A Clearing in the Wild - Jane Kirkpatrick (Giveaway!)

3 Stars

ABOUT THE BOOK -
Young Emma Wagner chafes at the constraints of Bethel colony, an 1850s religious community in Missouri that is determined to remain untainted by the concerns of the world. A passionate and independent thinker, she resents the limitations placed on women, who are expected to serve in quiet submission. In a community where dissent of any form is discouraged, Emma finds it difficult to rein in her tongue–and often doesn’t even try to do so, fueling the animosity between her and the colony’s charismatic and increasingly autocratic leader, Wilhelm Keil.

Eventually Emma and her husband, Christian, are sent along with eight other men to scout out a new location in the northwest where the Bethelites can prepare to await “the last days.” Christian believes they’ve found the ideal situation in Washington territory, but when Keil arrives with the rest of the community, he rejects Christian’s choice in favor of moving to Oregon.

Emma pushes her husband to take this opportunity to break away from the group, but her longed-for influence brings unexpected consequences. As she seeks a refuge for her wounded faith, she learns that her passionate nature can be her greatest strength–if she can harness it effectively.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
Jane Kirkpatrick is the award-winning, best-selling author of two nonfiction books and eleven novels, including A Name of Her Own and the acclaimed Kinship and Courage series. Jane is a winner of the coveted Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center and National Cowboy Hall of Fame. A licensed clinical social worker as well as an inspirational retreat leader and speaker, she lives with her husband on 160 acres in eastern Oregon. 
Visit Jane's website at jkbooks.com!  

MY REVIEW -
I am not new to Jane's books. I have read the "Tender Ties Historical Series" as well as a few others. I have always been a fan of Jane's books. But, sadly, I did not care for this one nearly as much. I was very excited and wanted to read it. So I was disappointed when it was so slow especially in the beginning. It was not a bad story and I didn't hate it. I just didn't love it.

The historical part was very interesting. Also the fact that this was based on a true story should have given it some spark for me, but it never took that spark. I do love books about the Oregon trail and it did help, but still just never really caught my interest.

The character development was ok but again I have to say that I really never fell in love with any of the characters. 

Many other people gave this much higher ratings than I did. There are a lot of 4 and 5 stars, but there are also a few 3, 2, and 1 star ratings due to the slowness.

I am still a fan of Jan Kirkpatrick and will continue to read her books (just not this series, LOL).
Before deciding not to buy this book, please do read the other reviews on Amazon and B&N. Don't base your choice on my review alone. Just because it was not for doesn't mean it couldn't be for you. 

Thank you Blogging for Books for sending me this book to rad and review honestly.

THE GIVEAWAY - Ends 1/14/2013
I am giving away my paperback copy of this book (it has a beautiful cover!)
To enter to win -
*Please use the form below
*Please be from either the US or Canada
*Please only enter your info once (I will add the bonus entry)
*Please comment on this post if you would like an extra entry. 
 

Comments

  1. Looking forward to reading this!

    littleone AT shaw DOT ca

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  2. I'm sorry that this one didn't ignite for you. I hate it when an author that I love stumbles and writes a book that I just don't love to bits. I am glad for your honest and fair thoughts though. It can be really difficult to write a negative review for an author you usually love.

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  3. Sounds like a great read. I love the time period the book is set in, and would like a chance to read it. Thanks for having this giveaway.

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

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  4. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  5. I am glad that you said that it got various different ratings. It is so true that one person may love it and another not so much. I would like to be incuded in this giveaway as I love historical fiction.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com


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  6. This sounds like a wonderful read, looking forward to it!

    ReplyDelete

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