Rating: Summary: A Good Read Review: I enjoyed this book and really enjoyed the detail that Jane Kirkpatrick gave her characters. I looked forward to Ruth, Mazy, Suzanne, Sister Esther, Elizabeth, and the others.I learned something of what it took to move west in the 1850's. Before I finished this book, I bought 'No Eye Can See' so I can continue with this story.
Rating: Summary: Needs Depth Review: I found this book boring. The plot is slow in developing, and the characters are very one-dimensional. The cast of characters reminds me of those disaster movies: someone is pregnant, someone is not really who she appears to be, there is a preacher-type character, another is blind. The episodic jumps in the chapters continually interrupt the flow of the narrative. I only give this two stars because the premise is interesting; it's a shame it wasn't well-developed. Are all "women's" novels this sappy?
Rating: Summary: A Beautiful Story Review: I hope Jane Fitzpatrick keeps writing wonderful stories like this one. I loved it from beginning to end, and I was rather sad to be finished with it. I'm delighted there are more stories to come in this series. The characters, scenery and daily struggles are extremely vivid. I wish I could sit down with these women and share a cup of tea!
Rating: Summary: Speaks to a Woman's Heart Review: I just finished reading All Together in One Place, and feel like I have been living and traveling with Jane Kirkpatrick's wonderful cast of characters on their long and dusty journey. This is probably the best book I have read in quite some time. It is engaging and thought provoking, and extremely well written. I came to care about the women, and cried over their sorrows and rejoice with their victories. Ms. Kirkpatrick really did her homework and created a story that speaks true to that time and yet is still relevant in our time. It lays around your heart like a well-worn sweater. In fact, I have decided not to start the next book in the series right away so I can just live with this story for a little while longer.
Rating: Summary: A Real Portrait of Women Pioneers on the Trail West Review: I just finished reading this book and cannot begin to express how it made me feel as a woman. Jane takes you right along with them on the hot dusty trail through many emotions...but such unity at the same time. I loved the history of the book. You can tell she has really done her homework in this department. It always amazes me when the wagon train adventure is portrayed on television. The women all look like they just stepped out of a clothing shop. How could you possibly look great after all those miles, little water to bathe in, and lack of supplies? This book told it how it really was. Being a Christian, I enjoyed the fact that God entered into this story several times. These women truly needed faith to make it on a journey this long. I am so looking forward to the next in the series. Jane Kirkpatrick's books are the most outstanding historical novels, both in historic accuracy and just plain good reading.
Rating: Summary: Historical Pioneer Story through a Woman's eyes Review: I just finished reading this great book. As I read each chapter, I felt that I was experiencing all the emotions that these brave women had to endure. Suzanne at the river crossing and how she came to know Pig. I was so moved by the faith and devotion each woman had to find within themselves then share with the others. The grief of Mazy, Bertha and all the others. The small prayers before they started each morning. I rejoiced in the outcome of the thirsty ox. I too shared in the tears and joys that Ms. Kirkpatrick displayed in each of her characters. I can't wait to read her other books.
Rating: Summary: A Tale of faith and emerging courage through adversity Review: I just finished this book and like all of Ms. Kirkpatricks book, I lost some sleep because I couldn't put it down. Any reader who enjoys historical fiction will be impressed with Jane's research and weaving of a wonderful story, with facts from the time. It is a story of a group of women on the Oregon trail who find the courage to follow their dreams ( after they unearth them) with the strength they find in each other and their faith in God. You don't have to be a christian to appreciate the story, but being a christian and reading the confirmations of God's love for us even through the most trying of times, was very uplifting. I have read 4 other books by the same author and am looking forward to the continuation of this series. A great read and a spritual overhaul.
Rating: Summary: The Best of Jane's books so far Review: I loved this book -- not only the authenticity of the story, but the depth of the characters and the mental scenery Jane paints so well. This is her best book since "A Sweetness To The Soul." I can't wait for the next one!
Rating: Summary: Good Book....inspirational Review: I read a couple of reviews stating that this book didn't hold a lot of suspense or drama. That's true. I did find it a bit slow at times but I also found it very much worth finishing and if you are interested in the westward expansion, this book has some factual information about it. The insight into the characters helped to spur me on to finishing it and even though its a slow and steady read without huge drama...I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Rating: Summary: No stopping powerful women Review: I read all types of books - Christian, true crime, romantic...you name it. But this book impacted me more than all the books I've read in the past year. Since I live in Oregon, the historical references of moving West were interesting and vivid. But more than that, the characters became real as this offer showed us through description and dialgoue who these people were. And, she showed that when women stick together, absolutely ANYTHING is possible.
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