In The Shadow of Denali by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse.

Here is my latest review for Bethany House Publishing:

   In the Shadow of Denali features a story set in the 1920's at a burgeoning hotel in the shadow of  the Denali (Mt McKinley) in Alaska. The cover sets off the story with a great pic of the central character Cassidy, Denali mountain, and the train bustling into the small Alaskan town. I love the mix of sepia tones and shots of color. Judging just by the cover, I would pick up this book.
 Next: The Prologue. 1917 and three men are on a hiking expedition on the mountain...but somebody has a terrible accident. Who's to blame? That's what the character of Allan wants to know when he arrives in town and seeks answers. After sorting out all the new characters, the story picks up steam and you watch the relationships develop among the people at the hotel.
 I particularly liked Cassidy and her father John's relationship, and Cassidy and her feisty cook's relationship. Cassidy is an all-around good person, moral and genuine. There is a Christian theme woven throughout the story as Cassidy and her father try to convert some nonbelievers. For readers of Christian books, I believe they will really enjoy this new series.
  There's also an added element of real life history to the books as you read about President Harding's visit and watch the group of characters hear of his death on the radio several days later. While the characters are fictional, the setting of the hotel was an actual place in the 1920's, adding a realistic flavor to the story.
  A great book to curl up with in a chair on a wintry afternoon.

Mini-Reviews

I've been away from blogging for a while while I was busy with my online holiday shopping (for more books, of course. I was heavy into Books on CD this season.) I'm back with a bunch of mini-reviews, because when it comes to reading anything-shorter is always better.

  The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I checked out this book from our local library's audiobook lending service and I recommend the audiobook-more entertaining and less dry than book form. The only thing is it's 32 chapters long, so you'll need to devote a checkout and re-checkout to get it finished. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Best characters: Boris and Hobie. Only minus: The last half chapter which sinks into a philosiphical soup.My cheap little MP3 player cut out after 30 minutes and for once I was thankful. I said, "The End." just as it should've been said after the boy returns to Hobie at the apartment.

  12-31-2016. I finished an old 1960's copy of a book called Uncle Tom's Children by Richard Wright. I liked these short stories, even though they're pretty depressing and tragic.  Please, seek out a copy of this book if you can find it, it's a good companion to Uncle Tom's Cabin. I'd get political, but this blog is just for fun.

12-22-2016. I finished a book from, I believe, the 1990's called The Murder She Wrote Mysteries: The Highland Fling Murders. OMG. Murder She Wrote is one of those 80's icons like Golden Girls that should never be allowed to be forgotten! I loved this mystery series, and I loved this book. Jessica and the Cabot Cove gang in Scotland for a murder mystery?? It's like grandma's apple sauce cake warm from the oven. PLEASE book publishers revive this mystery book line!! Little old ladies and little old ladies at heart thoroughly enjoy this elderly Nancy Drew! Charm, charm, charm!