Emma of Aurora

About The Book:  Emma of Aurora is a historically accurate account of one woman's life in a communal religious colony of the 1850s. In her trademark lyrical style, Kirkpatrick weaves historical details into her story line, peopling it with complex characters and deftly conveying powerful insights on the nature of faith, community, and the human spirit.The story acts as a witness to the devastation of suppression while celebrating change and cherishing the faith and hope found in ordinary women's lives.  The Change and Cherish trilogy, based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy, now available in one volume:
A Clearing in the Wild
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the 1850s Bethel, Missouri colony’s beloved leader, she finds new opportunities to pursue her dreams of independence. But as she clears a pathway West to her truest and deepest self, she discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community.
A Tendering in the Storm
Determined to raise her children on her own terms, Emma suddenly finds herself alone and pregnant with her third child, struggling to keep her family secure in the remote coastal forest of the Washington Territory. As clouds of despair close in, she must decide whether to continue in her own waning strength or to humble herself and accept help from the very people she once so eagerly left behind.
A Mending at the Edge
As a mother, daughter, sister, and estranged wife, Emma struggles to find her place inside—and outside—the confines of her religious community. Emma reaches out to others on the fringe, searching for healing and purpose. By blending her unique talents with service to others, she creates renewed hope as she weaves together the threads of family, friends, and faith.
About The Author:  After 26 years living on Starvation Lane on a remote ranch in Oregon, Jane Kirkpatrick and her husband, Jerry, moved back to Bend, Oregon. Before writing, Jane worked as therapist, a licensed social worker, a mental health director and consultant for nearly 20 years. She is the author of seventeen historical novels. Her works have been finalists for the Christy, Spur, Oregon Book Award, WILLA Literary Award and Reader's Choice awards.

My Thoughts On The Book:  With all three stories are in one large volume it was a rather intimidating read at over 1,100 pages. I liked the fact that all three stories were together and you did not have to wait for the next installment to be released.  I did not like the fact that is was so large.  The research of the author, Jane Kirkpatrick was well done. I really loved how she finished the entire book with information about the "real" people and Aurora Colony.  It made the story come to life.  If you are looking for a love story this is not it.  This is a story about a woman with the grit to survive in a time and place when women were not self sufficient. If you love historical novels then this is for you.  It is not an easy read and you cannot sit down and read it in one sitting.  It took me over a week to finally finish the story.  I was neither hooked, nor drawn to this story, but like historical novels so I attracted to the historical facts. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah and their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*  Thank you for allowing me to participate in this review.