The Icecutter's Daughter, Land of Shining Water Series #1
4.3
5
28
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Typical Peterson Novel
"The Icecutter's Daughter" by Tracie Peterson was very predictable and similar to her other works. While the characters and setting vary from book to book, the stories all seem to have the typical plot with a predictable outcome. And at times, I find the "goodness" of the characters to be quite annoying. The characters seem a little difficult to live up to.
I did enjoy learning more about the Swedish and German heritages, as well as the craft of icecutting. But the responses of the characters seemed a bit unreal. While I agree that these responses should be our true responses, realistically they are not. The heroes and heroines in Peterson's books seem incapable of sin.
I enjoy Peterson's books for a lighter read, but I think she has the potential for greater things.
*These opinions are my own. I was provided a book from Bethany House in exchange for my review.
May 19, 2013
As I have moved to a place where I have never moved before nor know much about, I know it will be good for me to read about the state of Minnesota. The first book I have picked up is The IcecutterâÂÂs Daughter by Tracie Peterson.
Like most âÂÂromancesâ it is the story of a young woman, a young man, the trouble that keeps them apart and the overcoming that brings them together â all with the backdrop of snowy, Scandinavian Minnesota. It is a pleasant story, a simple plot with intriguing characters. And while I was happy that Merrill and Rurik find their way together in the end (was there ever any doubt?), I was not entirely pleased that every character had a happy ending. Repentance and forgiveness is what we all desire when trials in our lives hurt us on the deepest levels. But not everyone repents. Not every prodigal returns. And forgiveness is not so easily given.
If you want a pleasant story about people at the turn-of-the-century in Minnesota, this is a good place to start. But now I will move on to something a bit more interestingâ¦
April 30, 2013
The First Book In The Land Of Shining Waters Serie
The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson, set in the late 1890's in Minnesota, is a historical novel that will capture your emotions from the first chapter. Merrill Krause is the only daughter in a house full of men, caring for her family and holding her own as she works beside her father and brothers, with their horses, and in their business as icecutters. Although marrying age, Merrill wonders if suitors will be able to cross the wall of protection her brothers have formed around her.
Early in this story, Rurik Jorgenson arrives from Kansas to assist his frail uncle in his carpentry business. Sparks fly as Rurik and Merrill desire to know each other better, until Svea, Rurik's former fiancé, comes to Waseca spreading a rumor that is sure to destroy his reputation. When even Waseca's minister believes Svea, Rurik wonders if he will ever have the opportunity to declare his love for Merrill.
I have loved Tracie Peterson's writings since The Shannon Saga Series. Her stories come to life due to her extensive research capturing the period and culture of each character. The Icecutter's Daughter is the first book in her new series Land of Shining Waters. The next book in this series, The Quarryman's Bride, will be available this summer, 2013. If you have been seeking a new series, look no further!
April 30, 2013
Another Tracie Peterson hit
Merrill Krause is responsible for her house full of brothers and her father since her mother had died ten years ago. Between that and working for the family horse business, little time is left for Merrill or developing a feminine side, something not quite so acceptable to ignore in the late 1800's, even through she does long for someone in her life besides her brothers and father. But her brothers have scared off any potential suitors through the years.
When Ruruk Jorgenson is called by his Uncle Carl to leave Kansas and come to Minnesota to help with the furniture making business, he leaves behind a "fiance" he's not certain is the woman for him since he loves her like a sister, not the way he hopes to love a wife. When he meets Merrill, he is drawn to her strength and isn't bothered by her brothers or lack of trivial femininity. But Ruruk's past isn't going to be easy to leave behind when his former fiance and brother show up, bringing questions about Rurk's integrity. Merrill thinks she truly knows Ruruk's heart but it may prove to be a challenge to trust.
As always, Tracie Peterson authors a book hard to put down and a delight to read. You will love the characters and, if a historical fiction fan, the time period and setting--not your typical one. I also thoroughly enjoyed Merrill, a pretty tough, nonconforming girl in a time where sitting around visiting and drinking tea was more the norm. There was enough action and suspense to keep you turning the pages and not so many characters that leave you scratching your head wondering where that person came from. While some might say "The Icecutter's Daugher", the first in the Land of Shining Water series, is one of Ms. Peterson's best, that might be difficult for me to say as I haven't read anything by her I didn't thoroughly enjoy and she writes enough differing types of books that you are certain to find one that pleases.
I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to write a positive review.
April 27, 2013
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