In the Shadow of Denali by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse is the first book in The Heart of Alaska series.  This historical fiction piece combines the beauty of Alaska with heartfelt stories of forgiveness and finding.

Readers will wish they were sitting on the porch of the no longer existent Curry Hotel, taking in the breathtaking scenery.  Woodhouse and Peterson make a great writing team.  They combine vivid descriptions with dialogue that does not bog down the story. 

The biggest question readers might have is whom the authors will choose as their subject for the next book.  The characters in the story have many different back histories and most of them are suffering from emotional hurts of varying kinds.  The characters are quite likeable and it feels as though one knows them personally.  It will be another great adventure to find out where the next books take these newfound friends. 

Review of a digital Advance Reader Copy from Bethany House Publishers

Content Analysis:

Profanity:  None 

Violence/Gore:   Character plots the death of several people; references to a character falling to his death; a character is bleeding from an injury; child’s pant leg catches on fire, but minimal injuries reported; several reports that a character has been murdered; a gun is pulled and multiple gunshot wounds are mentioned, there is blood pooling; report that a character died from an injury. 

Sex/Nudity:   A man is rumored to have a mistress; non-married characters embrace and kiss.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of parents, murder, embezzlement, racial prejudice.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

A man consumes bourbon on a few occasions.