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Change and Cherish Historical #1-3
Emma of Aurora
The Change and Cherish trilogy, based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy, now available in one
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 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.
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 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.
1168 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
63 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Jane Kirkpatrick
57 books1,052 followersKirkpatrick brings us a story of one woman's restoration from personal grief to the meaning of community."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 11, 2016
Emma is an impressively strong women for someone of her age. She was born into a close knit family that lived in a religious communal society in Missouri, much like the Amish do. But Emma was always looking for more. When she married Christian, a man 20 years her senior that worked to bring new families into their community, she wanted to be with him as a family. Soon Christian was chosen to lead the scouting expedition to the West, in search of a new land that would be better for the whole community. Emma wrangled a way into to traveling with the men. This trilogy is her story.
The book is truly a work of art. Over 1100 pages of indepth trials and tribulations for Emma, the love of her life, Christian and the community. The author has shown amazing knowledge and history in the what happened during the 1850′s while settling the West. You are taken right into the story in such as way that you feel everything that Emma feels. The incredible harsh conditions, hard work and amazing kindness of others.
The author has created a likeable heroine and weaves her magic around this awesome storyline. I would find myself reading into the wee hours of the morning because I could not put down this book. The book flows incredibly well and each person is developed throughout the books in a way that you can identify with each.
At first glance, I was astounded at how big the book is and thought it would take forever to get through this. But you are transported into another time following the trials and tribulations with Emma as she struggles with her religious community, faith, family and herself.
This book is definitely one that I would recommend to anyone woman that loves books based in history. It is a hearty read that will take some time, but every bit of time you put into the reading of this book offers in depth pleasure, knowledge and a new respect for the settlers of our awesome country. I do not know how they did it!
The book is truly a work of art. Over 1100 pages of indepth trials and tribulations for Emma, the love of her life, Christian and the community. The author has shown amazing knowledge and history in the what happened during the 1850′s while settling the West. You are taken right into the story in such as way that you feel everything that Emma feels. The incredible harsh conditions, hard work and amazing kindness of others.
The author has created a likeable heroine and weaves her magic around this awesome storyline. I would find myself reading into the wee hours of the morning because I could not put down this book. The book flows incredibly well and each person is developed throughout the books in a way that you can identify with each.
At first glance, I was astounded at how big the book is and thought it would take forever to get through this. But you are transported into another time following the trials and tribulations with Emma as she struggles with her religious community, faith, family and herself.
This book is definitely one that I would recommend to anyone woman that loves books based in history. It is a hearty read that will take some time, but every bit of time you put into the reading of this book offers in depth pleasure, knowledge and a new respect for the settlers of our awesome country. I do not know how they did it!
November 25, 2013
I so loved this book. The heroine was such an interesting character, learning, growing but still having her own identity, purpose and ideas. The colony and its workings, characters, and events held my interest. Such a great series of books all in one volume was great! I read all 1068 pages without stopping to read something different. I would have happily read more about this fascinating Emma and the colony. I loved the writing style and visible changes in the characters as time went on. Am now a HUGE Jane Kirkpatrick fan!
January 19, 2014
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Emma of Aurora: The Complete Change & Cherish Trilogy by Jane Kirkpatrick, ©2013
I first noticed when opening the book, how the pages lay flat on the table without having to hold them down. The new binding for this omnibus edition allows the spine to bend and will keep the pages together without separating. Set any three novels together, and you are going to have a two-inch book. Since I like detail, I liked the cast of characters pages telling who everyone was; the maps with the route they took in the mid-1800s from Bethel, Missouri, to Willapa Bay area of Washington Territory, parting to Aurora Mills in Oregon Territory; and especially the depth of the author's research. Emma Giesy was a strong pioneer woman.
I like historical fiction because of the facts and woven in connector to what is unknown. Based on a true story, issues of today aren't much different; nor are they new. Relationships, compromise, striking out on your own and finding you indeed do need others and God. Emma Giesy is very outspoken, willful, wanting to be different, and not cast in the same dye as the others in her community; at least, not spoken out loud. Emma is at odds with the leader of their religious community, Dr. Wilhelm Keil. She finally is allowed to journey West with her husband and other scouts, to secure a new community settlement far from the encroaching influence near Bethel from those around them. A visible drawback was the difficulty for such a small group to build homes for so many in the colony to follow. A contributor to dissension within, Emma paves her own way, leaving behind turbulence, so she thinks. When the first part of the Bethany group joins them, the leader determines it is not sufficient for their needs, and moves them yet again. Emma struggles to stay within these confines and sets out again, to separate herself and her family from the strict adherence.
How much becomes again tradition? "This is how we have always done it." Following man, or God? Anew with Biblical direction, not man's knowledge alone, frees limiting constraints. Emma had the right idea but stubbornly adhered to her own way, rather than considering the caring of others. When her attitude changed, she found not all were against her, but wanting to be a part. Shaping from teenager, marriage, children, and loss, to her middle age, Emma reflected truth in a clearer way by following God. In this way, her viewpoint changed in helping others beyond self-imposed needs. By working together they were able to form community that coexisted, rather than separating values and tenets of faith.
As this is a real story of a real life, reflecting struggles and change, it can't be glamorized or changed for the outcome. Her life was what it was. I like the writings of Jane Kirkpatrick because she looks into the people's hearts. She brings forth women I would never have heard of in history class in school. Determination and goal-oriented, going her way; for the first time, Emma does finally figure it out. She does need others to walk alongside and the Lord to guide her.
I especially liked the journaling as Emma viewed her thoughts. It brought you in closer to her inner reflections and feelings, contributing in turn to her decision-making. Each chapter has a heading of the content. I also liked Louisa's (Dr. Wilhelm Keil's wife) views and humor as she placed her thoughts in her diary. Forgiveness and moving forward to repair a breech are necessary to bring continuity. These three novels are well-written following their days.
Emma Wagner Giesy, who lived in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and our own contemporary longings―to be known, to be loved, to find meaning despite life's trials. Through exploration of our longings, we are freed to live full, community-integrated lives and to discover how fortunate we are to have gifts enough to give away.
--author Jane Kirkpatrick, 747.
Emma Wagner Giesy was the only woman sent west from Missouri with nine male scouts to find a new home for their 1850s German-American religious community. What they eventually establish is the only successful utopian colony to survive for more than twenty years west of the Mississippi. A Clearing in the Wild (Book 1) was a finalist for the WILLA Literary Award for Historical Fiction; A Tendering in the Storm won the WILLA Literary Award. A companion book, Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community and Craft, provides a history told through quilts and crafts of the actual colony in Oregon.
Aurora Colony (1856-1883), a National Historic Site.
The Giesy House, later the Kraus House, is now part of the Old Aurora Colony Museum.
***Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah blogging for Books for sending me a copy of Emma of Aurora. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
The Change and Cherish trilogy ~ *A Clearing in the Wild*, *A Tendering in the Storm*, *A Mending at the Edge* ~ based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy, now available in one volume. See more at: waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?w...
Emma of Aurora: The Complete Change & Cherish Trilogy by Jane Kirkpatrick, ©2013
I first noticed when opening the book, how the pages lay flat on the table without having to hold them down. The new binding for this omnibus edition allows the spine to bend and will keep the pages together without separating. Set any three novels together, and you are going to have a two-inch book. Since I like detail, I liked the cast of characters pages telling who everyone was; the maps with the route they took in the mid-1800s from Bethel, Missouri, to Willapa Bay area of Washington Territory, parting to Aurora Mills in Oregon Territory; and especially the depth of the author's research. Emma Giesy was a strong pioneer woman.
I like historical fiction because of the facts and woven in connector to what is unknown. Based on a true story, issues of today aren't much different; nor are they new. Relationships, compromise, striking out on your own and finding you indeed do need others and God. Emma Giesy is very outspoken, willful, wanting to be different, and not cast in the same dye as the others in her community; at least, not spoken out loud. Emma is at odds with the leader of their religious community, Dr. Wilhelm Keil. She finally is allowed to journey West with her husband and other scouts, to secure a new community settlement far from the encroaching influence near Bethel from those around them. A visible drawback was the difficulty for such a small group to build homes for so many in the colony to follow. A contributor to dissension within, Emma paves her own way, leaving behind turbulence, so she thinks. When the first part of the Bethany group joins them, the leader determines it is not sufficient for their needs, and moves them yet again. Emma struggles to stay within these confines and sets out again, to separate herself and her family from the strict adherence.
How much becomes again tradition? "This is how we have always done it." Following man, or God? Anew with Biblical direction, not man's knowledge alone, frees limiting constraints. Emma had the right idea but stubbornly adhered to her own way, rather than considering the caring of others. When her attitude changed, she found not all were against her, but wanting to be a part. Shaping from teenager, marriage, children, and loss, to her middle age, Emma reflected truth in a clearer way by following God. In this way, her viewpoint changed in helping others beyond self-imposed needs. By working together they were able to form community that coexisted, rather than separating values and tenets of faith.
As this is a real story of a real life, reflecting struggles and change, it can't be glamorized or changed for the outcome. Her life was what it was. I like the writings of Jane Kirkpatrick because she looks into the people's hearts. She brings forth women I would never have heard of in history class in school. Determination and goal-oriented, going her way; for the first time, Emma does finally figure it out. She does need others to walk alongside and the Lord to guide her.
I especially liked the journaling as Emma viewed her thoughts. It brought you in closer to her inner reflections and feelings, contributing in turn to her decision-making. Each chapter has a heading of the content. I also liked Louisa's (Dr. Wilhelm Keil's wife) views and humor as she placed her thoughts in her diary. Forgiveness and moving forward to repair a breech are necessary to bring continuity. These three novels are well-written following their days.
Emma Wagner Giesy, who lived in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and our own contemporary longings―to be known, to be loved, to find meaning despite life's trials. Through exploration of our longings, we are freed to live full, community-integrated lives and to discover how fortunate we are to have gifts enough to give away.
--author Jane Kirkpatrick, 747.
Emma Wagner Giesy was the only woman sent west from Missouri with nine male scouts to find a new home for their 1850s German-American religious community. What they eventually establish is the only successful utopian colony to survive for more than twenty years west of the Mississippi. A Clearing in the Wild (Book 1) was a finalist for the WILLA Literary Award for Historical Fiction; A Tendering in the Storm won the WILLA Literary Award. A companion book, Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community and Craft, provides a history told through quilts and crafts of the actual colony in Oregon.
Aurora Colony (1856-1883), a National Historic Site.
The Giesy House, later the Kraus House, is now part of the Old Aurora Colony Museum.
***Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah blogging for Books for sending me a copy of Emma of Aurora. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
The Change and Cherish trilogy ~ *A Clearing in the Wild*, *A Tendering in the Storm*, *A Mending at the Edge* ~ based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy, now available in one volume. See more at: waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?w...
January 5, 2014
The Change and Cherish Trilogy based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy.
“A Clearing in the Wild”
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the beloved leader of her 1850s Bethel, Missouri, colony, she finds new opportunities to purse her dream 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.
In 1850 at Bethel Missouri, we meet Emma Wagner a young feisty 17-year old. Emma is in love and will stop a nothing to be married to Christian Giesy, a man nearly 20 years her senior. The leader of the Bethel religious colony is dead set against this marriage… but with Emma’s cunning ways and “reverse psychology”, she becomes Emma Giesy.
This marriage is not what Emma had hoped for as her new husband is off about country doing the business of the colony. Her hopes of being a wife and a mother are on hold for quite some time as her happiness takes second place to the needs of the colony.
Through additional manipulation and cunning, Emma again convinces the Bethel Colony leader to allow her to accompany a group of men headed west to find new lands for the colony. The dreams of a young bride are soon dashed by the hardships of the trip and her hidden pregnancy. The endless amount of work to eek out a living in the harsh wilderness is overwhelming.
As further members of the community make their way west to the new lands, harsh disappointment and criticism is visited on the small group by the Colony leader… thus separating the colony by distance, though not by leadership.
“ 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 left behind.”
This book just broke my heart. Finally Emma and Christian seem to have found some semblance of happiness and the future is beginning to look brighter than it has for quite some time when suddenly and without warning, Christian is killed and Emma is left alone. Shortly after his death, Emma now finds herself pregnant with their third child. Her anger at Christian for a time consumes her and she refuses help from anyone including God. In time, Emma receives a proposal from Jack Giesy. For the sake of her children, she agrees to the marriage. This is a big mistake as Jack is abusive and controlling.
“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 other 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 treads of family, friends, and faith.
Emma has escaped the controlling and abusive Jack Giesy and is back to the suppressive religious colony. She finds that there are more like her in the colony and she reaches out to them as she struggles to reconcile with the colony for her not so good choices and to find her way and place amongst them.
I do have to say that I was a bit overwhelmed when the book arrived. I was not expecting the sheer size of it – nearly 1200 pages. While I do like having the next book in a series there when I finish one, I have to say that the size of the book made it difficult to sit back relax and read. It was not comfortable at all.
That being said, I truly did enjoy this book. At times, I wished it had moved a bit faster, but in retrospect, it was necessary due to the huge amount of information we are given about a real life character.
To learn more about the Author – Jane Kirkpatrick, visit her website at http://www.jkbooks.com/
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.”
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
“A Clearing in the Wild”
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the beloved leader of her 1850s Bethel, Missouri, colony, she finds new opportunities to purse her dream 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.
In 1850 at Bethel Missouri, we meet Emma Wagner a young feisty 17-year old. Emma is in love and will stop a nothing to be married to Christian Giesy, a man nearly 20 years her senior. The leader of the Bethel religious colony is dead set against this marriage… but with Emma’s cunning ways and “reverse psychology”, she becomes Emma Giesy.
This marriage is not what Emma had hoped for as her new husband is off about country doing the business of the colony. Her hopes of being a wife and a mother are on hold for quite some time as her happiness takes second place to the needs of the colony.
Through additional manipulation and cunning, Emma again convinces the Bethel Colony leader to allow her to accompany a group of men headed west to find new lands for the colony. The dreams of a young bride are soon dashed by the hardships of the trip and her hidden pregnancy. The endless amount of work to eek out a living in the harsh wilderness is overwhelming.
As further members of the community make their way west to the new lands, harsh disappointment and criticism is visited on the small group by the Colony leader… thus separating the colony by distance, though not by leadership.
“ 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 left behind.”
This book just broke my heart. Finally Emma and Christian seem to have found some semblance of happiness and the future is beginning to look brighter than it has for quite some time when suddenly and without warning, Christian is killed and Emma is left alone. Shortly after his death, Emma now finds herself pregnant with their third child. Her anger at Christian for a time consumes her and she refuses help from anyone including God. In time, Emma receives a proposal from Jack Giesy. For the sake of her children, she agrees to the marriage. This is a big mistake as Jack is abusive and controlling.
“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 other 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 treads of family, friends, and faith.
Emma has escaped the controlling and abusive Jack Giesy and is back to the suppressive religious colony. She finds that there are more like her in the colony and she reaches out to them as she struggles to reconcile with the colony for her not so good choices and to find her way and place amongst them.
I do have to say that I was a bit overwhelmed when the book arrived. I was not expecting the sheer size of it – nearly 1200 pages. While I do like having the next book in a series there when I finish one, I have to say that the size of the book made it difficult to sit back relax and read. It was not comfortable at all.
That being said, I truly did enjoy this book. At times, I wished it had moved a bit faster, but in retrospect, it was necessary due to the huge amount of information we are given about a real life character.
To learn more about the Author – Jane Kirkpatrick, visit her website at http://www.jkbooks.com/
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.”
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
December 9, 2013
Originally published as three separate novels, Jane Kirkpatrick's Emma of Aurora contains the stories A Clearing in the Wild, The Tendering Storm, and A Mending at the Edge. It covers roughly twenty years of Emma Wagner Giesy's life: through marriage, widowhood, and remarriage; from Missouri to Washington to Oregon. Beginning while there were only rumbles of the impending Civil War, it describes the uprooting and transfer of one of America's more successful utopian societies - the religious society to which Emma belongs - and her rejection and embracing of this good but faulty group of believers.
Emma changes and grows remarkably through the book, but given that it spans roughly twenty years, she ought to. A Clearing in the Wild begins with 17-year old Emma starting off in marriage with a man only a year younger than her own father. I did not care for her at first - Emma is yet immature and prone to vanity and manipulation, though her grievances with the leader of their colony are understandable. The journey and settlement force her to make decisions, not just manipulate her way into getting what she wants, granting her a bit more maturity and wisdom. Emma learns to think unselfishly for herself and take others into account and do what is best for them. However, she is loathe to accept help, and her stubborn and headstrong ways never leave her, though she learns to temper them. The most spiritual growth occurs in A Mending at the Edge, where she really learns to lean on God and work for Him, not just herself. Kirkpatrick does an excellent job at Emma's voice - it starts out petulant and with all the self-centeredness of youth, but the voice gradually matures more and more through each story. It never sounds like she was replaced by a different character - her voice remains true, but it is an older, wiser voice at the end.
The Tendering Storm introduces us to Louisa Keil's point of view, as well as maintaining Emma's, though it is back to purely Emma's for A Mending at the Edge. I appreciated Louisa a bit more as the story went on; she truly is a good woman, believing in her husband, struggling with doubts, and ultimately wanting to help others. I am not sure her point of view is imperative to the story, but she shows us more of a woman's traditional role in the religious society and gives us a rounder view of Keil, rather than forcing us to solely rely on Emma's jaundiced opinion of him.
There are many, many, good lessons in this book, so I will try to be brief and highlight only a couple. I really appreciate how the author emphasizes the importance of standing by one's husband in A Clearing in the Wild. Emma is not very good at it at first, being rather manipulative and selfish, but she learns to support him, respect him, and encourage him to be the man God created him to be, a servant of the Lord, not of man. Additionally, Kirkpatrick has a lot of good thoughts on community, reaching out, making people's lives better than one's own, and learning to accept help.
Kirkpatrick reiterates through the book the importance of studying God's word for oneself, and not depending solely on one's pastor or another fallible human to declare what is truth. The religious society highlights what a difference there is between believing in God, as so many of them do, and having a relationship with God which so many of them do not. Like so many utopian societies, the religious colony does many things right, but yet is far, far from perfect. Kirkpatrick looks closely at both the positives and negatives, painting a fair picture of their utopian society - she has achieved an excellent balance in representing the community.
Of the three parts, A Clearing in the Wild appeals most to my romantic side, though I like Emma herself better in the later stories. Following immediately after it, The Tendering Storm is action-filled and the most suspenseful. Though it is by far the slowest of the three, A Mending at the Edge evoked the most emotion. All three have worthy lessons to learn, and together they provide a thorough picture of just how far Emma comes in the course of a couple decades. Given that very little time passes between stories, these three fit well as a single book - a long but excellent saga. Since it is based on a real woman's life, not everything ties up perfectly by the end, and some things are bittersweet, but it is still a stimulating and satisfying read. 5 stars!
I received a free e-copy of this novel from Blogging for Books; I was not required to make it positive, and all opinions are my own.
Emma changes and grows remarkably through the book, but given that it spans roughly twenty years, she ought to. A Clearing in the Wild begins with 17-year old Emma starting off in marriage with a man only a year younger than her own father. I did not care for her at first - Emma is yet immature and prone to vanity and manipulation, though her grievances with the leader of their colony are understandable. The journey and settlement force her to make decisions, not just manipulate her way into getting what she wants, granting her a bit more maturity and wisdom. Emma learns to think unselfishly for herself and take others into account and do what is best for them. However, she is loathe to accept help, and her stubborn and headstrong ways never leave her, though she learns to temper them. The most spiritual growth occurs in A Mending at the Edge, where she really learns to lean on God and work for Him, not just herself. Kirkpatrick does an excellent job at Emma's voice - it starts out petulant and with all the self-centeredness of youth, but the voice gradually matures more and more through each story. It never sounds like she was replaced by a different character - her voice remains true, but it is an older, wiser voice at the end.
The Tendering Storm introduces us to Louisa Keil's point of view, as well as maintaining Emma's, though it is back to purely Emma's for A Mending at the Edge. I appreciated Louisa a bit more as the story went on; she truly is a good woman, believing in her husband, struggling with doubts, and ultimately wanting to help others. I am not sure her point of view is imperative to the story, but she shows us more of a woman's traditional role in the religious society and gives us a rounder view of Keil, rather than forcing us to solely rely on Emma's jaundiced opinion of him.
There are many, many, good lessons in this book, so I will try to be brief and highlight only a couple. I really appreciate how the author emphasizes the importance of standing by one's husband in A Clearing in the Wild. Emma is not very good at it at first, being rather manipulative and selfish, but she learns to support him, respect him, and encourage him to be the man God created him to be, a servant of the Lord, not of man. Additionally, Kirkpatrick has a lot of good thoughts on community, reaching out, making people's lives better than one's own, and learning to accept help.
Kirkpatrick reiterates through the book the importance of studying God's word for oneself, and not depending solely on one's pastor or another fallible human to declare what is truth. The religious society highlights what a difference there is between believing in God, as so many of them do, and having a relationship with God which so many of them do not. Like so many utopian societies, the religious colony does many things right, but yet is far, far from perfect. Kirkpatrick looks closely at both the positives and negatives, painting a fair picture of their utopian society - she has achieved an excellent balance in representing the community.
Of the three parts, A Clearing in the Wild appeals most to my romantic side, though I like Emma herself better in the later stories. Following immediately after it, The Tendering Storm is action-filled and the most suspenseful. Though it is by far the slowest of the three, A Mending at the Edge evoked the most emotion. All three have worthy lessons to learn, and together they provide a thorough picture of just how far Emma comes in the course of a couple decades. Given that very little time passes between stories, these three fit well as a single book - a long but excellent saga. Since it is based on a real woman's life, not everything ties up perfectly by the end, and some things are bittersweet, but it is still a stimulating and satisfying read. 5 stars!
I received a free e-copy of this novel from Blogging for Books; I was not required to make it positive, and all opinions are my own.
July 5, 2021
Emma grows from a manipulative young woman into a self-assertive adult in this thoughtful series. I particularly enjoyed the sections that alternated between Emma and Louisa, as they both dealt with William Keil's impetuous and erratic leadership style. Emma learns to use her strength and resources to not only cope with the restrictions of life in a communal society, but serve others in need.
January 3, 2014
By the time a couple finishes the first round of premarital counseling, most are willing to admit that marriage requires, and affects, personal change. All will affirm that marriage involves cherishing and being cherished.
However, only after the rings are exchanged, the threshold crossed and the first dinner bloopers endured, does light dawn on the truth that these aspects of marriage are not only true, they are nonnegotiable and they are mutually dependent.
Jane Kirkpatrick’s trilogy, Emma of Aurora, The Change and Cherish Trilogy, is a fascinating, didactic work of historical fiction. In her remarkably accurate account of the life of Emma Wagner Giesy, Kirkpatrick quietly unveils the perils, the promises, the possibilities and the purpose of marriage.
Emma Wagner Giesy’s life was fraught with perils. She had a strong mind and a ferocious sense of independence. Neither bode well for her in the ultra-conservative, communal Christian colony in Bethel, Missouri, where she grew up. She fell in love with Christian Giesy, during a Christmas morning church service in 1851, as she studied him across the isle dividing male and female worshipers.
Her subsequent marriage to Heir Keil's right hand man, immediately set her at odds with the colony’s undisputed leader. Tension simmered as Emma worked to manipulate the men in her life to respect her wishes, something unheard of in the patriarchal colony. But she won more battles than she lost and eventually found herself the lone woman accompanying her husband and a small group of scouts westward to find a new homestead for the growing Bethel colony.
Perils of loneliness, physical pain, rejection and exhaustion assaulted Christian and Emma’s marriage. I watched as Emma and Christian changed, almost imperceptibly, learning to cherish each other in spite of their differences.
God’s promises prevailed over and over in this true, rich story. Kirkpatrick uses Emma’s voice to recall Scripture frequently. Familiar Biblical texts became Emma’s lifeline when her husband seemed distant and unfeeling. At the same time, Emma and Christian’s vows to each other endured continuous refining fire, but emerged stronger.
At risk of giving away Emma’s darkest, most transformational peril revealed in Book 2, I’ll simply tell you that through Emma’s story, Kirkpatrick helps the reader to understand God’s promise, “All things work together for the good of those who love Him”, often requires that we believe, “With God all things are possible”.
Finally, Kirkpatrick’s uses Emma’s story to show the purpose of marriage. God designed the union of man and woman in marriage to be unlike any other relationship. The aggravating truth of our stark differences can make marriage one of the most difficult relationships. But it is through the pain of changing that we understand how much God cherishes us. It is in learning to rest in our Father’s love that we become able to accept the differences of others, gently accept God’s changing us, and become able to cherish another human being.
This book is an excellent, unparalleled read. Kirkpatrick develops vibrant, multi-dimensional characters. None is flawless and the reader’s loyalty vacillates, even occasionally leaving the heroine.
The conclusion left me with a deeper self-awareness. It cultivated introspection, an attentiveness to the changes God longs to make in my own life. At the same time, the book left me with peace, a confidence that I am cherished, even as I am changing.
However, only after the rings are exchanged, the threshold crossed and the first dinner bloopers endured, does light dawn on the truth that these aspects of marriage are not only true, they are nonnegotiable and they are mutually dependent.
Jane Kirkpatrick’s trilogy, Emma of Aurora, The Change and Cherish Trilogy, is a fascinating, didactic work of historical fiction. In her remarkably accurate account of the life of Emma Wagner Giesy, Kirkpatrick quietly unveils the perils, the promises, the possibilities and the purpose of marriage.
Emma Wagner Giesy’s life was fraught with perils. She had a strong mind and a ferocious sense of independence. Neither bode well for her in the ultra-conservative, communal Christian colony in Bethel, Missouri, where she grew up. She fell in love with Christian Giesy, during a Christmas morning church service in 1851, as she studied him across the isle dividing male and female worshipers.
Her subsequent marriage to Heir Keil's right hand man, immediately set her at odds with the colony’s undisputed leader. Tension simmered as Emma worked to manipulate the men in her life to respect her wishes, something unheard of in the patriarchal colony. But she won more battles than she lost and eventually found herself the lone woman accompanying her husband and a small group of scouts westward to find a new homestead for the growing Bethel colony.
Perils of loneliness, physical pain, rejection and exhaustion assaulted Christian and Emma’s marriage. I watched as Emma and Christian changed, almost imperceptibly, learning to cherish each other in spite of their differences.
God’s promises prevailed over and over in this true, rich story. Kirkpatrick uses Emma’s voice to recall Scripture frequently. Familiar Biblical texts became Emma’s lifeline when her husband seemed distant and unfeeling. At the same time, Emma and Christian’s vows to each other endured continuous refining fire, but emerged stronger.
At risk of giving away Emma’s darkest, most transformational peril revealed in Book 2, I’ll simply tell you that through Emma’s story, Kirkpatrick helps the reader to understand God’s promise, “All things work together for the good of those who love Him”, often requires that we believe, “With God all things are possible”.
Finally, Kirkpatrick’s uses Emma’s story to show the purpose of marriage. God designed the union of man and woman in marriage to be unlike any other relationship. The aggravating truth of our stark differences can make marriage one of the most difficult relationships. But it is through the pain of changing that we understand how much God cherishes us. It is in learning to rest in our Father’s love that we become able to accept the differences of others, gently accept God’s changing us, and become able to cherish another human being.
This book is an excellent, unparalleled read. Kirkpatrick develops vibrant, multi-dimensional characters. None is flawless and the reader’s loyalty vacillates, even occasionally leaving the heroine.
The conclusion left me with a deeper self-awareness. It cultivated introspection, an attentiveness to the changes God longs to make in my own life. At the same time, the book left me with peace, a confidence that I am cherished, even as I am changing.
January 6, 2014
Emma of Aurora is a historical fiction that is woven around the story of Emma Wagner Giesy, a real member of the Christian commune by Jane Kirkpatrick. The book that I received was the complete Change and Cherish Trilogy containing the books A Clearing in the Wild, A Tendering in the Storm, and A Mending at the Edge. The book is 1163 pages long. If you have the opportunity, I suggest reading it on a Kindle or other reader. The book is heavy!
This was a great book that gives the reader an idea of what life was like in the mid-1800′s. The book opens in Bethel, Missouri at a Christian colony. The community lived separated from others so that they could live a fully-committed life in service to God and others. They live on a principle called the Diamond Rule, which is more powerful than the Golden Rule. The Diamond Rule says that they should leave others’ lives better than theirs. The Bethel Society was made up of mostly Germans and Swiss and was lead by their founder William Keil, who ruled with a heavy hand. Women and men sat separately in church and women made very few decisions for themselves. However, our main character, Emma, is a very independent thinker and loved to push the boundaries of what was proper for women of her time.
The first book, A Clearing in the Wild, starts when Emma is a teenager. It tells how she met and married her husband, Christian, and how with seven other men, they forged their way west to find a new place for the community to settle because they were fleeing the railroad and the influence of the outside world. The new colony struggles with the weather, huge trees, few tools, and a lack of workers to make the community a liveable place before the others arrive from Bethel. Emma struggles to raise her firstborn child with few resources.
Book two, A Tendering in the Storm, opens with Emma and her family living in Washington Territory after some of the Bethel Colony arrives and finds Willapa insufficient for the new colony location. William Keil takes the group and they move into the Oregon Territory and settle in Aurora. Emma’s husband, Christian, dies and, never one to take help from others, Emma struggles to raise her three children alone. After a time, she marries her husband’s cousin, Jack, a man who likes to draw and is fond of alcohol.
In A Mending at the Edge, book three in the Change and Cherish trilogy, Emma struggles to find a place in the Aurora Colony, because she is still is as headstrong as ever. While the colony continues to get new arrivals from the Bethel Colony, Emma is raising 4 children on her own. She fights to get a house for her children and herself while many others have none. When the colony decides that it would be best for Emma’s sons to be raised with a man’s influence, Emma starts taking in single women who are in need of refuge.
I really enjoyed reading Emma of Aurora and it was made more enjoyable knowing that much of what I was reading actually happened. I strongly recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike. This book is definitely worth the manufacturer’s retail price with the all three books in one volume.
This was a great book that gives the reader an idea of what life was like in the mid-1800′s. The book opens in Bethel, Missouri at a Christian colony. The community lived separated from others so that they could live a fully-committed life in service to God and others. They live on a principle called the Diamond Rule, which is more powerful than the Golden Rule. The Diamond Rule says that they should leave others’ lives better than theirs. The Bethel Society was made up of mostly Germans and Swiss and was lead by their founder William Keil, who ruled with a heavy hand. Women and men sat separately in church and women made very few decisions for themselves. However, our main character, Emma, is a very independent thinker and loved to push the boundaries of what was proper for women of her time.
The first book, A Clearing in the Wild, starts when Emma is a teenager. It tells how she met and married her husband, Christian, and how with seven other men, they forged their way west to find a new place for the community to settle because they were fleeing the railroad and the influence of the outside world. The new colony struggles with the weather, huge trees, few tools, and a lack of workers to make the community a liveable place before the others arrive from Bethel. Emma struggles to raise her firstborn child with few resources.
Book two, A Tendering in the Storm, opens with Emma and her family living in Washington Territory after some of the Bethel Colony arrives and finds Willapa insufficient for the new colony location. William Keil takes the group and they move into the Oregon Territory and settle in Aurora. Emma’s husband, Christian, dies and, never one to take help from others, Emma struggles to raise her three children alone. After a time, she marries her husband’s cousin, Jack, a man who likes to draw and is fond of alcohol.
In A Mending at the Edge, book three in the Change and Cherish trilogy, Emma struggles to find a place in the Aurora Colony, because she is still is as headstrong as ever. While the colony continues to get new arrivals from the Bethel Colony, Emma is raising 4 children on her own. She fights to get a house for her children and herself while many others have none. When the colony decides that it would be best for Emma’s sons to be raised with a man’s influence, Emma starts taking in single women who are in need of refuge.
I really enjoyed reading Emma of Aurora and it was made more enjoyable knowing that much of what I was reading actually happened. I strongly recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike. This book is definitely worth the manufacturer’s retail price with the all three books in one volume.
March 4, 2014
This book is good. It is based on a true story about Emma Wagner Giesy. I enjoyed reading it. Because it is a series put into one very large book, I’ll break up the review into the three separate books.
The first book A clearing in the wild, was a little difficult for me to get into. It is about a girl named Emma who lives in a mostly German communal colony in the 1850’s in Missouri. I found it a bit tedious at first because I didn’t fully understand why people would choose to live in this type of setting. Once I got into it, however, I enjoyed participating in Emma’s journey west with the menfolk. She is one of the first to blaze a trail to the west for her colony. There are a few twists and turns and she is “such a girl” to me; in that she has mood swings, she has thoughts that she speaks when she probably shouldn’t, she does things for selfish reasons and she manipulates people. I enjoyed getting to know her unconventional character.
The second book: A tendering in the storm, was my favorite of the three books. Just when you think Emma finally has her feet under her, she gets knocked down. Like any good story, this one has a real climax. She really struggles in Washington and tries her hardest to do what she deems best for her and her family only to realize that it is futile. We watch her look within herself as she finds that she needs others in her life. I enjoyed her turn from selfish girl to accepting woman.
The third book, A mending at the edge was my least favorite of the three books. Emma takes charge of her life and she moves on to seek the help and comfort of colony ways. I feel like I waited throughout the third book for something to happen and it never really did. She tries to find her place within the colony but still struggles as she stands out. She did change the course of how women were treated and she pushes the importance of women’s place within the religious community, but it was so gradual that you could almost miss it. I wanted her to do something daring, something amazing, but she never did. I wanted an0ther climactic moment like the second book had had. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Seeing as it is based on a true story, I can see that their maybe wasn’t much to add that wouldn’t be fictional. She turned into a person who did what was right without looking for recognition or fame; unlike the girl from the first book and I liked her transformation.
All in all, it was a good story. If you view it as a whole and not three separate pieces it is rather amazing what this woman did. It was interesting and it was fun to read. Looking at the series as a whole, I rather liked it. It is a good story about fighting for what you want and understanding your place in the world. Other than carrying around a giant book (which I didn’t love), It was fun to read. I have and would recommend this to others to read.
The first book A clearing in the wild, was a little difficult for me to get into. It is about a girl named Emma who lives in a mostly German communal colony in the 1850’s in Missouri. I found it a bit tedious at first because I didn’t fully understand why people would choose to live in this type of setting. Once I got into it, however, I enjoyed participating in Emma’s journey west with the menfolk. She is one of the first to blaze a trail to the west for her colony. There are a few twists and turns and she is “such a girl” to me; in that she has mood swings, she has thoughts that she speaks when she probably shouldn’t, she does things for selfish reasons and she manipulates people. I enjoyed getting to know her unconventional character.
The second book: A tendering in the storm, was my favorite of the three books. Just when you think Emma finally has her feet under her, she gets knocked down. Like any good story, this one has a real climax. She really struggles in Washington and tries her hardest to do what she deems best for her and her family only to realize that it is futile. We watch her look within herself as she finds that she needs others in her life. I enjoyed her turn from selfish girl to accepting woman.
The third book, A mending at the edge was my least favorite of the three books. Emma takes charge of her life and she moves on to seek the help and comfort of colony ways. I feel like I waited throughout the third book for something to happen and it never really did. She tries to find her place within the colony but still struggles as she stands out. She did change the course of how women were treated and she pushes the importance of women’s place within the religious community, but it was so gradual that you could almost miss it. I wanted her to do something daring, something amazing, but she never did. I wanted an0ther climactic moment like the second book had had. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Seeing as it is based on a true story, I can see that their maybe wasn’t much to add that wouldn’t be fictional. She turned into a person who did what was right without looking for recognition or fame; unlike the girl from the first book and I liked her transformation.
All in all, it was a good story. If you view it as a whole and not three separate pieces it is rather amazing what this woman did. It was interesting and it was fun to read. Looking at the series as a whole, I rather liked it. It is a good story about fighting for what you want and understanding your place in the world. Other than carrying around a giant book (which I didn’t love), It was fun to read. I have and would recommend this to others to read.
January 16, 2016
REVIEW
A CLEARING IN THE WILD
1850's, Emma was very outspoken which wasn't the normal for women back then. This led to a problem with the loved colony leader in Bethel Missouri. She is determined to follow her dreams of being an independent woman. Even though she is making her way West, there is something missing. Something she never thought would matter. A sense of community.
A TENDERING IN THE STORM
Emm finds herself alome and pregnant with her third child. She was determined that the children would be raised on her terms. Now she is alone with another baby on the way. She struggled to keep her little family safe in the remote Washintgon Territory. She was in a fog of despair, not knowing if she should continue even in her weakened state or ask help from the very ones she had walked away from.
A MENDING AT THE EDGE
Emma finds herself struggling to find her niche again. Right now being a mother, daughter, sister and estranged wife, she needs to find her place within the warmth off her religious community. Emma finds that there are others on the edge just like her. She goes to them seeking a purpose for all of them. She takes her talents and with new hope she brings together the torn binds of friends, family and of course, faith.
MY OUTLOOK
I loved the book since it was a trilogy all in one book. When one story w as done, you didn't have to go hunt down the next book. It is within a page. I also liked the fact that it was about a real person. The author slowed the story down when she wanted the focus to be on Emma's thoughts and feelings. Emma was trying hard to listen to God and how he was trying to lead her life and be a good mother and wife. I'm glad it didn't move at a fast pace. The slower pace allowed the reader time to look into the characters and try to understand their feelings. It felt that the Ms. Kirkpatrick wrote about Emma's life, this not being a romance or love story. The author described detailed struggles and daily problems the community encountered every day. This community didn't seem to be the good, faithful, loving community of God that a reader may have a picture of. There was just something there that didn't feel like the grace of God. This was a historical fiction book, which I felt contained a lit of truth.If you like historical fiction with adventure slipped in along with one woman's strength to go on, then this is the book for you. It is quite long with the three stories in one volume. but well worth the timE
I would give this book a 5 MINT review.
I was given a complimentary copy of EMMA OF AURORA by Jane Kirkpatrick from BloggingforBooks/Multnomah for my uncompensated independent review.
A CLEARING IN THE WILD
1850's, Emma was very outspoken which wasn't the normal for women back then. This led to a problem with the loved colony leader in Bethel Missouri. She is determined to follow her dreams of being an independent woman. Even though she is making her way West, there is something missing. Something she never thought would matter. A sense of community.
A TENDERING IN THE STORM
Emm finds herself alome and pregnant with her third child. She was determined that the children would be raised on her terms. Now she is alone with another baby on the way. She struggled to keep her little family safe in the remote Washintgon Territory. She was in a fog of despair, not knowing if she should continue even in her weakened state or ask help from the very ones she had walked away from.
A MENDING AT THE EDGE
Emma finds herself struggling to find her niche again. Right now being a mother, daughter, sister and estranged wife, she needs to find her place within the warmth off her religious community. Emma finds that there are others on the edge just like her. She goes to them seeking a purpose for all of them. She takes her talents and with new hope she brings together the torn binds of friends, family and of course, faith.
MY OUTLOOK
I loved the book since it was a trilogy all in one book. When one story w as done, you didn't have to go hunt down the next book. It is within a page. I also liked the fact that it was about a real person. The author slowed the story down when she wanted the focus to be on Emma's thoughts and feelings. Emma was trying hard to listen to God and how he was trying to lead her life and be a good mother and wife. I'm glad it didn't move at a fast pace. The slower pace allowed the reader time to look into the characters and try to understand their feelings. It felt that the Ms. Kirkpatrick wrote about Emma's life, this not being a romance or love story. The author described detailed struggles and daily problems the community encountered every day. This community didn't seem to be the good, faithful, loving community of God that a reader may have a picture of. There was just something there that didn't feel like the grace of God. This was a historical fiction book, which I felt contained a lit of truth.If you like historical fiction with adventure slipped in along with one woman's strength to go on, then this is the book for you. It is quite long with the three stories in one volume. but well worth the timE
I would give this book a 5 MINT review.
I was given a complimentary copy of EMMA OF AURORA by Jane Kirkpatrick from BloggingforBooks/Multnomah for my uncompensated independent review.
February 25, 2014
The Synopsis:
A Clearing in the Wild
“When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the beloved leader of her 1850s Bethel, Missouri, colony, 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 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 religion 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.”
My Review:
First, I have to say, that when I requested this book, I didn’t realize that it was a volume, so it is the entire Change and Cherish Trilogy (giving it over 1000 pages!). I say that to say that I haven’t yet finished it yet. I’m not even close to finishing, it is just too overwhelming.
But, I am nearly finished with part one of the first book, so I am going to go ahead and write a review (so I don’t go crazy!). It is written in first person, which I really enjoy, and the detail is amazing. I also admire the character’s personalities, which are very believable and realistic. I also like the time period the story takes place in.
I am going to say that this story does line up with some of the Bible studies I have been doing. The tribe that Emma lives in believes that they must remain hidden in the wilderness to keep their faith alive and that anyone who is not a part of them is wicked and worldly. However, Emma believes that you should be in the world, but not of the world, as Jesus tells us Christians to do, and tries to bring everyone else into that understanding. It is a very inspirational story and I look forward to finishing the book, but because it is so large, I am just taking it easy;-)
“I received this book from Water Brook Multnomah for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”
A Clearing in the Wild
“When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the beloved leader of her 1850s Bethel, Missouri, colony, 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 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 religion 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.”
My Review:
First, I have to say, that when I requested this book, I didn’t realize that it was a volume, so it is the entire Change and Cherish Trilogy (giving it over 1000 pages!). I say that to say that I haven’t yet finished it yet. I’m not even close to finishing, it is just too overwhelming.
But, I am nearly finished with part one of the first book, so I am going to go ahead and write a review (so I don’t go crazy!). It is written in first person, which I really enjoy, and the detail is amazing. I also admire the character’s personalities, which are very believable and realistic. I also like the time period the story takes place in.
I am going to say that this story does line up with some of the Bible studies I have been doing. The tribe that Emma lives in believes that they must remain hidden in the wilderness to keep their faith alive and that anyone who is not a part of them is wicked and worldly. However, Emma believes that you should be in the world, but not of the world, as Jesus tells us Christians to do, and tries to bring everyone else into that understanding. It is a very inspirational story and I look forward to finishing the book, but because it is so large, I am just taking it easy;-)
“I received this book from Water Brook Multnomah for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”
January 8, 2014
Book One: I thought this was a fantastic start to what I anticipated would be a great trilogy. I thought Emma was an interesting character in an interesting and unusual setting. She is considered an outspoken woman in her community where women do exactly what they are told and don't question. I will admit I would have liked to have seen small signs earlier in the book that more women secretly felt the same way she did about issues, even if they still remained in silence. I think the complete submission from all other women made the community a bit distant to the reader initially. This, however, changed later on. I thought this was a great start as Emma made the journey with her husband and other men to a site for the building of a new community, and the trials faced along the way.
Book Two: This second book in the trilogy had me beating my head on a wall just a little bit. Not because it was bad, but because I could see where Emma's choices were taking her and I kept telling her not to do it and evidently my pleas weren't working... It was cool to watch and see how Emma was brought to a new point of understanding of life and people, and a new viewpoint of those around her. I also really liked that we got to see Louisa's point of view from time to time. It made her character much more real and helped to round the readers view of all that was going on and better understand the opinions held by the characters.
Book Three: This book was a great end to the series. It was great to watch Emma learning, growing, and slowly finding her place in her new home at Aurora. Not only was she finding her own place in the midst of the community, but she was also helping others who found themselves in their own difficult situations. As her viewpoint continued to change--as it began to in the second book--she learns to see the good in others. Old enemies slowly become equals as Emma matures, though still possessing her quirky uniqueness.
Overall I thought these were great books and great series. I loved following along beside Emma throughout her life.I thought it was really cool that this series is based off a real person, a fact I hadn't realized until I was reading the acknowledgements in the back. Very cool. I would definitely recommend this series! I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.
Book Two: This second book in the trilogy had me beating my head on a wall just a little bit. Not because it was bad, but because I could see where Emma's choices were taking her and I kept telling her not to do it and evidently my pleas weren't working... It was cool to watch and see how Emma was brought to a new point of understanding of life and people, and a new viewpoint of those around her. I also really liked that we got to see Louisa's point of view from time to time. It made her character much more real and helped to round the readers view of all that was going on and better understand the opinions held by the characters.
Book Three: This book was a great end to the series. It was great to watch Emma learning, growing, and slowly finding her place in her new home at Aurora. Not only was she finding her own place in the midst of the community, but she was also helping others who found themselves in their own difficult situations. As her viewpoint continued to change--as it began to in the second book--she learns to see the good in others. Old enemies slowly become equals as Emma matures, though still possessing her quirky uniqueness.
Overall I thought these were great books and great series. I loved following along beside Emma throughout her life.I thought it was really cool that this series is based off a real person, a fact I hadn't realized until I was reading the acknowledgements in the back. Very cool. I would definitely recommend this series! I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.
January 8, 2014
This is a set of three books set in the late 1800's about Emma, who starts out as a young woman with eyes for an older man in her colony. They live in a cooperative community run by Wilhelm Keil, who is a thorn in Emma's side (and mine!) for the entire series. Keil chooses to send her new husband, who she's had very little time with due to Keil's missions for him, as one of the scouts who go to the west coast to look for land to move the colony as Keil feels it is getting too many outside influences. Emma is a bit spirited for the community and talks her way into being sent along as well. The series follows Emma and the scouts on their journey and the development of the new colony. More details would give away too many surprises (not always good ones!), but the series was good. The historical details of the book are so interesting, and at the end of the third book we find that Emma and the colony are true historical characters fleshed out by the author, and that one can still visit the historical colony of Aurora. Emma changes throughout the series through the hardships and joys she suffers in her life. They were somewhat frustrating to read, as through most of the books, Emma separates herself and tends to think the worst of people as she struggles with being part of the colony and being dependent on others due to her circumstances. It takes until the third book for Emma to return to her faith and find the joy in her life and those around her. That is definitely the redeeming book for Emma as she takes the colony's initial mission of making other's lives better than one's own to heart and lives it out. The things that happen to Emma definitely merit the frustration she has, though i would have liked to see her grow more as a person in the first two books as well as the third. Perhaps that's more my (as the reader) desire to help her avoid the struggles her decisions lead her to. I would recommend these books, and encourage the reader to read all of them, and the third book is definitely where Emma shines and shows her Godly character growth. It is interesting to see the goals and lives of those in the colony grow and change as well from the picture we get of them in the first book or so. I'd love to add the historical Aurora Colony to the list of sites to see if we ever travel to the west coast!
I recieved a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I recieved a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
January 6, 2014
Summary
Emma of Aurora by Jane Kirkpatrick is all three books in the Change Cherish Trilogy in an all in one format. Here is a link to be able to read the first chapter. The 1st book in the series "A Clearing in the Wind" is about Emma an outspoken young woman in a Missouri Colony of very legalistic religious people. We find her marrying and travel with her new husband Christian to the Oregon Territory and also having children. In book two "A Tendering in the Storm" we find Emma with 2 children and one on the way. After a tragic loss we find her struggling to keep her little family together as she makes a decision that changes her life and the life of her children. All the while the religious community that she is from is not sure on how to deal with her as she does not bend to their will. In book three "A Mending at the Edge" we find Emma in Aurora, Oregon estranged from her husband and trying to come to terms on how to live in her very restrictive religious group she is from and who are the founders of Aurora. As the complete series in one book format you don't have to wait for the next book to arrive.
My thoughts
I personally was excited to read this book, I am a big Jane Kirkpatrick fan and to have one of her book series in one volume was exciting to me. If you don't know the author Jane Kirkpatrick then you are missing a good author who in some of her books takes real people from history and molds a story that fits around their true events in a fiction novel. That is exactly what she did with the book series Emma of Aurora. Emma was a real women who belong to the religious sect of Dr. William Keil who founded the town of Aurora, Oregon. This was a wonderful book I have to admit having all three volumes in one was intimidating since the book is over 1000 pages but don't let that stop you, as I could not put it down once I started reading it. I admit that book is slow at times but then I remember the time frame it takes place in and not everything was the same as it is today. I love historical fiction when its basis is not a romance novel and this one was not. Yes there was romance but the books main thought is what happens to Emma and even the community of Aurora. If you have a chance to read this one read it, at least for me it was very rewarding.
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books by Waterbrook Press for my honest review.
November 11, 2013
A Clearing in the Wild
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the 1850's 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.
My Review:
The biggest appeal of this novel trilogy was that it was based on a real person. I already love Kirkpatrick's writing, but this trilogy was everything I expected - and more. I did notice that none of the books in the trilogy moved quickly, because Kirkpatrick focused on Emma's thoughts, and Emma's feelings while trying to follow God's leading in her life and being a good wife. I typically don't care for stories that move along slowly, but when it comes to true stories, I will plow through the slow parts.
The characters and plots were well developed, and the story reads very accurately for the time period. I felt the writing was more on Emma's life as a whole, not specifically a romance or love story. The religious community in the wild Oregon territory had my attention with the constant struggles and difficulties they continually faced. I would say it leaned more towards a cult than than what a good church should be like, but I leave that to each reader's interpretation. I recommend this trilogy to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that is based on a true story.
This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the 1850's 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.
My Review:
The biggest appeal of this novel trilogy was that it was based on a real person. I already love Kirkpatrick's writing, but this trilogy was everything I expected - and more. I did notice that none of the books in the trilogy moved quickly, because Kirkpatrick focused on Emma's thoughts, and Emma's feelings while trying to follow God's leading in her life and being a good wife. I typically don't care for stories that move along slowly, but when it comes to true stories, I will plow through the slow parts.
The characters and plots were well developed, and the story reads very accurately for the time period. I felt the writing was more on Emma's life as a whole, not specifically a romance or love story. The religious community in the wild Oregon territory had my attention with the constant struggles and difficulties they continually faced. I would say it leaned more towards a cult than than what a good church should be like, but I leave that to each reader's interpretation. I recommend this trilogy to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that is based on a true story.
This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2013
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
If you love reading big books, well, this is the one to get. Emma of Aurora is three books in one, it is the complete Change And Cherish Trilogy by Jane Kirkpatrick in one big almost 1200 page book, and I love it! When I finished reading the first book, A Clearing in the Wild I was excited because I didn’t have to wait to read the second book, A Tendering in the Storm, then I could finish the series with The Mending at the Edge, all at once.
Emma of Aurora is based on a true story Emma Wagner, and it follows the life of Emma Wagner Giesy. Emma was one of many Christians, all having the same things in common with each other. I really enjoyed Emma’s character because she was feisty and determined, strong willed, opinionated woman, and she didn’t care who knew it! After the death of her husband, Emma’s task of raising her children on her own was not an easy one, and she didn’t always make the best decisions. As I read the books, it was easy to see that everything wasn’t what you would think in the Christian community she lived in. They sure had their difficulties as well as anyone else. And weaved together with Emma’s difficulties in her personal life, there are many twists and turns that will sure to keep your attention and keep you reading! Though at times, this book was very difficult to read, because of the situations.
Knowing this book is based on a the true life of Emma makes the story even more interesting to me. I really love this book, despite the difficult times I had reading it. The story is one that you can’t put down because you want to know the ending. Jane Kirkpatrick is an awesome storyteller, and it clearly shows in this Trilogy! If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this one! I encourage you to pick up a copy for many hours of just plain good reading!
I received this book from the publisher Waterbrook through their Blogging For Books review program to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
If you love reading big books, well, this is the one to get. Emma of Aurora is three books in one, it is the complete Change And Cherish Trilogy by Jane Kirkpatrick in one big almost 1200 page book, and I love it! When I finished reading the first book, A Clearing in the Wild I was excited because I didn’t have to wait to read the second book, A Tendering in the Storm, then I could finish the series with The Mending at the Edge, all at once.
Emma of Aurora is based on a true story Emma Wagner, and it follows the life of Emma Wagner Giesy. Emma was one of many Christians, all having the same things in common with each other. I really enjoyed Emma’s character because she was feisty and determined, strong willed, opinionated woman, and she didn’t care who knew it! After the death of her husband, Emma’s task of raising her children on her own was not an easy one, and she didn’t always make the best decisions. As I read the books, it was easy to see that everything wasn’t what you would think in the Christian community she lived in. They sure had their difficulties as well as anyone else. And weaved together with Emma’s difficulties in her personal life, there are many twists and turns that will sure to keep your attention and keep you reading! Though at times, this book was very difficult to read, because of the situations.
Knowing this book is based on a the true life of Emma makes the story even more interesting to me. I really love this book, despite the difficult times I had reading it. The story is one that you can’t put down because you want to know the ending. Jane Kirkpatrick is an awesome storyteller, and it clearly shows in this Trilogy! If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this one! I encourage you to pick up a copy for many hours of just plain good reading!
I received this book from the publisher Waterbrook through their Blogging For Books review program to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
February 25, 2014
my first thought, when I opened the enormous box this monster arrived in was... "Holy Cow!"
I know it's a bit unoriginal but it's the best I could come up with in that moment.
I realize this has no bearing on the story within but it was the first thought associated with the book so I feel it's worth sharing. I've noticed in a lot of the other reviews I've seen that people are excited to have all three stories in one place but I can't help pointing out the opposite side to this. The book is enormous. For me, it's been a bit of a hindrance. It's difficult to read a book that is so large - in paperback. If the book were a hardbound, with a more flexible spine, I would have had a much easier time with it - which is why I read it on my e-reader. However, I can see the appeal. It is nice to have all three books in one volume. It is nice not to have to track down three different books. And it's nice to have only one price to pay instead of three. I can't really attest to the last one since I received the book free in exchange for an honest review from Blogging for Books but It makes sense to me.
My fascination with historical stories began with the Little House books. My mother read them to me as a child and I'm reading them to my children. As anyone who has read these knows, the stories are told through the eyes and voice of a child but they are true stories and Laura Ingals Wilder does a superb job of it in my opinion.
Laura Ingals Wilder and Jane Kirkpatrick have that in common but the similarity ends there. Laura lived her story, Jane did not. She took the life of a woman who lived long before any of us were even born and made her real to us. It's a daunting enough task to write about a fictional character who lived many years ago but to write with such passion about an actual person, someone who you have never met or spoken with... that shows an incredible skill. I am not alone in my admiration and I intend to seek out more books written by Jane Kirkpatrick.
A wonderful read!
Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
I know it's a bit unoriginal but it's the best I could come up with in that moment.
I realize this has no bearing on the story within but it was the first thought associated with the book so I feel it's worth sharing. I've noticed in a lot of the other reviews I've seen that people are excited to have all three stories in one place but I can't help pointing out the opposite side to this. The book is enormous. For me, it's been a bit of a hindrance. It's difficult to read a book that is so large - in paperback. If the book were a hardbound, with a more flexible spine, I would have had a much easier time with it - which is why I read it on my e-reader. However, I can see the appeal. It is nice to have all three books in one volume. It is nice not to have to track down three different books. And it's nice to have only one price to pay instead of three. I can't really attest to the last one since I received the book free in exchange for an honest review from Blogging for Books but It makes sense to me.
My fascination with historical stories began with the Little House books. My mother read them to me as a child and I'm reading them to my children. As anyone who has read these knows, the stories are told through the eyes and voice of a child but they are true stories and Laura Ingals Wilder does a superb job of it in my opinion.
Laura Ingals Wilder and Jane Kirkpatrick have that in common but the similarity ends there. Laura lived her story, Jane did not. She took the life of a woman who lived long before any of us were even born and made her real to us. It's a daunting enough task to write about a fictional character who lived many years ago but to write with such passion about an actual person, someone who you have never met or spoken with... that shows an incredible skill. I am not alone in my admiration and I intend to seek out more books written by Jane Kirkpatrick.
A wonderful read!
Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2014
This is the whole Change and Cherish Trilogy, Three books in one.
They are:
A Clearing in the Wild
A Tendering in the Storm
A Mending at the Edge
Jane Kirkpatrick gives us a slice of history with interesting characters and a wonderful story.
This book was based off of a historical woman named Emma Wagner Giesy.
Emma is a woman with flaws and issues we can all relate to.
Emma lives in the 1860's pioneering colony period where marriage is frowned upon by the leader and who wants the colony to yield to his ways.
Emma falls in love with a man who is years older than herself and they want to get married, so they ask for the colony leaders permission. He does not give it to them, instead the leader tries to send him scouting for land to start a new colony.
Emma & Christian do get married and Emma goes with the scouting party to find new land.
This is where the story gets interesting, Emma realizes she is pregnant but doesn't want to tell Christian,afraid he will make her turn back to the colony they left to look for new land.
Life away from the colony is not easy and they go through struggles and hardship.
In this book Emma struggles with the comfort and security of her religious community and self reliance.
I loved reading about Emma and her life. I can identify with Emma not wanting to be under the rule of the colonies leader and depend on the colony for every thing. She wanted to live free to make her own way and decisions. But in the book just like life you realize that life is a little easier with people around to help. You might not agree all the time but at least you have people willing to help and be around when times are hard.
If you love reading about this time period and love BIG thick books then this one is for you.
** I received this complimentary book from Blogging For Books for my honest review and opinions. **
They are:
A Clearing in the Wild
A Tendering in the Storm
A Mending at the Edge
Jane Kirkpatrick gives us a slice of history with interesting characters and a wonderful story.
This book was based off of a historical woman named Emma Wagner Giesy.
Emma is a woman with flaws and issues we can all relate to.
Emma lives in the 1860's pioneering colony period where marriage is frowned upon by the leader and who wants the colony to yield to his ways.
Emma falls in love with a man who is years older than herself and they want to get married, so they ask for the colony leaders permission. He does not give it to them, instead the leader tries to send him scouting for land to start a new colony.
Emma & Christian do get married and Emma goes with the scouting party to find new land.
This is where the story gets interesting, Emma realizes she is pregnant but doesn't want to tell Christian,afraid he will make her turn back to the colony they left to look for new land.
Life away from the colony is not easy and they go through struggles and hardship.
In this book Emma struggles with the comfort and security of her religious community and self reliance.
I loved reading about Emma and her life. I can identify with Emma not wanting to be under the rule of the colonies leader and depend on the colony for every thing. She wanted to live free to make her own way and decisions. But in the book just like life you realize that life is a little easier with people around to help. You might not agree all the time but at least you have people willing to help and be around when times are hard.
If you love reading about this time period and love BIG thick books then this one is for you.
** I received this complimentary book from Blogging For Books for my honest review and opinions. **
December 11, 2013
Does it drive you crazy when you have to wait for the next book to come out in a series you are reading? It surely does for me! Emma of Aurora is the answer to that frustration. This hefty tome combines the three stories of the Change & Cherish trilogy in one volume.
Jane Kirkpatrick continues her tradition of writing about real yet obscure historical figures. She has a talent for bringing the everyday struggles and triumphs of a bygone era to life in her storytelling. Emma Giesy and her story are compelling on many levels.
I enjoyed reading about the colony that was set up in Bethel, Missouri and then relocated to Aurora Mills, Oregon. On the surface it seems like the ideal way to live. But upon closer inspection the flaws become glaring. Emma's strength also becomes her weakness. Her impulsiveness helped found the area in the Willapa Valley but it also lead to years of strife for her family.
Many of Emma's decisions wouldn't have been mine but I found it interesting to see the story unfold. There was definitely a price to be paid for the independence that she sought. The best and worst part of this series was the ending. It was satisfying to see everything come full circle yet unsatisfying because the story was over. It left me wanting to know the rest of the story. Ms. Kirkpatrick has supplied additional details in her notes at the back of the book but I would love just one more volume in this series. Of course I would probably want just one more after that too! In my opinion that is the mark of a great writer and a compelling story.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
Jane Kirkpatrick continues her tradition of writing about real yet obscure historical figures. She has a talent for bringing the everyday struggles and triumphs of a bygone era to life in her storytelling. Emma Giesy and her story are compelling on many levels.
I enjoyed reading about the colony that was set up in Bethel, Missouri and then relocated to Aurora Mills, Oregon. On the surface it seems like the ideal way to live. But upon closer inspection the flaws become glaring. Emma's strength also becomes her weakness. Her impulsiveness helped found the area in the Willapa Valley but it also lead to years of strife for her family.
Many of Emma's decisions wouldn't have been mine but I found it interesting to see the story unfold. There was definitely a price to be paid for the independence that she sought. The best and worst part of this series was the ending. It was satisfying to see everything come full circle yet unsatisfying because the story was over. It left me wanting to know the rest of the story. Ms. Kirkpatrick has supplied additional details in her notes at the back of the book but I would love just one more volume in this series. Of course I would probably want just one more after that too! In my opinion that is the mark of a great writer and a compelling story.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
March 27, 2014
Emma of Aurora by Jane Kirkpatrick is 1146 pages long; three novels in one. I wish I had read that before agreeing to review it. In spite of the length, I enjoyed it, but Emma of Aurora strayed from my expectations.
Early in my reading of this novel, I wrote a commentary on the extraordinary character of Emma on my blog. Jane Kirkpatrick really does a great job building setting and people in all her novels, but unlike her other novels, like Where Lilacs Still Bloom and One Glorious Ambition, Emma of Aurora had an unremarkable ending. Emma is just an ordinary person who didn’t appear to make any kind of mark on the world except in the communities in which she lived. In One Glorious Ambition, Dorthea Dix made an impact on a nation. In Where Lilacs Still Bloom, Hulda Klager changed how lilies were grown. I went into this novel with higher expectations, and came away impacted by Emma, and only Emma. Emma is someone everyone who is overly independent and head strong can relate to, and fall in love with. Her mistakes are your mistakes. Her desire to impact her world is your desire, too. Emma is you and me.
In spite of its head-spinning length, Emma of Aurora is still an enjoyable reading experience. I gave this novel three and a half stars. Jane Kirkpatrick writes strong, likeable heroines based on historical record. Emma teaches us that our own stubbornness can lead us into a disaster of our own making, but God will always turn it into something good.
*Book given by publisher to review.
Early in my reading of this novel, I wrote a commentary on the extraordinary character of Emma on my blog. Jane Kirkpatrick really does a great job building setting and people in all her novels, but unlike her other novels, like Where Lilacs Still Bloom and One Glorious Ambition, Emma of Aurora had an unremarkable ending. Emma is just an ordinary person who didn’t appear to make any kind of mark on the world except in the communities in which she lived. In One Glorious Ambition, Dorthea Dix made an impact on a nation. In Where Lilacs Still Bloom, Hulda Klager changed how lilies were grown. I went into this novel with higher expectations, and came away impacted by Emma, and only Emma. Emma is someone everyone who is overly independent and head strong can relate to, and fall in love with. Her mistakes are your mistakes. Her desire to impact her world is your desire, too. Emma is you and me.
In spite of its head-spinning length, Emma of Aurora is still an enjoyable reading experience. I gave this novel three and a half stars. Jane Kirkpatrick writes strong, likeable heroines based on historical record. Emma teaches us that our own stubbornness can lead us into a disaster of our own making, but God will always turn it into something good.
*Book given by publisher to review.
December 17, 2013
Emma of Aurora: The complete “Change and Cherish” Trilolgy by JANE KIRKPATRICK is an exciting Christian Historical Fiction set in 1850's from Bethel, Missouri to the Washington territory. A complete collection of the "Change and Cherish" trilogy based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy. Three stories starting with "A Clearing in the Wind", than "A Tendering in the Storm" and finally " A Mending at the Edge. What a collection! I loved having this collection all in one place. When one story ended, another began. Following Emma through the ages was a delight. She is a strong-willed, determined and an out-spoken young lady who was determined to make her own way. She brings together friends, family, faith,grief, loss, community, healing and forgiveness this story of an amazing Frontier Woman. A must read! Thank you, Ms. Kirkpatrick for bringing "Emma of Aurora" to life though the pages of this title. Well written, with engaging, enduring and charismatic characters that will linger long after the story ends. Written with vivid descriptions of the era, territory and history. Ordinary woman can bring meaning to everyday life. If you enjoy historical fiction, learning more on Frontier life in the 1850's and independent women than, you want to read "Emma of Aurora". Received for an honest review from the author and/or publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
January 2, 2014
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.
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.
September 2, 2016
A Clearing in the Wild
This was a very interesting story, more so once I realized it was based on a true story. At times it was hard to like it, because of the way Emma was treated, but at the same time I think that was true to the story. I liked seeing Emma mature and it was nice seeing how she handle herself during difficult times. I don't think this is a story everyone would enjoy, but I liked it enough to continue with the series.
A Tendering in the Storm
This story was a little different because the POV switches every chapter or two from Emma's and Louisa's. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like that, but I actually enjoyed it quite a bit because I got to know Louisa more this way...and even understand why she is the way she is. There were some sad events and seeing how the people involved dealt with them was interesting.
A Mending at the Edge
A nice conclusion to the trilogy, though I thought it ended abruptly. Some of the things Emma did were annoying, but her behavior fit the circumstances in which she was so I can't complain too much about it. All in all, a good series that I enjoyed but not one I'd recommend to everyone. I think this is a series you have to have patience with to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
This was a very interesting story, more so once I realized it was based on a true story. At times it was hard to like it, because of the way Emma was treated, but at the same time I think that was true to the story. I liked seeing Emma mature and it was nice seeing how she handle herself during difficult times. I don't think this is a story everyone would enjoy, but I liked it enough to continue with the series.
A Tendering in the Storm
This story was a little different because the POV switches every chapter or two from Emma's and Louisa's. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like that, but I actually enjoyed it quite a bit because I got to know Louisa more this way...and even understand why she is the way she is. There were some sad events and seeing how the people involved dealt with them was interesting.
A Mending at the Edge
A nice conclusion to the trilogy, though I thought it ended abruptly. Some of the things Emma did were annoying, but her behavior fit the circumstances in which she was so I can't complain too much about it. All in all, a good series that I enjoyed but not one I'd recommend to everyone. I think this is a series you have to have patience with to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
July 11, 2014
This review is hard for me because the size of this book. I don't want to give away any of the great parts. So I will be giving my overall opinion of this book Emma of Aurora by Jane Kirkpatrick.
When I received this book my first thoughts were "Oh my goodness this book is HUGE". I then realized it's 3 books in 1. A Clearing in the Wild, A Tendering in the Storm and last A Mending at the Edge. To help me I placed flags to separating each book.
Emma of Aurora is an Inspiring journey into the life of Emma Wagner Giesy. We follow her from a young woman to a married woman trying to find her place in a world where men rule. In the 1800's Women where to be seen not heard for men believed women had no place having a voice. Emma has to learn to trust not only Herself, Her Leader as well as Her Husband but most importantly the Lord.
I give this book 5 stars because I love how Jane Kirkpatrick really made me feel like I was apart of Emma's journey. Through all the Hardships, Joys as well as the sorrow, I wish I could of Slapped a few of the characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who want to Laugh, Cry and just a wonderful reading experience.
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for my honest review
When I received this book my first thoughts were "Oh my goodness this book is HUGE". I then realized it's 3 books in 1. A Clearing in the Wild, A Tendering in the Storm and last A Mending at the Edge. To help me I placed flags to separating each book.
Emma of Aurora is an Inspiring journey into the life of Emma Wagner Giesy. We follow her from a young woman to a married woman trying to find her place in a world where men rule. In the 1800's Women where to be seen not heard for men believed women had no place having a voice. Emma has to learn to trust not only Herself, Her Leader as well as Her Husband but most importantly the Lord.
I give this book 5 stars because I love how Jane Kirkpatrick really made me feel like I was apart of Emma's journey. Through all the Hardships, Joys as well as the sorrow, I wish I could of Slapped a few of the characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who want to Laugh, Cry and just a wonderful reading experience.
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for my honest review
August 4, 2016
This book contains three books: A Clearing in the Wild, A Tendering in the Storm, and A Mending at the Edge, based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy. She grew up in the Bethel, Missouri communal religious colony headed by Dr. Keil. At 18, she married Christian Giesy, a man about 20 years older. A year or so later, in 1853, they were two of nine scouts sent to the west to find another location for their colony. There were what seems like now to be rigid guidelines for German women in the colony to follow. Emma was not one to be put in this mold. Sometimes this served her well, other times it led her into deep trouble. The books show her journey of where to live but also the journey of her soul. Emma had to learn to live with deep sorrow, how to turn mistakes into things she could accept, and how to trust God. This Change and Cherish series is excellent, especially for those who enjoy history. Jane Kirkpatrick does a wonderful job of research to get the facts and then spins her narrative into novel form.
November 18, 2013
Jane Kirkpatrick is one of the premier Christian authors who writes fiction based on real people in history. The Change and Cherish trilogy about Emma Wagner Giesy a women who dared stand up for herself in a time where women had little rights. The 3 books follow Emma across her life as a young married women and see as her life twist and turns. Emma is a strong women and I love the rich detail the the author wove into the story all the while trying to keep it as historically accurate as possible. The fact that it was based on a real person made the book all the more intriguing !
This book was a interesting read,at times it dragged a bit and Ms. Kirkpatrick's writing style is not my favorite,but I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about a women who dared to speak up in a day where women were usually seen and not heard.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This book was a interesting read,at times it dragged a bit and Ms. Kirkpatrick's writing style is not my favorite,but I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about a women who dared to speak up in a day where women were usually seen and not heard.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
November 26, 2013
This book is really three books combined, making it beyond my skill level to write a decent summary, without revealing spoilers. That being said I will forgo the preliminaries and begin with my thoughts and impressions of this book.
Jane Kirkpatrick breathes life into her characters, their emotions are flawlessly expressed, their thoughts are elegantly formed and although the characters grow throughout the book they stay true to themselves.
This story is as sad as it is inspiring, Emma's courage and ingenuity are remarkable and her determination to stand when everything around her is falling is truly inspiring!
Don't let the size of this book keep you from reading it. you will be amazed how fast Jane Kirkpatrick will have you enthusiastically reading through the very last page!
Jane Kirkpatrick breathes life into her characters, their emotions are flawlessly expressed, their thoughts are elegantly formed and although the characters grow throughout the book they stay true to themselves.
This story is as sad as it is inspiring, Emma's courage and ingenuity are remarkable and her determination to stand when everything around her is falling is truly inspiring!
Don't let the size of this book keep you from reading it. you will be amazed how fast Jane Kirkpatrick will have you enthusiastically reading through the very last page!
April 28, 2017
What can I say? A book based on a woman's life's journey. She was an extraordinary person who impacted many lives while living in the 1800's. She dealt with heartache, death, abuse, controlling leadership, spitefulness, and loss. She learned how to give of herself regardless of the circumstances and make life better for those whose lives she touched. She learned how to show Christ and be an example of His love to her family and others. Glad I wasn't born during that time frame. Women were unappreciated.
April 18, 2016
Jane Kirkpatrick's characters never fail to pull me in to their stories. Knowing that they are based on real people and real places just makes it even better for me. I find myself pulling out the maps to find the routes these very real people traveled. I intentionally travel certain routes myself just to see where Emma settled or passed through. I absolutely loved this book and hated for it to come to an end.
April 9, 2017
Thank heavens I was not born in the 1800's is all I have to say. Reading about the devaluing of women in that time was very disgusting and disturbing to me. This book was very difficult and emotional for me to read, sometimes it ruined my whole day. But I really liked it weirdly enough.
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