All Things Hidden

by Tracie Peterson, Kimberley Woodhouse

Gwyn Hillerman loves being a nurse at her father's clinic on the beautiful Alaskan frontier. But family life has been rough ever since her mother left them, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn's younger sister with her.In Chicago, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan finds his life suddenly turned upside down when his medical license is stripped away after an affluent patient dies. In a snowball effect, his fiance breaks their engagement. In an attempt to bury the past, Jeremiah accepts Dr. Hillerman's invitation to join his growing practice in the isolated Alaska Territory.Gwyn and Jeremiah soon recognize a growing attraction to each other. But when rumors of Jeremiah's past begin to surface, they'll need more than love to face the threat of an uncertain future.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Historical, Fiction, Historical Romance

348 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2013

About the author

Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

pen name: Janelle Jamison

Reviews

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the use of the profane version of “forsaken” (used twice), this story soared onto my favorites list. The plot was so beautiful with lots of twists. Those usually came at the ends of chapters. They held an urgent tone, yet they were still logical and realistic. Just the sort of chapter-ending hooks I love!

The cast was diverse and unique. I love it when Mrs. Peterson (and Mrs. Woodhouse in their paired-up books, like this one) includes various native Alaskan tribes in her stories set in this gorgeous state. She digs into research well, which enriches her writing and creates unforgettable characters that come to life as I read their tales.

I especially enjoyed reading about a doctor whose license had been stripped. A few American doctors have faced this very thing recently (in 2020 and 2021, due to their using proper care for their Wuhan Virus patients), so this book, though published several years ago, felt very timely for me. The current events helped me relate even better to Jeremiah’s portion of the story.

My emotions were involved with this story from the very beginning. I love that the plot and characters and events within the book did not let my emotions go. Things kept happening and hearts kept aching, and I just could not stop caring about the people in this book! I only wish there were a sequel.

Content: profanity (two uses of the profane “forsaken”), alcohol (mentioned), drug abuse

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost DNF this book, and it would be a first for me. As it is I skimmed the last 20% of the book. My irritation with the characters just grew and grew throughout the book. Thoughts and actions of the characters were stuck on repeat with the same conclusions but never any follow through for months and months on end. The villain got away with way more than he should have if people would have stepped up a bit. Also, I'm a Christian, but the religious talk throughout the book was a bit much for me. If you want something and you feel that God wants it for you, too you work for it. Prayer is good, but God expects thought and action on our part as well. With all that said, I enjoyed the setting and time period. Alaska has interested me since I was a child.

[Andria Potter · Rating 1 out of 5]

No, just no.

Worry is a sin? No, worry is an emotion.

The descriptions of Alaska were beautiful, but the rest of it-three pages worth of praying?

Not for me.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unreadable! Flat characters with painfully predictable writing.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic Historical Christian fiction book by 2 of my favorite authors! Having recently read one of their autobiographies, in which she included that their family lived in Alaska for several years before moving to their current residence in the lower 48! The facts versus fiction for this book were fascinating, and the story itself was totally believable as well! I was able to read a copy of this book via Hoopla, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Alice4170 🌙 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐️
This was enjoyable, likeable characters and semi interesting plot

[D.J. Gudger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers something for readers across various genres. It is primarily a historical, but has suspense and romance. For someone who generally does not enjoy romance, I did not mind it here. It is well done. Tracie and Kim write a powerful story of faith and adventure and do not shy away from confronting hard questions about suffering. Hard to put down. Don't expect to get much done if you pick this one up.

[Emily Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love historical fiction that succeeds at weaving real people, events, and places into an intriguing story. “All Things Hidden” was a good effort. The beginning and middle of this book were really good and the story moved well, but the story lacked the details I use to define a good book and the plot was a little too predictable.

[Mariejkt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Summary
All Things Hidden by Tracie Peterson is one of the newest books by Tracie Peterson. It takes place mainly in 1930's Alaska but also in Chicago. Are two hero's in the book are a young woman named Gwyn Hillerman and a upstart Doctor Jeremiah Vaughan. We find at the beginning Gwyn in Alaska helping her father who is a doctor and Jeremiah losing his medical license and finance all in the same day. The past of Jeremiah and another person in the village will come to haunt and harm the couple as they become friends and of course as their love blossoms.

My Opinion
First off I don't remember requesting this book as too me it seemed to be like a lot of books I have read. And I was right its the typical Christian Romance Historical Fiction style of someone has something bad happen/heart broken then they travel to a rural area where someone else is fighting with issues. They meet up but wait some other type of mystery is going on in this rural area and the couple fall in love and solve the mystery. Yes I am being cynical but seriously as soon as I started reading it I knew what was going to happen. Back to "All Things Hidden" Gwyn's actually from a very wealthy Chicago family but her and her father Dr. Hillerman live in Alaska which we have to remember at this time Alaska is still a colony not a state. While Dr. Jeremiah has lost his medical license and his finance (who happens to be Gwyn's spoiled little sister) decides to take up Dr. Hillerman offer to help him in Alaska. I admit I did like the characters of Gwyn and her father the kindness, the Love of Christ they have, and the strongness of character. While Jeremiah's character to me was almost wimpy to me, he got on my nerves. We also have the side story of the bad guy which I will not write the name otherwise it gives away the story which does add a little more excitement in the story. I do wish we would have seen a little more of Gwyn's mother and sister the little bit we get is we know they are both spoiled very rich and unbelieving women. This book was just not my style of book. If you are a fan of this style of book then go for it is a decent book for its style.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing for my honest review.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a book challenges you to think, wonder, and research, it’s a book worth sharing. “All Things Hidden” by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse is a book that had me rabidly Googling Alaska in 1935. This book, though fictional, had just enough fact to intrigue me. In addition to the intrigue, I was also touched by the story of Gwyn Hillerman and how her life is turned upside down, right side up, and upside down again.

Gwyn is a young nurse at her father’s clinic in a beautiful and very rural Alaska. She helps him care for the people in their modest village and the surrounding tribes until their modest village expands with government-sent colonists. This all happens after her mother and younger sister abandoned Gwyn and her father to rejoin their idea of proper civilization in Chicago.

Peterson and Woodhouse have an amazing way of creating beautifully multifaceted characters. I couldn’t help but love Gwyn even in her stubbornness and insecurities. She has a true beauty that far exceeds the picture on the cover of the book. When the handsome and newly eligible bachelor, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan, travels to Alaska to help Gwny and her father with the growing population, the attraction between the two young adults is unmistakable and realistically awkward. It was a refreshing change of pace that the love story was honest and Godly, yet subtle and second to the overall storyline.

If you want a sweet, thoughtful, and intriguing book, this is the book for you. I highly recommend ordering this and reading it in your comfiest chair with a soft blanket and a hot cup of tea.

[Lanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of Tracie Peterson's writing so when I was given the opportunity to read this new book I was excited. I had a few new books that I downloaded but it was a no-brainer to read this one first unfortunately, this one was a disappointment.

All Things Hidden was not like any of the other books I've read from Ms. Peterson. The book dragged. I felt the characters were rather bleh, I never really connected to any of them. The conflict between the two main characters made me want to shake them, it just dragged on and on to the point of being annoying. The writing style seemed different from Tracie's usual style, obviously from co-authoring the book, so you're aren't getting the same style that you may be used to.

As far as the story, you can read the summary but the book really seemed to drag. All in all, this wouldn't be at the top of my recommendation list but it's not at the bottom either.

Note: this book was given to me for free from the publisher with the intent of receiving a free, honest review.

[Kami S · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out a 4 star, but quickly went south. I wasn't drawn into the story; by the middle of the book I was skimming just to get to the end. It had some interesting history and could have been a very good read, but the romance was terribly lacking for a romance story. And I couldn't believe how many people got killed off...I wasn't expecting a murder story!

[C Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse have transported you back in time to the Matanuska Alaskan Frontier in 1934. The book is very well written and an interesting piece of history. They have weaved a story that holds your interest.

[Sarah Frobisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! It had plot twists that I didn't see coming and great characters. definitely a good read.

[Cindy]

Not one of her better books imo...but ok.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Things Hidden by Tracie Peterson is a fiction novel focusing on the idea of change. Change isn’t easy. We get used to the normal, that finding a new normal is difficult and sometimes stressful. As you read All Things Hidden, Peterson shows that with faith you can find joy through trials.

The year is 1934 transporting us back to the Matanuska Alaska Frontier. Gwyn Hillerman moved to Alaska at a young age due to her father’s medical business. Family means everything to Gwyn until her mother leaves, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn’s little sister with her. Gwyn moves on but never forgets the pain her mother caused her. After the stock market crash, Alaska becomes more civilized which causes stress on Gwyn. An increase in civilization brings a new doctor to her father’s clinic. Gwyn suddenly feels an attraction to Dr. Vaughan that she has never felt before. Her growing love helps Gwyn see that change isn’t all that bad.

Nasnana is the grandmother Gwyn never had. She is caring, fearless, and spiritual. Nasnana helps Gwyn through the trials of change, showing her that God has a plan and his plan is perfect. Nasnana isn’t afraid to share her faith with the community of Matanuska Valley. Her faith is what connects the diverse community together with joy and peace. Nasnana’s characteristics remind me of my grandpa. He isn’t afraid to put himself out into his community and make a change. My grandpa believes the only way to make a positive impact is through joy, which is similar to Nasnana.

All Things Hidden was an interesting and educational book. It taught me more about the history of Alaska and made me think about the affect change has on me. As I was reading Peterson showed me that worrying about change doesn’t solve anything. God knows what's right for us before we even know ourselves. A life without change makes everything easier, but change brings us new opportunities and relationships. God will hold our hand as we walk on the path of change, he will make sure we don’t stumble or fall.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense and a little bit of romance. All Things Hidden isn’t a sappy love story but instead a meaningful romance between two characters fighting against change. Reading brought me happiness knowing that God is in control. If you're struggling with change I would highly recommend reading All Things Hidden.

[Thereadingbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year is 1934 transporting us back to the Matanuska Alaska Frontier. Gwyn Hillerman moved to Alaska at a young age due to her father’s medical business. Family means everything to Gwyn until her mother leaves, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn’s little sister with her. Gwyn moves on but never forgets the pain her mother caused her. After the stock market crash, Alaska becomes more civilized which causes stress on Gwyn. An increase in civilization brings a new doctor to her father’s clinic. Gwyn suddenly feels an attraction to Dr. Vaughan that she has never felt before. Her growing love helps Gwyn see that change isn’t all that bad.

Nasnana is the grandmother Gwyn never had. She is caring, fearless, and spiritual. Nasnana helps Gwyn through the trials of change, showing her that God has a plan and his plan is perfect. Nasnana isn’t afraid to share her faith with the community of Matanuska Valley. Her faith is what connects the diverse community together with joy and peace. Nasnana’s characteristics remind me of my grandpa. He isn’t afraid to put himself out into his community and make a change. My grandpa believes the only way to make a positive impact is through joy, which is similar to Nasnana.

This was a very educational story about the Alaskan frontier and i loved that aspect of the book. I am fascinated with Alaska and it vast area.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I've read Christian historical romances before, and I've kind of enjoyed how they're predictable in plot as well as in lessons learned from the story. It's great for when I need a low-effort read. This one, however, is terrible!

The characters are one dimensional, most of the interesting stuff happens off of the page, and there is so much moralizing and internal, circular debating going on that I ended up skimming a lot of the book.

The female main character was very passive. She worked in the garden and comforted the men using her incredible baking skills. Oh, and the fact that she has gorgeous, curly blonde hair is mentioned kind of a lot. Thanks, I get it already.

Even though a lot was happening, it felt like nothing important happened in the story. The only interesting chapters were the few and far between ones about the detective, which I'm guessing are the chapters that the better known author wrote.

[Jacinta Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique story and setting, I loved hearing about the Alaskan scenery, watching the tension between the settlers and natives, and learning about the establishment of an actual settlement in the area. The book brought in different aspects I would not have thought of before, such as the need for medical attention, and the difficulties the weather presents in making sure enough food is ready before winter hits again. However, despite being a Christian myself, I did have a bit of a hard time with the general preachiness of the book. I felt like every other page, I was being told it was sinful to do one thing or another--whether it was worry, striving for prestige, attraction, or something else - and that it was repeated multiple times to make sure I got the message, which got a little old. There were also times when I could tell it had been co-authored because things were repeated. Still, I like both these authors, and I loved having a book set in Alaska.

[Carol Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize at first that this book was based on a true story of how people from the lower 48 states were sent by train to Alaska to help colonize it. Knowing that the basics of the story were actual events made this book even more interesting to me.
The authors did a great job explaining the planning that went into this venture. It was interesting to me to see the strength of the new colonists as they settled in a new and foreign land. The help they received from the Alaska natives was truly a Godsend and, in many cases, a lifesaver.
Reading about how Dr. Vaughn had an embarrassing secret he tried to overcome while keeping hidden made me realize how so many people try to hide things that they shouldn't. Bringing those secrets out into the open can be so freeing when we allow God to lead us and forgive us.

[Carlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very touching story about the Alaska Territory, and one of Presadent Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal projects. Also how the city of Palmer got its name. The story begings Feb 1, 1935, in Anchorage, Alaska Territory, with the only Doctor, Harold Hillerman and his older daughter Gwyn. They have continued to serve the many tibeal people in this area for many years, while the doctors wife and younger daughter returned back to civilization several years ago. Also we meet a young doctor who comes Alaska because he had lost his medical license, and wanted to hide out, while still no one knows about his discraze. And a pinkerton dedictive is looking for a murderer who has come to Alaska also. Lots of interesting people with different reasons for starting over in the new territory.
Hard to put down.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

After checking out some of the reviews on this book, I was a bit leery to read it. I normally love Peterson's works and was surprised to see some of the negative comments. I am sooo glad I ultimately ignored those and trusted my love for this author. All Things Hidden included all I have come to expect from Peterson. Great varied characters, historic details, vivid descriptions of the community involved, cultural issues, those with strong faith and those with no faith, and of course a bit of romance.

A deightful book... I listened to the audiobook which is very well done. Wish this was part of a series!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Things Hidden is a fast paced Christian historical suspense set during the depression era in the rough terrain of Alaska. Gwyn and Jeremiah are attracted to one another once he arrives to assist with all the colonist being sent there. He fled to the isiolation after his downfall in Chicago by the bigwigs society. What’s going to happen if his past is discovered? He knew Dr. Hillerman had the upmost confidence in him from his childhood and guidance he received from the well loved doctor. The mystery theme kept the pages turning with a great ending. Faith is easily intermersed throughout the tale with Gwyn, Dr. Hillerman and others to give away to a wonderful read.

[Pamela Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book about the area my father always took us every summer to camp and fish. I loved this heartwarming story of Gwyn and her fa I love of the Matanuska Valley and the love of God that is always at the foundation of these author's books!!

Loved reading this book about the area my father always took us every summer to camp and fish. I loved this heartwarming story of Gwyn and her fa I love of the Matanuska Valley and the love of God that is always at the foundation of these author's books!!

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can cope with the christian fiction, this was one of the few christian books where faith was a true part of the story, but I couldn't cope with the repetitive " I need my mother to love me, I need to be special to her" and "i have a secret" In one chaper this was repeated so often I almost went back to count how many times it was repeated. The novel would have been so much tighter without the repetitions from both main characters. The length could have been padded out with more about the lifestyle of Alaska.
Last complaint - the last line.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Things Hidden had a very strong Christian message. There was suspense, romance, and intrigue. The historical aspects were so interesting. There was a lot added which was purely made up to create the story line. I wish there hadn't been a fear of the natives included in All Things Hidden. But I appreciate that the authors provided detail of what was true in the story and what was fiction. And I enjoyed reading a novel that was clearly Christian in content. Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse have quickly become favorites of mine.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of All Things Hidden. Set in Alaska in the 1930's, this book takes the reader on a fascinating journey to a pristine setting with mystery, romance, and inspiration. I never really knew about the first settlements in Alaska and the dangers they encountered. I was caught up in the story from the moment I started listening. While some of the issues were resolved a little too quickly, the story was very compelling.

[Donia · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is great potential both in the history and the setting of the Alaskan frontier in the 1930's. Sadly, in this book, it is not written about in an entertaining, informative fashion. The characters and plot are wooden and sterile. The same information is inserted into the story over and over as if to pad the chapters. Everything is there for a great historical novel but the characters are blah and the Christian message too much and too redundant.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical with a hint of fiction

I gave it high score because I enjoyed the historical message in the book that these things actually happened after the depression. As well as the sweet story of the people in it. I'm sad that her father died and all those other people the hands of the fowl man. I feel sorry for her mother & sister because the have their treasures in earthly things not in the Father.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful pioneer story

Until I read this book I knew little about President Roosevelt's New Deal. This book is an historical fiction about the pioneers from the lower 48 sent to Alaska to form a new colony during The Depression. The characters are well developed and I fell in love with them with the exception of the two bad guys. An interesting part of American history weaved into a beautiful storyline. I recommend this book for readers age 13 to 113.