In a Grove of Maples by Jenny Knipfer, Narrated by Jenn Lee (Audio book review)

 

4 STARS!

ABOUT THE BOOK -

In 1897 newly married Beryl and Edward Massart travel more than one thousand miles from Quebec to farm a plot of land in Wisconsin that they bought sight-unseen. An almost magical grove of maples on their property inspires them to dream of a real home built within the grove, not the tiny log cabin they’ve come to live in.

Misunderstandings and tempers get the better of them when difficulties and troubles arise. Just months after they wed, Edward leaves pregnant Beryl in the midst of the coming winter to tend the farm and animals while he goes to be a teamster at a northern Wisconsin logging camp.

Will Beryl and Edward walk into the future together to build their house of dreams in the grove of maples, or will their plans topple like a house of sticks when the winds of misunderstanding and disaster strike?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Jenny lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken, and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling.

Spending many years as a librarian in a local public library, Jenny recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability. Her education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions.

Jenny’s favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set.

She deems a cup of tea and a good book an essential part of every day. When not writing, Jenny can be found reading, tending to her many houseplants, or piecing quilt blocks at her sewing machine.

Her new historical fiction, four-part series entitled, Sheltering Trees, is set in the area Jenny grew up in, where she currently lives, and places along Minnesota’s Northern Shore, where she loves to visit. She is currently writing a four-part novella series entitled: Botanical Seasons.

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ABOUT THE NARRATOR - 

After 20+ years as professional NYC actor, I stumbled into some documentary voiceover work. From that moment on, I knew the trajectory of my career had been changed forever. I adore narrating and doing VO, and every job feels like a gift.

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MY THOUGHTS -

This was a very serious book, a very real look at how life must have been back in the late 1800's. I must say historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and the 1800's, my favorite time period to read about.

I thought the author did a great job of depicting farm life back then. Great character development. I loved Beryl and really felt for her, not only at the death of her child but also marrying a man who was not good at showing the feelings that she so desperately wanted to see. I do think back then it wasn't "manly" to show your feelings so much. I also loved her neighbors and friends and how they stepped up to help when she needed it.  I did not like Edward's cousin who stepped in to help in Edward's absence. And ends up overstepping! 

There are two different parts of this story and it goes back and forth between diary entries and time as it was happening. The only problem for me was that the diary entries were more in the future a bit and at first it confused the heck out of me! But I did soon "get it" and got used to it so it didn't bother me as much. Probably if I was reading the book and not listening to the audio I would have figured it out much quicker,

Audio - I thought the narrator did a great job1 It was exactly how I would have expected Beryl to sound. So 5 starts for that!  :-)

All-in-all a very good book and one that is definitely worth the read, or listen!

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from The Audio Bookworm -  Thank You!