The Daughters Walk By Jane Kirkpatrick

The Daughters Walk By: Jane Kirkpatrick
4/5 Star RatingPros:
I found the book well written and intriguing. The story was fascinating and saddening at the same time. My heart wrenched for Clara as she was alienated from her family. I enjoyed the book immensely, and it held my attention till the very end. A rare feat to be honest! I'm not sure if the book was intended to be a 'Christian' book, but their was several references to God and the Bible. But overall it wasn't particularly 'Christian'. (I only say this for those who have problems reading non-Christian books) their was of course nothing contradictory in the book against Christianity and I don't think anyone would have a problem with it. The book also made me think about how sad it is that we don't have a lot of history on most of the 'famous' people in history. They did lead lives, and did have feelings. They aren't just names on the cover of a book, or signatures on a painting. They're real people! I only wish they'd written down their 'story'. Makes you wonder, if you become famous someday, will anyone know who you were outside of your achievements?

Cons: While I did enjoy the overall writing and story line, I wasn't particularly thrilled with the several references to 'feminine' problems and body parts. It was fine for girls to read, but I wouldn't recommend it for a guy. The main character (Clara Etsby) did have a bit of a romance (nothing too long) with her employer's son. The extent was him kissing her quickly, that was it. She also had another romance in her life, but nothing inappropriate came from it and it was handled fine.

Story Line:
Nineteen-year-old Clara Estby is hauled by her mother, Helga, on a 7,000-mile walk from Spokane, Wash., to New York in 1896. The fashion industry is looking for promotion of the new, shorter dress for women; Helga is looking for a ,000 prize to save the family farm from foreclosure. The historically factual walk is only the first half of the book; the rest follows Clara after she leaves her family, becomes a businesswoman, and makes her way as times change for women at the turn of the century. Kirkpatrick has done impeccable homework, and what she recreates and what she imagines are wonderfully seamless. Readers see the times, the motives, the relationships that produce a chain of decisions and actions, all rendered with understatement. Kirkpatrick is a master at using fiction to illuminate history's truths. This beautiful and compelling work of historical fiction deserves the widest possible audience.tarred Review. Nineteen-year-old Clara Estby is hauled by her mother, Helga, on a 7,000-mile walk from Spokane, Wash., to New York in 1896. The fashion industry is looking for promotion of the new, shorter dress for women; Helga is looking for a ,000 prize to save the family farm from foreclosure. The historically factual walk is only the first half of the book; the rest follows Clara after she leaves her family, becomes a businesswoman, and makes her way as times change for women at the turn of the century. Kirkpatrick has done impeccable homework, and what she recreates and what she imagines are wonderfully seamless. Readers see the times, the motives, the relationships that produce a chain of decisions and actions, all rendered with understatement. Kirkpatrick is a master at using fiction to illuminate history's truths. This beautiful and compelling work of historical fiction deserves the widest possible audience.

Washington's Lady By Nancy Moser

Washington's Lady By Nancy Moser
It has been said that without George Washington there would be no United States. But without Martha, there would be no George Washington. He called her "my other self." Who was this woman who captured the heart of our country's founder? Martha Dandridge Custis was a wealthy, attractive widow and the mother of two small children when she was courted by, then married the French and Indian War hero. Her new life as Martha Washington took her through blissful times at Mount Vernon, family tragedies, six years of her husband's absence during the Revolutionary War, and her position as a reluctant First Lady.
__________________________________________________________________________
Rating: 5/5 Romance Level: Below Jane Austen

I fall instantly in love with every character Nancy Moser writes! It truley is as if you are inside the mind of Martha Washington. You hear so much about George Washington, but not much about Martha Washington! But it's true, without Martha, where would George have been? Without her loving support would he have become one of America's founding fathers?

Martha had quite a tragic life, and George and her were never "truely" alone together. I guess I never thought about them being tired, and not wanting to become President and first lady! They sacrificed so much, so that we could have the freedom we have today! He ultimatley gave his life for his country, and Martha her husband.

There is nothing inappropriate for younger eyes, other than a few refrences to war related subjects, and an "affair" with  George (it never came to anything, and I don't really think it was an affair, only that Martha was jealous) It is only refrenced to, and not discriptive.

All in all a must read for anyone who wants a glimpse into the life of Martha Washington.

COMING SOON: Washington's Lady-Nancy Moser

COMING SOON: WASHINGTON'S LADY BY NANCY MOSER I'M HOPING TO HAVE THIS UP VERY SOON, SO STAY TUNED!

Mozart's Sister-Nancy Moser

Mozart's Sister-By Nancy Moser
Nannerl Mozart's early days seem to be the stuff of fairy tales-traveling far and wide, performing piano concerts with her younger brother, Wolfgang, before the crowned heads of Europe. But behind the glamour lurk dark difficulties--the hardship of travel, agonizing bouts of illness, and the constant concern over money. Their father, Leopold, is driven by a desire to bring his son's genius to the attention of the world. But what about Nannerl? Is she not just as talented? In a world where women's choices are limited, what hope does she have of ever realizing her own dreams? In this lovingly crafted novel, author Nancy Moser brings to life one of history's hidden heroines.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Rating 5/5

This book is well written, "Jane Austen" on the romance scale (there is a few refferences to the cultural "misstresses" but it isn't descriptive)

This is an amazing book! I would reccommend it to anyone! The way Nancy Moser mixes fact, emotion and fiction together is wonderful. You can tell she really put her heart into this book, and actually put herself in Nannerl's heart. It follows her life from her early childhood, to her death. Its a great way to read "history" without it being painfull. I don't care for the "this person did this, this and this" type of history book (althought I do read them!) This is a much better way to drink in history without a headahce! I have never heard much about "Mozart's Sister", and now I feel like I know her! Nancy had me almost crying by the end of the book. Supurb book!