Customer Reviews: Read 10 more reviews...
 Fantastic Novel by Kirkpatrick! June 16, 2008
Everyone should read Jane Kirkpatrick's novels! She has a brilliant, poetic way with words that makes every page a treat. Her characters are heart-warming and real. I was rooting for plucky Emma all the way. The romance was subtle and rewarding, not mushy! The history and setting were so real, I fell into her story in an instant. Wonderful!
Jane Kirkpatrick is amazing! May 28, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have ready many of Jane Kirkpatrick's books, including this book and the remaining two in the series, and all I can say is that she is amazing. Quiet, reflexive, poignant, insightful, chilling. Her historical research is comprehensive; her storytelling abilities unsurpassed. Share the books with your children -- they are always wholesome and a rarity among the "trash" that we call literature. I wait impatiently for her next book. I will continue to read anything she writes.
1st book in series amazing story of faith April 21, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The first book, A Clearing in the Wild, starts off with teenaged Emma Wagner, who lives in a religious communal community in Bethel, Missouri under the leadership of Wilhelm Keil. Emma has set her sights on Christian Giesy, a leader in the community who has devoted his entire life to serving Father Keil. Keil is sending a group of scouts out to Washington Territory to find land for the entire commune to move to. The railroad and other outside influences are coming too close to his people, and he's worried about their safety. Headstrong Emma manages to first marry Christian and then finagle her way as the only female member of the scouting team, conveniently forgetting to mention that she's pregnant. The group of nine men, plus Emma travel across the West encountering Indians, the Rockies, and inclement weather, all in a quest to find a new home for Father Keil. By the time they arrive in northern Washington, Emma has baby Andy and a goat named Opal. The scouts try to start building homes and planting crops in the completely unfamiliar territory. Christian is the leader, but Emma regularly butts heads with him trying to do things her way. I fell in love with the character of Emma. She's stubborn, driven, and always certain that she's right. Sounds like someone my family knows very well. Emma tends to rely on herself more than Christian or even God, despite her deep faith. Based on the real life Emma Giesy, this book is an amazing story of courage and perserverance.
New fan of Jane Kirkpatrick March 24, 2008
I always enjoy something based on western history. It was well written and a character I could identify with. I bought the sequel and preordered the next book in the series.
I'm never disappointed! December 19, 2007
I'm exited about the new Change and Cherish Historical Series by Jane Kirkpatrick. When I start reading her books, I can't put them down. I love the history, geography and emotions envolved. I'm always reminded of the strength of women. I'm so eager to read the second book.
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