The Icecutter’s Daughter by Tracie Peterson is the first book in the Land of Shining Waters series. This story takes the reader back to the turn of the 20th century into the hard life of a widowed icecutter with several sons and one daughter living in the harsh, undeveloped land of Minnesota.
Merrill Krause has been the woman of her house since her mother had passed on ten years before. While she loves helping her brothers and father with the duties of raising Belgian horses and cutting ice, Merrill wonders if she will ever be considered feminine-enough to be someone’s bride. But with her brothers turning all eligible suitors away, Merrill begins to think there is no hope for her.
But when Rurik Jorgenson moves into town to help his sickly uncle run the family furniture business, Merrill can suddenly envision herself as the bride of a furniture maker. However, Rurik is soon followed by a scorned fiancee and her gambling brother – both who are determined to ruin Rurik’s reputation if he refuses to marry the girl.
Will Rurik be able to clear his name without ruining the reputation of someone else? Can anyone fall in love with Merrill – despite her rough exterior? And can God be glorified in the midst of lies?
I believe that Tracie Peterson’s novels are great if you are looking for a light read. But her characters and storyline are predictable – no matter the setting or added details. While I enjoyed reading this book, I definitely would not recommend it if you are looking for a more difficult read for your summer. But if you are looking for something to take to the beach, then by all means, this may be the book for you.
*This opinion was my own. However, I did receive a free book from Bethany House in exchange for my review.
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