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290th out of 537 books
—
570 voters
My Loving Vigil Keeping
by
Carla Kelly
Della's giving up all the comforts of bustling Salt Lake City to teach school in a rural coal mining camp. Little does she know, she may soon be giving up her heart as well. But when tragedy strikes in the Scofield Mine, Della's life is changed forever. Based on true events, this thrilling new romance from award-winning and bestselling author Carla Kelly is a must-read!
Paperback, 1st, 400 pages
Published
August 14th 2012
by Cedar Fort, Inc.
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To be fair, I rarely meet LDS fiction that I like and I have yet to enjoy a romance. This book didn't really have a chance then, did it? It is was not the worst thing I have ever read, but I felt the plot and character development were tired and cliche. Learning about the mine disaster was interesting and I appreciated the research and attention to detail the author gave to that part of the story. The nonfictional events of the book spoke to me much more than the fictional parts (i.e.the awful j...more
(Genre:LDS historical fiction/romance) Set in the mining communities near Scofield, Utah, this book brings to life the Winter Quarters mine disaster of 1900 as seen through the eyes of the (fictional) new school teacher, Della. As the impoverished relation to a well-known Salt Lake City banker, Della doesn't initially seem to fit in with the miners and their families. But as they later learn, she grew up a miner's daughter and she feels more at home in their community than she ever did in her un...more
Carla Kelly is an undisputed champion in storytelling, be it Regency or Inspirational. I don’t get this ‘hate-on’ of the LDS based and inspired romance that she’s been giving us from time to time. For me, a romance is a romance, hot or mild. It’s the characters and their getting to their happy ever after I love reading about, and if that is well written, plotted and passionately told, I’m there!
And that’s exactly what I got reading this story. Not to mention a piece of history I was never aware...more
And that’s exactly what I got reading this story. Not to mention a piece of history I was never aware...more
This book was not at all what I expected, though it's my own fault for not reading the description more closely. The author won awards from a romance writer's association (Did not realize it was a romance) for writing regency novels (and this was almost a century too late to be called a regency novel.) Also, I never would have read it if not for the recommendation of a friend.
That said, it wasn't bad for being a romance. It was at least clean. There were also some town dynamics that were intere...more
That said, it wasn't bad for being a romance. It was at least clean. There were also some town dynamics that were intere...more
Carla Kelly took her title from the song All Through the Night. I heard this song as a child and do remember it. The whole book was mainly about Coal Mining in Scofield Utah. It was a novel based on true facts which made it very interesting.
Della Anders came to the mining area to teach school. Her father died in a mining accident when she was 12 years old. She went to live with rich relatives who did not treat her well. They were very upset when she decided after her schooling to go to this mini...more
Della Anders came to the mining area to teach school. Her father died in a mining accident when she was 12 years old. She went to live with rich relatives who did not treat her well. They were very upset when she decided after her schooling to go to this mini...more
I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I was spiritually lifted. This book was absolutely wonderful! I thoroughly enjoy reading books that have facts and fiction. I learn about history, but I get to relive it through the characters.
Della is a wonderful character that experienced many of life's hardships in her short life. And if you know of the events that happened in Winter Quarters, Scofield, Utah, in the years of 1899-1900, you will understand that she learned many of those during the year she...more
Della is a wonderful character that experienced many of life's hardships in her short life. And if you know of the events that happened in Winter Quarters, Scofield, Utah, in the years of 1899-1900, you will understand that she learned many of those during the year she...more
Two things before I put in the spoiler cut.
1. The title is a phrase from the song "All Through the Night," or "Ar Hyd Y Nos": "Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee,/All through the night./.../I my loving vigil keeping/All through the night." Before I realized this (which didn't take long because the words of the song are in the front of the book), I thought the title sounded a bit soppy. Now that I've read the whole story, I know it's perfect.
2. The other thing at the beginning of the book is...more
1. The title is a phrase from the song "All Through the Night," or "Ar Hyd Y Nos": "Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee,/All through the night./.../I my loving vigil keeping/All through the night." Before I realized this (which didn't take long because the words of the song are in the front of the book), I thought the title sounded a bit soppy. Now that I've read the whole story, I know it's perfect.
2. The other thing at the beginning of the book is...more
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My Loving Vigil Keeping by Carla Kelly
5 STARS
I did not know about the diaster that happened in 1900 and feel bad about that lack of knowledge. Right now I wish I had a car that was working I would go up the canyon and visit the cemetary. I wonder how many of my town of Fairview were a part of that mine.
The coals mines are a major employer of are town still today.
I loved the characters and now wonder who might have been real and what parts of the story is fiction. I could picture the train rides...more
5 STARS
I did not know about the diaster that happened in 1900 and feel bad about that lack of knowledge. Right now I wish I had a car that was working I would go up the canyon and visit the cemetary. I wonder how many of my town of Fairview were a part of that mine.
The coals mines are a major employer of are town still today.
I loved the characters and now wonder who might have been real and what parts of the story is fiction. I could picture the train rides...more
1 like · like · see review
When I started My Loving Vigil Keeping I was thinking it might be the old cliche of a poor girl trying to get as far away from her mean rich relatives, so she spontaneously takes a job in the boonies. Of course she'd fall in love with the town and maybe a gentleman or two and get her happy ending.
I was both wrong and right.
Della Anders is no stranger to tragedy. Her father dies in a mining accident when she is small, her mother abandoned them when she was a baby, so she's sent to her rich uncle...more
I was both wrong and right.
Della Anders is no stranger to tragedy. Her father dies in a mining accident when she is small, her mother abandoned them when she was a baby, so she's sent to her rich uncle...more
There are some books that just seem to speak to me as a reader. This is one of those. There are several reasons for this. First, the story involves a mining disaster in Utah and my grandfather died in a coal mining accident when my father was only nine days old. This left my grandmother with three children to raise on her own. After reading this book, I have a much deeper appreciation for what she must have gone through.
Another reason I found this book so compelling was the characters, I fell i...more
Another reason I found this book so compelling was the characters, I fell i...more
Oh, my goodness! I just read my all-time favorite book! No kidding!! I really, really loved this book! My Loving Vigil Keeping by Carla Kelly is of course from my favorite genre – historical fiction & it also includes romance!! The title comes from the lyrics of a very popular lullaby “All Through the Night” – one of my favorites as well.
Della is a young woman who had been orphaned early on- her mother had left when she was an infant, and her father was killed in a mine accident. She grew u...more
Della is a young woman who had been orphaned early on- her mother had left when she was an infant, and her father was killed in a mine accident. She grew u...more
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This book was based on true events, which made it all the more real for me. Della may be a fictional character, but she brought the feelings of that day to the forefront of my mind and I felt the devistation of the tragedy like I was there, and she was real.
Della has struggled to find her place in the world after her father died in a coal mining accident when she was 12 years old. Having not known her mother and had no other family close by, she was sent to live with her Uncle and Aunt in Salt...more
Della has struggled to find her place in the world after her father died in a coal mining accident when she was 12 years old. Having not known her mother and had no other family close by, she was sent to live with her Uncle and Aunt in Salt...more
Della is a school teacher in the year 1899, she has taught school for two years in Salt Lake City, on the west side. She is the niece of prominent attorney Karl Anders, she's been raised by them since her father died in a mining accident when she was young, but she's never felt as though she were a part of the family. She spontaneously decided to take a teaching job in the small mining community of Winter Quarters, which her Aunt Caroline especially doesn't approve of. The town of Winter Quarter...more
I had never heard of the Scofield Mining Disaster before reading Carla Kelly's My Loving Vigil Keeping. Now, the event, the people who lived in the mining town of Winter Quarters and the history behind May 1, 1900 are forever etched in my memory. I really enjoy Carla's new LDS Historical romances and this was no exception.
Ms. Kelly took personal interest in the stories of these men and women. I was so moved by the story I went online to find photos and additional histories about Scofield once I...more
Ms. Kelly took personal interest in the stories of these men and women. I was so moved by the story I went online to find photos and additional histories about Scofield once I...more
1 like · like · see review
My Loving Vigil Keeping is a historical romance taking place from 1899-1900. The story takes place in Winter Quaters, a mine near Scoffield, Utah. I was unaware of this particular place or the events associated with it.
Della accepts a job to be a school teacher in this remote settlement. She has been emotionally abused and neglected by her Uncle and his wife. Her father was a miner and died in the mine when she was 13 years old. The mining life is something she if familiar with and she goes to h...more
Della accepts a job to be a school teacher in this remote settlement. She has been emotionally abused and neglected by her Uncle and his wife. Her father was a miner and died in the mine when she was 13 years old. The mining life is something she if familiar with and she goes to h...more
A Reader's Opinion: For me, this story really began once Della arrived in Scofield. At 8,000 ft elevation, the mining camp didn't seem to offer much that would entice a teacher from the city. I felt as though Della endured that first sight simply because she didn't feel turning back was an option, but you soon see her sense of adventure and her willingness to not give up.
Owen Davis is a charmer and I enjoyed his banter with Della. Where I admired Della's courage and strength, Owen was my favorit...more
Owen Davis is a charmer and I enjoyed his banter with Della. Where I admired Della's courage and strength, Owen was my favorit...more
I'm happy to be a part of this Cedar Fort blog tour for Carla Kelly's new book. I've read other books by Carla Kelly and there is no doubt that she has a talent for writing. I've enjoyed her books but I think that I liked this book even better than the rest.
There were so many little things that made this book for me. The setting of this book is at the top of the list though. I love books that are based on historical events because they give me a sort of education while still feeding my love of a...more
There were so many little things that made this book for me. The setting of this book is at the top of the list though. I love books that are based on historical events because they give me a sort of education while still feeding my love of a...more
Trials of the Heart
Born a miners daughter, raised by her father, orphaned at twelve Della Anders started life on the rough side. When taken in by well to do relatives the only help she actually receives is a room and meals. Struggling, Della earns enough to put herself through one year of college earning a 1st year teaching certificate. Determined to leave the home of her relatives, she takes a teaching position at Winters Quarters, a secluded mining camp. Living in the high in the mountains of...more
Born a miners daughter, raised by her father, orphaned at twelve Della Anders started life on the rough side. When taken in by well to do relatives the only help she actually receives is a room and meals. Struggling, Della earns enough to put herself through one year of college earning a 1st year teaching certificate. Determined to leave the home of her relatives, she takes a teaching position at Winters Quarters, a secluded mining camp. Living in the high in the mountains of...more
I don't usually read romances, but this one is well worth reading. Centered around the Schofield mining disaster of 1900, it's a real tear jerker!!! A young Mormon girl escaping nasty rich relatives who "raised" her after her father died in a mining disaster comes to
Winter Quarters, Utah, a small mining town adjacent to Schofield, to teach early grades in the local school. She makes a life for herself and many, many dear friends, especially a Welsh widower with a young daughter in her class. He...more
Winter Quarters, Utah, a small mining town adjacent to Schofield, to teach early grades in the local school. She makes a life for herself and many, many dear friends, especially a Welsh widower with a young daughter in her class. He...more
I read this book because it was my book club pick for the month. Let me back up a few months. I went in for my annual eye appointment and the tech that checked my eyes asked me what I was reading. That led to a conversation about books and soon she discovered I belonged to a book club. She told me her mother was an author who had written books for about 30 years. She told me she lived in Wellington a small nearby town. She had written a book about The Winter Quarters Mine disaster that had occur...more
Based on the Scofield Mine disaster of 1900 in Winter Quarters, Utah, Carla Kelly weaves a deft historical story that's both fascinating and vivid in historical details.
Della is alone, having first lost her mother, then her father in a coal-mining accident. When she's sent to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle in Salt Lake City, she grows up Cinderella-style. Her aunt treats her horribly, and her uncle is oblivious. Della scrapes by and earns a teaching degree. When she sees a job notice for a...more
Della is alone, having first lost her mother, then her father in a coal-mining accident. When she's sent to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle in Salt Lake City, she grows up Cinderella-style. Her aunt treats her horribly, and her uncle is oblivious. Della scrapes by and earns a teaching degree. When she sees a job notice for a...more
I read this book with a Book Club and consequently, was introduced for the first time, to the works of Carla Kelly. I had visited the cemetery in Scofield previously, my heart yearning to know more about these dear people. (My great great grandfather was a miner in Lanarkshire, Scotland and died an early death.) How surprised was I to learn that my husband's great great uncle, Emil B. Isgreen, served as the physician/surgeon at Winter Quarters! We would never have known if not for Carla Kelly's...more
I loved Della's journey from a new woman in a mining town. Her gradual getting to know the people and their children, and their getting to know her. The romance was subtle and sweet. Her past that seems to ever haunt her, being gradually removed from her present as her confidence in herself, and love for the mining community grows. A beautiful telling of a historical event. Putting some faces on the tragedy that befell this real mining community. I loved how the songs were part of the healing.
My...more
My...more
This is a well-researched historical fiction of a mining town in Utah that suffered, in May of 1900, the most horrific mine disaster in USA's history up to that time. I was drawn to this book because (a) I love historical fiction, (b) my great grandparents immigrated from Germany to a small mining town in Utah not far from where this story takes place and during the same time period, and(c) the protagonist of the story taught school there and I taught school in the small town of Santaquin Utah,...more
The cover is a little sappy and embarrassing looking, but I read the book anyway because it is set in Winter Quarters Utah, near Schofield, where the worst mine disaster in US history took place on May Day, 1900. Over 200 miners were killed in what was then seen as one of the safest mines in the state. My great-great grandmother ran a boardinghouse there at the time of the disaster, so I've always been interested in this. Years ago we went to Schofield and saw the graveyard with about 200 aged,...more
"My Lovely Vigil Keeping" is set in 1899-1900 Utah in the mining community of Scofield. The community is composed of miners and their families from Wales, England, Scotland, France, Italy, Germany and Finland. Della Anders arrives as the teacher for the lower grades and falls in love with her students, the people andone special miner.
The characters are well defined, Carla Kelly does a great job of painting pictures in your mind of the people and the location. I'm not giving anything away, since...more
The characters are well defined, Carla Kelly does a great job of painting pictures in your mind of the people and the location. I'm not giving anything away, since...more
Jan 08, 2013
Mandi Ellsworth
added it
A school teacher decides to move from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah, to teach children in a coal mining community in the mountains of central Utah. She meets a widdower and is drawn to him in many ways, but can't reconcile his working in the mine with the life she wants to have.
This is a heart-warming, lovely story, that has close ties to me and my family. My great grandpa is actually mentioned by name in this story. He was a Welchman, and the choir director, Mr. Evans. And he was in the mine...more
This is a heart-warming, lovely story, that has close ties to me and my family. My great grandpa is actually mentioned by name in this story. He was a Welchman, and the choir director, Mr. Evans. And he was in the mine...more
Ok, so I did take a long time reading this book, atleast it seemed like a long time to me, but it wasn't because the book was lacking as far as my thinking goes. Generally speaking, I shy away from Romance books. I mean seriously, how many guys go looking for Romance books? ;-) I think this book was seriously missplaced in the Romance section. I'm sure there are plenty of good reasons as to why it is there, but that isn't where I would have placed it. I think it is a well written Historical-fict...more
I read my first Carla Kelly novel in 2011, became a fan, have loved every book I've read - and My Loving Vigil Keeping is no exception. Della has spunk and a good sense of humor like surviving the flatbed ride up the steep Winter Quarters Canyon, surrounded closely by Miners to keep her from falling off. Then she is thrown from the flatbed into the arms of a miner on the loading dock to get off. Realizing "that everyone on the loading dock had seen more than 2 inches above her ankles and both of...more
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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National P...more
More about Carla Kelly...
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National P...more
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