“One More River to Cross” by Jane Kirkpatrick
This historical fiction story caught my eye because I enjoy reading historical novels in the west during that time period. This story is not a lighthearted, easy story to read however.
These “pioneers” had major struggles like starvation, death, illness and separation from loved ones. It was hard (and depressing) to read their struggles and at times I was confused since there were alot of main characters and women in this story. The author attached a listing of characters in the beginning of the book, but again, there were so many it was hard to keep track. Women from that time period had alot of struggles and did not enjoy the freedom, respect and conveniences that we have today. Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded of that so I can be more grateful.
If you have read other historical novels by this author, I’m sure you will also enjoy this one! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
About the Book
In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stevens-Murphy company left Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mostly Irish Catholics, the party sought religious freedom and education in the mission-dominated land and enjoyed a safe journey–until October, when a heavy snowstorm forced difficult decisions. The first of many for young Mary Sullivan, newlywed Sarah Montgomery, the widow Ellen Murphy, and her pregnant sister-in-law Maolisa.
When the party separates in three directions, each risks losing those they loved and faces the prospect of learning that adversity can destroy or redefine. Two women and four men go overland around Lake Tahoe, three men stay to guard the heaviest wagons–and the rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River waiting for rescue . . . or their deaths.
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About the Author
Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling and award-winning author of more than 30 books, including Everything She Didn’t Say, All She Left Behind, A Light in the Wilderness, The Memory Weaver, This Road We Traveled, and A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have won the WILLA Literary Award, the Carol Award for Historical Fiction, and the 2016 Will Rogers Medallion Award. Jane lives in Central Oregon with her husband, Jerry. Learn more at www.jkbooks.com.
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