DAWN'S PRELUDE (Book 1 of Song of Alaska) by Tracie Peterson

Sometimes life is never as it seems it should be. We dream of a perfect life and then life deals us a less desired life. Life is sometimes just hard for no apparent reason. That is what happened to Lydia Gray. Lydia had a harsh life. At the tender age of a young teen,when she should be joyful and fresh, she is forced to marry a man who is not the man she dreamed of. In fact he is more than harsh to her, he is a brutal man. Her father had a business arrangement with this fellow and Lydia was part of the deal. She was a step-mother to children who hated her. Each day was sorrow for her.

Although Lydia stopped believing God loved her, He never left her side. Surprises awaited Lydia, surprises of real love, not forced. God didn't even force Himself on her. He just whispered His great love to her and waited patiently for her to answer. The name, "Dawn's Prelude" is perfect for this book. As Lydia thinks her life is over, it is just beginning. Her husband and father are both killed in a horrific accident. She is left to deal with her step-children who want her out and want to keep the family fortune. But surprises await them too. There are twists and turns in this book that keep you turning pages, just waiting for more.

Lydia leaves her home and takes a long ride to Sitka, Alaska, where she finds her aunt's love and acceptance. Although Sitka is home now for Lydia, her father's family is in search of her, and with that comes heartache and danger. But will Lydia be safe? Will she meet one that steals her heart away? There is more to Lydia's life than her past. God has much in store for this beautiful woman. She has much to give and share with others. Come visit Sitka, Alaska and see God move and bring healing to Lydia. There is excitement here in this wild land. This is definitely a summer read for you. I loved each page! I loved the characters that were a light to Lydia, giving her the love she so desired. Lydia is a tender hearted woman in need and the Lord shows her He can make her whole and break those chains that held her down for years. Lydia finds freedom in Sitka and she finds more than she ever dreamed!

This book was a gift from Bethany House for it's review.

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie's Web site at http://www.traciepeterson.com/ and her blog at http://www.writespassage.blogspot.com/