hiltzmoore's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved the characters in this book. I loved that Sarah was a bad ass woman who knew how to get things done in an era that needed tough women. So often, strong women are written so that they end up getting into trouble for their personalities. Sarah still ran into plenty of hardship, but the author kept from blaming Sarah's demeanor for what happened to her and her family. I loved her relationship with Jack (it reminded me very much of Scarlett & Rhett), and loved her relationships with her brothers and extended family as well. This is one of the better historical fiction novels I've read in a while.
glitterbomb47's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. Very interesting! Grabbed me from the very beginning.
Took it down from 5 stars for two reasons: I thought the husband was a little too perfect. Also there is some weakness to the journal conceit, as she doesn't journal for four years - hard to believe - but it's really because nothing pertinent to the storyline occurs in those four years.
Took it down from 5 stars for two reasons: I thought the husband was a little too perfect. Also there is some weakness to the journal conceit, as she doesn't journal for four years - hard to believe - but it's really because nothing pertinent to the storyline occurs in those four years.
katreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
This book is fantastic! I was rooting for Sarah and Jack the whole time! Sarah was my favorite, but I loved the stories of all of the Prines! With some heartbreaking moments and some hilarious ones, what a great picture of life in the Arizona territories.
sheritolley's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. Thanks Kendra for the recommendation. I loved the heroine and it gave me a great appreciation for what those early settlers went through.
rebeccatc's review against another edition
5.0
I have always enjoyed stories about the pioneers of the American West, and this one was exceptional. Told in the format of her diary during the years 1881-1901, Sarah is a feisty heroine who encounters everything from attacking Indians and outlaws to rattlesnakes in the Arizona Territories. Born into poverty and lacking any formal education, she embodies the ideal of the pioneer woman as she provides for and protects her family while holding herself to the highest of ideals. Her romance with the brave, swoonworthy "scoundrel" Captain Jack Elliot is enchanting. This is a must read.
teyahdawn's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
leslielikesthings's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I'm conflicted about settler narratives these days, but the author does at least attempt to have some nuance in portrayal of the conflicts with the native tribes. Opinions on whether it is enough may vary. There is a lot of brutal death in this book. I almost dumped it in the first 30 pages because there is a ridiculous amount of trauma in the opening pages. It slows down after that, but still crops up with regularity. Despite all that, I was sucked into the story, I enjoyed the lead character's POV, and the romance really worked for me.
lindasdarby's review against another edition
5.0
Just re-read this and my heart is broken all over again. I had it re-read it for a long time because I didn't want to cry. A wonderful book.
2012 review - on my list of best books ever. I loved this book more than I can say. I bawled like a baby when I finished. A wonderful story full of heartbreak, joy and love. I want to read and re-read this book for years to come. Loved this book!
2012 review - on my list of best books ever. I loved this book more than I can say. I bawled like a baby when I finished. A wonderful story full of heartbreak, joy and love. I want to read and re-read this book for years to come. Loved this book!
storytimewithgrammy's review against another edition
4.0
Turner's first novel is the spellbinding and emotional journal of Sarah Prine as she grows from a young girl traveling through the western American territories in the late 1800s. She recounts her adventures that will have you crying, laughing, smiling and feeling depressed at times.
julsmarshall's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Really good! Hard to put down once you start reading it, this quiet yet powerful story of a young surprised me. Her strength and independence, her intelligence and grit. Loved hearing about these settlers in the territories, though the times were hard and heartbreaking in so many ways. I understand all the love for this book!