Rating: 
Summary: Heading west with regrets
Review: I thought that the begining of this book started off well, but as I continued reading, the plot seemed to diminish.The author seemed to avoid being predictable, and her solution was death. Many times you would assume one thing would happen, but in the next paragraph, the character would die. Not to say this is a bad book, in fact I liked it a bit and finished reading it. However, I think much more could have been done with the characters and the plot. Other than that, a nice version of the Oregon Trail and a decent read if you have a lot of time on your hands.
Rating:
Summary: Good Book....inspirational
Review: I was attracted to this book, because I thought it would give me an historical accounting of personal experiences on the Oregon Trail. The book does offer that. However, I had a hard time staying interested. It was hard keeping track of the characters - if I had a nickle for everytime I turned to the page listing Cast of Characters, I could have paid for the book. This book moves very slow, there is not much action or suspense. Much time is spent on emotions and personalities. I can see where some readers would love this book - but it is not my style.
Rating: 
Summary: It took me TOO long to finish this book.
Review: I was attracted to this book, because I thought it would give me an historical accounting of personal experiences on the Oregon Trail. The book does offer that. However, I had a hard time staying interested. It was hard keeping track of the characters - if I had a nickle for everytime I turned to the page listing Cast of Characters, I could have paid for the book. This book moves very slow, there is not much action or suspense. Much time is spent on emotions and personalities. I can see where some readers would love this book - but it is not my style.
Rating: 
Summary: A pleasant surprise!
Review: I'm not usually a fan of "Old West" novels and was skeptical when I first picked it up; however, once I started, I could hardly put it down. The book is written in a series of short sections, jumping from character to character, which is wonderful if you don't have the time to read several pages in a sitting. I carried this book with me everywhere and read a section whenever I could. The character development is superb! The main characters are women of all types and personalities, and any reader can identify with at least one of them throughout the story. I enjoyed this book so much that I kept my husband up to date with what was happening. (He even got a little misty-eyed with me at one point.) I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Rating:
Summary: Revealing women's true grit
Review: If you are a bedtime reader that likes to read yourself to sleep this is not the book for you. I found myself on a number of occasions glancing over at the clock only to discover it was late into the night (2 a.m.). The book will tempt you to say to yourself, "just a little bit further..." The way Kirkpatrick has broken each chapter into little sections and glimpses of each character is a masterful technique to lull the reader on. I latched onto one character and chose her as the one I would identify with. But as the book progressed I found myself switching to other characters. Mazie was one I admired and the one to identify with. However, I discovered a little bit of the "daring Elizabeth" in me as well. As the novel progresses and the character traits are expanded upon I discovered misjudgement of characters due to "first impressions." As Kirkpatrick develops each character and their personalities I find myself changing my judgement on each person either to admiration or disappointment. I can guarantee one thing besides not being able to put the book down... the reader is in for an emotional ride!
Rating:
Summary: Find Yourself in this Wonderful Adventure
Review: If you are like me, as you read All Together In One Place, you will find yourself pondering who you are most like, in this very diverse group of pioneer women who must face decisions they never imagined they would have to deal with. Jane Kirkpatrick has given us a wonderful historical novel that will hold your attention from beginning to end. Fortunately, it is the first in a series so we can look forward to more adventures and insights with these interesting women.
Rating:
Summary: All Together in One Place and No Eye Can See
Review: Immediately I felt I was making the long journey over the Oregon Trail with Mazy, Tipton, Suzanne and the "so full of myself" Adora; as well as the men and children that were a part of these families. They are stories of courage, faith and giving of each other when they thought there was nothing else to give. These women are the real "survivors". Since I have finally washed the dust from my eyes from following the wagons over the many miles they traveled, I eagerly await book 3 in the Kinship and Courage series by Jane Kirkpatrick.
Rating:
Summary: All Together in All Places
Review: Incredibly powerful story. In reading of Ms. Kirkpatrick's research there is only one way this story could have flowed and held my attention til all hours of the night. Awesome book! Having done a good part of this journey by car not long ago, there were times I could visualize where the women were and what they were facing. I wondered if I could have been as strong and courageous as they were. I can hardly wait until the next stories are available!
Rating:
Summary: A journey well worth it
Review: Is there any time, place or event Jane Kirkpatrick can't bring to life? After winners such as "A Gathering of Finches" (Northwest-based) and "Mystic Sweet Communion" (Florida-based), Kirkpatrick takes us across America in a covered wagon in "All Together in One Place." And by the time we get to the West, we've laughed, cried, learned, won and lost. Can you ask any more of a novel? This book only confirmed to me that Kirkpatrick is no longer a rising star. She's arrived in the literary solar system and shows no signs of leaving -- thankfully.
Rating:
Summary: Timeless
Review: Jane Kirkpatrick does such a terrific job drawing the reader into the circle of women in this story. Every woman will recognize herself in the struggles and joys these women go through. This was such a good mirror to myself to recognize what REAL struggles are and a good reminder to be thankful for the days to which I was born. That is the only real difference between me and these women...they were born before me. But essentially, our hopes and dreams are the same.
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