A review by efcraig
The Diary of Mattie Spenser by Sandra Dallas

Mattie Spenser's fictional journal delves into the life of a prairie woman, from the threat of Indian raids to the loss of children through childbirth or by disease/accident, and the reality of frontier marriage (partnering up not necessarily for love, but convenience). "Mattie Spenser" is basically a step up for fans of the Dear America series, for those who want a little more grit and reality served with their historical fiction. Mattie is a very steadfast and intriguing character, and Dallas paints a very realistic setting in frontier Colorado with well-developed characters who at times explore very raw and unsettling emotions. Overall, I had a difficult time putting this book down and highly recommend it for fans of realistic, intriguing female characters and historical fiction.