Action/Adventure(829)
Allegory(342)
Amish(5,042)
Biblical(972)
Children(850)
Classic Fiction(321)
Contemporary(9,212)
Drama(1,236)
Fantasy/Science Fiction(2,231)
Historical(3,410)
Poetry(12)
Prophecy & End Times(1,059)
Romance(15,748)
Biblical(130)
Contemporary Romance(3,983)
Historical Romance(9,202)
Suspense & Intrigue(1,490)
Westerns(847)
Short Stories(173)
Suspense & Intrigue(9,291)
Teens(952)
Westerns(897)
Shop Now At Christianbook.com
Shop Historical Romance or
Choose a Category
- Academic
- Accompaniment Tracks
- Advent
- Adventures in Odyssey ™
- Audiobooks
- Bible Accessories
- Bible Covers
- Bible Studies & Curriculum
- Bibles
- Blooming Bargains
- Books
- Catholic
- Children
- Christian Living
- Christmas
- Church & Pastoral
- Church Supplies
- Closeouts
- Clothing & Accessories
- Crafts & Recreation
- DVDs
- Download
- Easter
- Education
- Fall
- Family
- Father's Day
- Fiction
- Focus Magazines
- Focus Resource
- Focus Reviewed
- Focus on the Family
- Gift & Home
- Graduation
- Homeschool
- MP3 Music Downloads
- Mother's Day
- Music
- New Release
- Patriotic
- Pre-Order
- Radio Theatre
- Slightly Imperfect
- Software
- Spanish
- Spring
- Subscriptions
- Sunday School
- Teens
- Thanksgiving
- VBS
- Videos
- Winter
- eBooks
Most Popular Products
Top-Rated Products
Customer Reviews for Bethany House Publishers Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Bethany House Publishers Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Merrill Krause longs for a family of her own, but she's bound by a promise to her dying mother to care for her father and older brothers until they no longer need her. She enjoys being part of the family business, harvesting ice during the brutal Minnesota winters. Merrill actively takes part, possessing a keen ability to work with the horses--despite the advice of her good friend, who disapproves of her unladylike behavior.
Average Customer Rating:
(28 Reviews) 28
Rating Snapshot (28 reviews)
5 stars
14
4 stars
10
3 stars
3
2 stars
1
1 star
0
25 out of 2889%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Review 1 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Typical Peterson Novel
Date:May 19, 2013
katiespen
Location:Greer, SC
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
"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.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:April 30, 2013
Meets Expectations:
2
out of
5
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 Icecutter’s Daughter by Tracie Peterson.
Like most “romances” it is the story of a young woman, a young man, the trouble that keeps them apart and the overcoming that brings them together – 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 interesting…
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
The First Book In The Land Of Shining Waters Serie
Date:April 30, 2013
Grace
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
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!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Another Tracie Peterson hit
Date:April 27, 2013
Cheryl
Location:Prospect,KY
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
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.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Welcome to Minnesota
Date:April 23, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Icecutter's Daughter is a great start to a new series. It is set in Minnesota just before the turn of the 20th century.
Rurik Jorgenson comes to Minnesota from Kansas to help with his uncle's furniture shop. Within a few days he mets Merrill Krause and the more he gets to know her the more he realizes that this is the woman that God has set aside just for him . But just as he is settling in and deciding a future with Merrill, unexpected trouble comes to town, threatening his future with her.
Merrill has lived in a all male household since her mothers death when she was ten. She has never given a second thought to marriage and a family of her own until Rurik Jorgenson comes to help with the ice harvesting and she knows that her life will never be the same.
Rurik Jorgenson comes to Minnesota from Kansas to help with his uncle's furniture shop. Within a few days he mets Merrill Krause and the more he gets to know her the more he realizes that this is the woman that God has set aside just for him . But just as he is settling in and deciding a future with Merrill, unexpected trouble comes to town, threatening his future with her.
Merrill has lived in a all male household since her mothers death when she was ten. She has never given a second thought to marriage and a family of her own until Rurik Jorgenson comes to help with the ice harvesting and she knows that her life will never be the same.
I really liked Merrill and Rurik. I thought they worked well together as a couple and that their love for each other came very naturally, it grew over time as any genuine loves does. Merrill was so much fun to read. She had such a great range of emotion as any woman does at times. Rurik was a terrific hero, not in the swooping in at the last minute to rescue the girl sense, but as a strong God-fearing man who relies on the Lord to see to his best interest.
As always the author has written a book full of love, laughter and God. I can always count on a good spiritual battle with her books. It always encourages me.
One thing that I always appreciate about this author is she while she does stay primarily in historical fiction, she doesn't write in just one area. This is one reason that I continue to read her. Her research and character development are always well done.
The only thing that threw me was why the author choose to name her main female character with a name that seems more suited to a male. In the story the mother, after having given birth to six boys, was thrilled to have a girl which she would dress up and pamper, so why would she not give her a more feminine name? It just seemed very odd to me.
Overall though it was a wonderful book full of breathtaking scenery descriptions and characters you won't soon forget.
Overall though it was a wonderful book full of breathtaking scenery descriptions and characters you won't soon forget.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
A great, fast read!
Date:April 22, 2013
Leahhhh12
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Merrill Krause has been taking care of her Father and brothers ever since her Mother died ten years before. Living with a bunch of men has left Merrill lacking in some feminine areas but she’s not afraid of hard work and she works just as hard as her brothers in helping with the ice harvesting. Merrill has begun to feel lonely and she starts to wonder if this is the life she’s destined to or if she’ll ever have the chance to marry and have a family of her own. While she’s had a few suitors in the past, most of them have been intimidated by her brothers.
Rurik Jorgenson has come to Minnesota to help his ailing uncle with his furniture business. Leaving a broken engagement behind, he’s hoping to escape from a piece of his past and be a help to his uncle. When Rurik meets Merrill, he is intrigued from the start and he can’t help feeling drawn to her. Even her brothers can’t scare him away.
Yet when Rurik’s ex-fiancee finds him, he finds himself stuck in the middle of a brewing scandal. Merrill and Rurik must look to God to sort the mess out and ultimately they must learn to put their trust in Him.
Rurik Jorgenson has come to Minnesota to help his ailing uncle with his furniture business. Leaving a broken engagement behind, he’s hoping to escape from a piece of his past and be a help to his uncle. When Rurik meets Merrill, he is intrigued from the start and he can’t help feeling drawn to her. Even her brothers can’t scare him away.
Yet when Rurik’s ex-fiancee finds him, he finds himself stuck in the middle of a brewing scandal. Merrill and Rurik must look to God to sort the mess out and ultimately they must learn to put their trust in Him.
I thought this book was really good and I enjoyed it from start to finish. I enjoyed it so much that I read it within 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down! I loved the relationship between Merrill and Rurik and how it grew. I liked how the characters were going through different struggles and I liked that we could see how they grew from those struggles. Overall, I liked the message of trust and how the characters needed to base their trust on God. I also enjoyed reading a little bit about how the ice harvesting works. While the book does not revolve around this process, the author does a good job of incorporating the history into the book. I am interested to see what the next books in the series will be like. I will definitely be reading them since I found this a great start to what I assume to be a great series.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated are my own.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
A Quick Read with Unique History
Date:April 21, 2013
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
Tracie Peterson seems to be synonymous with historical Christian fiction, and "The Icecutter's Daughter" offers a pleasant blend of history, faith, and romance. The last Peterson novels that I read were those in the "Yukon Quest" and "Belles of Lowell" series. "The Icecutter's Daughter" did not leave as strong of an impression, but it was a pleasant weekend read. I enjoyed learning about ice harvesting and furniture making in the late 1800s. Peterson constructs an authentic historical scene that exposes readers to less well-known facets of history. Daily responsibilities and challenges for families involved in the furniture and ice industries came to life in the plot. Multiple references to Merrill's delectable strudels, made me wish I could jump into the pages for a sample.
While I enjoyed the setting of "The Icecutter's Daughter," I never felt fully engaged in the plot or the characters. Peterson uses the characters to convey themes of faith, forgiveness, and being true to oneself. The characters are likeable, with the exception of two misguided characters who stir up some trouble and bring some interest to the story line. My emotional connection to Merrill and Ruirk as individuals and as a couple did not fully develop. Some sections relied mainly on conversations between characters, which made the flow choppy at times and ultimately left me detached. I did not find the story to be overly surprising or gripping; it was quick and easy read but did not leave a lasting impression.
"The Icecutter's Daughter" is the first installment in the "Land of Shining Water" series, which will include "The Quarryman's Bride" and "The Miner's Lady." The synopses sound promising, and readers will likely find satisfaction in the historical love stories that define Tracie Peterson's fiction novels.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this novel from NetGalley, courtesy of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Land of Shining Water
Date:April 18, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Merrill Krause has several very protective brothers that have been known to run off any potential suitors. She is responsible for the care of the household chores and the cooking. She works with the horses which is her favorite thing to do on the farm. You will even find her working shoulder to shoulder with her father and brothers. She jumps right in when it is time to cut, haul and store ice from the lake. Ice-cutting is tough for the brawniest of men. She stays so busy that it is very apparent she is having no luck in finding a suitable husband.
Rurik Jorgenson is new to the community. He is going into business with his uncle's in a carpentry business. He hopes to fit in with the community. With his uncle's health becoming a concern he volunteered to go in his uncle's stead to help his uncle's friend to harvest ice from the lake. This will definitely be a new experience for him, but he was willing to learn. He got a big shock when he discovered one of the icecutter's was actually a beautiful young woman. He got plenty of teasing by her brothers. Rurik would not let them intimidate him when or if he decided to court their sister. But his former fiancee concocts some wild accusations against Rurik which puts his reputation into question.
The author has written a story of family bonds, love and loyalty to one another. Then there is the deception that threatens to destroy a young man's future. I loved the dedication these characters had to their family through such selfless acts. My favorite character was Rurik's uncle he was a very giving, wise and trusting man, with a strong belief in prayer and God's will for one's life.
I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House/Baker Publishing for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:April 16, 2013
joni
Location:Western New York
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
The Icecutter's Daughter, first book in the Land of Shining Water Series, takes place in Minnesota in the winter! That's not the usual setting for a romance novel but Tracie Peterson brings it all together. The story captures the daily lives of our heroine Merrill Krause and her suitor Rurik Jorgenson until his former fiance and her brother show up to complicate their lives. The issues and problems that arise make for a nice paced, very readable book. The descriptions of ice cutting and the use of draft horses was an interesting aspect of the story. I received a free copy from Bethany House for this book review.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
A nice read, but not a pageturner
Date:April 15, 2013
Lindsay
Location:Sunbury, PA
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Merrill Krause promises her dying mother that she will take care of her father and brothers. As a result, Merrill grows into a hard-working young woman who is uninterested in the typical feminine pursuits of beauty and fashion. Her brothers have scared off any would-be suitors despite her female companion's best attempts to help her attract a husband. Merrill longs for a family of her own, but is resigned to the deathbed promise that she made to her mother.
When Rurik Jorgenson moves to Minnesota to help his ailing Uncle Carl in his furniture-making shop, he immediately falls for Merrill while helping her family harvest the ice. Unfortunately, visitors from his hometown arrive, bringing with them plenty of complications for Rurik and Merrill's budding romance.
The plot involves some twists and turns, secrets, and love triangles, but somehow it was not a page-turner for me. I didn't have any trouble putting the book down and reading a little more later, which I am sure my family appreciated! :) The main characters were likeable with good moral examples. The story was cute and the historical aspect was interesting as well, making it an enjoyable read.
(I received this book as a gift from the publisher, Bethany House, for the purpose of writing a review. The opinions are my own.)
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
A pleasant read
Date:April 15, 2013
AMKreations
Location:NY
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
While Tracie Peterson's book, The Icecutter's Daughter, was not overly full of suspense, it was definitely a nice read. Partial to historical fiction, this book does take one back to a time before machinery, and therefor qualifies. You visit a small town in Minnesota, where cultural roots merge, friendships are forged, and people live together in harmony.
There are two main characters in this book, Merrill Krause - a hard working, young woman of German descent, caring for her family after her mother's death, and Rurik Jorgenson - a Swedish wood worker from Kansas, willing to place his own life on hold to help an ailing relative in Minnesota. The paths of these two cross when Rurik volunteers to help Merrill's father in his yearly ice-cutting endeavor. There is an immediate attraction between the two, but it isn't long before friends from Rurik's life in Kansas show up, stirring up a bit of trouble. There are a few twists and turns in the book that will keep you engrossed.
I appreciated the references to hard work and faithfulness in this book. There is also a strong sense of family, supporting and loving one another at all times. The author places an emphasis on one's character, as opposed to merely their outward appearance. In the character of Rurik, you see an honorable man, not willing to expose the sins of his friends. I found the book to be encouraging.
I was given a copy of this book to review for Bethany House Publishers. All opinions in this review are my own.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
The Icecutter's Daughter
Date:April 14, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I enjoyed this first book in the Land of Shining Water series. I learned about all kinds of things while reading this story: ice harvesting, German and Swedish customs, and life in Minnesota during the late 1800's. I found Merrill and Rurik to be compelling and likeable characters. The story moved quickly enough to keep my attention, but there was still plenty of time to watch Merrill and Rurik fall in love and grow together. I'm looking forward to the next story in the series.
With thanks to Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley, for my review copy.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
History, Drama, Fun and Romance
Date:April 10, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Tracie Peterson in her new book "The Icecutter's Daughter" Book One in the Land Of Shining Water series published by Bethany House Publishers takes us into the lives of Merrill Krause and Rurik Jorgenson.
From the back cover: As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she's never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl-she'd rather work with her father's horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she's been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors.
When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle's carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build...until Rurik's former fiance shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.
Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God-and each other-when scandal threatens their newfound love?
I have to say I enjoy The Land Of Shining Water series by Tracie Peterson because Historical Fiction is what she does best. If you have read my reviews before you know that I like history and "The Icecutter's Daughter" begins in 1895, Minnesota. You can smell the sawdust at Rurik's Uncle's furniture shop and you most certainly can feel the cold. Ms. Peterson warmly shows what life was like back then in an immigrant community (Merrill comes from German stock, Rurik from Swedish). "The Icecutter's Daughter" is a wonderful romance and the history is perfectly accurate giving a picture of simpler, slower times. Ms. Peterson is an amazing writer and she has given us a great story with plenty of believable characters that we root for to win. I liked this book and look forward to the next one in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:April 9, 2013
quiltnmama
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Both Rurik and Merrill have strong a strong faith in the Lord that drives who they are and who they desire to be. This brings them together but also presents many challenges from the unexpected events that unfold. Will they be able to trust each other and more importantly, will they trust God as they walk through these challenges together?
Peterson did a nice job sharing bits and pieces of the Swedish and German hertitage of the characters which added interested to the story. I also appreciated how she wove Biblical truths into the story as it went along. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, this is a good book.
Peterson did a nice job sharing bits and pieces of the Swedish and German hertitage of the characters which added interested to the story. I also appreciated how she wove Biblical truths into the story as it went along. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, this is a good book.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
The Melding of Two Lives and Cultures
Date:April 8, 2013
Noreen
Location:Colorado
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Icecutter's Daughter is set in Minnesota during the late 1800s; the story is so rich that you almost feel yourself among the towns people of Waseca, living there in the cold winter. The story centers around two main characters; Merrill,the only daughter of a farmer who raises Belgian Horses and has an Icecutting business on the side. Merrill's four brothers have long since taken over the role of her guardian and chased away any young man who wanted to court her; not only because of their fierce protectiveness of their sister, but also due to the fact that she has been the primary cook and housekeeper for them. She is a strong, confident young women who not only is an incredible cook-you can almost taste her dishes, but also a strong worker with the horses and icecutting.
The town's furniture maker is getting up in years and asks his nephew to come and help him with the business. So after settling in with his uncle, Rurik tags along with men from town to help Merrill's family cut ice from the lake. Rurik is immediately impressed with how hard Merrill works and then finds himself having dinner at the farm; he is also taken by her cooking skills. What most don't know is that when Rurik moved, his fiance had broken off their arranged engagement; much to his pleasure.
As the story progresses, Merrill and Rurik find themselves falling in love, when suddenly out of the past the fiance and her brother show up in town. Will Merrill and Rurik find a way to make a life together?
Although this is a classic Christian historical fiction with a love story thrown in, it will captivate the reader and keep them glued until the end. If you are looking for a accurate portrayal of Swedish and German business and traditions, by all means make sure you pick this up. A great story; I love forward to the next one in this series.
Bethany House provided this book to me for my honest review and opinion. I was never compensated in any way.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Fun Historical Christian Fiction
Date:April 8, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
If it’s true that the reason people read novels is to worry, then "The Icecutter’s Daughter" fulfills its mission well. This story made me anxious! Actually, it was Svea, Rurik’s ex-fiance’, who made me anxious. Beware of petite and pretty, prissy things who desperately want their own way!
The story isn’t about Svea, though. Merrill Krause is "The Icecutter’s Daughter" for whom the book is named. Merrill is the youngest child of seven, and the only daughter. When her mother dies, Merrill dedicates her life to caring for all the men in her household. She cooks, she cleans, she helps with the ice harvest, she cares for the horses and delivers their babies. And in her spare time (?), she paints. (I’m still trying to figure out how she had enough spare time to bake and deliver treats to neighbors in town. Merrill puts the legendary Proverbs 31 Woman to shame!)
But Merrill is approaching age 21, and her father and adopted grandmother have begun to despair that she will ever marry and start a family of her own—especially with a bunch of older brothers effectively chasing all would be suitors away.
I enjoyed reading Merrill’s story and loved how everything worked out in the end—even for Svea. Readers who like Christian fiction in historical settings will enjoy this book, too. I received a complimentary copy of "The Icecutter's Daughter" from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for this honest review.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Merrill is a Proverbs 31 woman.
Date:April 4, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Merrill Jean Krause is a Proverbs 31 woman, and so the best lessons learned from reading The Icecutter's Daughter will come from exploring her character.
Merrill is a model of sturdy femininity. She cares for her family's draft horses in the stable, helps with the icecutting in the cold and snow, and also keeps the home for her father and six brothers.
Merrill feared that she was not the sort of woman a man would want to marry, but she was wrong. Hers was true biblical womanhood, neither delighting in being manly nor being a caricature of china dollish-ness.
She was a resourceful girl in her homemaking, a good cook- her carrot cookies with frosting made from her Christmas orange sound delicious!-and she beautified her living space for her family by treating homemaking as an art. She used her talents at painting to bless them and then to earn income at the furniture shop.
She was a girl of strength, virtue and industry. She served her father and her neighbors and her hands were never idle.
Merrill feared that she was not the sort of woman a man would want to marry, but she was wrong. Hers was true biblical womanhood, neither delighting in being manly nor being a caricature of china dollish-ness.
She was a resourceful girl in her homemaking, a good cook- her carrot cookies with frosting made from her Christmas orange sound delicious!-and she beautified her living space for her family by treating homemaking as an art. She used her talents at painting to bless them and then to earn income at the furniture shop.
She was a girl of strength, virtue and industry. She served her father and her neighbors and her hands were never idle.
It was good to see a family economy celebrated in The Icecutter's Daughter.
One of my favorite quotes was when Merrill says her father always loved working with all his family around him.
I also was glad to see Merrill come to trust her father in the matter of suitors, although I wished her brothers had been there to flatten Nils. Just sayin'. That is what brothers are for.
One of my favorite quotes was when Merrill says her father always loved working with all his family around him.
I also was glad to see Merrill come to trust her father in the matter of suitors, although I wished her brothers had been there to flatten Nils. Just sayin'. That is what brothers are for.
I appreciated her suitor Rurik's family as well. His older brother Aron was a source of counsel for him, as was his Uncle Carl. I wondered how a godly man would handle the accusation that could ruin his reputation. Certainly seeking wise counsel would be step one.
I am glad that Tracie Peterson introduced us to this heroine who modeled sturdy femininity. I think a series of books about Merrill Jean might be something to consider!
I was given this book free from Bethany House to review.
The cover is beautiful, don't you think?
The cover is beautiful, don't you think?
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Another great book from Traci Peterson
Date:April 1, 2013
Lady Di
Location:Winston Salem, NC
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
As always, Traci has written another book that keeps you reading as you follow the characters. Her writing draws you in to the time and lives of the people in the book. It's one you don't want to put down. Loved it!!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:March 25, 2013
B Bop
Location:Tweed, Ontario
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Very interesting to realize how hard life was for these people.
It is an educational, "hard to put down" book.
It is an educational, "hard to put down" book.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for Icecutter's Daughter, The Land of Shining Water Series #1 -eBook
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Date:March 25, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I enjoyed this book a lot! It's well written, the characters are good, the icecutter's job was interesting to learn about and the romance between Merrill and Rurik is touching. Merrill's character is strong and independent, she has been taking care of her father and brothers since her mother passed and has made peace with the fact that she will be a spinster. Rurik has come from Kansas to help his uncle whose health is declining. He sets his eyes on Merrill and things move quickly until a scandal changes everything.
A heartwarming story indeed. Peterson's writing style makes the characters come alive!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.