For Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bondrant's dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at 23, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather's health is declining and everyone seems to be holding secrets from each other, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.
John Roselli arrives in Nome looking for a steady, consistent job. He has grown tired of the promises of getting rich quick and just wants an honest job with honest pay. His grandfather once knew a Chuck Bondrant, and so when John arrives at the dairy, he's quickly offered a job--and a path to more if he wants it.
Havyn's plan for helping out the family means using her beautiful singing voice and her sisters' musical talent at a local roadhouse. They're an immediate hit, and it looks like her plan will be a success. But the spotlight brings with it dangerous eyes that covet Havyn and are jealous as she and John grow ever closer. But will they realize the peril before it's too late?
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.
Nome, Alaska is the setting of this book and I loved all the rich descriptions the authors had included in the book. I was able to perfectly visualize the setting as I was reading because I was transported to amazing Alaska. Secrets, we all keep them. Some are nothing but some are pretty big and can cause so much grief for ourselves and others. A wonderful start to the , The Treasures of Nome series readers will quickly become engrossed in the story. Three sisters have a strong bond with each other and their mother and grandfather. I very much enjoyed the character John, strong of faith he has traveled to the farm to deliver something for his grandfather he promised he would . Taking on a job on the farm is an answer to his prayers and the three sisters's grandfather's as well. Wonderful start to the series by veteran authors Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse you'll be sure to want to read all in the series. I know I look forward to them.
Pub Date 07 Jan 2020 I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a story of many hidden secrets. Would those secrets be kept or would their revelation cause heartache years later? The Powell family has known heartache and tragedy and they move with Grandfather Chuck Bundrant to Nome, Alaska and build a substantial dairy farm complete with chickens to serve the people of Nome. Life is busy and hard in such a fierce climate but the three daughters of Melissa Powell have their music and their faith to sustain them. When health problems loom, God sends an old friend to help out. John Roselli arrives at the farm to deliver a package to Chuck from his grandfather who has passed on. Chuck gives John the job of foreman, as God provides for all during this time of adjustment and upheaval. So many secrets, so much to work through. The characters were all well developed and there is just the right amount of tension to make an great story. It is lightened by the antics of the granddaughters and their farm animals. Love and trust grow and surprises are in store. But the story is not quite complete. It continues in the next book: ENDLESS MERCY out in January, 2021. Two of my favorite authors give us an atmospheric tale of Nome, Alaska and an interesting family. *I won a copy of this book from the author via AFCW Book Club. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
I’m never quite sure what to expect of dual-author stories, but I honestly felt like this pairing brought out the strengths of both authors and I loved the story that resulted. It’s set in the early years in Nome, Alaska and features three musically-talented sisters, their mother, and their grandfather. There is a mystery surrounding the loss of their father, plus tragedy to overcome as the mother and grandfather face serious health issues.
I enjoyed seeing the girls figure out how to support themselves when money grew tight and the chickens were pretty funny! A quiet romance is featured as well.
Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
Set in Nome, Alaska during the Alaskan Gold Rush, three sisters: Whitney, Havyn, and Madysen along with their mother and grandfather, are surviving quite well on their farm selling eggs and milk to the miners. The three girls along with their mother are all talented instrumentalists and singers so they add to their income by entertaining on the weekend at the Roadhouse Cafe. The grandson, John Roselli, of an old friend from their previous home in Colorado appears with a package from his grandfather who has passed away. As soon as John arrives, trouble begins with their grandfather developing apoplexy and their mom asthma. But secrets from the past and secrets from the present collide to bring all sorts of problems descending upon the family.
Well written, with wonderful historical detail of both the time period as well as life and times in Nome led to a thoroughly delightful read. The three sisters were so different, but so gifted in both their singing and instrumental abilities. Whitney was strong-willed, independent, opinionated, as well as somewhat of a firebrand and felt she needed to be the support of her family. Havyn was sweet, loving (both people and her animals), and forgiving. Madysen, the youngest, was somewhat scattered; but tried her hardest to help out wherever she was needed. The role the animals played in the story was absolutely charming. The spiritual thread that ran throughout was very well done.
I look forward to the other books in this series.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Every time I’ve read a Tracie Peterson novel, I’ve been impressed with the complexity of the story. This book is another prime example of that. Once again, she’s featured a trio of sisters (this was also done in the Heart of the Frontier trilogy I recently read), and I think she handles this masterfully.
This book, of course, has a co-author, Mrs. Kimberley Woodhouse, and I’ve enjoyed another of her books with Mrs. Peterson, In the Shadow of Denali. I was delighted to see that this one was just as enjoyable.
The dairy farm was a fun and beautiful setting. Variety of animals was beautiful. It included cows, chickens, sled dogs, and even sheep. I’m hoping the sled dogs will come into play even more in book two, as they were sort of back-burner in this one. What was especially neat about this setting and the animals was that it was a family-run farm. Seeing the sisters, mother, grandfather, and hired hands work together was so enjoyable, and the details included really made this farm pop to life in a way that it felt like it could easily be located just up the road from me (if I lived out in the country, which I don’t currently).
Who doesn’t love a foreign-born lead in Christian fiction? That John Roselli was born in Ireland and immigrated to the United States prior to the start of this story simply delighted me. As his family history was layered in, I found myself more and more invested in his portion of the story. The depth gained by the rich background was well worth the wait for every nugget that was uncovered.
Just as with all the other Tracie Peterson books I’ve read in the past, this one proved that she does an exquisite job throwing in all sorts of twists and turns that are unexpected. I will say, though, that I predicted one major plot twist from the prologue; other than that one, I didn’t see many of the other surprises coming.
The theme of learning contentment is one that was very timely for me, as this is something I’m actively practicing right now. I love it when God nudges me to read the exact book that confirms that I’m on the right track in my personal life.
Content: gambling, alcohol and drunkenness, tobacco (including as a prescribed medicine), saloons and their ladies, marital affairs (mentioned)
Nice start to a new series by author team Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse. It was fun to read the forward and learn how Kimberley's own experience with raising chickens is reflected in the novel. The three daughters in this series are modeled after her piano students that are also enthusiastic readers.
Forever Hidden has all the key elements of an engaging historical romance. There is vivid imagery (Nome, Alaska), villains, family secrets, historical details and endearing characters. I enjoyed getting to know the three sisters: Whitney, Havyn and Madyson. Havyn's love for her chickens and purposeful effort on being slow to anger was part of her charm.
I am especially looking forward to Whitney story. She has hardened her heart to outsiders and is very protective of her family.
My gratitude to author Kimberley Woodhouse and publisher Bethany House for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Wow - what a powerful book! I loved the cover of the book showing a photo of a beautiful red haired woman walking into the hills of Nome, Alaska.
Melissa and Chris Powell had 3 beautiful red haired daughters. Melissa loved her husband, but unfortunately, her husband like to get drunk, gamble and have relationships with other women. Melissa and her daughters never had a stable life. Then Melissa's Father, Chuck, told Melissa that her husband died and was buried. Apparently Chris got into a bar fight and was beaten beyond recognition.
Chuck, Melissa and the girls moved from Cripple Creek, CO to Nome, Alaska. Chuck decided to change his life's work from gold mining to having a dairy farm. One of the girls, Havyn had chickens and talked to them as if they were humans. The oldest daughter, Whitney, took her position very seriously and she never forgot how their Father let them down. The middle child, Madysen, had such a tender and compassionate heart. All three of these girls were so talented in music because their Mother taught them from very young ages. The girls said their Mother could master any instrument - Wow!
Chuck had a dear friend in Cripple Creek and Chuck and he kept up by writing letters to each other when Chuck and his family moved to Nome. When this friend was dying, he made his grandson, John Morelli, promise to deliver a package to Chuck. It was a difficult journey for John and when he finally reached Nome, he was directed by the town physician to Chuck's dairy farm.
Chuck was suffering from apoplexy - the town doctor and Havyn kept the secret of his illness. Chuck did not want to burden his daughter or granddaughters. When John arrived, Chuck made him sign a contract to take care of his daughter and granddaughters and eventually marry one of the granddaughters. John did not want to sign this contract, but Chuck urged him to do this.
There was much detail of the rugged life of being on a dairy farm in Alaska. There was so much joyful music in this book. I love music and so that made this book very interesting to me.
There was a sweet romance, a villain (which I hope will be addressed more in future books) and one who tried to do good, but could not resist the temptation to making a lot of money. I do hope that the story of the other 2 girls will continue in the next books in this delightful series.
FOREVER HIDDEN is the latest by this dynomite writing dual and despite the somewhat slow start, by the time I got to chapter two I was fully engrossed.
I absolutely fell in love with John and Havyn and her sweet grandfather. I loved Havyn's quirky personality and I would love to hear all the music in this book. John is such a sweetie. Loving and kind and giving, seeking not himself.
Everyone had secrets though and some of them might be deadly. There are a couple twists. One I saw coming and the other I didn't. Parts of the book are really sad, but there are plenty of lighter moments.
I absolutely loved FOREVER HIDDEN and can't wait for the next book.
It took me so long to finally read this and get into it! I was stuck at 36 pages for MONTHS.
3.5 stars.
For some reason I had the hardest time getting into this book!
After being stuck at 36 pages I sat down and forced myself to read it the rest of the way. And, I enjoyed it.
It was a wonderful start to a new series from a favorite author with characters that just beg you to like them even as they show they are flawed and imperfectly a family.
The book starts out with Melissa’s dad telling her, that her husband had died. That her husband had been stealing money and borrowing money the whole time they were married. Melissa and her dad agree that moving to Alaska and opening a dairy farm would be best for them and Melissa’s 3 young daughters. The story then moves to years later when the grandfather is ill and needing a foreman. A man shows up with a package from his grandfather’s old friend and agrees to marry one of the daughters. Everyone has secrets that have caused problems for years.
I wanted to read another Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse book since I love the Heart’s Choice and this book didn’t disappoint. I’m in love with all the characters in this book to Judis the villain to Chuck the wonderful grandfather, but my favorite is John the man who is the love interest in the book. This book is God centered, which these authors write wonderfully. I’m so looking forward to continuing this amazing series, what will happen next????
Oh, the secrets people keep and just what hiding them can do. In Forever Hidden, we are introduced to the three Powell sisters along with their love of music and their headstrong, red-headed personalities as they find themselves dealing with circumstances they never expected.
I think my favorite part of this novel was the cast of characters. Even though this was really Havyn's story, I appreciated getting to know each of the other members of her family and how they'd all been shaped into the people they were. At different times I felt like I could resonate with each of them in a unique way. I also adored John. At times I'll admit he seemed "too good," but I still think he was the perfect man to save the day. I have to say his most swoon-worthy moment for me was when he talked to Havyn's chickens. I appreciated that he supported her instead of making fun of her love of animals. That's a good guy right there. Another favorite scene? The sheep herding. But I'm not saying anything more you'll have to read it for yourself haha.
Although at times I felt like I could resonate with each of the sisters, I think my heart resonated more closely with Whitney. She put a lot of weight on her shoulders and felt the most at peace when she could control things. Change was a scary thing. She liked to be needed and didn't like having to rely on anyone else. The anger she held onto towards her father was a fuel to protect her heart and not let others in. But while she bottled up all of her emotions and held them close, it didn't mean she didn't have feelings. She just had to learn how to process them and she couldn't pretend they didn't exist. I can't wait to read Whitney's book. I hope it's next just so I don't have to wait long for it.
If you've ever read any of the authors' other books, you'll know that faith isn't something that's merely added in, but holds a genuine, vital role. What I loved about this one was that while the overall lesson may have been the same, each of the characters had to learn it differently. As people none of us are the same. We have our own experiences and personalities that shape us into who we are. We each have our own secrets we'd rather not be revealed either for our own protection or that of others. Yet even though we can have the best intentions for why we keep them, they can still hold great power to destroy. It's amazing the healing powers that faith can have on a person's soul.
I truly enjoyed reading this one and can't wait to continue with the next one in the series. I'm only sad I have to wait another whole year for it to come. I got plenty of laughter out of the fun with the animals and I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters. I can't wait to see Whitney and Madysen get their happy endings as well.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
This is a story of forgiveness. With accounts told from first hand experiences from the authors. All told in a really incredible way.
I became attached to the Powells and John Roselli very quickly. I'm so looking forward to book two!
I loved how passionate Hayvn and her sisters, Madysen and Whitney are. About music, and family and life. It really showed those things in a beautiful light.
I related a lot to Hayvn and her struggles. I found myself praying along with her. It seems whenever I read a tale told by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse I connect so so much to the characters troubles. And many times I'm able to heal along with them. That's my absolute favorite thing about this duo's books. I get so much inspiration and encouragement from the testimonies they write!
Plus there was a lot of cute chicken anecdotes thanks to Kimberley Woodhouse! 😂
The only thing I didn't love was things started out a little slow and there wasn't a ton of drama. (But maybe I'm just too dramatic. 😆)
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
I hope you do something today that makes you happy! <3
“The Powell sisters’ different personalities were a wonder. Where one was fiercely independent, another was beautifully merciful. They might look a good deal alike, but they were each unique. With strong personalities, and a million good qualities. Any man would be blessed to partner with one of them.”
When John Roselli travels to Nome, Alaska, his only goal is to fulfill his grandfather’s dying request to carry a message to his lifetime friend, Chuck Bondrant. After the long journey John is at a loss as to what he should do next so he begins working on Chuck’s family farm and is potentially offered more than just a job. Wanting to make sure that his precious daughter and granddaughters are taken care of after he’s gone, he asks John to consider marrying one of his granddaughters and inheriting the farm, to make sure that it stays in the family. I loved everything about this sweet story! The Bondrant family is simply amazing and I loved how unique each sister is and how dedicated to the family they are in their own ways. John absolutely fit in perfectly. Nome was such a beautiful setting and the description had me looking up the area and adding it to my must visit list. The story was rich and full of twists and surprises. I love how tender hearted Madysen was and how it sometimes led to some less than ideal choices. I love how each sister had a part of the farm that they truly bonded with, like Havyn and her chickens, Madysen with the sheep, and Whitney with the sled dogs. The twist at the end truly had me stunned and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next for this amazing family.
Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse's first novel in The Treasures of Nome series is utterly captivating.
The trio of Powell sister's interactions with one another rings true with varied emotions, small spats between the triad, and memorable personalities.
As an old family friend, John Roselli, strives to prove his worth to the Powell family you become enmeshed in finding new friendships, learning to trust, and something worth even more.
What an absolutely wonderful read, don't miss the second in the series, Hidden Treasure, it's absolutely fantastic as well. On the horizon, in early 2022, there will be a third added to the series. I can't wait to see what happens next to this interesting family!
I loved this first book in the Nome series. Havyn is the middle sister, and I loved her personality and dynamics with Whitney and Madysn. I look forward to the next book! A great historical fiction with suspense, romance, and faith.
Forever Hidden is a sweet yet heart wrenching story of three girls who are sisters. Three incredibly talented and opinionated girls. The characters are definitely what draw the reader in to the pages. They are incredibly well developed, and they each have their own wonderful personalities with flaws to which readers can relate.
The setting of a dairy farm is well done. We have goats that we milk and use that milk to make cheese so I really enjoyed that part of the story. We use to have seventy chickens or so, but honestly I can’t say I was overly fond of them. We hope to get some in the spring, and their mention throughout the story makes me eager to get maybe six. I have never been able to raise chickens for eating either.
Just as in life, there are surprises, tests of faith, forgiveness, and hope. The faith theme is strong in this book, and I greatly appreciated the Godly truths woven in the story. This book gave me the feel of a prairie romance with a bit more realism and Alaska( which obviously isn’t a prairie!) .
I’m eagerly awaiting the next read in this series.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I love reading books set in early days of Alaska and I really looked forward to sitting down for a good read but it wasn't to be. I found the plot extremely unrealistic; though the setting and the characters were well described the likely hood of these fabulous, gorgeous, educated, literate, musical geniuses growing up in the middle of no-where descended from people who were home educated out of thin air was more than I could swallow. There were too many leaps in reality for me to get into the story.
I was interested in this book because I love reading about Alaska. The story was implausible, but I kept reading anyway. Three sisters, all musically talented along with their mother, kind and wealthy grandfather, dead father??, and handsome man from Italy. And evil benefactor. And chickens. And cows. And sheep. And conversations with God. Use your imagination and you'll think of a story line. However, I loved reading about Nome in the gold rush days.
Characters Havyn Powell: Middle granddaughter Whitney and Madysen: Havyn’s sister Melissa Powell: Mother of Havyn, Whitney and Madysen Chuck Bondrant: Grandfather, owner of a dairy farm in Alaska John Roselli: Grandson of Chuck's oldest friend in Cripple Creek
Secrets, secrets.
I’m not ordinarily fond of stories centered around secrets, but this one kept my attention throughout. Do I wish people had just been honest? Yes. Do I wish a person had just said "No" when asked to keep a secret? Yes. But, sadly, there wouldn’t have been much of a story without the secrets, especially one huge secret found out at the end!
I felt there were some exaggerated emotions about certain events, and odd storylines mixed in throughout that had no fruition. I think these were probably as set-ups for storylines in the next books.
What I loved: — The granddaughters' gifts of music. All the instruments they were beautifully proficient at and their love of sharing their talents with others in clean environments. — John and Havyn’s unconventional romance — Havyn's relationship with her chickens — Madysen's sweet sensitivity — Their mother's calming and wise influence — Organic and true-to-scripture faith arc throughout
Did I love this? Love would be too far for me to reach. I liked it. But I can certainly recommend it as a fairly clean Christian historical fiction book. (Be aware, there was a significant extra-marital affair that might affect books two and three.)
Forever Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse is the first novel in The Treasures of Nome series. Forever Hidden is a well-written novel that is rich with history and developed characters. I thought the authors captured the time period and the locale. The descriptions of Nome were beautiful (made me want to visit). The three Powell sisters are so talented. Whitney, Havyn, and Madysen each play an instrument. The three women have varying personalities. Whitney, the eldest, is strong willed, independent, opinionated, plays the piano, and is good with sled dogs. Madysen, the youngest, plays the cello, has a sweet personality, but is absentminded. Havyn, the middle sister, plays the violin, a good listener, loves her chickens, and the secret keeper of the family. Forever Hidden is Havyn’s story as she works to bring in money to keep the farm afloat, helps care for her grandfather, and gets to know John Roselli. I like how faith is intertwined into the story. Faith plays a vital role in each of the main characters lives. It is a part of who they are which shines through the pages of the book. I enjoyed reading Forever Hidden. There is quite a bit happening in the story from the grandfather’s illness, John arriving in town, Havyn’s chickens, Judas Reynold’s and his conniving, the new doctor in town, Madysen and the sheep, and so much more. It is enjoyable to read a story that can make you laugh and cry. It is an enriching story and I am eager for the next tale in The Treasures of Nome series. Forever Hidden is an emotional story that will touch your heart.
I loved this book so much!! These two ladies are just absolutely the best!! I try not to miss any of their books!! You know, you just gotta love redheads especially if they are as talented as Haven, Madysen and Whitney! I certainly can relate to these awesome ladies real well! I love the different spelling of Madysen's name. These ladies are loving, close, stubborn and happy as long as they have each other. I'm so jealous! I've always wanted a sibling. I do but I wasn't raised with them. Music is so relaxing and I too sometimes let my frustrations out with the Viola. I belong in an orchestra and I love every minute of it! Change isn't easy. I don't care for it myself but sometimes it can be good. Jealousy is also not good. I'm guilty of it myself. I find it hard to forgive people too but I found in order to have a sense of peace we need to forgive people when we've feel we've been wronged. I really enjoyed this book and I have a good feeling that this is the start of a wonderful series! I always look forward to seeing what these ladies will come out with next. This book certainly didn't disappoint. I was glad to be back in Alaska again! I highly recommend this book! My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
Close your eyes and you will be transported to Nome, Alaska and it will be 1904. This book paints a picture of farming near a mining town and the hardships and good times of a close knit family. Music is the key that opens the door to their hearts and hidden secrets is what keeps the same doors closed. I love the characters of three red headed sisters each having a unique personality and their family dynamics with a loving, protective grandfather and their mother. The strength they have in dire situations and the faith they rely upon makes for a great read. Enter a handsome hero to cause a little upheaval and help in a way they didn’t see coming. There are many twists and turns with unsavory characters and unexpected circumstances. I found myself engrossed in the story line as well as the setting, as the collaboration of these authors never disappoints. Another one to go on my keeper shelf. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
“Sometimes secrets need to stay hidden. Forever. For the good of everyone.”
The Powell family and their Grandfather Chuck Bundrant’s new home in Nome, Alaska provided another heartfelt story by this dual author team. The three sisters were gifted with music as well as their own individual strengths and flaws.
John Roselli was amazed how the Lord directed his steps as he delivered a package to Chuck Bundrant. He did not anticipate finding work in Nome. The hidden older secrets and new ones brought unexpected events with grief, surprises, romance, forgiveness and faith. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This book was a gift with no review required. I have shared my own opinion.
Forever Hidden By Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse I enjoyed reading this book. There was romance, history, and intrigue. The authors worked well at turning a story together. I look forward to reading about the rest of this family in the future. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Fans of Tracie Peterson will enjoy Forever Hidden, because of her experience writing rich novels set in Alaska. Collaborating with Kimberley Woodhouse for this new Treasures of Nome series enriches the story with her musical background. The book is filled with the three Powell sisters who are woven together as a musical tapestry that plays an integral role in the family's survival when their grandfather has a stroke.
Moving to Alaska after the death of their father meant something different to everyone in the family. The impact was profound, as forgiveness and trust are woven throughout this story. As a reader, one has the privilege of seeing and understanding each character. In fiction, as in life, we react to things because of our life experiences. It is when we are open to seeing situations with fresh eyes that we begin to understand, forgive and trust.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy well written historical Christian fiction. I particularly liked the setting in the Alaska gold rush heyday. This book begs for a sequel or two, because every sister has a story to tell!
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
This is my first ARC. Thank you BHP to fill this bookless space as I waited for another BH release! I love Tracie Peterson! I tried her in the Land of the Shining Water series as a Prime Reading and have read several since then so u was happy to see she had something new and requested! I have gotten to know Kimberly Woodhouse in Daughters of the Mayflower, which was the next installment was one that I was awaiting, and I feel like I have a new friend! I actually am in a series and didn’t want one right now, which is why I didn’t choose anymore of Tracies books for the moment other than her standalone All Things Hidden, which opened my heart to AK. Haha I didn’t know that this was a series until marking it as reading on Goodreads but I am thrilled that this isn’t goodbye to my friends the Powell’s and the new Mrs Roselli! I didn’t see the other installments on Goodreads but I want to add them to to Want to Read shelf ASAP since I will have to wait for my next installment of DotM after I read the next. This was great! I was at a loss to find something to read and didn’t want to be bookless for the couple of weeks before DotM released. Another great one my Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse!