); Maybe it was meant to be character driven, or emotion driven... I don't know, but by failing to connect to the characters, everything felt pretty boring;
- the romantic relationship is not properly developed; I failed to feel any sort of connection between Leah and Jacob;
- the writing style was what I'd call rigid; it wasn't bad, but it overflowed from additional explanations and, at times, irrelevant details (it should have focused on important things that aided the reader in discovering more about the plot and characters; I care little for the exact chair someone moved, or the exact spot they took on the bed, if said movement doesn't tell me anything relevant about the character)
I admit to not having finished this. The summary intrigued me, the whole promise of harsh weather, cold, danger... But the book felt dry. I could not connect to anything it told and showed me, especially the characters.
December 20, 2009
This is the first book I have read by this author, and it is the first in a Trilogy set in Alaska around 1915. I don't usually read Chrsitian fiction, but I liked the story, and the writing. I particularly liked the setting and reading about the native Alaskan Indians. The romance of the story is between Leah Barringer and Jayce Kincaid who meet again 10 years after Jayce rejected Leah. The Christian theology, scripture, and presentation of the gospel actually fit into the story well. I will read the next two books in this series, which is necessary to have an ending.
January 27, 2010
Christian fiction is not a genre I read at all, but I discovered this book for free on Amazon; it was the first book I got for my Kindle. Set in Alaska in the early 1900s, it's the story of a family and an old romance. I felt that the Biblical passages were occasionally shoehorned into the storyline, nearly bludgeoning me with their message. However, I might seek out the next in the series, just to see what happens.
May 10, 2016
I loved Tracie Peterson's first three books about the Yukon but I was disappointed with the Alaskan Quest series. They lacked the same flair as the original three and the stories seemed too overdramatic (not the story elements themselves but they way they were played up so much). Sometimes I really like Peterson, sometimes I don't. My biggest complaint is with her books is over the top drama. These were a good read but be prepared for vast highs and lows and drama, drama, drama.
September 29, 2007
I really like this book the whole Alaskan Quest Series is really good. I don't know if I could pick a favorite. In my personal opinion I think Tracie Peterson did a very good job on the whole series. After I read the first and second books I was soooo ready for the third. I would recommend this to anyone who like good christian fiction.
March 11, 2010
This was okay. And I may read more. Really like the Christian theme, which is probably why I will read more! Just not a really great plot. After reading someone like Koontz it's a little draggy...but then there is no one that writes like Koontz... you just have to have a strong stomach!
September 14, 2010
I enjoyed the story, wilderness challenges, Indian culture, romance until the end. Authors, take heed, DON'T chop off your book with no ending because you think your reader will be forced the buy the sequel. I WON'T!
July 16, 2012
Someone recommended this book otherwise I don't know if I could have finished it. A light Christian novel that takes place right before WWI in Alaska. It was interesting reading about Alaska and survival skills one would need to live there (touched on that briefly throughout).
August 7, 2015
Well-written for youth
Short simple sentences make this a book for adolescents. There is intrigue and romance. A clean, wholesome story for adolescents or for people with English as a second language.
Short simple sentences make this a book for adolescents. There is intrigue and romance. A clean, wholesome story for adolescents or for people with English as a second language.
June 24, 2019
While I absolutely love Tracie Peterson's books, this one left me frustrated and wanting to get through it as soon as possible. I hate misunderstandings and people being wrongly accused and the whole book focused on this issue. I hope the next 2 in the series leave out the chaos.
April 1, 2012
Simple, predictable plot. No conclusion......must read additional books in series (I won't). Too preachy for me!
Probably good for middle- to high-school ages.
Disappointed overall.
Probably good for middle- to high-school ages.
Disappointed overall.
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