By Stephanie Whitson
This is a story of Civil War widows who set out with the dream of claiming land in Nebraska through the Homestead Act, only to discover they had been tricked by the land agent who had actually promised them as brides to the men in Cayote, Nebraska.
Several of these courageous women stay behind in the up-and-coming town Plum Grove to follow the dream of owning land, a daring prospect for women on their own.
At first it was difficult to keep track of so many primary characters, but as the story unfolds it gets easier. The characters are all very distinct and well-developed. Each comes from a very different background, yet together they make a great team and lifelong friends.
A thread of romance runs through the novel as these ladies begin to move past there lost husbands and begin to notice the local men who have helped them out.
Christian faith and values also come through very strongly in this story.
Life on the Nebraska plains comes alive as the author gives a great peak into the lives of those on the Plains after the Civil War. From raging prairie fires to quilting bees and house-raisings this is historical fiction at its finest.
I will be looking forward to more novels by Stephanie Whitson.
I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House, however that in no way influenced my opinion of it.
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