Book Review~Out of the Ashes

Book Description: 
After the death of their father, Collette and Jean-Michel Langelier are no longer tied to post-war France. While his sister dreams of adventure, Jean-Michel is hoping to finally escape reminders of the horrors he faced in the Great Syrian Revolt of 1925. When an unexpected invitation for them to visit Alaska and the Curry Hotel arrives, it seems like the perfect opportunity.

Young widow Katherine Demarchis is also travelling to the foot of Mt. Denali with her grandmother-a last trip before she retreats into a quiet and solitary life, finally free of the dangerous husband she was forced to marry. Yet when she encounters there a Frenchman from her past, her plans for the future are thrown into question. 

Both haunted by the violence of their pasts, can Katherine and Jean-Michel rediscover the bond they once had? Or, when Jean-Michel's nightmares return with terrifying consequences, will it be impossible to heal what's been broken for so long?

My Review: 
Out of the Ashes is the second book in the Heart of Alaska series by authors Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse. Although I had not read the first book in the series, In the Shadow of Denali, I was told this book was able to be read by itself. I definitely agree with that, but now having thoroughly enjoyed Out of the Ashes, I want to read the first book to get more background on the characters and the hotel.

I enjoy historical fiction, and have read a few books by Tracie Peterson, and loved her writing style. I had not read anything by Kimberley Woodhouse before this book. I've never been to Alaska, but I'm fascinated by it and hope to visit someday, so Out of the Ashes was very intriguing to me.

Out of the Ashes captivated me from start to finish. I felt like I personally knew the characters and was travelling alongside them as they experienced Alaska. My heart hurt for Katherine and Jean-Michel, both with such good hearts but broken by past experience. As a Christian, I appreciated the focus on God and the use of scripture in the story. In both A Note from the Authors at the front of the book, and Dear Reader at the end, the authors explain much of their journey researching for this series. They also open up their hearts and share difficult times they encountered during the writing of Out of the Ashes. 

I highly recommend Out of the Ashes, and I look forward to reading the other books in the series, as well as more books from the authors!

*I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.