The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson (book review)

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?

My thoughts:

There is something to be said for authors who can combine a historical time period, immigrant lifestyles that still conform to old world beliefs, and a love story in a way that makes a reader NOT want to put the book down. That is the case with Tracie Peterson's novel The Icecutter's Daughter. 

Peterson weaves an historical tale from Minnesota in the late 1895-1896. She tells the story of Merrill who is a woman who is paving the way in a male dominated household. She meets Rurik who has moved to the area to help his ailing uncle. Rurik is caught in being betrothed in an arranged marriage, but he wants out of the engagement as he does not love the woman. What follows is a funny, enlightening, lovely tale of 2 lives who are different but the same and whose lives come together to become engaged in one another.

I could not put this book down. It was interesting from the beginning to the end. And the mystery and intrigue of  the scandal, only served to enhance the characterization and allow for the reader to get even more involved in the story line.

This is a great story!

Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.