Thursday, September 2, 2010

BEEtween the Pages: Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

"Sometimes, Ruth thought, emotions were like a horsefly. Just when you thought you'd banish it from the kitchen, here it came buzzing back. If only there was a flyswatter that could kill stubborn, stupid, illogical . . . hope."

~From Stephanie Grace Whitson's Sixteen Brides~

If I were to use one word to describe Stephanie Grace Whitson's newest novel, Sixteen Brides, it would be hope. This theme is gracefully woven throughout the pages of this delightful book about a group of widows who journey to the prairies of Nebraska with a dream of owning land.

Their adventure begins in the spring of 1871 when they board a train in St. Louis bound for Nebraska. As an organizer of the Ladies Emigration Society, Hamilton Drake promises each of the ladies one hundred and sixty acres of land free and clear if they stay for five years. But during their stop in Plum Grove, Nebraska--just shy of Cayote, their final destination--the ladies discover that Mr. Drake has not been honest and forthcoming about his reasons for luring them out to Nebraska's prairies. Some of the ladies refuse to continue on the journey and decide to stay in Plum Grove. Soon, seven of them--each with different backgrounds and different reasons for journeying to Nebraska--form a partnership and plan that will have the locals talking and the ladies clinging to hope once again.

I found this book very enjoyable and entertaining to read, particularly its theme, humor, historical setting, and cast of characters. From the first to last page, Whitson masterfully weaves the theme of hope, with each character holding on to it in one way or another. And she had me giggling often at the humorous comparisons and sayings riddled throughout the story. The historical facts and landscape also intrigued me, especially the descriptions of homesteading on the prairies in the late 1800s. But most memorable to me were the characters. Each of the main characters possesses a distinct voice and style and you cannot help but to like them all.

I highly recommend this book to women who enjoy historical and romance novels.

For more information about this book, please visit Bethany House's website.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it.

4 comments:

  1. Ooh, I'm going to have to read this book, it sounds like a great one!!

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  2. Thank you for taking time to read! I hope the book provided a welcome escape from you "beesyness." Visiting your blog brought back sweet memories of the days when I was raising my four kids. Your beautiful dog looks friendlier than our Dobermann did. . . but Samson had the heart of a lap dog. Thank you again and may the Father bless you and yours.

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  3. This looks like a fun read, thanks for the recommendation! Welcome to A Satisfying Life as well. You blog is beautiful.
    Blessings!

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  4. Stephanie, thanks for stopping by my blog. I really enjoyed Sixteen Brides. It's such a well-written and entertaining book! I'm looking forward to reading more of your books. Take care! :0)

    Missuz C, thanks for your kind comment! You also have a beautiful and interesting blog. It's such a treat to read your blog articles. :0)

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