A Whisper of Peace

A novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Lizzie Dawson is a young woman of mixed blood: born of a white father and a mother from a native tribe of Athabascans in the Alaskan Territory. Lizzie grew up as an outcast because the tribe had banished her mother after her marriage to a white man. When Lizzie’s father had made his fortune in trapping and fur trading, he returned to California to begin a new life, abandoning both his wife and child. After her mother died, Lizzie continued to live alone in the cabin that her father had built, completely self-sufficient in caring for herself and her sled dogs. She had dreams of fulfilling her mother’s dying request that Lizzie be reconciled with her grandparents and be accepted back into the village. A few years had passed since her mother’s death and so far she had not found a way to honor her mother’s request.

Little did Lizzie know how much her world was going to change when Clay Selby, a missionary, and his step-sister Vivian, who was a teacher, arrived in the village to set up a church and school among the Athabascans. Besides becoming friends with the people of the village, Clay and Vivian wanted to also befriend Lizzie and were puzzled as to why she was ostracized by her tribe. Clay felt led to intercede for Lizzie, but her grandfather angrily told Clay that he and Vivian would have to make a choice between friendship with Lizzie or ministering to the natives. Also, Clay was coming to realize that his interest in Lizzie was more than just seeking a casual friendship.  Would he really be forced to make a choice? What did the future hold for all of them?  Would the God of Clay’s faith who brought him to the Alaskan Territory supply his needs and give him guidance as he faced these challenges?

This novel written by Kim Vogel Sawyer is the first of hers that I’ve read. It was a swiftly moving story, flowing and well-written. The author took time to give depth to the characters, along with detail that kindled my imagination.  I have no reservations about this book and would highly recommend it. 

*This book was received free in exchange for my unbiased review through Bethany House Book Reviewers.