Whispers of Winter
by Tracie Peterson
Published by Bethany House Publishers
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Reviewed by Carrie Padgett
Superb inspirational thriller...
Tracie Peterson completes her Alaskan Quest trilogy with Whispers of Winter. The story opens with Jayce Kincaid and Jacob Barringer stranded on an Artic island. Leah Kincaid, her infant twins, and Helaina Beecham are in Last Chance Creek, awaiting news of their men.
While watching for the spring thaw and hoping for search parties, Jayce and Jacob struggle with hopelessness, malnutrition, and a mutiny. Leah's and Helaina's shared faith sustains them, as well as the help received from friends and neighbors. But even after a reunion, life continues to make demands. A stroke, influenza, deaths, and moves around the territory continue to test the faith of all. Another shipping disaster threatens the peace and prosperity the two families finally achieve.
Peterson knows her characters, the setting, and the hardships common in Alaska in the early 20th century. Her reader feels the chill as the spring thaw brings floods to the village. We hear the snow crunching underfoot and the dogs whine as Helaina cares for them. We can taste the oily seal meat stew along with Leah. The excitement of settling a new land is contagious as the Kincaids and Barringers follow the railroad and other business opportunities across the frozen land.
Peterson does a good job of weaving faith into her plot. There is some preaching and teaching, but it does rise organically from the character's issues. Life and death does challenge our faith and our ideas about God and His love. The Kincaids, Barringers, and other families grapple with these subjects as they bury loved ones, battle the elements, and take risks.
Fans of the first two books in the series, Summer of the Midnight Sun, and Under the Northern Lights, will enjoy Whispers of Winter. Characters from the earlier books return and we see them respond to their own challenges. Storylines are completed, spirits are tested, and faith is triumphant.
Armchair Interviews says: Alaskan tribulations captured so you really feel their lives.