Montana Woman

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable!
Review: Although I enjoyed this book as I do every book by Rosanne Bittner, I have to say, I thought Joline's sister, Anna Kelley's story EMBER OF THE HEARTS was better. Joline Masters was a great character, I really admired her spirit and all she endured, but I couldn't warm up to Clint Reeves, the same way I could to Nate Foster. I did enjoy the story though. I just did not find my self feeling as close to the characters as I usually do with Rosanne's books.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable!
Review: Although I enjoyed this book as I do every book by Rosanne Bittner, I have to say, I thought Joline's sister, Anna Kelley's story EMBER OF THE HEARTS was better. Joline Masters was a great character, I really admired her spirit and all she endured, but I couldn't warm up to Clint Reeves, the same way I could to Nate Foster. I did enjoy the story though. I just did not find my self feeling as close to the characters as I usually do with Rosanne's books.

Rating:
Summary: An absolutely wonderful 2 book saga about 2 sisters...
Review: I read "Embers of the Heart" first being drawn to it because no one writes books in the civil war genre like Rosanne Bittner! As I expected, it was outstanding. (see my review at that site.) I wasn't interested in this "sequel" "Montana Woman" for the obvious illusion the title gives of this "macho" woman, or "mountain woman" For whatever reason I decided to read it anyway and although it was totally different from EOfTheH story in both characters and plot, it was excellent. I wish I had read this one first because the Embers book fits better after it although they do stand independently. Our heroine, Jo Masters, is a fiesty female, emotionally and physically very strong yet attractive and appealing. The vision of this petite gal "pushing oxen" along is a riot but it works. The respect and friendships she develops with the people esp the men in the book is wonderful. No object of hanky panky or stay in the kitchen stuff here. The hero is tormented and he actually needs her healing friendship more than anything. A minimum of [physical] scenes but a maximum of friendships, affection, bonding, human behavior and relationships.. We've always known the pioneers in our country must have been strong and this reflects that. This book even puts things into perspective about the indian/ white man relationships. I usually skip descriptive stuff..A sky can only be so blue, a tree only so green, etc...but Bittner's writing is so incredible that in this book you "see" and feel the beauty of the west as the trek cross country reflects the changing landscape and the inherent problems. You rejoice in Jo's love of animals and her pain of parting with them to survive. If you want a fast, enjoyable love story with warm fuzzies for a rainy afternoon this isn't it. But if you want a really good book that shows people at their worst and their best,and gives you new insights in the process, this is awesome..I can't recommend it highly enough. And then go for "Embers", it has angst too but the love story has more warm fuzzies. Enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Read!
Review: Of all Roseanne Bittners books,this is definetly one of my favorites! The courage that Joline shows in the wake of all the tragedy that befalls her is amazing!I first read this one about 6 years ago,and I keep reading it over and over when i need a book!Its a keeper!

Rating:
Summary: An absolutely wonderful 2 book saga about 2 sisters...
Review: This book starts with a wonderful description of the Lawrence, Kansas Massacre - one of the bloodiest incidents in the history of our nation. Roseanne Bittner skillfully portrays the survivor of such a terrible horror - the desolation, the desire to run, the ambivalence about love. I love this book and would recommend it to all.

Rating:
Summary: Montana Woman
Review: This book starts with a wonderful description of the Lawrence, Kansas Massacre - one of the bloodiest incidents in the history of our nation. Roseanne Bittner skillfully portrays the survivor of such a terrible horror - the desolation, the desire to run, the ambivalence about love. I love this book and would recommend it to all.