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Winds of Skilak: The Continuing Saga of one couple's adventures and survival in the Alaskan wilderness
Winds of Skilak: The Continuing Saga of One Couple's Adventures and Survival in the Alaskan Wilderness continues the journey of Bonnie Rose Ward as a “wilderness wife” and her tough-as-nails husband Sam in the stark, challenging, and exhilarating wilds of Alaska.
Imagine canning a whole moose. One thousand pounds of meat, critical to survival through the brutal winter on an island in Alaska. And doing it in a home with no electricity, no plumbing, and no refrigeration. For the Wards, this is just another ordinary task in an environment that can be unforgiving of mistakes but immensely rewarding to those willing to embrace the work of creating a home in a harsh but beautiful land.
In this sequel, Sam and Bonnie are thriving, building getaway cabins and continuing to joyfully tackle life on a remote, isolated island on Skilak Lake, where williwaw winds can whip up suddenly and without warning, and wicked storms can blow for weeks. In an era before cell phones and internet, their ability to communicate with the rest of the world, accessible only by boat or plane, is at the whim of the temperamental lake. Then, just as they are about to achieve a new dream, one of the largest man-made, environmental disasters strikes, altering their lives and threatening their livelihood and idyllic life. Will the love and devotion between Bonnie and Sam be enough for them to survive, or will Alaska finally win?
From the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights, to terrifying accidents and strangers, to a Christmas miracle, this is a testament of courage and inspiration to anyone born with a wild longing in their hearts. Through sorrows and joys, love and loss, God’s hand is always present in their lives as Bonnie shares her chronicle of faith, survival, and beauty in an untamed land few others will ever know.
Imagine canning a whole moose. One thousand pounds of meat, critical to survival through the brutal winter on an island in Alaska. And doing it in a home with no electricity, no plumbing, and no refrigeration. For the Wards, this is just another ordinary task in an environment that can be unforgiving of mistakes but immensely rewarding to those willing to embrace the work of creating a home in a harsh but beautiful land.
In this sequel, Sam and Bonnie are thriving, building getaway cabins and continuing to joyfully tackle life on a remote, isolated island on Skilak Lake, where williwaw winds can whip up suddenly and without warning, and wicked storms can blow for weeks. In an era before cell phones and internet, their ability to communicate with the rest of the world, accessible only by boat or plane, is at the whim of the temperamental lake. Then, just as they are about to achieve a new dream, one of the largest man-made, environmental disasters strikes, altering their lives and threatening their livelihood and idyllic life. Will the love and devotion between Bonnie and Sam be enough for them to survive, or will Alaska finally win?
From the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights, to terrifying accidents and strangers, to a Christmas miracle, this is a testament of courage and inspiration to anyone born with a wild longing in their hearts. Through sorrows and joys, love and loss, God’s hand is always present in their lives as Bonnie shares her chronicle of faith, survival, and beauty in an untamed land few others will ever know.
420 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2018
171 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Rose Ward
5 books148 followersBonnie Rose Ward, an award-winning author celebrated for her vivid memoirs recounting life in the Alaskan wilderness, currently resides in West Virginia with her husband. Bonnie's homestead is nestled within the serene foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. The spirit of these mountains and her husband's familial tales from the region breathe life into her compelling narratives of
Appalachian resilience, strength, and the quest for love.
Drawing from her fifteen-years in the wilderness, Bonnie's present lifestyle encapsulates the essence of self-sufficiency. Together with Samuel, she tends to a menagerie of goats, chickens, Zebu cattle, and other barnyard animals, while also cultivating their verdant gardens. When not
immersed in her rural responsibilities, Bonnie transitions into her writer's persona. At her
keyboard, she masterfully weaves new tales echoing the valor of women, the fidelity of men, and the extraordinary miracles that God orchestrates in their lives.
Bonnie Rose Ward is not just an author, but a storyteller—painting vivid pictures with her words that resonate with the human spirit's trials, triumphs, and faith.
Ward's memoirs, chronicling her years living in the Alaskan wilderness, have earned critical acclaim for their authenticity and evocative storytelling. "Loving Beth" promises to deliver the same level of emotional depth, set against the historical backdrop of post-Civil War America.
Appalachian resilience, strength, and the quest for love.
Drawing from her fifteen-years in the wilderness, Bonnie's present lifestyle encapsulates the essence of self-sufficiency. Together with Samuel, she tends to a menagerie of goats, chickens, Zebu cattle, and other barnyard animals, while also cultivating their verdant gardens. When not
immersed in her rural responsibilities, Bonnie transitions into her writer's persona. At her
keyboard, she masterfully weaves new tales echoing the valor of women, the fidelity of men, and the extraordinary miracles that God orchestrates in their lives.
Bonnie Rose Ward is not just an author, but a storyteller—painting vivid pictures with her words that resonate with the human spirit's trials, triumphs, and faith.
Ward's memoirs, chronicling her years living in the Alaskan wilderness, have earned critical acclaim for their authenticity and evocative storytelling. "Loving Beth" promises to deliver the same level of emotional depth, set against the historical backdrop of post-Civil War America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 9, 2020
I enjoyed Bonnie and Sam's continuing tale of life in Alaska. I did like the first book a bit better but this one won't disappoint. I will say, they sure like their coffee. It seems that they are either making, serving up, or drinking coffee throughout the whole book. My kind of folk! Ha! Ha! Both books are hard to put down, if you like reading about survival in the wilderness, hunting, fishing and living off the grid.
March 30, 2018
I loved Bonnie’s first book, and was very excited to learn more about her and Sam’s subsequent years in Alaska. The sequel did not disappoint!
I could never imagine life in the Alaskan wilderness. Growing up with all of the modern conveniences and during the technology era, I don’t know a thing about living off the land, going without, or being alone! (I’d probably never survive.) However, with Bonnie’s masterful story-telling, I felt like I was there, a witness to every event. She describes daily life in such detail that I was captivated, eager to turn every page and yet sad to get closer to the end because I didn’t want it to ever end. I greatly enjoyed laughing with Bonnie, being shocked a few times, and maybe even shedding a tear or two.
Bonnie, thank you for inviting us into your life! I’ve learned so much about hospitality, friendship, joy, faith, trust, and survival from your stories.
I could never imagine life in the Alaskan wilderness. Growing up with all of the modern conveniences and during the technology era, I don’t know a thing about living off the land, going without, or being alone! (I’d probably never survive.) However, with Bonnie’s masterful story-telling, I felt like I was there, a witness to every event. She describes daily life in such detail that I was captivated, eager to turn every page and yet sad to get closer to the end because I didn’t want it to ever end. I greatly enjoyed laughing with Bonnie, being shocked a few times, and maybe even shedding a tear or two.
Bonnie, thank you for inviting us into your life! I’ve learned so much about hospitality, friendship, joy, faith, trust, and survival from your stories.
April 3, 2018
I loved the first "Winds of Skilak" book so much that I could barely stand waiting for this sequel. The day it came out I ordered it and then I could barely put it down! Now I am sorry that I read it so fast because it's over! If you are at all interested in memoirs, Alaska, wilderness living, or homesteading, read this book!
April 7, 2018
Years ago I read Bonnie Rose Ward's first book about their life on a remote Alaskan island and absolutely loved it. The story has stayed in my mind and I always wondered "what happened next?" I found the author on Facebook and she told me she was in the process of writing the next book about their lives, and I could hardly wait. She sent me an advanced-reading PDF a few weeks ago, and I devoured it in a little over a day, staying up well past my bedtime to live in their world with them on the island.
Like the first book, Bonnie's love for her husband, her deep faith, and her grit and determination shine through in every chapter. While they love living in a beautiful, remote place, following their dreams, they also struggle with the solitude, creepy neighbors and the thousands of miles that separate them from their mid-West family and aging parents. Her writing left me in tears several times and had me laughing most of the time. She has a way of bringing words to life, drawing the reader into her little cabin on the island and pouring them a cup of coffee at the kitchen table. I really felt I was there, tasting her smoked salmon and watching the ever-changing moods of the lake.
Sam was a seasoned outdoorsman when they uprooted and moved to Alaska, but Bonnie had to learn her new lifestyle. In the first book, her years of seasoning had a steep learning curve. In this latest book, she's more confident and at home in the wilderness, but never stops learning and enjoying the many lessons nature teaches her. She sews buckskin shirts and curtains for the cabin. She hunts and fishes alongside her husband, and smokes and cans what they harvest in order to have enough to eat during the long, dark Alaska winter nights. Together they build more cabins for visitors and new residents, figure out how to heat the chicken house during -40F temperatures, fish for halibut in their own boat, and trap furs. The author includes many photos of their rustic life, which really add to the story and make me want to try it for myself.
I truly loved this book, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys outdoors adventures or stories about Alaska and off-grid living. My only complaint is that the book ends, leaving the reader wondering "what happened next?"
Like the first book, Bonnie's love for her husband, her deep faith, and her grit and determination shine through in every chapter. While they love living in a beautiful, remote place, following their dreams, they also struggle with the solitude, creepy neighbors and the thousands of miles that separate them from their mid-West family and aging parents. Her writing left me in tears several times and had me laughing most of the time. She has a way of bringing words to life, drawing the reader into her little cabin on the island and pouring them a cup of coffee at the kitchen table. I really felt I was there, tasting her smoked salmon and watching the ever-changing moods of the lake.
Sam was a seasoned outdoorsman when they uprooted and moved to Alaska, but Bonnie had to learn her new lifestyle. In the first book, her years of seasoning had a steep learning curve. In this latest book, she's more confident and at home in the wilderness, but never stops learning and enjoying the many lessons nature teaches her. She sews buckskin shirts and curtains for the cabin. She hunts and fishes alongside her husband, and smokes and cans what they harvest in order to have enough to eat during the long, dark Alaska winter nights. Together they build more cabins for visitors and new residents, figure out how to heat the chicken house during -40F temperatures, fish for halibut in their own boat, and trap furs. The author includes many photos of their rustic life, which really add to the story and make me want to try it for myself.
I truly loved this book, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys outdoors adventures or stories about Alaska and off-grid living. My only complaint is that the book ends, leaving the reader wondering "what happened next?"
May 9, 2018
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
Winds of Skilak Volume 2 is the continuation of the memoir of Bonnie Rose Ward and her husband Sam’s adventure on Caribou Island in the middle of Skilak lake, deep in the wilds of Alaska. These two modern-day pioneers literally carved a living out of nothing on Caribou Island. At times, especially winter, Bonnie and Sam would be the only occupants, of this lonely, snow-swept and freezing part of the Alaskan wilderness. Like true pioneers Sam and Bonnie would build their own cabins, hunt and track all sorts of wildlife for food, plant and harvest their own vegetables and live the true life of adventurers on the very frontiers of civilisation. Although they occasionally would have company to break the loneliness and the daily grind of living “off the grid” for the most part it was the indomitable belief this couple had in each other and an unshakeable faith that would sustain them through many trials and tribulations.
As a reader, I find all memoirs quite fascinating – it’s like being invited in to share the most intimate parts of a stranger’s life and thoughts. When the memoir details experiences as rich, diverse and for us simple city dwellers, so outside of our comfort zones, as Winds of Skilak Volume 2 does, the pleasure is doubled or even tripled. I haven’t read Volume 1, but that certainly wasn’t important. Right from the first page of this story, you are drawn into a world far from anything few of us will ever experience. I marvelled at the sheer grit and determination of both Sam and Bonnie Rose Ward. For Bonnie, living out in that wilderness, with little or at times no other female company on the island, was tough, but she took it all in her stride, with humour, faith and a positive attitude. Her writing is fresh, clear and even she admits to not having the words to describe many of the beauties of the Alaskan wilderness. As someone who can only ever dream of an adventure like this, I love the fact that Bonnie and Sam, through this book allowed me to share theirs, vicariously. If you love true life adventure tales, this book is an absolute “must read” for you.
Winds of Skilak Volume 2 is the continuation of the memoir of Bonnie Rose Ward and her husband Sam’s adventure on Caribou Island in the middle of Skilak lake, deep in the wilds of Alaska. These two modern-day pioneers literally carved a living out of nothing on Caribou Island. At times, especially winter, Bonnie and Sam would be the only occupants, of this lonely, snow-swept and freezing part of the Alaskan wilderness. Like true pioneers Sam and Bonnie would build their own cabins, hunt and track all sorts of wildlife for food, plant and harvest their own vegetables and live the true life of adventurers on the very frontiers of civilisation. Although they occasionally would have company to break the loneliness and the daily grind of living “off the grid” for the most part it was the indomitable belief this couple had in each other and an unshakeable faith that would sustain them through many trials and tribulations.
As a reader, I find all memoirs quite fascinating – it’s like being invited in to share the most intimate parts of a stranger’s life and thoughts. When the memoir details experiences as rich, diverse and for us simple city dwellers, so outside of our comfort zones, as Winds of Skilak Volume 2 does, the pleasure is doubled or even tripled. I haven’t read Volume 1, but that certainly wasn’t important. Right from the first page of this story, you are drawn into a world far from anything few of us will ever experience. I marvelled at the sheer grit and determination of both Sam and Bonnie Rose Ward. For Bonnie, living out in that wilderness, with little or at times no other female company on the island, was tough, but she took it all in her stride, with humour, faith and a positive attitude. Her writing is fresh, clear and even she admits to not having the words to describe many of the beauties of the Alaskan wilderness. As someone who can only ever dream of an adventure like this, I love the fact that Bonnie and Sam, through this book allowed me to share theirs, vicariously. If you love true life adventure tales, this book is an absolute “must read” for you.
January 13, 2019
A great follow on to the first book
This is an excellent second chapter to Bonnie and her husband's life in Alaska. She describes her life in a way that made me feel as if I was a ghost and watching how they came to live in harmony in an untamed Alaska. I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one.
This is an excellent second chapter to Bonnie and her husband's life in Alaska. She describes her life in a way that made me feel as if I was a ghost and watching how they came to live in harmony in an untamed Alaska. I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one.
September 5, 2025
What a sequel, life changing and inspiring. Every man wants to be like Sam.
January 31, 2019
Such a good and quick read. I felt like I was there with Bonnie and Sam and experiencing Alaska with them. Each day I was excited to read and see what they were up to next. I was sad to finish the book.
April 28, 2025
Just as good as the 1st one!
This was such an amazing and good read! It felt so great to continue the journey with Bonnie and Sam as they ventured through their lives and saw all the adventures and things they got into.
100% recommend reading this book if you have read the 1st!
This was such an amazing and good read! It felt so great to continue the journey with Bonnie and Sam as they ventured through their lives and saw all the adventures and things they got into.
100% recommend reading this book if you have read the 1st!
April 15, 2022
I read Bonnie’s first book about her and her husband’s decision to move to Alaska. They bought a piece of land on Caribou Island on the Skilak lake. With very little money left, but with hard work, they built a cabin and made their home there. The story about how they lived, how they ate, how they made money and how they overcame every obstacle is so interesting. They’re admirable people of great courage, very smart and very likable.
The second book continues the account of their life on Caribou Island and tells how they not only lived, but prospered. I enjoyed them both very much.
The second book continues the account of their life on Caribou Island and tells how they not only lived, but prospered. I enjoyed them both very much.
August 13, 2020
The Continuing Saga of One Couple's Adventures and Survival in the Alaskan Wilderness continues the journey of Bonnie Rose Ward as a “wilderness wife” and her tough-as-nails husband Sam in the stark, challenging, and exhilarating wilds of Alaska.
Imagine canning a whole moose. One thousand pounds of meat, critical to survival through the brutal winter on an island in Alaska. And doing it in a home with no electricity, no plumbing, and no refrigeration. For the Wards, this is just another ordinary task in an environment that can be unforgiving of mistakes but immensely rewarding to those willing to embrace the work of creating a home in a harsh but beautiful land.
In this sequel, Sam and Bonnie are thriving, building getaway cabins and continuing to joyfully tackle life on a remote, isolated island on Skilak Lake, where williwaw winds can whip up suddenly and without warning, and wicked storms can blow for weeks. In an era before cell phones and internet, their ability to communicate with the rest of the world, accessible only by boat or plane, is at the whim of the temperamental lake. Then, just as they are about to achieve a new dream, one of the largest man-made, environmental disasters strikes, altering their lives and threatening their livelihood and idyllic life. Will the love and devotion between Bonnie and Sam be enough for them to survive, or will Alaska finally win?
From the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights, to terrifying accidents and strangers, to a Christmas miracle, this is a testament of courage and inspiration to anyone born with a wild longing in their hearts. Through sorrows and joys, love and loss, God’s hand is always present in their lives as Bonnie shares her chronicle of faith, survival, and beauty in an untamed land few others will ever know.
Imagine canning a whole moose. One thousand pounds of meat, critical to survival through the brutal winter on an island in Alaska. And doing it in a home with no electricity, no plumbing, and no refrigeration. For the Wards, this is just another ordinary task in an environment that can be unforgiving of mistakes but immensely rewarding to those willing to embrace the work of creating a home in a harsh but beautiful land.
In this sequel, Sam and Bonnie are thriving, building getaway cabins and continuing to joyfully tackle life on a remote, isolated island on Skilak Lake, where williwaw winds can whip up suddenly and without warning, and wicked storms can blow for weeks. In an era before cell phones and internet, their ability to communicate with the rest of the world, accessible only by boat or plane, is at the whim of the temperamental lake. Then, just as they are about to achieve a new dream, one of the largest man-made, environmental disasters strikes, altering their lives and threatening their livelihood and idyllic life. Will the love and devotion between Bonnie and Sam be enough for them to survive, or will Alaska finally win?
From the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights, to terrifying accidents and strangers, to a Christmas miracle, this is a testament of courage and inspiration to anyone born with a wild longing in their hearts. Through sorrows and joys, love and loss, God’s hand is always present in their lives as Bonnie shares her chronicle of faith, survival, and beauty in an untamed land few others will ever know.
May 25, 2019
While I like to live vicariously thru this type of book, this sequel was a little disappointing and I am not certain why. I was a little put off by the fact that in moving to an Alaskan Island for the purpose of living off the land and to live in a wild uninhabited area, that they decided it would be a great idea to buy up land and build more cabins to sell. Then to leave their special island to come back to the lower 48. JMO
April 4, 2018
Bonnie's writing style penetrates deep into your soul... You can not only visualize the scene and location - you become a part of it, emotionally attached and experiencing it with her. Once you pick up one of Bonnie's books, you just can't put them down. My family and I live an off-grid life in northern Idaho and I just love reading her books to enjoy her experiences and life and to reminisce about our start here. Bonnie and Sam are our hero's living in the rough Alaska wilderness... A place we still dream to embrace... I highly recommend both of Bonnie's books. Nicely done Bonnie Rose Ward! The next book needs to be a cookbook with all your AMAZING dishes... May God continue to bless you and Sam!
January 8, 2022
Incredible story a must read for anyone who craves adventurous living
I read the first book in less than two days. I loved it. I had already ordered this one, the continuing saga so I dove right in. Just like in her first book Bonnie makes you feel as though you've known her and Sam forever. She draws you in and leaves nothing out about her and Sam's adventurous life in Alaska. Some incredibly funny stories as well as down right hair raising moments. I couldn't put this one down either, just like the first Winds of Skilak, I didn't want it to end.
I read the first book in less than two days. I loved it. I had already ordered this one, the continuing saga so I dove right in. Just like in her first book Bonnie makes you feel as though you've known her and Sam forever. She draws you in and leaves nothing out about her and Sam's adventurous life in Alaska. Some incredibly funny stories as well as down right hair raising moments. I couldn't put this one down either, just like the first Winds of Skilak, I didn't want it to end.
October 16, 2023
An Alaska adventure with all its ups and downs. Beautiful!
I really enjoyed this book and the first book of the Ward's Alaskan adventures. I have always wanted to live in Alaska, but my husband would never want to move there. This book allowed me to share their dreams become true. This author brought everything to life and completely made me want to read more. I love that they depended on God in good times and hard times. Thank you, Mrs. Ward for writing about your special time in a most harsh yet beautiful place.
I really enjoyed this book and the first book of the Ward's Alaskan adventures. I have always wanted to live in Alaska, but my husband would never want to move there. This book allowed me to share their dreams become true. This author brought everything to life and completely made me want to read more. I love that they depended on God in good times and hard times. Thank you, Mrs. Ward for writing about your special time in a most harsh yet beautiful place.
May 5, 2022
Adventures in Alaska
The adventure starts in the first pages of the first book and you don’t want it to end. I was so to find there was a second book. Sam and Bonnie’s story is amazing. It’s a book for anyone to read. There is nothing I disliked about ten book. I have always wanted to go to Alaska and now I’m sure I will take a trip. I want to see the Carabou island they lived on. It’s a must read book
The adventure starts in the first pages of the first book and you don’t want it to end. I was so to find there was a second book. Sam and Bonnie’s story is amazing. It’s a book for anyone to read. There is nothing I disliked about ten book. I have always wanted to go to Alaska and now I’m sure I will take a trip. I want to see the Carabou island they lived on. It’s a must read book
December 21, 2025
Couldn’t put it down!
Winds of Skilak is a beautifully written and deeply immersive book that captures the raw power, isolation, and beauty of Alaska. The author brings the landscape to life in a way that makes you feel the cold wind, the vast wilderness, and the quiet resilience required to live there. It’s an engaging and moving read for anyone interested in Alaska, self-reliance, and the human spirit.
Winds of Skilak is a beautifully written and deeply immersive book that captures the raw power, isolation, and beauty of Alaska. The author brings the landscape to life in a way that makes you feel the cold wind, the vast wilderness, and the quiet resilience required to live there. It’s an engaging and moving read for anyone interested in Alaska, self-reliance, and the human spirit.
April 11, 2018
I was so thrilled to find out the sequel to Winds Of Skilak was finally available! It was much anticipated and definitely did not disappoint. Bonnie has a way of making you feel as though you are experiencing life in Alaska right along side them. Her books are definitely a great addition to any home library.
November 16, 2018
What a Story!
I love B.R. Ward's books. This is the second of the two and begins were the first left off. If you love dreaming about living in the Alaskan Bush you will love her two books. Bonnie Ward does a wonderful job of making you feel and see what she has experienced. I've read a few books by people that have lived in Alaska and hers are some of the best.
I love B.R. Ward's books. This is the second of the two and begins were the first left off. If you love dreaming about living in the Alaskan Bush you will love her two books. Bonnie Ward does a wonderful job of making you feel and see what she has experienced. I've read a few books by people that have lived in Alaska and hers are some of the best.
September 4, 2021
Having read Winds of Skilak I hungered for more. While I probably enjoyed Bonnie's first book more I was left with a feeling of regret when I finished The Continuing Saga. I wanted to hear more of Bonnie and Sam's life and their move to West Virginia. All the same I enjoyed both books immensely and carry their adventures with me which I recall in my mind regularly.
February 6, 2022
A must read
The way this author tells her story will take you back on the adventure with them with a fly on the wall perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter of each book. I have sleep issues but these books allowed my imagination to take me to Caribou Island. To fall asleep to
those blustery winds and the sounds of the living ice ..
The way this author tells her story will take you back on the adventure with them with a fly on the wall perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter of each book. I have sleep issues but these books allowed my imagination to take me to Caribou Island. To fall asleep to
those blustery winds and the sounds of the living ice ..
June 23, 2023
Was so excited to see Bonnie wrote another book about living and thriving in Alaska. Even if you didn’t read the first book, it still brings you into their story and is easy to follow. She tells their story well and you feel like you are walking along with both of them. Great book and wonderful story!!!
October 26, 2023
After reading the first book, I couldn't wait to read the sequel. Like the first book, I couldn't put this one down. Bonnie and Sam, along with her sister Dawn, sure went through a lot of rough times during their time in Skilak, Alaska. As I personally know all of them, I can honestly say that they are hard workers filled with love.
May 15, 2024
Both books an enjoyable read
So many of us along to get out into the wilderness. Bonnie and Sam did it decades ago. I said never get out of wilderness area disappearing under the developments bulldozers. When read their story with a certain amount of admiration further courage, resilience, and ingenuity, and not a little bit of envy.
So many of us along to get out into the wilderness. Bonnie and Sam did it decades ago. I said never get out of wilderness area disappearing under the developments bulldozers. When read their story with a certain amount of admiration further courage, resilience, and ingenuity, and not a little bit of envy.
August 9, 2024
Good sequel to another great book.
I enjoyed the first book and the second one did not let me down either. Bonnie and Sam left Sterling in 1996, my wife and I settled outside of Sterling in 1995, though not as wild and rugged as the Wards we too have had many adventures in Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula the last 29 years. I can relate to so much she writes about and a lot of the stories really hit home, literally. Excellent read and one I truly enjoyed.
I enjoyed the first book and the second one did not let me down either. Bonnie and Sam left Sterling in 1996, my wife and I settled outside of Sterling in 1995, though not as wild and rugged as the Wards we too have had many adventures in Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula the last 29 years. I can relate to so much she writes about and a lot of the stories really hit home, literally. Excellent read and one I truly enjoyed.
December 1, 2025
I don't know if it's the wilderness living, the writing, or both, but I just truly enjoyed these books. It's a touch sad that in the end they leave Skilak behind (though yes, duh considering where the author currently lives), as you sort of grow to live the island with them. But what a wonderful journey nonetheless.
April 12, 2018
I have enjoyed both of Bonnie's books. You are on Caribou Island, Alaska with her as you read of their experiences. I wish she would write another book about their homestead in WV. I'm sure she has great stories to share as Sam and she work on their current farm.
July 31, 2018
Short and Sweet
I loved the first book and was anxious to purchase and read the 'Continuing Saga' but it was very quickly put together and the stories did not flow as smoothly as the first book! Still good just short!
I loved the first book and was anxious to purchase and read the 'Continuing Saga' but it was very quickly put together and the stories did not flow as smoothly as the first book! Still good just short!
September 25, 2018
Fascinating!
I loved reading the continued story of this couple. Always interesting, sometimes harrowing and very readable. I looked forward to each chapter and having been drawn in from the first book, I was almost disappointed when it ended.
I loved reading the continued story of this couple. Always interesting, sometimes harrowing and very readable. I looked forward to each chapter and having been drawn in from the first book, I was almost disappointed when it ended.
December 10, 2018
What a journey
Thank you so much. These books took me back 50 years to our Alaskan life. Having been there and shared so many of Bonnie's feelings and impressions I can't say enough about how well she captured the beauty and adventure of the "last frontier" .
Thank you so much. These books took me back 50 years to our Alaskan life. Having been there and shared so many of Bonnie's feelings and impressions I can't say enough about how well she captured the beauty and adventure of the "last frontier" .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews