Under the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse is the final story in The Heart of Alaska series. Taylor Cole is a naturalist and guide at Yellowstone National Park. She returned home after her father passed away to console her mother, but her mother has dedicated herself to Hale Industries. Mrs. Hale does, though, continue to pressure her daughter to marry Emerson Pruitt to whom she became engaged to ten years prior. After discovering his cheating way, Taylor called off the engagement three years ago. Taylor returns to the job she loves at Yellowstone. When she gets a letter from Emerson stating he is coming to fetch her, Taylor decides it is time to disappear. With the aid of her boss, Taylor obtains a position at the Curry Hotel in Alaska Territory. Thomas Smith has recently graduated from college and returned to the place and people he loves at the Curry Hotel. With a summer full of tourists, Thomas is happy they have hired a new guide to aid Mr. Bradley and himself. They are unprepared for diminutive Taylor who is determined to prove that she can handle the job. Thomas had a bad experience in college with a young woman and it makes him leery of trusting Taylor. The summer will prove to be challenging for the people who live and work at the Curry Hotel. Thomas and Taylor will need to keep their wits about them if they are to navigate through the difficulties that lay ahead of them.
Under the Midnight Sun is a complex and multifaceted novel. I thought is was well-written with a good flow. The transitions between characters is smooth. I found the story captured my attention and held it. There are multiple characters with Taylor Hale and Thomas Smith being the main focus. We do get to catch up on Colette, Margaret Johnson, Allan and Cassidy Brennan with their busy twin boys, Pastor Wilcox, and Jen-Michel and Katherine. I like that the authors featured a strong female character who has gone to college and is in an unusual profession. I recommend reading the book in The Heart of Alaska series in order. I have enjoyed watching Thomas go from a gangly and clumsy boy to a confident adult with a strong faith in God. Colette has settled into life at the Curry Hotel and finds herself attracted to Dr. Reilly. Margaret Johnson, the cook for the Curry Hotel, finds herself with two suitors much to the staff's amusement. Can Margaret open her heart to a new love? The Christian element is strong in Under the Midnight Sun as our characters pray for guidance and seek the counsel of Pastor Wilcox. There are scripture references and discussions about faith (forgiveness, following God's path for our life, prayer). I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Alaska (I would love to visit). I am giving Under the Midnight Sun 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). There are recipes from the Curry Hotel at the end of the book. The ending will leave you with a smile on your face (it is cute and romantic). Under the Midnight Sun is an engaging historical novel that has well-developed characters, intrigue, romance, suspense and humor.
Under the Midnight Sun is a complex and multifaceted novel. I thought is was well-written with a good flow. The transitions between characters is smooth. I found the story captured my attention and held it. There are multiple characters with Taylor Hale and Thomas Smith being the main focus. We do get to catch up on Colette, Margaret Johnson, Allan and Cassidy Brennan with their busy twin boys, Pastor Wilcox, and Jen-Michel and Katherine. I like that the authors featured a strong female character who has gone to college and is in an unusual profession. I recommend reading the book in The Heart of Alaska series in order. I have enjoyed watching Thomas go from a gangly and clumsy boy to a confident adult with a strong faith in God. Colette has settled into life at the Curry Hotel and finds herself attracted to Dr. Reilly. Margaret Johnson, the cook for the Curry Hotel, finds herself with two suitors much to the staff's amusement. Can Margaret open her heart to a new love? The Christian element is strong in Under the Midnight Sun as our characters pray for guidance and seek the counsel of Pastor Wilcox. There are scripture references and discussions about faith (forgiveness, following God's path for our life, prayer). I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Alaska (I would love to visit). I am giving Under the Midnight Sun 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). There are recipes from the Curry Hotel at the end of the book. The ending will leave you with a smile on your face (it is cute and romantic). Under the Midnight Sun is an engaging historical novel that has well-developed characters, intrigue, romance, suspense and humor.
Conclusion to an excellent series by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse. Very enjoyable and highly recommended!
