Icecutter's Daughter, The

Bestselling Author Unveils New Historical SeriesMerrill Krause longs for a family of her own, but she's bound by a promise to her dying mother to care for her father and older brothers until they no longer need her. She enjoys being part of the family business, harvesting ice during the brutal Minnesota winters. Merrill actively takes part, possessing a keen ability to work with the horses--despite the advice of her good friend, who disapproves of her unladylike behavior. When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small town to join his uncle doing carpentry, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. As he thrives under the mentorship of his uncle, Rurik dreams of inheriting the business and claiming Merrill as his wife. But while he is determined to start a new life, the past is determined to follow him when his former fiancee and her brother show up in town. Soon Rurik is put in the center of a major scandal that may damage his relationship with Merrill. Can they learn to trust God--and each other--and embrace the promise of love?From the Inside FlapBeing a woman has never kept Merrill from fully participating in her family's business, despite the advice of her good friend, who disapproves of her unladylike behavior. Merrill genuinely loves the difficult but rewarding tasks--working with the animals alongside her brothers and enjoying the harsh but pristine beauty of a Minnesota winter. When Rurik Jorgensen takes an interest in her, Merrill can scarcely believe that this handsome man might hope to court her. But just as she dares to open her heart to the possibility, her dreams are crushed by the arrival of Svea Olsson. Svea's intentions toward Rurik are clear...and she's determined to get her way. Will obligation force Rurik and Merrill apart? Or can she dare to believe that all things will work together for good? From the Back CoverAs the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she's never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl--she'd rather work with her father's horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she's been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors. When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle's carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build...until Rurik's former fiance shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik. Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God--and each other--when scandal threatens their newfound love?Tracie Peterson's love for history and research fuel the bestselling stories she writes. She is the author of more than ninety novels and the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award. Tracie and her family live in Montana.