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50th out of 154 books
—
40 voters
Troublesome Creek (Troublesome Creek #1)
by
Jan Watson
A charming historical novel set in the late 1800s. Born and raised in the hills of Kentucky, Laura "Copper" Grace loves the wilderness of her home in Troublesome Creek. But when her stepmother threatens to send her away to boarding school to become a lady, Copper faces the possibility of losing everything that is precious to her. Copper must come to terms with her family a...more
Paperback, 369 pages
Published
October 10th 2005
by Tyndale House Publishers
(first published January 1st 2005)
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I've tried to like Christian fiction. I really have. I feel that I'm too cynical for it, and the fault must surely lie with me. But then I read books like this, and I realize that while it partially may be my fault, that this is truly a woeful genre. Especially when romance is added. The "sparks" that must fly in order for a woman to love a man in these stories makes me angry. That's not what love is about. Nice? Sure, but not the be all and end all.
The random Scripture quotations are seemingly...more
The random Scripture quotations are seemingly...more
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It was not until about page 320 that I began to enjoy this book. Usually, I read Christian Fiction because of its uplifting reminders that you are not alone and that in the midst of struggle God prevails. Christian Fiction for me is usually my antidepressant... but it just was not working with this book. The book starts with Copper, a girl in her late teens and then flashes back to when her parents met and her mother died. It goes on to show her grow up practically over night to realize choices...more
"Troublesome Creek", winner of the first Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest in 2004, is the first in a six-book series. I roared through these books, and I'm eagerly awaiting the seventh book which is in the publishing hopper.
Jan Watson does a lovely job of creating characters the reader really gets to know. The series starts in the 1800s in the hills of Kentucky when we meet sweet, feisty Copper Brown. The story continues through the series reading like a family genealogy.
Ord...more
Jan Watson does a lovely job of creating characters the reader really gets to know. The series starts in the 1800s in the hills of Kentucky when we meet sweet, feisty Copper Brown. The story continues through the series reading like a family genealogy.
Ord...more
Very good for a Kindle Free book. I love historical fiction and reading about different experiences set in times other than our own. I am just now writing this review although I read it a few months ago because I realized I have so many books on my Kindle I needed to keep track in my own mind whether I liked a book or not and why. So I don't remember very many details but it is a Christian fiction yet not overly "preachy". Overall, it kept me wanting to read more and I was interested in reading...more
Surprisingly good for a Kindle freebie. Historical fiction w/ a touch of Christian literature. I don't know if its just me, but it seems like an awful lot of the kindle freebies have something to w/ christian literature & they are not always described as such. I usually figure it out by reading reviews ahead of time. I don't always mind it (sometimes it plays really well into the story -- like in this book!) but a lot of the time the Christian story lines can fall flat.
I liked this book. It...more
I liked this book. It...more
Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]Copper loves her life by Troublesome Creek, and is scared at the thought of being sent to a boarding school. But her stepmother is worried that Copper--or Laura Grace--won't have much of a future in the rural hills of Kentucky during the 1880s. Copper also wonders about the sometimes strained relationship between her Pa and her stepmother--and about how her mother died. The story flashes back to when her Pa-...more
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Oh, I loved this book. Not usually what I pick up to read, but the very first paragraphs with Copper at the creek and the bit of dialog between her and her father drew me in immediately. I knew I would read it, and I knew I would love it. I just loved the way the story flowed, how it built. I especially loved the very detailed way of telling about day-to-day tasks, how they did things back then and in that way of life.
I loved this book. I love to read about the 1880's in this country. This story is set in Kentucky during this time. I love the story of the main character, Copper, but I especially love the way the author describes daily life, the chores they did, and really how they lived. I have heard many of the same stories told by my own Mother and Daddy, so they really ring true. I would recommend it for anyone who may enjoy these kinds of books.
Copper is a girl who loves where she lives but faces crossroads in life when it comes time to marry/go to boarding school/other stuff like that. Kind of an odd book simply because of all of the random stuff packed in, the tedious flashbacks to everone's past, way too much description of everyday chores, and a half-hearted plot. It was interesting to read, but I did skim a lot and didn't find it enthralling.
I really enjoy reading fiction about this time period (early settlers), and I've been enjoying Christian fiction, so I gave this one a try. I found this an enjoyable entertaining, wholesome read, even though it does bounce back and forth a bit to get the whole story in.
There are more books in the series that I'm going to check out. I think this would make a cute Hallmark movie, like Love Comes Softly.
There are more books in the series that I'm going to check out. I think this would make a cute Hallmark movie, like Love Comes Softly.
I really enjoy this time period of the 1800's. This story is based in hills of Kentucky and the hardships of life in general and how families were able to cope. All the basic desires of human nature are the same whether in the past or present day; love, acceptance and quality of life. At times I just couldn't put is down so it made for a short night's sleep.
I am so glad I found this author, she writes a wonderful story of a young girl growing up in the mtns of Ky, Copper is a nickname for Laura Grace but one she would rather be called by. The story is about the area and her life on Troublesome Creek and the family that had lives entertwined with hers. I am anxous to read the next book and starting it today.
This book was okay, but I hated the fact that she left the guy that had loved her and was going to marry her, for some random guy that showed up on her families farm one day. Usually I get goosebumps when reading about God's hand on even the toughest situations but on this book I didn't get any.
Woa, I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. The descriptions of the mountains, the people and the everyday in this book just draw you in and make you feel like you're in that space and time. Despite the tragedies this book leaves you feeling good in your core, and harkens back to a simpler, slower way of life without over romanticizing it.
Very moving Christian book about a woman who is raised by her mother's sister, historical saga - can't wait to read the next two- brought this one back to library & checked out the other two immediately - this is this author's first book & it won a well deserved award.
I could not help but find myself drawn into this book. The characters feel like family. I enjoyed experiencing the main characters dilemna's as she decides which path to travel as a young adult. It's a great book to kick back in bed with.
This is book is part of a 3-book series. I loved the setting more than anything; late 1800s in the mountains of Kentucky. The author really focused on describing the lifestyle and culture, and you truely feel like you are there.
It took a little while to get into this book, but it was worth reading. A little slow at times, but all-in-all I enjoyed it.
I'm not sure if this is a first book or not, but it seems a little amateurish at times. I think with some time this author could be quite good.
I'm not sure if this is a first book or not, but it seems a little amateurish at times. I think with some time this author could be quite good.
The characters were not compelling and the flashbacks ended up being so long and full of desperate, unbelievable acts that I did not get past page 60 or so. I just don't care what happens next.
I have now read all this series up to Torrent Falls and have loved this author and her stories. There is much to glean from how things were done in KY mts in 1880's from cooking to travel, farming, and she specially adds midwife and doctoring in this series. This series is not the typical sweet things happen this series has troubles, dedication, sorrow and hardships as well. The books are fascinating & you will not want to put them down to find out what is happening next in the lives of Copp...more
I liked the storyline and characters in this book, but found it rather slow moving overall. Also thought the romance between Copper and Dr. Corbett was rather rushed.
This first about Laura Grace "Copper" Brown held me all the way through. And I wanted more - the end was the beginning of an amazing couple of more books!
This was a different kind of read for me. It's set in the hills of eastern Kentucky and has a little bit of everything -- a young adult heroine, a touch of romance, drama, humor and a writing style that's both sparse and lyrical. I liked it alot! Looking forward to the other two books in the series.
This a charming story about Laura Grace 'Copper' Brown. Set in the charming mountains in Kentucky. About her life, adventures, and loving family.
Great book! I love the characters, the story, everything. Jan has a unique way of telling a story. A refreshing change. Thanks, Jan!
I loved the simple story of the mountains of Kentucky and the people who loved them and the people who couldn't wait to get away.
This lady is a Lexington, Kentucky author! Used to be a nurse and is a wonderful storyteller!! READ her books!!
I really enjoyed this. A very clean book, with a great message and fun to read. Reminded me a lot of Mrs. Mike.
Freebie from kindle store. I really liked this book. Lots of nice descriptions of life in the 1800s. I will probably read the next in the series.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15. Do you look forward to the next book in this “Romance of Life” series? | 3 | 12 | Jun 29, 2011 12:09pm | |
| 14. How would your life be different if you lived in the 1880’s? Would you like to? What modern convenience would you most miss? | 2 | 7 | Jan 15, 2008 10:08am | |
| 13. Copper was very young to be married. Why was that so easily accepted in those times? | 2 | 5 | Jan 15, 2008 10:07am | |
| 12. In this book the eastern Kentucky mountains becomes almost a central character. Have you ever loved a place as much as Copper loved her home? How did you feel if you had to leave it? | 2 | 51 | Jan 15, 2008 10:07am | |
| 11. Was it realistic that Will would leave the mountains to please his wife? Do you think Grace would finally be happy if they moved? | 2 | 2 | Jan 15, 2008 10:06am | |
| 10. How would Copper’s life be different if she had married her childhood friend? | 2 | 0 | Jan 15, 2008 10:06am | |
| 9. What did you think of John Pelfrey? Should Copper have married him? | 2 | 1 | Jan 15, 2008 10:05am |
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Jan Watson won the 2004 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest for her first novel, Troublesome Creek. Her other awards include a nomination for the Kentucky Literary Award in 2006 and second place in the 2006 Inspirational Readers Choice Contest sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love Chapter of...more
More about Jan Watson...
Jan Watson won the 2004 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest for her first novel, Troublesome Creek. Her other awards include a nomination for the Kentucky Literary Award in 2006 and second place in the 2006 Inspirational Readers Choice Contest sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love Chapter of...more
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“The city most believed to be the handsomest in Kentucky never failed to impress .... The streets, lined with booths and wagons from which people displayed their wares, had a festive air.”
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