Ever Constant, The Treasures of Nome #3 by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse

Book description:

 She's always determined to be the stable, reliable one. But now her commitment may destroy her.

On the surface, Whitney Powell is happy working with her sled dogs and welcoming the new additions to her family through her sisters' marriages and an upcoming birth. But her life is full of complications, including an estranged father, that have her on the edge of losing control. Growing up, she was the strong sister, and she can't give that up now.

When villagers in outlying areas come down with a horrible sickness, Dr. Peter Cameron turns to Whitney and her dogs for help navigating the deep snow, and they become close while ministering to the sick together. Peter has long recognized her finer qualities but is troubled by the emotions and secrets she keeps buried within. He wants to help but wonders if she is more of a risk than his heart can take.

As sickness spreads throughout Nome and another man courts Whitney, she and Peter will discover that sometimes it is only in weakness that you can find strength.

My review:

   This is the second series and eighth book by the dynamic writing duo Peterson and Woodhouse, and the third book in this series.

  The Treasures of Nome series is set in the early 1900's in Nome, Alaska. This has been a fascinating series. Woodhouse does an excellent job on historic research and includes a lot of historical facts, places, and occasionally people in her books. Peterson may also contribute to that aspect, but I do know from reading Woodhouse's solo books that she excels on the historical aspect of her novels.

  Ever Constant is about the oldest of the Powell sisters, and was as great of a read as the others. There was more focus on sled dogs and the driving of dog sleds in this one, and that has always interested me. Also the ways of doctoring in those days and conditions were definitely of interest.

  This IS historical romance, so that is a big aspect of the book. To be honest, Woodhouse's books are one reason I started not minding romance in books. Whitney had two guys interested, and I was hoping it wouldn't be the bad guy she settled for. (Honestly, why did it take 3 books for people to see the truth about him with the name Judas?) :)

  I did read the book in one setting, and thoroughly enjoyed it. All three books have a suspenseful element, even though they would not necessarily be classified as suspense. Regardless, I loved this whole series and am looking forward to seeing what is coming next from this writing duo.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the authors:

Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of

more than twenty-five fiction and nonfiction books including The Heart of Alaska series and The Treasures of Nome series. Kim and her incredible husband of twenty-nine-plus years have two adult children. She loves the gift of story and is passionate about music and Bible study. You can connect with Kimberley on her website www.kimberleywoodhouse.com.

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the award-winning author of over 100 novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit www.traciepeterson.com to learn more.

Ever Constant and the rest of the series is available from Baker Publishing, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

The series should be read in order.

                                                                          Book #1

Book #2

Never Leave Me, Waters of Time #1 by Jody Hedlund

Book description:

 Facing death takes courage. Facing life takes even more.

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Though he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship due to his paralysis, Harrison cares deeply for Ellen and is desperately trying to save her life by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease--the same substance Ellen suspects is responsible for the deaths of her father and sister.

But Harrison is not the only one seeking the holy water. Dangerous criminals are mere steps behind, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to locate it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in this second breathtaking Waters of Time story.

My review:

   Time travel books intrigue me. I was happy to review the first book in this series, and enjoyed it so much that I have been waiting to read this second book in the series.

 In my humble opinion, the second book is even better, and an easier read in some ways. The method of time travel  and the main characters were already introduced in book #1. The scene of 1382 was already set in 1382 also, so the reader was able to be pulled into the story faster....at least that was the case for me.

  Ellen and Harrison were both great and likable characters. This book pulled them from being minor characters in the first book, to being the two main characters in the second book. Harrison especially was an awesome character, and his strengths and character really shone in this book.

 There is some suspense and bad guys in the story, which is something I always like. In addition to the suspense angle with the bad guys, there was also a part that was suspenseful of what was going to happen to Harrison and Ellen. One would assume they both survive and get their happy ever after......but where.....in the present, or would they also be consigned to the year 1382 like Ellen's sister? I had my own prediction, and am happy to say I was correct.

 All in all, the book was an excellent and enjoyable read that held my interest til I read it from cover to cover in one sitting. Hedlund was a new author to me until last year, and this is just one of several books of hers I have enjoyed. I definitely recommend this book, but the two should definitely be read in order.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats.

 Never Leave Me is available from Revell, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Revell for the review copy.

                                                                            Book #1