Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick

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 Take:  This book is well researched.  It continues on from the memoir and imagines what Carrie Strahorn would say if she could tell the truth of how she felt during all the years of moving from place to place, putting her hopes and dreams on the back burner to follower her husband.  Although this book in itself is not a memoir it reads like one and you feel as though Carrie Strahorn is talking to you directly and telling you her story.  Very enjoyable and a great look into how it felt to pioneer.  

I received a review copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review.  

Rive to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart

Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll face an uphill battle.

Based partly on a true story, Ann H. Gabhart's latest historical novel is a tour de force. The vividly rendered town of Springfield and its citizens immerse readers in a story of courage, betrayal, and honor that will stick with them long after they turn the last page. 

My take:  I really enjoyed this book.  I really didn't know much about the cholera epidemic and this peaked my interest.  I liked how the author used the slavery issue in this book and how she portrayed slaves as kind people but they were always worried how people would think how they interacted with a small white child even if that child had no one in the world to take care of her.  I liked the relationship between Adria and Ruth and how they made a family after the epidemic took their other family.  I enjoy historical fiction and I would say that this book is at the top of my list.  I did get a bit frustrated at Adria and her choices at times but I enjoyed the book anyway.  

I received a review copy of this book from Revell and all opinions are my own.  

Phoebe's LIght by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she's doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a "minder" on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Mitchell, a man whom she loathes.

Soon Phoebe discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary's journal and finds herself drawn into the life of this noble woman. To Phoebe's shock, her great-grandmother has left a secret behind that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially her husband the captain and her shadow the cooper. This story within a story catapults Phoebe into seeing her life in an entirely new way--just in time.

In this brand-new series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her signature twists and turns to bear on a fascinating new faith community: the Quakers of colonial-era Nantucket Island. 

My Take:  This was a very good start to a new series.  I was very interested in the two story lines that were told that of Mary Coffin and the one of Phoebe Starbuck.  I haven't read many books about Quakers and I found it interesting that the Quakers seemed to punish others in almost the same way they were punished.  I found it interesting about the whaling industry and how they used the different parts of the whale.  I did find it odd that they didn't find a way to make candles yet.  I almost from the very beginning had a dislike for the Captain and felt that Phoebe wasn't paying attnetion to what he could be and that she was to starry eyed.  I think if you like books that deal with historical fiction that you would like this book.  

I received a review copy from Revell in exchange for my honest opinion.  

Christy 50th Anniversary by Catherine Marshall

Christy (50th Anniversary Edition) (Evergreen Farm, October 2017)

New edition of Catherine Marshall’s inspirational classic!

The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.

But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her — and her one-room school — as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.

Yearning to make a difference, will Christy’s determination and devotion be enough?

Learn more, get a free map of Cutter Gap, and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT CATHERINE MARSHALL}

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.

Find out more about Catherine at http://gileadpublishing.com/christy.

My take:  I really enjoyed this book and I liked the tv series.  I listened to the audio book a few years ago and was expecting more from Kellie Martin (who played Christy in the tv show).  This was the 50th anniversary edition of the book and I found that I enjoyed it as much reading it this time as I did the first time I read it.  This book is set in the Smoky Mountains with Christy going to the very poor community of Cutter Gap to teach school.  The people of Cutter Gap are very superstitious and believe in home remedies even though they will often times result in death.  They don't take kindly to Christy or the mission that she is associated with coming in and teach other things.  I would highly recommend if you like historical fiction.

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.   

The Captain's Daughter by Jennifer Delamere

The Captain’s Daughter(Bethany House, June 2017)

Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

{MORE ABOUT JENNIFER DELAMERE}

Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, “An Heiress at Heart,” was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, “A Lady Most Lovely,” received a starred review from “Publishers Weekly” and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

Find out more about Jennifer at http://www.jenniferdelamere.com.

My take: This book is the first book in a new series by this author.  This is the first book I have read by this author.  I enjoyed this book fairly well as there were new to me things mentioned.  I enjoyed how the theater was brought in as a background and how Gilbert and Sullivan were in the book.  As always I found it fascinating how life during this time period was so brutal and how women were treated as less than property.  I found the scene at the train station interesting as Rosalyn was targeted by two people because she wasn't savy in the ways of the city.  I look forward to the next book in this series. 

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.