Out of the Ashes is a wonderful story of redemption set in Curry, Alaska, once a small, thriving railroad town with a rich history, though presently uninhabited. Curry rested - as the title of the first book in The Heart of Alaska series reveals - in the shadow of the massive and majestic Mount Denali, its foremost feature being the Curry Hotel.
There are multiple “redemptions” as characters in the story find their true and divinely intended identity and purpose - Jean-Michel and Katherine, both suffering in anguish from wounds suffered in the years since they had parted, learn that burdens shared are lighter. And Collette, Jean-Michel’s spoiled, self-absorbed and bratty younger sister, through bitter experiences brought on by her own selfishness and errors in judgment, finds loftier purpose in life, learning that satisfaction resides in serving others. Even Mrs. Johnson, whose abrasive manner was seen in the first book in the series, is brought to a clearer realization of her need - and capacity - to love and be loved. There is a comical aspect to Mrs. Johnson’s less-than-gracious treatment of Mr. Ferguson, who was brought in by the hotel manager to assist her in the kitchen, and who seems to be oblivious to her hostility.
In my mind, the story revolves around the delightful, beloved-by-all character of Cassidy Brennan, modeled from Cassidy Hale, who at age 15 lost her life in 2015 in a tragic automobile accident at Holyoke, Colorado. Cassidy is truly Christ-like, with a penchant for perceiving others’ needs, and blessing everyone by bringing out the best in those who come into contact with her. Cassidy Hale must have possessed these same characteristics in real life; and as long as Cassidy Brennan lives in these stories - likely many years - Cassidy Hale will live, not only in the memory of those who knew her in life, but also of others who like me were not similarly blessed.
This is historical fiction, part of the rich background and setting being the Curry Hotel, which was once a luxury resort, meticulously researched by the authors and thoroughly detailed in “In the Shadow of Denali.” A bit of French history provides further background in the Druze revolt in Syria, which provides the backstory for Jean-Michel’s fictional part in it.
This is a great story, eminently deserving my 5-star rating.
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Reviews with images
A love story to read again and again.
Wonderful continuation to In the Shadow of Denali. Tracy Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse knock it out of the park with this series. Great love story in so many ways. Love between children and parents, a romance between two strangers brought together through a tragedy and a love story with the lord. Keeps you reading from cover to cover.
