One Sitka Summer

About the Book

When fourteen-year-old Eliza Healy is dumped on the shores of Sitka Bay, Alaska, in 1867, it’s a long way from Wisconsin and her grandmother’s warm cozy kitchen. Eliza believes the idea of helping her family establish a new Evangelical Brethren Church in the Alaska Territory is exciting, but she soon realizes serving God is much more difficult than she imagined. The harsh living conditions among rough men and a shortage of food make her wonder about her family’s purpose in Alaska.

The icy waters of the bay, a shaman, and a grizzly bear are the least of Eliza’s worries the summer she arrives. As Katrina, a Russian girl, and her friend, Erm, a Tlingit girl, question and challenge Eliza’s fundamental Christian faith, she learns more about different cultures and religions. But God’s presence seems far removed from Eliza as her baby brother, Amos, and her mother become deathly ill.

These new hardships and responsibilities threaten to overwhelm Eliza, but a ruggedly handsome gold miner named Jed may just be her saving grace. Through all of her experiences, adventures, and family crises, she comes to understand God is always there and watching over her.

About the Author

Lois Lindenfeld earned a master’s degree in special education from the University of Virginia. She taught in public schools for twenty-eight years and in Bucharest, Romania, for four years. Lindenfeld has also published materials for Sunday schools by Union Gospel Press. Retired, she has two daughters and several grandchildren.

Heather Nelstead was born in Missouri and is a high school student in Montana. From a young age she has been involved in various forms of art including painting, drawing, theater, and choir. Having lived overseas for several years, she loves learning about different cultures and hopes to see more of God’s creation in future travels.