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Land of the Midnight Sun #1
No Safe Haven
Jenna and Andi Tikaani-Gray are hoping for a fresh start. Though twelve year-old Andi has long struggled with a rare medical disorder, she and her mother have finally received good news from out-of-town specialists. It's news they desperately needed, especially after the recent death of Jenna's husband (Andi's dad) in a car accident.
But as they are flying home to Alaska, ready to begin again, the unthinkable happens. The pilot sabotages their small plane and crashes into Sultana, one of the most remote and dangerous mountains in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Even worse, a winter storm is headed their way along with someone who doesn't want to save them, but to kill them.
Only one man can keep them alive: Cole Maddox, the mysterious last-minute passenger who joined them on their flight. But trust doesn't come easy to Jenna or Andi, and they both sense Cole is hiding something.
A relentless tale of survival and suspense unfolds, involving military technology designed by Jenna's late husband that some would do anything to possess.
Endorsements and Reviews:
"I'd only made it to page 8 when I realized I was holding my breath. Shivers are still traveling up my arms from a story that is both dramatic and heart-warming."
Tricia Goyer, award-winning author
"Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouse know how to weave powerful, faith-building, can't-put-down stories - in life and now, brilliantly, in fiction."
Susan May Warren, best-selling author of Nightingale
"A novel of high adventure, exhilarating suspense, powerful divine proteection and enough love to bring tears all around."
Christian Retailing (Top Pick review)
"A thrilling adventure of the heart and mind . . . No Safe Haven is a brilliant start to what will be an unmissable series from this mother and daughter team."
Relz Reviewz
"Romance, suspense, intrigue--Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouse have crafted a book that has it all. You won't be able to put this one down!"
Jenny B. Jones, award-winning author of Save the Date and A Charmed Life series
"A nail-biting delight of a romantic suspense novel. I loved the Alaskan setting and characters. The Woodhouse writing duo is dynamite!"
Colleen Coble, author of The Lightkeeper's Ball and the Rock Harbor series
"Non-stop action from an unforgettable mother/daughter team."
Brandilyn and Amberly Collins, co-authors of the award-winning Rayne Tour Series
"An incredible adventure thriller that kept me turning pages well into the wee hours. I look forward to more from this incredible mother-daughter team."
Tracie Peterson, best-selling author of the Striking a Match series
"Based on personal knowledge and experience, the authors create realistic characters. Alternating perspectives, love, loss and mystery hold the reader's attention. The authors remind us that faith is simple: All one must do is believe."
RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
"The story is captivating and the action is fast-paced."
TitleTrakk.com
But as they are flying home to Alaska, ready to begin again, the unthinkable happens. The pilot sabotages their small plane and crashes into Sultana, one of the most remote and dangerous mountains in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Even worse, a winter storm is headed their way along with someone who doesn't want to save them, but to kill them.
Only one man can keep them alive: Cole Maddox, the mysterious last-minute passenger who joined them on their flight. But trust doesn't come easy to Jenna or Andi, and they both sense Cole is hiding something.
A relentless tale of survival and suspense unfolds, involving military technology designed by Jenna's late husband that some would do anything to possess.
Endorsements and Reviews:
"I'd only made it to page 8 when I realized I was holding my breath. Shivers are still traveling up my arms from a story that is both dramatic and heart-warming."
Tricia Goyer, award-winning author
"Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouse know how to weave powerful, faith-building, can't-put-down stories - in life and now, brilliantly, in fiction."
Susan May Warren, best-selling author of Nightingale
"A novel of high adventure, exhilarating suspense, powerful divine proteection and enough love to bring tears all around."
Christian Retailing (Top Pick review)
"A thrilling adventure of the heart and mind . . . No Safe Haven is a brilliant start to what will be an unmissable series from this mother and daughter team."
Relz Reviewz
"Romance, suspense, intrigue--Kimberley and Kayla Woodhouse have crafted a book that has it all. You won't be able to put this one down!"
Jenny B. Jones, award-winning author of Save the Date and A Charmed Life series
"A nail-biting delight of a romantic suspense novel. I loved the Alaskan setting and characters. The Woodhouse writing duo is dynamite!"
Colleen Coble, author of The Lightkeeper's Ball and the Rock Harbor series
"Non-stop action from an unforgettable mother/daughter team."
Brandilyn and Amberly Collins, co-authors of the award-winning Rayne Tour Series
"An incredible adventure thriller that kept me turning pages well into the wee hours. I look forward to more from this incredible mother-daughter team."
Tracie Peterson, best-selling author of the Striking a Match series
"Based on personal knowledge and experience, the authors create realistic characters. Alternating perspectives, love, loss and mystery hold the reader's attention. The authors remind us that faith is simple: All one must do is believe."
RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
"The story is captivating and the action is fast-paced."
TitleTrakk.com
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2011
25 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Kimberley Woodhouse
48 books1,680 followersKimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than forty books. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate and the promise of eighteen holes on the golf course. She loves music, kayaking, and her family. Her books have been awarded the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Reader's Choice Award, Selah Award, Spur Award, and others. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared with over 2,000,000 people at more than twenty-five hundred venues across the country. Married to the love of her life for three decades, she lives and writes in Colorado where she's traded in her hat of "craziest mom" for "Nana the Great." Connect with Kim at www.kimberleywoodhouse.com www.facebook.com/KimberleyWoodhouseAu...
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August 15, 2012Regrettably, No Safe Haven is a perfect example of why I struggle with the premise of Christian fiction. I have no issues with people’s beliefs in a Higher Power, with the idea of forgiveness and loving one’s neighbor, and other Christian elements. I do however wrestle with the idea that these tenets are purely Christian. I also take issue with the idea that someone is not trustworthy unless they believe in God or consider themselves Christian or that somehow being a Christian makes someone completely honest and reliable. For all its talk of tolerance and love, I find Christian fiction to be highly intolerant and exclusive. In my limited experience, the enemies are always non-Christian, and the heroes always find their way back to God after having lost their faith for some reason. This is a very narrow and dangerous viewpoint in our highly diverse world and is one that does nothing to promote the tolerance and acceptance which Christians love to claim as their primary message.
No Safe Haven does nothing to convince me that the true message within Christian fiction is not one of intolerance, however subtle that message may be. Throughout the novel, there are several moments when a character questions another person’s actions as implausible because s/he is a Christian and would never do such a thing. At other times, a character urges others to accept God before it is too late, and these discussions always occur during highly stressful and action-packed scenes. No other belief system is as important as theirs. Call me crazy, but that is an attitude that is difficult to stomach.
Take away the Christian elements, which do make up approximately half of its 352 pages, and the actual story of No Safe Haven is not horrible. Andi is adorable, bouncing between a precocious girl-child and an all-too-wise young women as only a preteen can. Her bond with her mother is breathtakingly sweet. Cole makes for a great mystery man. However, the entire novel feels more like action-lite than a true thriller. The mystery is convenient, while the danger in which Andi and Jenna find themselves never really gets under the skin of the reader. There is tension, but it does not build to a fever pitch, as a reader knows that the good guys will win out in the end. In fact, the entire story is very black and white. There are the good guys and there are the bad guys, and there is no confusing of the two. It makes for an interesting storyline but one that is not absorbing, pleasant without being completely engrossing.
Unfortunately, the story itself cannot compete and does nothing to offset its more negative aspects. The proselytizing within No Safe Haven is just too much too often. When not discussing faith, God, and the power of prayer, there is the long and repetitive discussions of Andi’s medical disorder, one in which Kayla Woodhouse has firsthand experience, as she has it herself. While the disorder is fascinating in what it means for sufferers, after the third or fourth explanation of the dangers, the drama behind the illness loses its effectiveness. For the right audience, No Safe Haven may indeed be compelling. Sadly, I am not a part of that target audience, and I consider No Safe Haven a great lesson in that there is such a thing as moving too far beyond the boundaries of one’s comfort zone.
Acknowledgments: Thank you to LibraryThing's Early Reader Program for my review copy!
No Safe Haven does nothing to convince me that the true message within Christian fiction is not one of intolerance, however subtle that message may be. Throughout the novel, there are several moments when a character questions another person’s actions as implausible because s/he is a Christian and would never do such a thing. At other times, a character urges others to accept God before it is too late, and these discussions always occur during highly stressful and action-packed scenes. No other belief system is as important as theirs. Call me crazy, but that is an attitude that is difficult to stomach.
Take away the Christian elements, which do make up approximately half of its 352 pages, and the actual story of No Safe Haven is not horrible. Andi is adorable, bouncing between a precocious girl-child and an all-too-wise young women as only a preteen can. Her bond with her mother is breathtakingly sweet. Cole makes for a great mystery man. However, the entire novel feels more like action-lite than a true thriller. The mystery is convenient, while the danger in which Andi and Jenna find themselves never really gets under the skin of the reader. There is tension, but it does not build to a fever pitch, as a reader knows that the good guys will win out in the end. In fact, the entire story is very black and white. There are the good guys and there are the bad guys, and there is no confusing of the two. It makes for an interesting storyline but one that is not absorbing, pleasant without being completely engrossing.
Unfortunately, the story itself cannot compete and does nothing to offset its more negative aspects. The proselytizing within No Safe Haven is just too much too often. When not discussing faith, God, and the power of prayer, there is the long and repetitive discussions of Andi’s medical disorder, one in which Kayla Woodhouse has firsthand experience, as she has it herself. While the disorder is fascinating in what it means for sufferers, after the third or fourth explanation of the dangers, the drama behind the illness loses its effectiveness. For the right audience, No Safe Haven may indeed be compelling. Sadly, I am not a part of that target audience, and I consider No Safe Haven a great lesson in that there is such a thing as moving too far beyond the boundaries of one’s comfort zone.
Acknowledgments: Thank you to LibraryThing's Early Reader Program for my review copy!
December 3, 2011
Andie and her mother, Jenna, are flying home from a doctor’s appointment in Anchorage when the pilot sabotages their small plane. They crash on Sultana, a mountain that is part of the Denali National Park. Stranded with a winter storm on its way, only one man can keep them alive, the mysterious last-minute passenger, Cole. With hidden secrets and killers trying to track them down, no one really trusts anyone. Yet they must trust each other if they are going to survive.
This was an engaging story told from several points of view, including that of Andie, Jenna’s teenage daughter. Andie’s point of view was written by Kayla Woodhouse, a teenage author and daughter of Kimberly. What a fun thing to write a book with a family member like that. They did an excellent job. I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense as Jenna, Andie, and Cole fought to stay alive despite the way the bad guys and nature kept coming at them. And there is an interesting mystery woven into this tale as well. Very well done. Can’t wait to read book two!
This was an engaging story told from several points of view, including that of Andie, Jenna’s teenage daughter. Andie’s point of view was written by Kayla Woodhouse, a teenage author and daughter of Kimberly. What a fun thing to write a book with a family member like that. They did an excellent job. I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense as Jenna, Andie, and Cole fought to stay alive despite the way the bad guys and nature kept coming at them. And there is an interesting mystery woven into this tale as well. Very well done. Can’t wait to read book two!
April 3, 2011
It was an Early Reviewers copy, and I must admit I requested the book because I was mainly attracted by the setting: Alaska, Denali National Park, a crash in the mountains, and the themes of survival and perseverance. The information it was Christian fiction was either not there, or I must have skipped over it, as I would have never thought it was for me. Christian fiction is not something I would read out of my volition. Still, since I requested it, I decided to read it, and I must say that the story did keep me interested. It had a good mixture of suspense, drama and romance, and the style had certain exuberance to it. It’s impressive that it’s written by a mother and an adolescent daughter team as well, and I think it would really appeal to adolescent Christian readers. Overall, not a bad read
March 8, 2015
I wanted to give this book four stars. It actually deserves one. We're... grudgingly giving it two.
The story is completely unbelievable, first off. We have a girl who doesn't feel pain who's first word in the book is 'Ouchie'. (!?!) And I highlighted six other 'ow' and pain references that shouldn't have been. But then when she severely sprains her ankles, she doesn't feel anything...?
Added to that, she's got a condition in which she can't adjust to temperature fluctuations... and she's stranded in subzero temps, endures a firestorm, climbs a mountain with a severely sprained ankle, her mother has an infected gash and a head injury and elevation sickness and... the problems just keep coming, and there's just NO way anyone could buy all of this with such a storyline.
But worse was the author's voice. She writes like a petulant teenager. The story has over-reactions on every single page. Someone says something, and people start screaming at each other for no good reason. The author writes things in to suit as she goes along, with no prior allusions to them... which is shoddy. It's just awful writing, all the way around. It's the author who makes us hate this book.
OTOH, in comparison to other books I've read of the chrischun genre, this one has *REAL* faith in it. It about kills the proverbial dead horse, it's so prevalent, but it is done well... I have to admit.
And the action is exciting. The description is well done. The plot is well thought-out. The hero is just the right parts conflicted and courageous. So there are things that are done well, here.
But they're cancelled out by too much of everything else. Mostly the author, herself. Her voice shouldn't be printed. It was just not good.
The story is completely unbelievable, first off. We have a girl who doesn't feel pain who's first word in the book is 'Ouchie'. (!?!) And I highlighted six other 'ow' and pain references that shouldn't have been. But then when she severely sprains her ankles, she doesn't feel anything...?
Added to that, she's got a condition in which she can't adjust to temperature fluctuations... and she's stranded in subzero temps, endures a firestorm, climbs a mountain with a severely sprained ankle, her mother has an infected gash and a head injury and elevation sickness and... the problems just keep coming, and there's just NO way anyone could buy all of this with such a storyline.
But worse was the author's voice. She writes like a petulant teenager. The story has over-reactions on every single page. Someone says something, and people start screaming at each other for no good reason. The author writes things in to suit as she goes along, with no prior allusions to them... which is shoddy. It's just awful writing, all the way around. It's the author who makes us hate this book.
OTOH, in comparison to other books I've read of the chrischun genre, this one has *REAL* faith in it. It about kills the proverbial dead horse, it's so prevalent, but it is done well... I have to admit.
And the action is exciting. The description is well done. The plot is well thought-out. The hero is just the right parts conflicted and courageous. So there are things that are done well, here.
But they're cancelled out by too much of everything else. Mostly the author, herself. Her voice shouldn't be printed. It was just not good.
January 28, 2018
WOW what a great story and so well written it was a real joy to read it. I loved the plot and the three main characters - especially Andie. This book has one of the best character developments I read in a long time in a Christian novel.
The book is a mixture of so many gernes it would be very difficult if ever I had to put it onto one single shelf - it has elements of suspense, romance, drama, chick-lit, YA, conspiracy, contemporary Christian fiction, ...
For sure this won't be my last book by these authors and I'm looking forward to read more!
The book is a mixture of so many gernes it would be very difficult if ever I had to put it onto one single shelf - it has elements of suspense, romance, drama, chick-lit, YA, conspiracy, contemporary Christian fiction, ...
For sure this won't be my last book by these authors and I'm looking forward to read more!
October 31, 2010
Andie and her mother Jenna are flying in their plane home to Alaska. They are giving a ride to a man named Cole. When they see Hank their pilot and Cole struggling together they are confused and scared. Hank has sabotaged their plane and set them on a crash course for one of the highest peaks in Alaska.
After the crash Andie awakes first and realizes that she must help her mother and Cole stay warm in the freezing elements. Also she must take care of her own needs as she has a rare disorder that causes her to feel no pain and her body to be unable to maintain a proper temperature.
Jenna suffers a severe cut on her leg and has lost a lot of blood. When she comes to her first thoughts are for her daughter. Since the death of her husband she has been the sole caregiver for her daughter. She is very leery of Cole and his desire to get them away from the crash site. She also is struggling to understand why Hank who has been their friend for years would sabotage the plane.
Cole had made a promise to Jenna’s husband before he died. He promised to take care of his family. He intends to do that no matter what. Battling his own demons of losing his wife and daughter he is determined to never let his heart care again. What he didn’t count on was spunky Andie.
In an effort to escape other bad men that are after a secret that Jenna’s husband never talked about to her, the 3 start hiking higher up the mountain. Their hope is that the bad men will think that they died in the crash. While spending harrowing days battling the elements Jenna’s leg becomes steadily more infected. Andie’s disorder proves challenging and Cole is in constant battle within himself about his softening heart towards “his girls”. Andie gets under his skin with her straight-forward talk of God’s love and forgiveness.
Danger is still just around the corner once they are rescued. Jenna is devastated when she learns about her husband’s part in why they are in danger. Andie is disillusioned about her “hero dad.” Both must learn to give their fears to the Lord and trust Him. Cole needs to learn that he is not in control of all situations and he must put his faith in God.
This was a fast-paced, heart-stopping mystery that I really enjoyed. You get the feel for each character as the story is told from Cole, Jenna and Andie’s points of view.
After the crash Andie awakes first and realizes that she must help her mother and Cole stay warm in the freezing elements. Also she must take care of her own needs as she has a rare disorder that causes her to feel no pain and her body to be unable to maintain a proper temperature.
Jenna suffers a severe cut on her leg and has lost a lot of blood. When she comes to her first thoughts are for her daughter. Since the death of her husband she has been the sole caregiver for her daughter. She is very leery of Cole and his desire to get them away from the crash site. She also is struggling to understand why Hank who has been their friend for years would sabotage the plane.
Cole had made a promise to Jenna’s husband before he died. He promised to take care of his family. He intends to do that no matter what. Battling his own demons of losing his wife and daughter he is determined to never let his heart care again. What he didn’t count on was spunky Andie.
In an effort to escape other bad men that are after a secret that Jenna’s husband never talked about to her, the 3 start hiking higher up the mountain. Their hope is that the bad men will think that they died in the crash. While spending harrowing days battling the elements Jenna’s leg becomes steadily more infected. Andie’s disorder proves challenging and Cole is in constant battle within himself about his softening heart towards “his girls”. Andie gets under his skin with her straight-forward talk of God’s love and forgiveness.
Danger is still just around the corner once they are rescued. Jenna is devastated when she learns about her husband’s part in why they are in danger. Andie is disillusioned about her “hero dad.” Both must learn to give their fears to the Lord and trust Him. Cole needs to learn that he is not in control of all situations and he must put his faith in God.
This was a fast-paced, heart-stopping mystery that I really enjoyed. You get the feel for each character as the story is told from Cole, Jenna and Andie’s points of view.
June 12, 2011
I was not sure about this book when I won it in the Early Reviews but it really surprised me. I started reading and was shocked that the plane went down so quickly at the start of the book. I asked myself where on earth could they take this book if the plane has already crashed but I was pleasantly surprised that the book continue to climax all the way to the end. The authors did a wonderful job at describing the life on the mountain without making it seem too over the top. It really seemed realistic considering it is a fiction book.
I loved how they wrote the book from each character's perspective. It make the book move faster and it was interesting to see what was going on through each person's eyes and know what they were thinking throughout the whole ordeal.
I also have to say what a great job they did on writing in the faith aspect of the story. As a children's church director, I see the faith children have and how they fully believe without question. The authors really wrote the child's perspective in an authentic way and I am sure that is due to Kayla's influence. I am impressed at how well this mother-daughter team did on expressing how hard it is to keep faith when you are going through some of the hardest times of your life.
Overall, this is a book I would definitely read again and I have already passed it along to my mother to read. I hope that this mother-daughter team write more books in the future!
(I received this book through LibraryThing in exchange for a review.)
I loved how they wrote the book from each character's perspective. It make the book move faster and it was interesting to see what was going on through each person's eyes and know what they were thinking throughout the whole ordeal.
I also have to say what a great job they did on writing in the faith aspect of the story. As a children's church director, I see the faith children have and how they fully believe without question. The authors really wrote the child's perspective in an authentic way and I am sure that is due to Kayla's influence. I am impressed at how well this mother-daughter team did on expressing how hard it is to keep faith when you are going through some of the hardest times of your life.
Overall, this is a book I would definitely read again and I have already passed it along to my mother to read. I hope that this mother-daughter team write more books in the future!
(I received this book through LibraryThing in exchange for a review.)
September 24, 2014
No Safe Haven is one of those books that grabs you and pulls you into the story from the very first page, which is great and very exciting. There is so much suspense in not only the precarious situations in which the characters land, but also in the dilemma of who can be trusted, which changes throughout the story. These dangers are all compounded by the medical condition of the young character, Andie.
Most of the story moves along at a fast pace. Each very short chapter is told from the viewpoint of one of the characters, so the reader is privy to the mind and emotions of many characters throughout the novel. I found this aspect of the novel to be very interesting. I think the authors did a good job in connecting the reader to each of the different characters. My favorite character is Andie, who is a preteen. She is feisty and definitely an overcomer. I think she is a great addition to the cast of characters.
Andie and Jenna are both committed Christians, who rely heavily on God for guidance and protection. This spiritual aspect plays a large part in the story.
If you enjoy adventure and suspense with a bit of romance thrown in, I think you will like No Safe Haven.
Most of the story moves along at a fast pace. Each very short chapter is told from the viewpoint of one of the characters, so the reader is privy to the mind and emotions of many characters throughout the novel. I found this aspect of the novel to be very interesting. I think the authors did a good job in connecting the reader to each of the different characters. My favorite character is Andie, who is a preteen. She is feisty and definitely an overcomer. I think she is a great addition to the cast of characters.
Andie and Jenna are both committed Christians, who rely heavily on God for guidance and protection. This spiritual aspect plays a large part in the story.
If you enjoy adventure and suspense with a bit of romance thrown in, I think you will like No Safe Haven.
May 30, 2013
Loved the suspense and action in this book. Enjoyed the characters in such a way that I could hear their voices in my head as I read it. Kim and Kayla, thanks for explaining this disorder in such an understandable way - story format is always the best way for me to understand and learn new things!
October 27, 2019
Whew! Allow me a moment to get my blood pressure down a little ;) From cover to cover this book was a page-turner fully loaded with twists and turns.
If I didn't already know that this was written by a mother-daugther duo with the daughter only being 12 I never would have guessed it. There is actually quite a bit of their real lives weaved into the characters' pasts. After they were on the show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Kimberley Woodhouse published the book Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy where she shared much of their family's journey both leading up to and following Kayla's rare diagnoses. Some of the memories shared in it also found their way into this story. So while the plane crash and Jenna's husband Marc were fully fictionalized, Andie's medical condition and history are very true to Kayla's life. The fact that at only 12 years old Kayla was able to write and express herself in such a way is truly remarkable.
With something new hitting the characters around every corner, this book easily kept the pages turning. I would not have wanted to find myself anywhere near the situations they found themselves stuck in. The suspense was palpable and the action explosive.
As with other novels written by Kimberley Woodhouse there is a strong faith element woven in. Throughout their journey you see both Jenna and Andie both relying on God and sharing Christ with others around them. It's evident that their hope is to point the reader to Christ as well.
I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to read the next in the series. Definite two thumbs up!
If I didn't already know that this was written by a mother-daugther duo with the daughter only being 12 I never would have guessed it. There is actually quite a bit of their real lives weaved into the characters' pasts. After they were on the show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Kimberley Woodhouse published the book Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy where she shared much of their family's journey both leading up to and following Kayla's rare diagnoses. Some of the memories shared in it also found their way into this story. So while the plane crash and Jenna's husband Marc were fully fictionalized, Andie's medical condition and history are very true to Kayla's life. The fact that at only 12 years old Kayla was able to write and express herself in such a way is truly remarkable.
With something new hitting the characters around every corner, this book easily kept the pages turning. I would not have wanted to find myself anywhere near the situations they found themselves stuck in. The suspense was palpable and the action explosive.
As with other novels written by Kimberley Woodhouse there is a strong faith element woven in. Throughout their journey you see both Jenna and Andie both relying on God and sharing Christ with others around them. It's evident that their hope is to point the reader to Christ as well.
I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to read the next in the series. Definite two thumbs up!
November 16, 2025
I bet I tricked you all reading that "P" book last time. ;) That was just a Book Club Book, so I went back to my "N" book for my Read thru the Alphabet game.
This is one I have had on my Paperwhite for a very long time, probably since when I got my first Kindle. I couldn't wait to load it up with good books without paying $10 each, so someone told me about this website at the time where you could get them for $5 or less. I have no idea now what the name of the website was, but it was great to get me started. This book is not even in print anymore!
Was it good? Worthy of the 4+ stars 83% of the 379 people who reviewed the book? Eh, I'd probably give it 3-4 stars. The writing was a not high quality, but the story was very engaging. Did I feel like I was really stuck on the mountainside in Alaska during a blizzard? No. Was I nervous about how it was going to end or how many more people were actually going to die? Yes. So, read & decide for yourself.
This is one I have had on my Paperwhite for a very long time, probably since when I got my first Kindle. I couldn't wait to load it up with good books without paying $10 each, so someone told me about this website at the time where you could get them for $5 or less. I have no idea now what the name of the website was, but it was great to get me started. This book is not even in print anymore!
Was it good? Worthy of the 4+ stars 83% of the 379 people who reviewed the book? Eh, I'd probably give it 3-4 stars. The writing was a not high quality, but the story was very engaging. Did I feel like I was really stuck on the mountainside in Alaska during a blizzard? No. Was I nervous about how it was going to end or how many more people were actually going to die? Yes. So, read & decide for yourself.
February 10, 2026
This book surprised me and was better than I was expecting it to be.
I am not good at keeping characters straight when there are multiple points of view, especially in the first few chapters. I tend to get lost, no matter how hard I try. In the first few chapters we hear from Marcus, Jenna, Andie, Leaper, Zoya, and Cole. However, it works here.
I am not even sure how to review this book without providing spoilers, but will give it a shot.
Read for:
🚁plane crash (in synopsis and pretty immediate in story)
🏔 stranded on a snowy mountain range
❄ avalanche
❄ rare genetic conditions
❄ extreme danger
❄ fast moving storyline
❄ secrets revealed
❄ sassy preteen
❄ Alaska setting
I am not good at keeping characters straight when there are multiple points of view, especially in the first few chapters. I tend to get lost, no matter how hard I try. In the first few chapters we hear from Marcus, Jenna, Andie, Leaper, Zoya, and Cole. However, it works here.
I am not even sure how to review this book without providing spoilers, but will give it a shot.
Read for:
🚁plane crash (in synopsis and pretty immediate in story)
🏔 stranded on a snowy mountain range
❄ avalanche
❄ rare genetic conditions
❄ extreme danger
❄ fast moving storyline
❄ secrets revealed
❄ sassy preteen
❄ Alaska setting
March 18, 2023
Whew! I’m exhausted. This book starts and never lets up with the action and suspense. It took me awhile to get into the constant changing of characters perspectives, but once I got the feel of it, I was totally into it.
I really did like the characters and the storyline. The plot really kept me guessing and I’m not sure I ever want to be in a plane flying over Alaska!
This is Christian fiction with no bad language or sex. The gospel message is expressed very well and very often. Loved it!
Interesting to read the author’s notes at the end. Make sure you do.
I’m looking forward to reading the sequel, Race Against Time.
I really did like the characters and the storyline. The plot really kept me guessing and I’m not sure I ever want to be in a plane flying over Alaska!
This is Christian fiction with no bad language or sex. The gospel message is expressed very well and very often. Loved it!
Interesting to read the author’s notes at the end. Make sure you do.
I’m looking forward to reading the sequel, Race Against Time.
May 26, 2018
I enjoyed this book, it's a quick easy read but enjoyable, if not a bit unrealistic. A mother/daughter crash into Denali in Alaska in the middle of winter and the daughter has a medical condition that is hard to manage...and that is just where the fun begins. There are bombings, gunshots, avalanches..and a knight in shining armor. Once off the mountain their life gets even harder! It's a page turner that keeps you guessing who are the good guys and who are the bad guys.
August 14, 2018
I have wanted to read this book for several years and finally got it on interlibrary loan through the public library. Top notch adventure and mystery by a mother and daughter writing team. It was interesting that the daughter wrote it as a teenager. It also reflected the true life rare medical condition of the daughter with the 12 year old main character. They have written another book, which I will put on my TBR list.
February 15, 2020
Jenna and Andi mother and daughter flying over the majestic land of Alaska. She had a private plane and a stranger wanted a lift, The Pilot was on the take to crash the plane. Unknown Colt was hired to protect her. Learning trust for any of them was something they had to do when they are trying to survive in the Alaskan wilderness. The story was told by the different characters. Interesting, and the setting was well told.
July 17, 2018
This was a page turner! Suspenseful, falling in love (though, not necessarily from the direction you'd expect), and unique touches to keep my attention. I found myself reading the jacket again to see if there's a sequel.
December 4, 2019
Well written
This Christian novel was a pleasure to read. The suspense was just enough. These authors put in great scriptures. This story showed what can happen when we trust the LORD.
This Christian novel was a pleasure to read. The suspense was just enough. These authors put in great scriptures. This story showed what can happen when we trust the LORD.
May 27, 2021
High three stars. I like reading Christian fiction, but this need up being a little bit too preachy for even me. Good fast paced novel though. The assassins in the hospital were very cliche, and it would have been better not to have them at all.
May 10, 2017
😍😍😍
Wow! The action was so intense throughout this awesome book but there was so much laughter too! Incredibly balanced and researched.
Wow! The action was so intense throughout this awesome book but there was so much laughter too! Incredibly balanced and researched.
November 10, 2019
Interesting spy mystery with the young main character having a life threatening disease. Set n Alaska, a deep faith in God also part of theme of storyline.
August 13, 2020
AMAZING!
April 4, 2021
Engaging story.
Read
June 29, 2021Not a bad book. There were time you on the edge of your seat... like that about a book.
July 13, 2021
I will be waiting for the next one.
July 14, 2021
This was a good story and moved pretty well; the relationship happened a little too unrealistically fast but I enjoyed the different writing perspectives.
April 15, 2023
Enjoyed this book by mother and daughter duo! Fast-paced and full of intrigue - keeps you guessing until the end.
March 17, 2011
Kimberley and Kayla R. Woodhouse
have put together an indelible thriller that will keep your heart pounding, yet uplifting and heartwarming at the same time. With trials and tribulations enough to make Job's miseries seem almost trivial in comparison, this intrepid trio face incredible odds against survival while their Christian faith stays strong, at least for two of them. The third member of the party will come to it but has two injured "girls" to rescue off one of the highest, steepest mountains in Denali park in an Alaskan winter, all the while being pursued by terrorists who are looking for something they believe the mother has information on, and then to leave no witnesses alive. They are out to kill these three and they are very good at what they do, leaving no trace.
This book is a wonderful story of faith and survival, but it is also full of tips for survival woven into the story, and an awareness of a rare neural disorder that can be deadly in a matter of moments, a disorder that one of the authors actually suffers from. I was aware of this disorder, but learned more for which I'm grateful to the authors. So, we have a mixed bag in this book Terrorists, a man who has lost too much in his life and must learn to live again, a fast-paced, wild ride of a thriller, a 12 year old girl, Andie, with a rare disorder of unimaginable consequences, families disrupted by death, a love story, and deep, inspiring faith.
What sounds like a very complicated story is actually a book that I couldn't put down. Action-packed from the moment the plane they were flying home in is sabotaged and crashes high on Sultana Mountain to the final murderous attempt. The plane was originally owned by Andi's father Marc until his murder, and now is owned by her mother, Jenna. It was flown by Hank, a "trusted" friend of Marc and Jenna prior to Marc's death. Who was the mysterious last minute passenger? After he took over piloting the plane when the radio was shot out, what caused him to pass out? Was he responsible for the crash or was he trying to correct the damage? Can Jenna and Andie trust him? When Jenna took over piloting she realized that none of the controls were responding. That there would be a crash was inevitable.
I took away so much more from the book than just a great story. Living in the north myself, I found the survival techniques very useful, especially how to keep warm through the bitterly cold nights and what to have with you for survival preparation. I also took away a refreshing of my faith. I applaud the authors for the smoothness with which they wrote this book, the interaction of the characters, more noticeable because of the manner in which the chapters are written, the heart-pounding action, the exciting plot, and pulling it all together so believably. The chapters are told mostly by the three main characters in the first person, almost giving a feeling that the reader is invested in the story. I look forward to more from this author pair, mother and daughter. This is the duo's debut as a writing team, and an exceptional one.
This book is a wonderful story of faith and survival, but it is also full of tips for survival woven into the story, and an awareness of a rare neural disorder that can be deadly in a matter of moments, a disorder that one of the authors actually suffers from. I was aware of this disorder, but learned more for which I'm grateful to the authors. So, we have a mixed bag in this book Terrorists, a man who has lost too much in his life and must learn to live again, a fast-paced, wild ride of a thriller, a 12 year old girl, Andie, with a rare disorder of unimaginable consequences, families disrupted by death, a love story, and deep, inspiring faith.
What sounds like a very complicated story is actually a book that I couldn't put down. Action-packed from the moment the plane they were flying home in is sabotaged and crashes high on Sultana Mountain to the final murderous attempt. The plane was originally owned by Andi's father Marc until his murder, and now is owned by her mother, Jenna. It was flown by Hank, a "trusted" friend of Marc and Jenna prior to Marc's death. Who was the mysterious last minute passenger? After he took over piloting the plane when the radio was shot out, what caused him to pass out? Was he responsible for the crash or was he trying to correct the damage? Can Jenna and Andie trust him? When Jenna took over piloting she realized that none of the controls were responding. That there would be a crash was inevitable.
I took away so much more from the book than just a great story. Living in the north myself, I found the survival techniques very useful, especially how to keep warm through the bitterly cold nights and what to have with you for survival preparation. I also took away a refreshing of my faith. I applaud the authors for the smoothness with which they wrote this book, the interaction of the characters, more noticeable because of the manner in which the chapters are written, the heart-pounding action, the exciting plot, and pulling it all together so believably. The chapters are told mostly by the three main characters in the first person, almost giving a feeling that the reader is invested in the story. I look forward to more from this author pair, mother and daughter. This is the duo's debut as a writing team, and an exceptional one.
February 3, 2014
This debut novel by a mother and teen-age daughter team portends of good things to come. This is a terrific action-adventure novel with no mere romance, but a wonderful love story. The novel is based on real life, as co-author Kayla, the teenage daughter, has a rare nerve disorder preventing her from regulating her body temperature or feeling pain. They have created a mother-daughter team (Jenna Tikaani-Gray and teenage Andie) whereby the fictional teenage daughter has the same disorder.
The story opens one year after Jenna’s husband and Andie’s dad died in a car crash. Mother and daughter are flying in their private plane back to their home in Alaska and have agreed to give a lift to a man named Cole. When Cole begins struggling in the cockpit area with their pilot Hank they become more than concerned, they’re terrified. And that’s just the beginning of their problems. It’s going to get a lot worse.
It turns out Hank has sabotaged their plane and they’re about to crash into Sultana, perhaps the most remote and dangerous peaks in Alaska. The crash leaves Jenna with a horrid gash in her leg and tremendous loss of blood. Bad men are chasing them and the ladies don’t know why. It seems Cole might know more than he’s letting on But Jenna isn’t sure she can trust him. Her only thought is the protection and care of her daughter. She knows she must keep Andie safe from the bad men who are chasing them, and she fears she might have to protect her daughter from Cole as well. All logic says they should get off the mountain as fast as possible, but Cole insists they hike further up its brutal slopes. His thinking is if they go higher and hide in ice caves cut out of the packed snow, the bad men will not see them going down the mountain and will think they’ve perished in the crash.
Jenna struggles to understand why their pilot, a family friend, betrayed them. Cole finally reveals what he knows about her deceased husband. Jenna is devastated to find out her husband was involved in nefarious and corrupt activities bordering on treason. She begins to allow herself to trust Cole and grows to love him. Cole’s heart has been in a deep-freeze since the death of his wife and daughter, but it’s beginning to thaw as he allows himself to experience intimate emotions he hasn’t felt in years. I was deeply touched by the way Andie’s simple and beautiful faith was presented. I think that will be a breath of fresh air to long time Christians and will explain the faith to any non-Christians reading the novel.
I enjoyed the different points of view and thought that was handled well. The way they did it enabled me to get to know many of the characters in a deeper way. If I have one bone to pick it’s that the brave and stoic Jenna, who confronts every challenge on the mountain head on, turns into a whiny, weepy female as soon as she gets to safety. I would’ve liked her character to retain her strength. That aside the novel is a page turner. Action-adventure lovers will enjoy this novel, I’m sure.
The story opens one year after Jenna’s husband and Andie’s dad died in a car crash. Mother and daughter are flying in their private plane back to their home in Alaska and have agreed to give a lift to a man named Cole. When Cole begins struggling in the cockpit area with their pilot Hank they become more than concerned, they’re terrified. And that’s just the beginning of their problems. It’s going to get a lot worse.
It turns out Hank has sabotaged their plane and they’re about to crash into Sultana, perhaps the most remote and dangerous peaks in Alaska. The crash leaves Jenna with a horrid gash in her leg and tremendous loss of blood. Bad men are chasing them and the ladies don’t know why. It seems Cole might know more than he’s letting on But Jenna isn’t sure she can trust him. Her only thought is the protection and care of her daughter. She knows she must keep Andie safe from the bad men who are chasing them, and she fears she might have to protect her daughter from Cole as well. All logic says they should get off the mountain as fast as possible, but Cole insists they hike further up its brutal slopes. His thinking is if they go higher and hide in ice caves cut out of the packed snow, the bad men will not see them going down the mountain and will think they’ve perished in the crash.
Jenna struggles to understand why their pilot, a family friend, betrayed them. Cole finally reveals what he knows about her deceased husband. Jenna is devastated to find out her husband was involved in nefarious and corrupt activities bordering on treason. She begins to allow herself to trust Cole and grows to love him. Cole’s heart has been in a deep-freeze since the death of his wife and daughter, but it’s beginning to thaw as he allows himself to experience intimate emotions he hasn’t felt in years. I was deeply touched by the way Andie’s simple and beautiful faith was presented. I think that will be a breath of fresh air to long time Christians and will explain the faith to any non-Christians reading the novel.
I enjoyed the different points of view and thought that was handled well. The way they did it enabled me to get to know many of the characters in a deeper way. If I have one bone to pick it’s that the brave and stoic Jenna, who confronts every challenge on the mountain head on, turns into a whiny, weepy female as soon as she gets to safety. I would’ve liked her character to retain her strength. That aside the novel is a page turner. Action-adventure lovers will enjoy this novel, I’m sure.
July 8, 2015
I was thrilled to receive a review copy of such a gripping, action adventure novel. This is a great book for so many reasons. First it’s written by an amazing mother-daughter team. Kayla is 13 years old and writes the POV of the 12 year old girl who has the same nerve disorder she has. Making Kayla’s condition part of the story brought a depth of emotion, suspense and drama to a whole new level. Not only were Andi and her mom running from men determined to wipe them out but there was an urgency to get Andi to a safe place to stabilize her condition.
This book gripped my heart from the start as the action exploded from the very first page, literally. Jenna and Andi try to find help and piece together what happened as the reader is doing the same. Not only were the main characters Cole, Andi and Jenna running from the enemy, they were also battling Mother Nature and all she had to dish out: snow storms, frost bite, avalanches, and dropping temperatures that messed with their ability to get a grip on the side of the Alaskan mountains as they climbed to safety.
Jenna tries to explain her daughter Andi’s medical condition to their pilot Cole. He says, “She’s a real dare devil, huh?”
“Oh, you have no idea. Take a stubborn child, and remove the fear factor. Think about it. If you have no fear of consequences – mainly pain- you’d try just about anything.”
Kayla adds much to the story and gives the reader an insight into her condition they never would have had other wise. Andi’s dialogue, spunk, and her passionate relationship with Jesus added intensity, tension and gave an urgency of their rescue.
This compelling story had me holding my breath, biting my nails and up until the wee hours of morning seeing who would survive. No Safe Haven has it all danger, suspense, romance and characters I cared about long after I finished reading the last page.
This is an engaging, faith-building story written by a dynamic mother-daughter writing duo you won’t want to miss. I’m anxiously awaiting this team’s next book called, “Race Against Time.” After reading No Safe Haven, you’ll be looking for it too!
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
This book gripped my heart from the start as the action exploded from the very first page, literally. Jenna and Andi try to find help and piece together what happened as the reader is doing the same. Not only were the main characters Cole, Andi and Jenna running from the enemy, they were also battling Mother Nature and all she had to dish out: snow storms, frost bite, avalanches, and dropping temperatures that messed with their ability to get a grip on the side of the Alaskan mountains as they climbed to safety.
Jenna tries to explain her daughter Andi’s medical condition to their pilot Cole. He says, “She’s a real dare devil, huh?”
“Oh, you have no idea. Take a stubborn child, and remove the fear factor. Think about it. If you have no fear of consequences – mainly pain- you’d try just about anything.”
Kayla adds much to the story and gives the reader an insight into her condition they never would have had other wise. Andi’s dialogue, spunk, and her passionate relationship with Jesus added intensity, tension and gave an urgency of their rescue.
This compelling story had me holding my breath, biting my nails and up until the wee hours of morning seeing who would survive. No Safe Haven has it all danger, suspense, romance and characters I cared about long after I finished reading the last page.
This is an engaging, faith-building story written by a dynamic mother-daughter writing duo you won’t want to miss. I’m anxiously awaiting this team’s next book called, “Race Against Time.” After reading No Safe Haven, you’ll be looking for it too!
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
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