Denali Dreams

by Ronie Kendig

Catch a glimpse of Denali National Park through the eyes of four courageous women. Karon Granger beat cancer, but can she climb Mt. McKinley—the tallest mountain in North America? Is heiress Jolie Decouteau safe from the rugged terrain and an assassin? Will flightseeing tour guide Deline Tsosi uncover the sabotage that endangers her business—and find her heart melting for an Alaskan ranger? Can love conquer all when the past threatens the protective walls of Deanna Smith’s remote job? Will Denali spell disaster or dream-come-true romance?  

Genres: Christian Romance, Christian Fiction, Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Fiction, Christian

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over forty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint on the East Coast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden and AAndromeda the #mwdwashout. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, Realm Award, Alliance Award, back-to-back RT Reviewers' Choice Awards, the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), Goodreads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

These four stories felt like a Hallmark Channel miniseries; they all ended up tying together by the end. There were several moments here that made me smile, and the ending is pretty much what you'd expect.

However, this would be more aptly described as romantic suspense instead of mere romance. More than one story here involves matters of life and death, including one where an assassin holds people at gunpoint. If that bothers you, then, maybe you should read something else.

[Marian Baay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Denali Dreams: Denali National Park
by Kimberley Woodhouse & Ronie Kendig
4½ stars

Mountain Wishes by Kimberley Woodhouse

Karon Granger is a 32 year old cancer survivor. God gave her a second chance to live and now she’s planning to really live her life. It is her wish to climb the highest mountain in North America—the Denali in Alaska. Her other wish is to fall in love, get married and have children.

After a year of preparation, she is leaving for Alaska to climb the Denali, together with her brother. While she is in Alaska she meets a handsome mountaineering ranger named Zack. She is attracted to him and he also shows interest in her. But Karon is afraid that he will turn her down when he finds out that she had cancer.

While climbing the mountain they get into a dangerous situation and Zack and his crew must go out to their rescue. Will they get to them in time? Is Karon strong enough to stay on her feet while waiting for the rescue team?

I love adventurous stories and I love mountains, so this story was right up my alley. I really liked Kimberley’s writing style. The only regret I have is that the story was so short.

Daring Heights – Ronie Kendig

Jolie Decouteau is a rich heiress and someone wants her dead. She’s going on a trip to climb the Denali with some friends to be away from the assassin, but will she be safe? The Denali took her brother’s and his girlfriend Mariah’s life.
David Whiteeagle—one of the rangers at Denali—was Mariah’s brother. David blames the Decouteau family for his sister’s death. When Jolie and David see each other again old hurts rise. David is determined to avoid Jolie as long as she’s around Denali. But when Jolie gets sick and disappears on Denali David has no other choice than to go after her. Soon they discover that the assassin must have followed Jolie, but who is he? When spending time together they speak about their feelings. Can David ever forgive Jolie for being a Decouteau? And is there a chance to find love for them?

Taking Flight – Ronie Kendig

Deline grew up in Talkeetna. Her father has a restaurant where she’s helping when she’s not flying tourists around the Denali in her Otter.
Logan started working with the Denali rangers two years ago. He has liked Deline from the start, but Deline is a tough girl who doesn’t need anybody…so she thinks, so Logan never had the nerve to ask her out. When accidents start to happen and Deline’s life is in danger, Logan and David are trying to help her and a special friendship grows between Deline and Logan. Who is after Deline? Why is her life in danger?

Denali Guardians – Kimberley Woodhouse

Josh is one of the newest rangers. He has set his sights on Deanna—a fellow ranger. Deanna has lived in Talkeetna for some years now. She is friendly and has a smile for everyone, but she has a secret she can’t share with any of her fellow rangers—she has been hiding in Talkeetna from an assassin who murdered her sister and parents. After years of hiding in Talkeetna she receives a letter from the assassin that he has found her. Deanna calls the FBI for help and they ask Deanna’s fellow rangers to guard her. Josh is also one of the guardians. They get to know each other better and are falling in love. Can Josh and the other rangers keep Deanna safe? Will they catch the assassin before he can hurt or kill Deanna’s guardians/rangers?

Four love stories in one volume—what a feast! I’ve been a fan of Ronie Kendig’s writing since her debut novel. This is the first work by Kimberley Woodhouse I have read and I love it!

*Thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy through NetGalley.*

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this collection of 4 short stories set in Talkeetna, Alaska, centered at the Ranger Station at the foot of Denali.
There were some points where I felt like the romance was a little rushed, but overall, I could see why each couple liked each other, and how they might be a good fit. I also enjoyed the suspense, though in one of the stories, I don't feel like we got a good reason as to the 'why' behind the whodunnit.
I really liked the faith element that was present in these stories, especially when Zack is given the analogy of letting go of the rope when having a difficult time climbing his personal mountains.
My favourite of all of the stories was Josh and Deanna's.
3.5 stars for the collection

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in gorgeous Alaska in and near Denali National Park, four women find strength and love. Each of the women has challenges in their lives from Karon who beat cancer to Jolie an heir trying to escape a killer. Each story is separate, but the stories connect through the small community and the ranger station. Life in Alaska, especially on Denali, is rough and sometimes difficult, and these men and women have interesting stories.

Four good romances build around the same community as each woman finds her future husband. Their faith plays a strong roll and creates an enjoyable atmosphere to wile away a few hours with a cup of cocoa during the winter. I love to hear about Alaska, and the descriptions of climbing and working in the ranger station add to the fun and interest for me. If you like your romances built around Christian faith with a twist of danger, you will definitely enjoy these four stories.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four romances set on an Alaskan mountain--DENALI DREAMS is enough to start any woman dreaming about the beautiful scenery, strong handsome rangers, and romance -- not to mention assassins.

If you like adventure mixed with contemporary romance and suspense, you'll love DENALI DREAMS. These two talented suspense authors, Kendig and Woodhouse wrote a winner

[Sherry Rigsby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t finish it there were 4 stories

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS
Denali Dreams is a fun adventure novel with 4 stories that go together but are seperate. It is a Christian romance so it can be read by whole family without worry of sex or swearing in it.

Mountain Wishes by Kimberley Woodhouse

Karon Granger is a cancer survivor who plans to climb the mountain. She is a small women who trains for a year for it. She teaches kindergarden. Her brother Clint thinks she is crazy but insists on going with her. They have a fun relationship.
Ranger Zack Taylor is attracted to Karon but thinks Clint is her husband. Karon lets him know he is not. Zack can't get her out of his mind and follows her by radio to make sure her group is doing okay even after she turns down a date with him. Everyone can tell he is into her.
Karon is determined,brave and cares about others. I really liked her. Her courage and resourceful are put to the test.

Daring Heights by Ronie Kendig

Jolie Decouteau has just inheirited her father's company and is his replacement. His death might not be so innocent. Jolie is talked into going climbing with long time friends of her father's. Her life might be in danger so trusted friend convinced her to go.
When a couple of things go wrong and she is sick but does not act like mountain sickness. She decides to head down by herself in the night. She has problems focusing on what to do.
Ranger David Whiteeagle is sent up to rescue her. David is worried about her. He also thinks thier is someone following them to stop Jolie from getting down the mountain.
Adventure and mystery, romance in one story.

Taking Flight by Ronie Kendig
Deline Tsosie is a beautiful busy woman who does not date much. She is helping to run her father cafe business while he is in the hospital after a stroke and work at her business as a flightseeing tour guide. Taking care of her father too. Deline is hoping to merge her business with a friend.
Logan Knox is a ranger and keeps hiring her to take him for a tour of the mountains. While he hides his feeling that he is scared of hights. But he feels that is one way to be with her.
All of a sudden Deline's has a bunch of accidents. She soon realized that they are not accidents after all.

Denali Giardians by Kimberley Woodhouse
Josh Richards is new to the rangers and loves his job. He also likes Deanna.
Deanna Smith keeps to herself and does not talk about her past. Then she gets a email from her stalker saying he found her. Deanna calls her FBI contact and he gets thier to find Josh watching the house. Josh and his fellow rangers agree to help protect Deanna when they realize what is going on. Then they start to be picked off in seemingly accidents that are not.
The four stories kept my interest up the whole way and make me want to go see Alaska's Denali but not too climb it.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
01/31/2013 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc.

[Valerie Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Denali Dreams is a book containing four Christian romantic suspense novellas written by Kimberley Woodhouse and Ronie Kendig. All four stories feature characters who live in Alaska and work at the Talkeetna ranger station at the base of Mt Denali, also known as The High One.

Not being the mountaineering sort, I didn't realize how big a deal climbing Denali is--very much like Everest. The town at the base is only really alive during the short summer months when the mountain is open, and access is restricted and overseen by professionals. As such, the setting for this collection is vivid and unique.

"Mountain Dreams" by Kim Woodhouse is the first in the set. It features a woman, Karon Granger, from Louisiana, who has recently been declared cancer-free. Her dream is to climb Denali, but everyone treats her as though she's fragile. Finally her brother relents enough to accompany her, but when he falls and breaks his leg, it's up to Karon to prove she has what it takes. Though a rescue party headed up by dashing ranger Zack Taylor is not unwelcome.

In "Daring Heights" by Ronie Kendig, the heiress of an Alaskan oil company feels she must face the mountain where her brother died. Jolie Decouteau is an experienced climber (as was her brother), but she's afraid someone is out to get her when she begins to experience extreme mountain sickness. Denali base camp ranger David Whiteeagle resents Jolie and the lifestyle she represents, but it's his job to go to her rescue when needed. It doesn't take long for both Jolie and David to be running for their lives. . .and toward each other.

The third novella, "Taking Flight" by Ronie Kendig, features Deline Tsosie, a pilot who takes tourists around The High One and also flies rescue as required. She's amused by ranger Logan Knox, who keeps buying a seat on one of her flights, though he doesn't seem to enjoy flying. But when it becomes apparent her plane has been sabotaged, shy Logan steps up to save her life and to melt the ice from her heart.

The final novella, "Denali Guardians," is by Kim Woodhouse. Deanna Smith has worked at the ranger station for many years under an assumed name, hoping she's evaded the stalker who killed her sister. She's kept to herself so no one will know too much, or be hurt should her tactics not prove enough. New ranger Josh Richards has fallen hard for Deanna. When her life is suddenly in danger, Josh rallies the crew at the Talkeetna ranger station to end the stalking, once and for all. When she's free to relax and love, he hopes she'll choose him.

If you are looking for a collection of short reads which give you a glimpse of an exotic setting and an extra shot of adrenaline, pick up Denali Dreams!

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a little mystery along with a bit of romance! The stories in this book are all great and will hold your interest. I like how the stories are all connected but are each their own. The characters don’t get a real chance to develop because the stories are just short ones. That said they are great stories when looking for a quick read. I gave this book 5/5 stars. I liked the stories and the characters in all the stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian suspense or Christian romance stories. I highly recommend this book!

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

[Kristin · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's not that this book was poorly written but I do not read Christian literature and that is exactly what this book is. With working at a National Park, I was really excited to read this but with all the passage readings, prayers and mentions of God I found myself put off from the story. I only wound up reading the first story before putting the books down. However, the story itself is good and if you don't mind the Christian aspect, this is a great story with Denali as the focal point.

Favorite quote...
"She felt like one of the little puppies trudging through the snow in 101 Dalmatians. Her nose was froze. Her toes were frozen. And yes, even her tail was frozen." -Karon

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars, all short stories, some better than other
All stories about Rangers from Dalai, Alaska mountain.
First two about guests meeting Rangers
Last two stories about existing town members getting together
Romance was pretty straight forward. I was interested in the description of the place and process of people climbing the mountain.
Not ronies usual military story

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

great stories and plenty of deep messages to think about on a spiritual level

[Lauren Bassford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Standard not-terribly-well-written inspirational romance fluff. A nice light read.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light reading, romance.

[Aerykah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed these stories. And loved the characters!

[Chey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too preachy and instead of giving a well rounded perspective of Alaska it focused only on Denali.