"Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska" by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss (book review)

If proximity to family wasn't an issue, DH and I have often talked about wanting to live in Alaska.  We love the natural beauty and the unspoiled landscape, plus the cooler climate.  I know, we're weird like that.  Anyway, we've enjoyed watching many documentaries and reading books about the 49th state.  When I got the chance to review Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss, I was very happy to do so!  Combine the scenic location of Glacier Bay, Alaska, with a great Christian love story written by two homeschool moms, and you've got the elements for a great read!

 

Over the past two years, Tricia Goyer has become one of my favorite authors.  She is prolific and varied in her books, writing everything from non-fiction memoir to historical to Amish to contemporary fiction.  If you like Karen Kingsbury, but are looking for a little more depth and diversity, you'll enjoy Tricia Goyer's books.  Ocieanna Fleiss is new to me, but I think it's great that she's also a fellow homeschooling mom.  Their collaboration on this book is seamless.  This is the third book they've co-written in the Love Finds You . . . series.  It makes me wonder how authors work together so well to come up with a cohesive storyline.  I admire the results of their teamwork!

Here is a brief blurb about the book:

Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests—her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town’s colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA’s pressures.

In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children’s governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover—as Ellie did—that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

This is not a typical "romance" novel, which is great for me because I get a little bored with predictable romances.  This book has a meatier plot and more character development.  It does have the larger than life aspect of romance novels (Ginny is a music superstar), yet at its heart is the story of a woman in search of love and guidance that can only be found by having faith in God.  That point, along with the historical quality of the letters she reads, moves it beyond just plain romance.  I love it that the town of Gustavus becomes almost another character in the book.  The authors describe it so vividly that I developed a real fondness for it and would love to see it in person!  You can tell that Tricia and Ocieanna did their research.  They even took an Alaskan cruise to visit the locations in person.  There is a brief historical narrative about Gustavus at the beginning of the book, too.



I actually wanted to find something to comment on or criticize about this book so my review wouldn't sound like a commercial or hype, but I honestly liked it and can't think of anything *negative* to say about it.  There are moments of drama and moments of humor, plus moments of poignant faith and love.  It all adds up to a satisfying reading experience.

I have enjoyed the books I've read in the Love Finds You . . . series, but I do believe this one is my favorite.  The series offers a lot of variety from historical to contemporary, all set in unique locations.  I highly recommend adding some of them to your reading list.  Put Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, at the top of that list!







Disclaimer:  As part of the Tricia Goyer fiction launch team, I received a free copy of this book in order to read and review it.  The opinions expressed here are my own and were not compensated.