Whispers of Winter
Tracie Peterson
Bethany, November 2006, $12.99
ISBN: 0764227750

In 1917 in the Alaskan Territory, with their ship sinking into the icy waters, Jacob Barringer, Jayce Kincaid and others are in trouble as they struggle to survive the freezing weather. They pray a rescue team will find them before each of them dies.

At the same time, former Pinkerton Agent Helaina Beecham and Leah Kincaid pray for the safe return of their loved ones who have been away much longer than expected. Perhaps it is this common fear for their missing soul mates, but the close friendship between Helaina and Leah turns stronger as they turn to one another and to God for solace. Whereas Leah begins to doubt her Jayce will return to her, Helaina believes that Jacob will come home to Lost Chance, but not necessarily to her, as he never told her he loved her; still, all she prays for is the safe return of all the missing men.

The final Alaskan Quest tale (see UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS and SUMMER OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN) is a superb inspirational historical thriller that hooks the audience from the start, as the women worry about the men stuck on some ice floe with little hope of rescue. Readers will appreciate the two subplots, as the citizens of Lost Chance struggle with concern, and with a debilitating epidemic, while the men try to survive their ordeal (you will need a winter coat, gloves, a hat and a scarf, as the reader will feel the frozen temperatures). Tracie Peterson provides a terrific climax to an exciting early twentieth century inspirational saga.