In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson, Audiobook Review

In Places Hidden (Recorded Books)
by Tracie Peterson
Narrated by Angela Lin
Golden Gate Secrets Series Book 1

Audiobook Review
by Carrie Fancett Pagels

What a great start to this new series by one of my favorite authors, Tracie Peterson! And I've listened to many of her audiobooks (she has over 100 books released!) but this is one of my favorites. The narrator did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life.

Camri is a fiesty young woman searching for her missing brother. The secrets and intrigue really move the story along. Patrick is a compassionate young man with a heart of gold. These two are from very different backgrounds but their common interest in finding her brother, Caleb, fosters a friendship.

Highly recommend In Places Hidden especially on audiobook! Set in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, you'll love the setting, especially the chocolate factory.

Read about the other two novels in Tracie's Golden Gate Secrets Series (click here.)

Publisher's summary: On her way to San Francisco to find her brother, Caleb, who went missing three months ago, Camriann Coulter meets Judith and Kenzie, who both have their own mysteries to solve in the booming West Coast city. The women decide to help each other, including rooming together and working at Kenzie’s cousin’s chocolate factory. Camri’s search for her brother, an attorney, leads her deep into the political corruption of the city–and into the acquaintance of Patrick Murdock, a handsome Irishman who was saved from a false murder charge by Caleb. Patrick challenges all of Camri’s privileged beliefs, but he knows more about what happened to her brother than anyone else. Together, they move closer to the truth behind Caleb’s disappearance. But as the stakes rise and threats loom, will Patrick be able to protect Camri from the dangers he knows lie in the hidden places of the city?

Diana's Spring Favorites!

Spring is by far my favorite season of the year! It's a time of renewed hope, beautiful weather, light gentle rains, spring flowers, and more great books! Here is my spring list of favorite books I have read so far in 2016 in no particular order.

*Click on to title to order any of these wonderful books!*


A Worthy Heart By Susan Ann Mason

Susan Anne Mason has penned a mesmerizing, impassioned Irish American saga of two families whose lives intertwine at the lovely and affluent estate—the O'Leary stables, Irish Meadows, in 1914 Long Island, New York.

Charity's Cross By MaryLu Tyndall

MaryLu Tyndall takes the reader off on a turbulent, exhilarating seafaring journey—from the perils of frothy, turquoise waters filled with swashbuckling pirates and a dangerous jungle replete with exotic birds, foliage, and uncivilized natives—to the beauties of the Caribbean with its warm breezes, swaying palms, sugar cane, and tropical fruits of the West Indies.

The Steeplechase By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie Fancett Pagels has written an outstanding, detailed story that is so jam-packed it reads like a full length novel. Action, intrigue, spies, breathtaking romance—it's all in there!

Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson & Kim Woodhouse

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse have successfully teamed up to pen an intriguing, heartwarming read about a young woman who travels to the lush, rolling hills of California seeking to fulfill her dreams and finds much more than she bargains for—a chance at love and life threatening danger stalking her every move.

Sense And Sensibility By Sarah Price

What transpires when you blend Jane Austen's memorable characters with Sarah Price's unique Amish voice? A captivating classic retelling of Sense and Sensibility is born!

Bride Of A Distant Isle By Sandra Byrd

Lovers of Gothic & Victorian era authors such as Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Dapne du Maurier, and even Julie Klassen fans, are sure to delight in this suspenseful, well written novel—intertwining the exotic allure of the island of Malta and the beauty of the English seaside!

A Flight Of Arrows By Lori Benton

I just finished reading an ARC of this historical masterpiece!! Review coming up later on OWG! Be sure to pre-order a copy by clicking on to title above this cover—release date April 19!

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MY SPRING TBR LIST!

Sofi's Bridge By Christine Lindsay

Dawn At Emberwilde By Sarah E. Ladd

The Beautiful Pretender By Melanie Dickerson

Do you have any good 2016 book recommendations for me??
~HAPPY READING~

GIVEAWAY: One blessed commenter will win a $10 Amazon gift card! To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Tracie Peterson's "A Treasure Concealed" - Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Blurb: Emily Carver wants a home where she can put down roots instead of following her gold-hungry father from one mining camp to another. She also longs for tenderness and love, both of which are missing in her life. Yet when she realizes she's losing her heart to the intriguing new man in camp, she fiercely fights her feelings, afraid that love will only result in disappointment and heartache.

Caeden Thibault, a young geologist, comes to Montana to catalog minerals indigenous to the state. He's a serious and guarded young man trying to escape the pain of his past. He has avoided all romantic entanglements, fearing he might become like his abusive father. But something about Emily Carver has caught his attention, something he never expected. . . .

Will these two broken souls allow God to bring healing and hope to their hurting hearts?

Carrie Fancett Pagels' Audiobook Review

Five Stars *****

A Gem of a Story!

First of all, since I didn't read the blurb closely on the audiobook listing, I didn't know the characters' names. So I found myself wondering at the name Caden Tebow (sounded like football player Tim Tebow's name) and I thought that was a little odd. Now that I see in the blurb that the name is Thibault, that makes sense to me. We have lots of Thibaults where I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but after not hearing that name in decades, but having heard so much about Tim Tebow, I thought that was interesting that Tracie was borrowing his last name -- which she wasn't!!!

This is the first book in a new 1890's series set in Montana, where Tracie lives. Emily is a sweet and very sympathetic heroine. She's known so much hardship in her life and she's losing her mother to a prolonged illness. Caeden hasn't known what family is. While Emily longs for a home (really she longs for a house that is a real house and not a tent or a rickety cabin) Caeden seeks to avoid making the mistakes his parents made and to find a home based on love and respect. Both have a tough spiritual journey and need to get straight with God about their hardened hearts. Tracie masterfully weaves the redemption thread into the story.

With lots of action and bad guys you want to string up yourself, this also has a strong romance. Great narrator, who is perfect for the story.

What are those rocks that Mr. Carver keeps finding? They aren't gold, but are they sapphires?  There are two more books coming in this series -- looking forward to hearing more!

Bibliotherapy elements: Poverty, loss, death of a parent, injuries, and the need to find faith. 

Giveaway: This week on OWG blog we're giving away a copy of A Treasure Concealed, winner's choice of format. Winner's choice of format (OPEN to international readers also, A Treasure Concealed is available through Book Depository!) 

5 Steps on My MS Battle Plan - By Tracie Peterson

Author Tracie Peterson

MS and MS by Tracie Peterson

Sometimes things come to us out of nowhere and we can’t help but wonder what God has planned. That’s the way it was when I was diagnosed with not one, but three different auto-immune disorders, one of which is Multiple Sclerosis.  Until that moment, MS had always stood for manuscript – not a life changing disease.

Tracie's Office

 Finding out I had MS sent me into a whole different area of research. No one in my family has MS so there was no one close to go to and learn about the disorder. God put me in touch with some really great people, however, and over the years I’ve learned a lot. I’ve also seen how God has been at work.

Tracie's Montana Mountains

MS symptoms are different in different folks, but one of the worst symptoms is the fatigue and memory loss.  For a writer, both of those things interfere a great deal. When I was first diagnosed it wasn’t unusual for me to sleep up to 18-20 hours a day. Most folks didn’t understand – doesn’t everyone get tired? But this was different. I was exhausted to such a degree that I could barely move. The memory loss showed up in forgetting words or thoughts. I’d be working on my manuscript and come to a word that I just couldn’t bring to mind. It was so frustrating and worrisome, but God has shown me how to turn even that over to Him. When I come to those places where the word or words won’t come, I just leave myself a blank and come back to it later. I also started making lists for just about everything. For the exhaustion I’ve learned to pace myself and take naps. The doctor also had an amazing medication that has helped.

Tracie's MS Hoodie!

Everybody has something in life that interferes in some way. It might not be a disorder or disease, but there will always be those things that come to us and create havoc and frustration. There are a lot more things that we can’t change, than those we can so why let those issues run our lives or worse yet ruin them? For me, it’s a matter of refusing to yield territory to the enemy and in order to do that—I have to have a battle plan.

My plan goes something like this.

 1) Pray and spend time in God’s Word.

 2) Humble myself and admit my weaknesses, but focus on my strengths.

 3)  Understand that sometimes the answer doesn’t look like I think it should.

 4)  Keep a positive attitude – commit it all to God

 5) Use my problem to encourage others and lead them back to the source of strength – Jesus.

Your battle plan will probably look different. It might be longer or shorter, but the important thing is to have one and let God run the show.

CFP: Thanks so much Tracie for sharing with us and our readers! We love your writing!!! Great Battle Plan!

Giveaway: A copy of Tracie Peterson's latest book (which I am listening to now on audiobook!) A Treasure Concealed. Winner's choice of format (OPEN to international readers also, the book is available through Book Depository!) Question: Do you have a "Battle Plan" to address health issues in your life or a loved ones' life? 

Diana Reviews Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson And Kimberley Woodhouse

Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson And Kimberley Woodhouse
Bethany House Publishers, Jan. 2016

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
(No Spoilers!)

Riveting Historical Fiction!

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse have successfully teamed up to pen an intriguing, heartwarming read about a young woman who travels to the lush, rolling hills of California seeking to fulfill her dreams and finds much more than she bargains for—a chance at love and life threatening danger stalking her every move.

Lillian Porter's dream of going west has finally come to fruition as she defies her grandfather and accepts the position of a nanny in Angels Camp, California. But as dark and terrible rumors swirl around her from the local townsfolk, she wonders if she has made the right move. Her 7-year-old charge, Jimmy, has not spoken in over a year and there are sinister accusations made concerning Jimmy's father—her handsome, enigmatic employer—Woodward Colton. The Colton olive farm holds many a malevolent secret as Lillian encounters strange happenings taking place, but she is hopelessly drawn to Woodward in spite of the vicious rumors. She loves Jimmy as her own and her greatest desire is to help the traumatized lad to talk again. However, her efforts seem futile as Jimmy and her grandfather both refuse to speak—will they ever move beyond the silence to a bright future?

I. simply. fell. in. love. with each of the characters in this amazing story minus one of the most evil, menacing villains I have ever encountered. (gasp!) Poor, grief-stricken little Jimmy stole my heart from the very get go, Lillian is tough as nails and gentle as a lamb, Mrs. Goodman, the grandma-like housekeeper, is a "dearie" with a heart of gold, and then there is Harry. I can't wait for you to meet Harry—pure hearted, innocent Harry with a simplistic child's mind in a man's body. I wanted to hug him more than once and I'm sure you will, too. :) There are so many loose ends that get tied up in a nice little bow and make for a satisfying conclusion that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Kudos to Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse for staying true to the genre, Christian fiction. Isn't a permeating theme of God's love, healing, and miraculous power the reason we read Christian fiction to start with? Highly recommended!

California Olive Farm

AND...

California Olives!

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Thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Tracie Peterson is generously giving away a paperback copy to one blessed commenter! (US entrants only.) To be eligible be sure to leave your email address for contact purposes -- written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers. 

(Revised!) Audiobooks of the Year List by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

Whispers In The Reading Room AND The Painter's Daughter, TIED for Audiobook of the Year 2015 -- Stellar stories combined with wonderful narration. I had quite the conundrum because I had listened to Julie's book in 2015 and chose it for Audiobook of 2015 BUT then I listened to Shelley's book in January, but it released in 2015 and after much prayer I decided they were both tied.  That being said, the audiobooks that I include on my list are of such HIGH quality that it truly was hard to put them in order -- so next year I might not!!!

Audiobooks of the Year

Bibliotherapy Audiobook of the Year (Includes strong bibliotherapy elements as well as a wonderful book and narration.)

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

Most Romantic Audiobook

The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

The Lost Heiress (Ladies of the Manor, Book #1)

by Roseanna M. White

Best Final Audiobook in a Series

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Highly Memorable Audiobook of the Year 

Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade

Contemporary Audiobook of the Year

A Healing Heart by Angela Breidenbach

Favorite Series on Audiobook 2015: Tracie Peterson's Bride's of Seattle (I am finishing the third book now.) All released in 2015 on audiobook.

(I accidentally left off Melanie Dickerson's and Kristi Ann Hunter's audiobooks in my original post  - these are both beautifully done audiobooks. I highly recommend and hope to post reviews of both very soon!!!)

My Backlist audiobook Series of the Year is by Jane Perrine: Tales from Butternut Creek! All wonderful!!! These released in 2012 and 2013 and are Women's Fiction with strong romantic

NOTE: I will have some books, available in audiobook, that I read rather than listened to, that are on my NEXT list, which release within the week! So if you are an author I love and weren't on here but have an audiobook, watch for those I read rather than listened to!

GIVEAWAY: Audiobook certificate for a book OR winner's choice of format.  Answer these questions: How many of these books were on your favorites list and which format do you prefer your books in - audiobook, Kindle, or paperback?  (Watch for my upcoming Kindle/paperback list of favorite books of the year, coming soon!)

Carrie's Favorites of 2013

AUDIOBOOKS of 2013

Audiobooks are my primary source of reading. I have to keep up with comparable books/authors as an inspirational historical romance author myself.  Sometimes I don't wait for the audiobook to come out but these first set of books all have an audiobook available with them. I have some very short reviews I've posted on audible.com (click here for Carrie's audible reviews.)

The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Letters and The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell/Brilliance Audio). The Lesson is the most powerful story, personally, I've listen to all year because of the drug abuse component and how it affects families.  I think it would make an amazing bibliotherapy book for those doing drug and alcohol treatment with families. I hereby award this book my Bibliotherapy Book of the Year. This book is raw. It is real. It doesn't flinch at what addiction can do to someone.

The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My Bibliotherapy Book of the Year

My Runner Up for Bibliotherapy Book of the Year is "It Happened at the Fair" which deals with deafness. Absolutely stunning audiobook (Tantor Audio.)

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

Jennifer Dellamere's An Heiress At Heart. Lovely audiobook. (Recorded Books)

Jennifer Dellamere's An Heiress At Heart

Tracie Peterson - My
Author of the Year 2013.

All THREE of Tracie's Minnesota audiobook  releases in Land of Shining Water (Baker) were wonderful in this series: The Quarryman's Bride, The Icecutter's Daughter and The Miner's Lady. Tracie is a master crafter of words!

Once Upon A Prince

I don't normal read contemporary fiction but this audiobook was AMAZING!!!
Once Upon A Prince

By Rachel Hauck

Zondervan, 2013

PAPERBACK/EBOOK ONLY--No Audiobook (yet!)

Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Elizabeth Byler Younts novel Promise to Return (Howard) has "sticking" power and I  love the story, the voice especially, and characterization in this WWII Amish story. Beautifully done by a lovely lady.
















C.J. Chase's The Reluctant Earl.  LOVED this book. I know C.J. but even if I didn't, this book should be used as an example of HOW TO write tight and make every word count in an inspirational historical romance.  Published by Love Inspired Historical. Because of the bibliotherapy elements being so strong and the quality of this book, I am naming it my Paperback/ebook-only Book of the Year.

The Reluctant Earl by C.J. Chase --Carrie's Top choice for Paperback/Ebook Book of 2013

NOTE my ADDITIONAL AUTHORS:  If you've been reading the other OWG ladies' favorites, then you've also seen some of mine.  So Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater--I won't include them for pictures!

BUT I have on my 2013 favorites list the same as my OWG angels' lists:
Julie Lessman's* Love At Any Cost (Revell), Julie Klassen's* The Tutor's Daughter (Bethany), MaryLu Tyndall's (no audiobook) Forsaken Dreams (Barbour), and Karen Witemeyer's* Stealing the Preacher (Bethany). ENJOYED all these releases and they are ALSO on my list as are:

Debut authors: Lori Benton's BURNING SKY (Waterbrook) and Sarah Ladd's Heiress of Winterwood (Thomas Nelson). Both of these books will likely be up for debut book of the year for Christy or other awards.) Sarah Ladd's audiobook - Do NOT listen to the audiobook version.  It is awful.  But the book is not.  It is lovely. I had the privilege of being Sarah's critique partner a couple of years back when she was writing and editing this book, before it was picked up for publication. Lori Benton's book was not available in audiobook when I read it. Lori is a member of Colonial American Christian Writers and served on Colonial Quills. An amazing book and powerful debt. Lori has been writing for over twenty years and has completed numerous manuscripts and it shows in her story, voice, and characterization. Loved this book!!!

If you haven't read all these authors' 2013 releases BUY THEM NOW!!!


GIVEAWAY:  Gently used copy of Promise to Return. New copy of The Reluctant Earl. Answer the question--How many of Carrie's favorites are on your list, too?

Audible Reviews of Tracie Peterson's "The Land of Shining Waters" series: The Miner's Lady, The Icecutter's Daughter and The Quarryman's Bride

The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson

I listened to all three books in The Land of Shining Water series as audible.com downloads. This trio of stories is set in Minnesota. I loved EVERY ONE of these stories.  The narrator was amazing. Craft was awesome. The story lines, characterization, tension, historical detail and research were all impeccable.  In fact they almost made me want to either a) give up writing altogether because Tracie is so good or b) try to improve to be as good as her!  We'll see how God directs that path!

Ratings: FIVE STARS ***** for ALL!!! Same for Narration.

All THREE books are from Bethany House Publishers and were published this year.  This series will go on my Best of 2013 as ONE entry, though, as they were so good!  I can totally understand why they released them all so close together--once you've read one you CAN'T WAIT to read the next! They are all stand alone reads and can be read individually.  But all are in a similar time frame.

The Quarryman's Bride "may" have been my favorite of the three. I really loved the heroine (she's the type I like to write about myself.) This gal had a really "tough row to hoe" to put it mildly.

The Icecutter's Daughter was really neat because I LOVED the details about how ice cutters worked up north.  I've known how they transported the ice down and kept it in sawdust for "ice boxes" but I never heard about how they did it.  Such dangerous work!

The Miner's Lady is my most recent read. Tracie did a great job of pitting two Alphas against each other and having them fall in love. The heroine as well as the hero were such super strong personalities that they had to have a strong partner or the relationship never would have worked.  This story is somewhat of a Romeo and Juliet type book.

Tracie had characters from different nationalities in every book, which was so neat.  Having grown up in the far north in Michigan's upper peninsula (which has many commonalities with Minnesota) I also knew many people who were only first or second generation removed from "the Old Country."

Giveaway:  An Audible.com gift download of ANY of the winner's choice--any one of Tracie's books in this series or any other Tracie Peterson audiobook available through audible.com.

Answer this question--What is your favorite of Tracie's 99 books?