All She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick

ABOUT THIS BOOK

“Once again, Jane Kirkpatrick creates a bold and inspiring woman out of the dust of history. Jennie’s triumph, in the skilled hands of one of the West’s most beloved writers, leaves its mark on your heart.”–Sandra Dallas, New York Times bestselling author

Already well-versed in the natural healing properties of herbs and oils, Jennie Pickett longs to become a doctor. But the Oregon frontier of the 1870s is an unforgiving place–especially for a single mother. To support herself and her young son, Jennie finds work caring for an older woman. When her patient dies, Jennie discovers that her heart has become entangled with the woman’s widowed husband, a man many years her senior. Their unlikely romance may lead her to her ultimate goal–but the road forward is uncertain.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

This was a good story, it started out with Jennie’s husband trying to make a life for his family. But unbeknown to Jennie, he filed for divorce, giving her the papers months after he did so. Jennie, enjoying her knowledge of herbs and their healing finds work caring for an older woman. By the time the woman passed on, Jennie and her very much old husband had fell in love.

The first of this story was heartbreaking for Jennie and I felt sorry for her, was really happy she could find work to support she and her son. But then the story changes and Jennie’s life is better than it has ever been. And this is where I really didn’t care for Jennie’s character. I felt like her dreams to be a Dr was so strong she gave up her family to do so. Her son was giving her so much trouble, her smaller children were hers to take care of, but she was more interested in her career as a Dr than she was taking care of her family. The story has a sad ending, I wasn’t expecting that. And I don’t want to go into anything else because I will be giving away too much. I encourage you to read this story. Your feeling about it may be completely different! Jane Kirkpatrick is a great author, I have read and loved many of her books. This is just not my favorite.

I received this book from Revell to read and review. 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 55.

 

The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick from Revell

The Memory Weaverby Jane Kirkpatrick

The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick “Jane Kirkpatrick puts flesh and blood on the bones of history. Set against an authentic nineteenth-century background, this is a superb story of a woman’s struggle to triumph over time and place. . . . A memorable book.”–Sandra Dallas, New York Times bestselling author Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now a mother of two, Eliza faces a new kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her mother’s grave–and returning to the land of her captivity.  Haunted by memories and hounded by struggle, Eliza longs to know how her mother dealt with the trauma of their ordeal. As she searches the pages of her mother’s diary, Eliza is stunned to find that her own recollections tell only part of the story. 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. Get 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. MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK The Memory Weaver is based on facts taken from diaries and other documented facts found on the life of Eliza Spalding, daughter of missionaries Henry and Eliza Spaulding. Knowing this was real life stuff, the story takes on a different meaning than one that is fictional. Starting from a young age, Eliza lived a very sad and tragic life. In this book, Jane Kirkpatrick weaves a story together that tells of the trauma this young lady faced, along with the peace and healing as she gets older and has a family of her own. I was in awe as I read the events that took place in Eliza’s young life, and was amazed at how God took those things and made her the person she became. An awesome read that I recommend to everyone! I received this book from Revell to read and review. 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 55.

Revell Presents A Light in the Wilderness by Jane Kirkpatrick

A Light in the Wilderness by Jane Kirkpatrick Three very different women. One dangerous journey. And a future that seems just out of reach. Letitia holds nothing more dear than the papers that prove she is no longer a slave. They may not cause most 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 and 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. This multilayered story from bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick will grip your heart and mind as you travel on the dusty and dangerous Oregon Trail into the boundless American West. Based on a true story. MY REVIEW ON THIS BOOK This was a very special book, or so I thought! Letitia was such a special and sweet person. She was so proud of her freedom papers from her master, but she had to guard them with her life. The things that she had to go through just because she was a different color were so heartbreaking, I just wanted to punch someone at times!! But Letitia did have a few people that trusted in her, and supported her. I really liked the Indian women Betsy too. But Letitia had a horrible and difficult life, including when she and her husband went across the US with the Wagon Train. Sometimes it was difficult to read this book because of the treatment of slaves, but I appreciate Jane Kirkpatrick and her awesome professional writing skills in giving readers this story. This is a story that will stay with me for a while! I received this book from Revell to read and review. 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 55. Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling author of more than twenty-five books, including A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the coveted Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have been finalists for the Christy Award, Spur Award, Oregon Book Award, and Reader’s Choice awards, and have won the WILLA Literary Award and Carol Award for Historical Fiction. Many of her titles have been Book of the Month and Literary Guild selections. Jane lives in Central Oregon with her husband, Jerry. Learn more at http://www.jkbooks.com.

Sincerely Yours by Laurie Alice Eakes, Ann Shorey, Amanda Cabot and Jane Kirkpatrick…from Revell

Sincerely Yours

by Laurie Alice Eakes, Ann Shorey,

Amanda Cabot & Jane Kirkpatrick

Four unexpected letters. Four intrepid women. Four lives changed forever.

Spanning a century and a continent, these romantic novellas will lead you on a journey through the landscape of love. Four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver’s workshop to a remote hospital, you’ll be swept into the lives of women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.

Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
Camilla Renfrew is a highborn English lady fleeing false accusations when she runs smack into love on a steamboat bound for the new Erie Canal. But can this unexpected attraction survive the treacherous journey?

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
Marigold Montgomery Bentley writes marriage advice for Kipler’s Home Weekly even though she is single. Everyone assumes from the initials that “M. M.” is a man. When the editor asks to meet Mr. Bentley, can Merrie come up with a ruse to keep her writing job?

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Lorraine Caldwell will lose her family fortune to a reckless cousin if she doesn’t marry quickly. When she learns her long-lost brother is alive, she hopes she’s found the answer to her problems. What she finds instead is a mysterious carousel carver who turns her life upside down.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Grace Hathaway must rescue a dear friend from a remote and notorious clinic that promises healing but delivers only heartache. In a place laced with deceit, where lives hang in the balance, whom can she trust to help her?

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Wow! I knew this book had to be awesome when I saw the four amazing authors who writes these four novellas. Sincerely Yours is a sweet romance collection that I thoroughly enjoyed! Each of these authors bring their own unique writing style to each story, and I really can’t pick a favorite, because I loved them all! Each story was full of historical facts, information and details and I fell in love with each character as they played out their part in the story. And in addition to the history throughout each story, I really enjoyed the ending of each story where the author tells a bit more about the history behind the story they wrote. I just can’t say enough about each of these stories. And the one thing I love about a collection of novella’s, I can pretty much read one of the stories in one setting. So if you don’t have time for a full length book, this one is just what you need!

 I received this book from Revell Publishers to read and review.  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 55

 

 

About the Authors

Jane Kirkpatrick is the award-winning author of many novels, including A Flickering Light. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and lives in Oregon. Visit http://www.jkbooks.com for more.

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. She lives in Wyoming. Visit http://www.amandacabot.com for more.

Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of The Midwives series and The Daughters of Bainbridge House series. Laurie Alice writes full-time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband. Visit http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com for more.

Ann Shorey is the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series and the Sisters at Heart series. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon. Visit http://www.annshorey.com for more.

Emma of Aurora Trilogy by Jane Kirkpatrick

Emma of Aurora

by Jane Kirkpatrick

 

 

About this book Trilogy

The Change and Cherish trilogy, based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy, now available in one volume:

A Clearing in the Wild
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the 1850s Bethel, Missouri colony’s beloved leader, she finds new opportunities to pursue her dreams of independence. But as she clears a pathway West to her truest and deepest self, she discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community.

A Tendering in the Storm
Determined to raise her children on her own terms, Emma suddenly finds herself alone and pregnant with her third child, struggling to keep her family secure in the remote coastal forest of the Washington Territory. As clouds of despair close in, she must decide whether to continue in her own waning strength or to humble herself and accept help from the very people she once so eagerly left behind.

A Mending at the Edge
As a mother, daughter, sister, and estranged wife, Emma struggles to find her place inside—and outside—the confines of her religious community. Emma reaches out to others on the fringe, searching for healing and purpose. By blending her unique talents with service to others, she creates renewed hope as she weaves together the threads of family, friends, and faith.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

If you love reading big books, well, this is the one to get. Emma of Aurora is three books in one, it is the complete Change And Cherish Trilogy by Jane Kirkpatrick in one big almost 1200 page book, and I love it! When I finished reading the first book, A Clearing in the Wild I was excited because I didn’t have to wait to read the second book, A Tendering in the Storm, then I could finish the series with The Mending at the Edge, all at once.

Emma of Aurora is based on a true story Emma Wagner, and it follows the life of Emma Wagner Giesy. Emma was one of many Christians, all having the same things in common with each other. I really enjoyed Emma’s character because she was feisty and determined, strong willed, opinionated woman, and she didn’t care who knew it! After the death of her husband, Emma’s task of raising her children on her own was not an easy one, and she didn’t always make the best decisions. As I read the books, it was easy to see that everything wasn’t what you would think in the Christian community she lived in. They sure had their difficulties as well as anyone else. And weaved together with Emma’s difficulties in her personal life, there are many twists and turns that will sure to keep your attention and keep you reading! Though at times, this book was very difficult to read, because of the situations.

Knowing this book is based on a the true life of Emma makes the story even more interesting to me. I really love this book, despite the difficult times I had reading it. The story is one that you can’t put down because you want to know the ending. Jane Kirkpatrick is an awesome storyteller, and it clearly shows in this Trilogy! If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this one! I encourage you to pick up a copy for many hours of just plain good reading!

I received this book from the publisher Waterbrook through their Blogging For Books review program to read and review.  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 55.

 

The Daughters Walk By Jane Kirkpatrick Review

A Daughters Walk  by Jane Kirkpatrick

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (April 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400074290
• ISBN-13: 978-1400074297
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches

About This Book…From Publishers Weekly

A mother’s tragedy, a daughter’s desire and the 7000 mile journey that changed their lives.

In 1896 Norwegian American Helga Estby accepted a wager from the fashion industry to walk from Spokane, Washington to New York City within seven months in an effort to earn $10,000. Bringing along her nineteen year-old daughter Clara, the two made their way on the 3500-mile trek by following the railroad tracks and motivated by the money they needed to save the family farm.  After returning home to the Estby farm more than a year later, Clara chose to walk on alone by leaving the family and changing her name. Her decisions initiated a more than 20-year separation from the only life she had known.

Historical fiction writer Jane Kirkpatrick picks up where the fact of the Estbys’ walk leaves off to explore Clara’s continued journey. What motivated Clara to take such a risk in an era when many women struggled with the issues of rights and independence? And what personal revelations brought Clara to the end of her lonely road? The Daughter’s Walk weaves personal history and fiction together to invite readers to consider their own journeys and family separations, to help determine what exile and forgiveness are truly about.

“Kirkpatrick has done impeccable homework, and what she recreates and what she imagines are wonderfully seamless. Readers see the times, the motives, the relationships that produce a chain of decisions and actions, all rendered with understatement. Kirkpatrick is a master at using fiction to illuminate history’s truths. This beautiful and compelling work of historical fiction deserves the widest possible audience.”
—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

About the Author

Jane is inter-nationally recognized for her lively presentations and well-researched stories that encourage and inspire.  Her works have appeared in more than 50 publications including  Decision, Private Pilot and Daily Guideposts.  Jane is the author of 20 books including 17 historical novels. Many of her titles are based on the lives of real people or incidents set authentically in the American West.  Her first novel, A Sweetness to the Soul, won the coveted Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center.  Her works have been finalists for the Christy, Spur, Oregon Book Award, WILLA Literary Award and Reader’s Choice awards.  Several of her titles have been Book of the Month and Literary Guild selections.

A Tendering in the Storm won the 2007 WILLA Literary Award for Best Original Paperback and A Flickering Light, a story based on her grandmother’s life as a turn of the century photographer, was named to Library Journal’s Best Books of 2009.

The first part of this book is about a mother and daughters walk from Spokane, Washington to New York City to raise enough money to save their farm from going into foreclosure. None of the family wanted them to go, even begged them not to go. Even Clara didn’t want to go, but her mom was determined. So they started their journey cross country and their many good times as well as trials as they continued to travel.

In the second half of the book, the writer takes Clara out on her own, first working for a couple of wealthy ladies, and later starting into a business venture of her own. Where Clare wasn’t exactly into the feminist movements like her mom, and didn’t mention a lot about it, she did follow her mom’s interest by having her own business.

This being based on the author’s historical family events makes the story more interesting. I can’t imagine two ladies taking on this task alone, with their only dependence on people along their journey. That in itself would have had a huge impact on history. And the ups and downs of mother and daughter on the trail helped them get to know each other better, even as far as past secrets coming to surface. As the story unfolds, it is unbelievable what happens while on this journey. Not wanting to give anything away, that is all I will say about it.

As for the Christian aspects of this book, there were kind of formal mentions of God, or maybe a scripture or so, or talking about going to church, but that was all. I was disappointed in this since it is listed as a Christian fiction, and it would have been a perfect opportunity to relate the characters with the Lord. But then maybe that is not what happened in the true reality of the story, and the author not wanting to add it in.  I am glad I read the story; I wasn’t sure about it when I signed up to read and review it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction.

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah blogging for books program. 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 55.

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