Beneath the Bending Skies Review

 

 

 

About the Book

 Mollie Sheehan has spent much of her life striving to be a dutiful daughter and honor her father's wishes, even when doing so has led to one heartbreak after another. After all, what options does she truly have in 1860s Montana? But providing for her stepfamily during her father's long absences doesn't keep her from wishing for more.

When romance blooms between her and Peter Ronan, Mollie finally allows herself to hope for a brighter future--until her father voices his disapproval of the match and moves her to California to ensure the breakup. Still, time and providence are at work, even when circumstances are at their bleakest. Mollie may soon find that someone far greater than her father is in control of the course of her life--and that even the command to "honor thy father" has its limits.

New from New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick, Beneath the Bending Skies is a sweeping story of hospitality, destiny, and the bonds of family. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I always look forward to reading the latest book by Jane Kirkpatrick. She writes terrific historical fiction. I love how detailed she is with her writing and the extensive research she does to pen her stories. This book was really interesting and moved a bit all over the place. The main story line focuses on Mollie Sheehan and her growing up years and beyond. She moved quite a bit in her lifetime and it is always interesting to me to see why a family moved and what their motivation was. My favorite part of the book is toward the end because I love the history surrounding the Native Americans. This book moves at a slower pace but that tends to be the case with heavily detailed historical novels and I doesn't bother me. I know that this book would be difficult for some to fully get into but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The many settings are wonderful and the based on real life characters I thought were very well written. I highly recommend to those that love history. 

Five Stars. 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Healing of Natalie Curtis

About the Book

Classically trained pianist and singer Natalie Curtis isolated herself for five years after a breakdown just before she was to debut with the New York Philharmonic. Guilt-ridden and songless, Natalie can't seem to recapture the joy music once brought her. In 1902, her brother invites her to join him in the West to search for healing. What she finds are songs she'd never before encountered--the haunting melodies, rhythms, and stories of Native Americans.

But their music is under attack. The US government's Code of Offenses prohibits American's indigenous people from singing, dancing, or speaking their own languages as the powers that be insist on assimilation. Natalie makes it her mission not only to document these songs before they disappear but to appeal to President Teddy Roosevelt himself, who is the only man with the power to repeal the unjust law. Will she succeed and step into a new song . . . and a new future?

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick weaves yet another lyrical tale based on a true story that will keep readers captivated to the very end. (Goodreads)

 

 

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My Thoughts

 

I really enjoy reading the books that Jane Kirkpatrick writes because they are full of historical details. The cover of this book is one of the most beautiful and unique covers I have seen. 

I enjoyed this book mostly in the first section of the story. I was really intrigued on what was going to happen (which Natalie was a real person and this is a real story) and I had never heard of Natalie until reading this book. Of course her life is fictionalized in this book and I found it fascinating that a woman wanted to experience the West in 1902. Let alone spend time with different Indian tribes. It really is interesting how they traveled and who they communicated with. The main part of this book is that traditional music and dancing (among many other things) was forbidden among the Indians since the country wanted to them to be just like the settlers that took over the land. They also had control because of the reservations they were put on. It really is a horrible part of the history of the America and I am glad people are writing about it. 

In any case while all of the historical details were very interesting the latter part of the book was really difficult to get through. Not much happens though time spans a few years. I know Kirkpatrick was writing about a real person but I really didn't love Natalie's character. 

So if you enjoy historical fiction this could be the book for you. I enjoyed it but it ended up not being my favorite book by Kirkpatrick. 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Something Worth Doing Review

 

 

 

About The Book

 In 1853, Abigail Scott was a 19-year-old school teacher in Oregon Territory when she married Ben Duniway. Marriage meant giving up on teaching, but Abigail always believed she was meant to be more than a good wife and mother. When financial mistakes and an injury force Ben to stop working, Abigail becomes the primary breadwinner for her growing family. What she sees as a working woman appalls her, and she devotes her life to fighting for the rights of women, including their right to vote.

Following Abigail as she bears six children, runs a millinery and a private school, helps on the farm, writes novels, gives speeches, and eventually runs a newspaper supporting women's suffrage, Something Worth Doing explores issues that will resonate strongly with modern women: the pull between career and family, finding one's place in the public sphere, and dealing with frustrations and prejudices women encounter when they compete in male-dominated spaces. Based on a true story of a pioneer for women's rights from award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick will inspire you to believe that some things are worth doing--even when the cost is great. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I really enjoy Kirkpatrick’s books and I was thrilled to read a copy of this book. I have to say I think this is one of her best books in the way that she wrote the historical details into the story. She really brought the characters to life. Whether you like Abigail or not, this book is based on historical facts and is a great look into women’s life during this time. I researched more about Abigail after finishing the book and was really amazed at how well she did in portraying her life. There are a lot of things in this book that might raise some eyebrows in relation to Abigail’s perspective on life. She was a very opinionated woman. But even though I don't think I could relate to Abigail or necessarily want to I still really enjoyed reading her unique perspective.

There are so many things that we take for granted these days and the extra amount of work women did only a century ago is amazing. We really should be grateful for those who came before us.

The other thing I loved about this book is how it makes you realize people’s personalities really haven’t changed. There are many women who despise housework now just as they did before. I think we forget that even though people did what they did to survive back then it doesn’t mean they loved being homemakers. I think we have a certain image of how women were and this book brings to light a more realistic view on how a lot of women felt at the time.

 

I recommend to history lovers. Five Stars.

 

“I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.”

 

 

One More River to Cross: Well Written New Historical!

 

 About the Book

In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stevens-Murphy company left Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mostly Irish Catholics, the party sought religious freedom and education in the mission-dominated land and enjoyed a safe journey--until October, when a heavy snowstorm forced difficult decisions. The first of many for young Mary Sullivan, newlywed Sarah Montgomery, the widow Ellen Murphy, and her pregnant sister-in-law Maolisa.

When the party separates in three directions, each risks losing those they loved and faces the prospect of learning that adversity can destroy or redefine. Two women and four men go overland around Lake Tahoe, three men stay to guard the heaviest wagons--and the rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River waiting for rescue . . . or their deaths.

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick plunges you deep into a landscape of challenge where fear and courage go hand in hand for a story of friendship, family, and hope that will remind you of what truly matters in times of trial. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I absolutely love a good historical novel and Jane Kirkpatrick knows how to write one! I love her books and I have been so excited to get my hands on this new story. Do you see that cover?! One of the most beautiful covers I have seen. This story is based on a true story, as are most all of Kirkpatrick's novels. The story starts off with a lot of characters. I was a little nervous that I would get lost in confusion with the many characters but I think it was so well written that I never did. I didn't get bored with reading this story since so many things happen that you just have to keep reading. I was pretty much on the edge of my seat near the end. I can't imagine being in a wagon train that gets stranded in the winter! The pages of this book take you right there as if you are a part of it. I highly recommend this book and all of Jane's books they are some of my favorite. 

"Thanks to Revell for offering me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Everything She Didn't Say Review

 About the Book

In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a memoir entitled Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage, which shared some of the most exciting events of 25 years of traveling and shaping the American West with her husband, Robert Strahorn, a railroad promoter, investor, and writer. That is all fact. Everything She Didn't Say imagines Carrie nearly ten years later as she decides to write down what was really on her mind during those adventurous nomadic years.

Certain that her husband will not read it, and in fact that it will only be found after her death, Carrie is finally willing to explore the lessons she learned along the way, including the danger a woman faces of losing herself within a relationship with a strong-willed man and the courage it takes to accept her own God-given worth apart from him. Carrie discovers that wealth doesn't insulate a soul from pain and disappointment, family is essential, pioneering is a challenge, and western landscapes are both demanding and nourishing. Most of all, she discovers that home can be found, even in a rootless life.

With a deft hand, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick draws out the emotions of living--the laughter and pain, the love and loss--to give readers a window not only into the past, but into their own conflicted hearts. Based on a true story.

My Thoughts

Jane Kirkpatrick is such a talented historical author. This book takes you into the life of Carrie Strahorn and her many travels with her husband. Based on a true story, this book holds snippets of her real life journal and story created by Kirkpatrick. No doubt there were so many women years ago who have such amazing stories to tell. The American West was a wild and lonely place and I thought this story did a great job in peaking into the past. There are some things that I never would have thought about that certainty Carrie would have dealt with.  This book is very much historical and detailed, so I know some might find it a tad slow. I enjoy Kirkpatrick's writing and I think she did a great job creating a life from pages of a journal. I really liked having the journal entries in the book and I thought it was incorporated nicely. There are a couple spots where I felt the author could have moved forward a tad faster but overall this was an enjoyable read. 

Four Stars.
 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own." 

 

All She Left Behind Book Review

 

About the Book

Jennie Pickett is a natural healer, but her dreams to become a doctor in 1870s Oregon put her at odds with the world around her. As she struggles to keep her dream alive, she finds that the road to fulfillment winds past love, heartache, and plenty of surprises along the way. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

 

Jane Kirkpatrick is such a talented author. I never know what I am going to get when I pick up one of her books, mainly because most of them are based on a true story. I love that she finds nuggets of history and digs deep to find out the whole story. This book is heavy and a roller coaster of emotions. When I read historical books I am always reminded that people haven't changed that much. This story deals with abuse, drugs, divorce, death, sickness, and a multitude of other life issues. So be aware this isn't a light fluffy read by any means. I will say it was really difficult for me to handle to age difference in Jennie's relationship. If this hadn't been a true story it would have bothered me more.
I did enjoy this book and how Jennie is so interested in herbal medicine. I don't think this is a book I could re-read but still an intriguing story. 

Four stars. 

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own."

This Road We Traveled Book Review

 

About the Book

Drama, Adventure, and Family Struggles Abound as Three Generations Head West on the Oregon Trail
When Tabitha Brown's son makes the fateful decision to leave Missouri and strike out for Oregon, she refuses to be left behind. Despite her son's concerns, Tabitha hires her own wagon to join the party. Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. But family ties are stronger than fear.
The trials they face along the way will severely test Tabitha's faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history.
With her signature attention to detail and epic style, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites readers to travel the deadly and enticing Oregon Trail. Based on actual events, This Road We Traveled will inspire the pioneer in all of us. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I just have to say that I adore this cover, it is stunning! As for the pages inside, they are equally as brilliant. Jane Kirkpatrick has such a talent for writing about past lives in our history. I love how she sets the scenes in this story and she did a wonderful job writing from three different perspectives. Unforgettable real life characters that I felt like I got to know. The pace moved good and I didn't feel like I was overwhelmed with fact. Overall very well done. 

Jane's stories are very historical and not fluffy easy reads. (Which is why I love them!) But if you struggle with historical reads this might not be a book for you. On the flip side if you are a history lover and want to learn more about the Oregon Trail, pick this book up!!

Five stars!

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review."

The Memory Weaver Review

 

About the Book

 

Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

Based on true events, The Memory Weaver is New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick's latest literary journey into the past, where threads of western landscapes, family, and faith weave a tapestry of hope inside every pioneering woman's heart. Readers will find themselves swept up in this emotional story of the memories that entangle us and the healing that awaits us when we bravely unravel the threads of the past. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Jane Kirkpatrick is such a talented author because the amount of historical research is incredible. There are few authors who are able to write a fictional story based upon a real person and not make it sound like a history book. I enjoy all of Jane's books because of their historical truths and this book was very good. At first I was a bit confused on the story line, things jump around a bit. The book goes between an old diary and the main story line. This book is based upon Eliza Spalding and her children. This isn't really a happy book since it is based upon real life but it shows the struggles of the times. The Indian history and how people really haven't changed that much when it comes to relationships and families. 

For a rich historical read, I recommend. There were a few slow spots which is why I give it four stars. 

I think some of Kirkpatrick's other books are better but this one is still good. 

If you like faster moving books, you might not enjoy this one as much. 

"Thanks to Revell for offering me a free copy in exchange for an honest review."

A Light in the Wilderness Book Review

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About the Book

Letitia holds nothing more dear than the papers that prove she is no longer a slave. They may not cause white folks to treat her like a human being, but at least they show she is free. She trusts in those words she cannot read–as she is beginning to trust in Davey Carson, an Irish immigrant cattleman who wants her to come west with him.
Nancy Hawkins is loathe to leave her settled life for the treacherous journey by wagon train, but she is so deeply in love with her husband that she knows she will follow him anywhere–even when the trek exacts a terrible cost.
Betsy is a Kalapuya Indian, the last remnant of a once proud tribe in the Willamette Valley in Oregon territory. She spends her time trying to impart the wisdom and ways of her people to her grandson. But she will soon have another person to care for.
As season turns to season, suspicion turns to friendship, and fear turns to courage, three spirited women will discover what it means to be truly free in a land that makes promises it cannot fulfill.

Based on a true story. (Goodreads)

My Review

Jane Kirkpatrick is one of my favorite authors because she really does her historical research. This story, like her others, is based on a true story. 

This book has a few different characters and jumps around a bit but mainly focuses on Letitia, an  African American woman who is free but is still treated poorly. I really found this part of the story intriguing because this book is set before the Civil War. She had been a slave and made it all the way to Oregon! I had no idea what things were like and as you read in the book it is made known how different parts of the country treated African American folks. I just loved this book because it's true history not some fanciful made up story. It's not a light read, nor is it really happy. It's real life and while fiction, she doesn't sugar coat life. It was sad to me because I felt like Davey wasn't as compassionate as could be, he really wasn't a hero as every book makes men seem.  But this makes the book more realistic.

 Anyway five stars for this book and have you seen the cover?! Beautiful.
Watch the video for the book.

For an Oregon Trail adventure, pick this book up today!

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review."

Sincerely Yours Book Review

via

About the Book

In this collection of brand-new historical novellas from four outstanding storytellers, four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path toward a changed life--and perhaps lifelong love. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver's workshop to a remote and controversial hospital, readers will love being swept into the lives of four young women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it. (Goodreads)

My Review

What a collection of stories and authors! I love the cover of this book. My favorite novella is by Amanda Cabot about a carousel carver and young woman of society that discovers having a big name is not everything. I liked the unique aspect with carving the carousel and painting. While all novellas are usually predictable, the other stories didn't stand out to me. Jane Kirkpatrick is always a good story teller and even in her short story there were details that I enjoyed.Laurie and Ann are great authors there stories in this collection just didn't intrigue me as much.

 Overall this is a four novella book, don't expect a lot of depth but do expect unique situations and characters. 

Jane is hosting a giveaway, check it out!

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review."

One Glorious Ambition Book Review

Picture Credit

 

One Glorious Ambition: The Compassionate Crusade of Dorothea Dix by Jane Kirkpatrick is a historical novel based off of the true life story of Dorothea Dix. The start of the book drew me into Dorothea's life as I watched her grow from a young girl to a woman. The story starts in 1814 and ends after the civil war, so it spans over quite a few years and travels to many places. Dorothea is not interested in focuses all of her gifts and life on finding a husband, so she decides to teach. Teaching becomes her passion and she continues to teach in various ways throughout her life. Different characters and friendships come and go in her life and the end of the book centers on her effort to help those considered "insane". This took her to politics as she saw a need for those people to be recognized as more than crazy people. 

I really enjoyed this first part of this book. Though it is fast paced, an entire lifetime summed up in one book, I did enjoy the overall story of her life. The book is split up into three main sections, the last was my least favorite because it dealt with a lot of politics. I find this story more fascinating because Dorothea was a real person in history who made a huge change for those who needed treatment in mental asylums. 

 Jane Kirkpatrick is not a new author to me but this is a very well researched book that must have been quite a task to finish.

This is not a typical historical novel, it is not romance, it is simply a life beautifully written about.

I recommend to those who enjoy biographies.  

 

This book will be available for purchase April 2, 2013.  

 "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."