Emma of Aurora: A Complete Trilogy by Jane Kirkpatrick
My mother loved to read historical novels and she would often encourage me to read this book or that book that she enjoyed. Since I was a lot younger at the time, I was never really interested in that style of writing. However, I have been enjoying more and more books that are based in history that really open the eyes to the lifestyle of that era. This book I received for review is an amazing story of one woman struggling for the life she always dreamed of.
Emma of Aurora: The Complete Change and Cherish Trilogy
Written by: Jane Kirkpatrick
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (November 5, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307732150
ISBN-13: 978-0307732156
This book, written by award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick, is based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy. It offers readers the complete Change and Cherish trilogy in one volume. This trilogy compassionately explores the timeless struggles every woman faces, when seeking hope amid the disappointments of life.
Synopsis:
In A Clearing in the Wild, Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism leads to conflict with the 1850s Bethel, Missouri colony’s beloved leader. But as she heads West along with her husband and scouts for a new community, she finds herself in pursuit of her dreams of independence and her deepest self, Emma discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community.
A Tendering in the Storm finds Emma suddenly alone, pregnant with her third child, and determined to raise her children on her own terms. Struggling to keep her family secure in the Washington Territory forest, despair threatens to consume Emma and lead her into dangerous relationships. At a life turning-point, she must decide whether to continue on in her failing strength or to accept help from the people she eagerly left behind.
And in A Mending at the Edge, the third and final book in the trilogy, as a mother, daughter, sister, and estranged wife, Emma struggles to find her place inside—and outside—the confines of her religious community. By blending her unique talents with service to others on the fringe, she creates renewed hope as she weaves together the threads of family, friends, and faith.
My Thoughts:
Emma is an impressively strong women for someone of her age. She was born into a close knit family that lived in a religious communal society in Missouri, much like the Amish do. But Emma was always looking for more. When she married Christian, a man 20 years her senior that worked to bring new families into their community, she wanted to be with him as a family. Soon Christian was chosen to lead the scouting expedition to the West, in search of a new land that would be better for the whole community. Emma wrangled a way into to traveling with the men. This trilogy is her story.
The book is truly a work of art. Over 1100 pages of indepth trials and tribulations for Emma, the love of her life, Christian and the community. The author has shown amazing knowledge and history in the what happened during the 1850’s while settling the West. You are taken right into the story in such as way that you feel everything that Emma feels. The incredible harsh conditions, hard work and amazing kindness of others.
The author has created a likeable heroine and weaves her magic around this awesome storyline. I would find myself reading into the wee hours of the morning because I could not put down this book. The book flows incredibly well and each person is developed throughout the books in a way that you can identify with each.
At first glance, I was astounded at how big the book is and thought it would take forever to get through this. But you are transported into another time following the trials and tribulations with Emma as she struggles with her religious community, faith, family and herself. This book is definitely one that I would recommend to anyone woman that loves books based in history. A fabulous gift for someone on your Christmas list. It is a hearty read that will take some time, but every bit of time you put into the reading of this book offers in depth pleasure, knowledge and a new respect for the settlers of our awesome country. I do not know how they did it!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.