Forever Hidden (The Treasures of Nome #1)

Title: Forever Hidden (The Treasures of Nome #1)

Author: Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publishing Date: Jan 7, 2020

Publisher: Bethany House

Length: 368 Pages

About the Book:

For Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bondrant’s dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at 23, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather’s health is declining and everyone seems to be holding secrets from each other, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.

John Roselli arrives in Nome looking for a steady, consistent job. He has grown tired of the promises of getting rich quick and just wants an honest job with honest pay. His grandfather once knew a Chuck Bondrant, and so when John arrives at the dairy, he’s quickly offered a job–and a path to more if he wants it.

Havyn’s plan for helping out the family means using her beautiful singing voice and her sisters’ musical talent at a local roadhouse. They’re an immediate hit, and it looks like her plan will be a success. But the spotlight brings with it dangerous eyes that covet Havyn and are jealous as she and John grow ever closer. But will they realize the peril before it’s too late?

My Review:

Oh, the secrets people keep and just what hiding them can do. In Forever Hidden, we are introduced to the three Powell sisters along with their love of music and their headstrong, red-headed personalities as they find themselves dealing with circumstances they never expected.

I think my favorite part of this novel was the cast of characters. Even though this was really Havyn’s story, I appreciated getting to know each of the other members of her family and how they’d all been shaped into the people they were. At different times I felt like I could resonate with each of them in a unique way. I also adored John. At times I’ll admit he seemed “too good,” but I still think he was the perfect man to save the day. I have to say his most swoon-worthy moment for me was when he talked to Havyn’s chickens. I appreciated that he supported her instead of making fun of her love of animals. That’s a good guy right there. Another favorite scene? The sheep herding. But I’m not saying anything more you’ll have to read it for yourself haha.

Although at times I felt like I could resonate with each of the sisters, I think my heart resonated more closely  with Whitney. She put a lot of weight on her shoulders and felt the most at peace when she could control things. Change was a scary thing. She liked to be needed and didn’t like having to rely on anyone else. The anger she held onto towards her father was a fuel to protect her heart and not let others in. But while she bottled up all of her emotions and held them close, it didn’t mean she didn’t have feelings. She just had to learn how to process them and she couldn’t pretend they didn’t exist. I can’t wait to read Whitney’s book. I hope it’s next just so I don’t have to wait long for it.

If you’ve ever read any of the authors’ other books, you’ll know that faith isn’t something that’s merely added in, but holds a genuine, vital role. What I loved about this one was that while the overall lesson may have been the same, each of the characters had to learn it differently. As people none of us are the same. We have our own experiences and personalities that shape us into who we are. We each have our own secrets we’d rather not be revealed either for our own protection or that of others. Yet even though we can have the best intentions for why we keep them, they can still hold great power to destroy. It’s amazing the healing powers that faith can have on a person’s soul.

I truly enjoyed reading this one and can’t wait to continue with the next one in the series. I’m only sad I have to wait another whole year for it to come. I got plenty of laughter out of the fun with the animals and I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters. I can’t wait to see Whitney and Madysen get their happy endings as well.

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

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