Winds of Skilak

A Tale of True Grit, True Love and Survival in the Alaskan Wilderness (Winds of Skilak, Book 1)

By: Bonnie Rose Ward

Narrated by: Corinne Davies

Length: 15 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Leaving behind friends, family, and life as they know it, the Wards embark on a journey into the Alaskan wilderness that will change them forever.

Winds of Skilak traces a young couple’s adventurous move from the suburbs of Ohio to a remote island on ill-tempered Skilak Lake. As Sam and Bonnie adapt to a life without running water, electricity, and telephones, the unforgiving, desolate environment tests their courage early on. Facing sub-freezing temperatures, unfriendly bears, and cabin fever, the Wards find strength in new friends, each other, and the awe-inspiring beauty of “the last frontier”. Just when they finally settle in, a freak accident proves to be the ultimate test of their resolve. Will they be able to survive in this isolated wilderness filled with unseen dangers?

Author Bonnie Ward chronicles an exciting and thought-provoking tale of one couple’s faith in God and dedication to each other through all of Alaska’s curveballs. Winds of Skilak is a true tale of absorbing force, sure to bring out your own sense of adventure.

©2018 Bonnie Ward (P)2022 Bonnie Ward

The all inspiring adventures on Skilak Lake

as a resident of Cooper Landing, Skilak lake is near and dear to my heart. Bonnie's story about their adventures is truly awh inspiring and relatable. A truly uplifting adventure she and Sam had On the lake!!!.

Love this adventure!

Having read and reread both books by Bonnie, I was so excited to have the audible version to listen to as I quilt. It does not disappoint! It’s an amazing adventure and very enjoyable!!! Bonnie tells of their journey to the wilds of Alaska. My family spent time on the Kenai Peninsula and was able to visit lake Skilak. It’s an unimaginable adventure as I stood on that shore by a sign warning that cold water kills and gazed across the immensity of the lake and the awe inspiring views. As we drove down the long gravel road back to town we were stunned as bears crashed through brush ahead across the road and just as quickly disappeared. Bonnie weaves an awesome story of their time in Alaska and brings you along as a friend on this incredible journey and you end up feeling as you’ve spent time with them at their side as Alaska unfolds her bounty and beauty as well as her harsh side and the difficulty as well as the joys.

So confused by this narrator's accent

I've read this book before, and though it's a bit more problematic than I remember, I can look past the annoyances and enjoy the story. If you're not a fan of a woman seemingly putting a man ahead of her needs ,you may not enjoy it, (for a lack of a better explanation). I am also so confused by the narrator's accent choice. If it's supposed to be from the Midwest, or specific to Minnesota, it certainly isn't. It's very odd, and can be quite distracting as it's such an intentionally odd way of speaking. If you are bothered by someone pronouncing common words incorrectly, or an overly nasal voice, this book is also not for you. It's almost enough to make me stop listening, but as the purchase has been made, I'm trying.

Narrator disappoints

Good story, but the narrator had a nasally, whiny voice that did not match the characters at all. It was very distracting.

Wonderful Story ...

definitely well worth the listen despite an abysmal narrator. Looking forward to reading the sequel.

Narrator is terrible

Content is good but almost turned it off numerous times as the narrator’s voice and inflection is atrocious. Somehow I stuck with it. I’d look for another version with a different narrator if I could do it again.

Worst Narrator Ever

I love stories of adventure and expedition. This one was unfortunately not one of the better ones. Inclusive of details that were uninteresting and should have been omitted. The main character is a clearly subservient, maybe even helpless woman who seems just willfully along for the ride and without any independent personality whatsoever.

Worst of all, though. Is the absolutely excruciatingly painful experience of listening to this narrator. It’s so bad it has got to be intentional. Who would possibly allow their book to be ruined by the nasal, exaggerated, dramatic, dragged-out, accent and performance riddled with mispronunciations? I had to stop the book several times out of mere annoyance with having to listen to her. This might have been somewhat endurable as a book without her. Barely. But with this narrative? Unbearable.

OUTSTANDING - a rare treasure

Let me start by saying I truly love to read. Give me a great read and I will read it and enjoy it time and time again. I recently discovered Audible and it has brought my favorite books to life. Winds of Skilak and Winds of Skilak; The continuing Saga are on the top of my list. I purchased the Audible version of the first book as soon as it was available. Bonnie’s story makes you feel as if you are right there living the Alaska dream with her and Sam. After reading both books multiple times I still could not stop listening to the Audible version. Lots of small details come to life in the Audible version. Too many details to mention here but one example that stands out is the lake crossing in the horrible weather. Listening as opposed to reading made this chapter unforgettable. It is not often that I find a great read, one that you cannot put down and the Audible version likens to the book you cannot put down. Give this one a try I can promise you will not be disappointed. I am anxiously waiting for book 2 on Audible.

Making me home sick

This book has had more details of my life family and friends I know in it than any other book on the planet enjoyable to the max and the reader had an amazing voice to carry with the book will definitely read this book again and again and again

Such a smooth read with great detail

I felt like I was there for all the sad and happy moments. This book is a great read. The only part I didn’t like was the fact that it had to end.