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A Captain for Laura Rose
Laura Rose White's late father taught her everything he knew about piloting a Missouri River steamboat. He even named their boat after her. Despite that, it seems that Laura will forever be a "cub pilot" to her brother Joe, because in 1867, a female riverboat captain is unheard of. That is, until tragedy strikes and Laura must make the two month journey from St. Louis to Fort Benton and back in order to save her family's legacy, her home, and the only life she's ever known.
The only way for her to overcome the nearly insurmountable odds is with the help of her brother's disreputable friend Finn MacKnight, a skilled pilot with a terrible reputation. Laura loathes having to accept MacKnight as her co-pilot, especially when she learns she must also provide passage for his two sisters. Straight-laced Fiona has a fear of water, and unpredictable Adele seems much too comfortable with the idea of life in the rough and tumble environment of the untamed river and the men who ply it. Though they are thrown together by necessity, this historic journey may lead Laura and the MacKnights to far more than they ever expected.
The only way for her to overcome the nearly insurmountable odds is with the help of her brother's disreputable friend Finn MacKnight, a skilled pilot with a terrible reputation. Laura loathes having to accept MacKnight as her co-pilot, especially when she learns she must also provide passage for his two sisters. Straight-laced Fiona has a fear of water, and unpredictable Adele seems much too comfortable with the idea of life in the rough and tumble environment of the untamed river and the men who ply it. Though they are thrown together by necessity, this historic journey may lead Laura and the MacKnights to far more than they ever expected.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
40 people are currently reading
1249 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Grace Whitson
54 books341 followersA native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 26, 2017
I so enjoyed reading this historical novel! I was fascinated with the journey of Laura and the obstacles she overcame along the way. All aspects of the book seemed historically accurate, rich with details and scenes pulled straight from captains' logs and journals. I especially appreciated the author's note at the end of the book which shared insights into her thorough research. She brought to life the difficulty of being a woman breaking into a male-dominated profession as Laura fought to be the first female steamboat captain. One of the main focuses of the book was the indomitable spirit of Laura, even as she felt alone and hesitant to turn to God. She and Finn bonded over the support they provided as they revealed their vulnerabilities and began to trust each other. Their characters were so well-developed and there wasn't a dull moment as they battled both internal and external trials. Finn's sisters Fiona and Adele were a wonderful contrast to each other, and Dr. Ross and Laura's mother provide spiritual guidance when Laura needs it the most. I loved the loyalty of the crew, Laura's dog Logjam, and the various colorful characters that rounded out the story. A thoroughly satisfying read!
(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)
July 10, 2018
Laura Rose White has been a skilled steamboat pilot since her father made sure to teach her everything he knew about it and being a good pilot.
As a woman, Laura is not allowed to pilot on her own though.
So enter Finn MacKnight, who unfortunately is the only person available to watch over her.
Finn is very aware of his terrible reputation, but he will do anything to prove to Laura that she can depend on him to help her salvage her family business.
But it will take both of them to make the boat run on time to prove to the investors what they have got.
The author's historical details on female riverboat captains were credible, as she brought to life a long-gone way of life on the river.
It was also interesting how the heroine in the story had to deal with women being far superior than their male counterparts and how they had to prove their own worth.
A nice romance, and well developed characters in the story with intrigue and mystery that kept it flowing at a nice pace.
I did however find it a tad too preachy at times and for me it distracted me from the story.
But overall, a nice change of scenery and plot from the usual.
As a woman, Laura is not allowed to pilot on her own though.
So enter Finn MacKnight, who unfortunately is the only person available to watch over her.
Finn is very aware of his terrible reputation, but he will do anything to prove to Laura that she can depend on him to help her salvage her family business.
But it will take both of them to make the boat run on time to prove to the investors what they have got.
The author's historical details on female riverboat captains were credible, as she brought to life a long-gone way of life on the river.
It was also interesting how the heroine in the story had to deal with women being far superior than their male counterparts and how they had to prove their own worth.
A nice romance, and well developed characters in the story with intrigue and mystery that kept it flowing at a nice pace.
I did however find it a tad too preachy at times and for me it distracted me from the story.
But overall, a nice change of scenery and plot from the usual.
December 25, 2017
Whitson's characters come alive against a panoramic backdrop that kept me riveted.I love a book rich in historical detail and this one certainly is. And such a great angle for a historical -- the details of steamboat life are fascinating. A Captain for Laura Rose is the kind of book you can't pull yourself away from. In fact, it's the kind of read that makes you miss your bus stop so you ride the loop around so you can read some more and when you arrive late to work you don't even care. You're only concerned about the fact that you can't continue reading until the bus ride home later in the day. :-)
April 11, 2014
I was drawn to this novel because it's about a woman trying to obtain her riverboat captain's license in a time (just post American Civil War) when women did NOT navigate the river waters on their own. Well, at all. Except for Laura, the heroine, whose father and brother taught her all they knew before they crossed the rainbow bridge, so to speak.
First of all, I was fully aware this was a Christian-themed novel and I was fine with that, as I haven't found majority of the Christian novels very preachy lately. Normally, they are just wonderful, spunky heroines facing and overcoming obstacles with a clean romance on the side. This one, however, was a tad preachy, and I found the message hard to discern as I didn't feel the judgmental, overly pious, close-minded characters to be very good examples of what a Christian should be.
Maybe that was the point.
But while I enjoyed Laura's story and parts and reading about all the different problems a steamboat faced as it went up and down the rivers--scarcity of wood, sandbars...I could totally and completely have done without Fiona and Adela. I loathed both characters and while the theme of not assuming the worst and being quick to judge was clear, I didn't feel their bits added enough. Laura's realizing what she was doing was strong; these two horrid women, no.
Had the book eliminated them completely, I'd have been a happy camper. Fiona...wow. You don't get more close-minded and uptight than her and Adela is just a spoiled brat who I can't say redeemed herself in my eyes really. She's a user.
Again, last time I'll say it: I hated Fiona and Adela and all their scenes and this ruined half the story for me.
I also grew tired of the anti-drinking theme. Frankly, I'm a firm believer that if a man or woman works hard all week long, they are entitled to get--excuse me--sh*t faced here and there!!! The book made it seem like anyone who dares to enter a saloon is a bad seed and sinful. I wanted to tell them to get over themselves and, "I'd like to see you not have a drink or two after dealing with this, this, and that."
But I did like Laura and her struggle to get her pilot's license and get up and down the river and honor her family. I really did. We could learn a thing or two from her, us women. To stand up for what we want in the face of adversity and discrimination. WE CAN DO IT.
Full review and my favorite funny moment: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
First of all, I was fully aware this was a Christian-themed novel and I was fine with that, as I haven't found majority of the Christian novels very preachy lately. Normally, they are just wonderful, spunky heroines facing and overcoming obstacles with a clean romance on the side. This one, however, was a tad preachy, and I found the message hard to discern as I didn't feel the judgmental, overly pious, close-minded characters to be very good examples of what a Christian should be.
Maybe that was the point.
But while I enjoyed Laura's story and parts and reading about all the different problems a steamboat faced as it went up and down the rivers--scarcity of wood, sandbars...I could totally and completely have done without Fiona and Adela. I loathed both characters and while the theme of not assuming the worst and being quick to judge was clear, I didn't feel their bits added enough. Laura's realizing what she was doing was strong; these two horrid women, no.
Had the book eliminated them completely, I'd have been a happy camper. Fiona...wow. You don't get more close-minded and uptight than her and Adela is just a spoiled brat who I can't say redeemed herself in my eyes really. She's a user.
Again, last time I'll say it: I hated Fiona and Adela and all their scenes and this ruined half the story for me.
I also grew tired of the anti-drinking theme. Frankly, I'm a firm believer that if a man or woman works hard all week long, they are entitled to get--excuse me--sh*t faced here and there!!! The book made it seem like anyone who dares to enter a saloon is a bad seed and sinful. I wanted to tell them to get over themselves and, "I'd like to see you not have a drink or two after dealing with this, this, and that."
But I did like Laura and her struggle to get her pilot's license and get up and down the river and honor her family. I really did. We could learn a thing or two from her, us women. To stand up for what we want in the face of adversity and discrimination. WE CAN DO IT.
Full review and my favorite funny moment: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
June 4, 2015
At first I wondered exactly where this book was going, with an independent woman and a man with a past...I certainly didn't want a bad-boy-saved-by-strong-woman tale. Turns out, I need not have been worried; the plot turned into a very pleasant tale of Laura's quest to save her steamboat and become the first woman pilot on the Mississippi. Not a favorite, but I'll definitely read others by this author in the future.
Content: drunkenness; character gets the cart before the horse with a woman in the story and then doesn't live to make an honest woman of her.
Content: drunkenness; character gets the cart before the horse with a woman in the story and then doesn't live to make an honest woman of her.
March 4, 2017
The author is a fine writer and story teller. This is a compelling story of a woman who has inherited a steamboat - and loves being a steamboat captain, something she has trained for all of her life. Yet, since it's 1867, her attempts to save her steamboat business are thwarted because she's a woman. Thus, she must turn to the hero to help her save her business.
I liked the characters - both the hero and heroine - and the secondary characters too. I learned a lot about the steamship business as it was plied up and down the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers in the 1860's. The author's historical research was impressive, and seamlessly woven into the story.
But - the preachiness just about ruined a fine book for me. Yes, I know it's a Christian book, but as I have said before, there are many fine authors of Christian books who use a fine and subtle hand in their religious message, and don't constantly hammer the reader over the head with a religious message and pages of scripture.
Here, the book contained pages and pages of scripture, as well as plenty of sermons. I just skipped over them because they detracted from an otherwise fine book in a major way. I gave the book 3 stars. I would have given it 4 stars if the religious message hadn't been so heavy handed and intrusive.
Do these authors think they will convert people who don't share their particular beliefs? They won't. I guess if they want to to direct their preaching to people who share their beliefs that's their prerogative. But it limits their audience. And for me, spoils some otherwise good writing.
I'll give this author another chance, as I liked the last book of hers that I read, Sixteen Brides.
I liked the characters - both the hero and heroine - and the secondary characters too. I learned a lot about the steamship business as it was plied up and down the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers in the 1860's. The author's historical research was impressive, and seamlessly woven into the story.
But - the preachiness just about ruined a fine book for me. Yes, I know it's a Christian book, but as I have said before, there are many fine authors of Christian books who use a fine and subtle hand in their religious message, and don't constantly hammer the reader over the head with a religious message and pages of scripture.
Here, the book contained pages and pages of scripture, as well as plenty of sermons. I just skipped over them because they detracted from an otherwise fine book in a major way. I gave the book 3 stars. I would have given it 4 stars if the religious message hadn't been so heavy handed and intrusive.
Do these authors think they will convert people who don't share their particular beliefs? They won't. I guess if they want to to direct their preaching to people who share their beliefs that's their prerogative. But it limits their audience. And for me, spoils some otherwise good writing.
I'll give this author another chance, as I liked the last book of hers that I read, Sixteen Brides.
May 12, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
This book started off great with surprising twists and intriguing characters. I loved the setting of a riverboat and the theme of overcoming fears and challenging pasts. It was really fun reading about a female riverboat captain and the adventures that took place on her packet.
There were a couple of things that really bothered me. On page 97, there were two expletives, and throughout there were many mentions of a Christian character swearing and using profanity without any mention of attempting to improve on this area of his life. This seemed overly emphasized to me, which made me wonder whether the author was saying it's okay for people to use profanity in any situation they find challenging. This was really off-putting to me because it went directly against my personal beliefs.
Another thing that was challenging to me was that a new POV was introduced about halfway through the book. I found this really strange especially considering the character had been present in other scenes prior to this but hadn't had her own POV until the halfway mark. Once her perspective came into play, it seemed to take over too much, which made it feel as if she were the leading character. It was just really strange to me and quite distracting.
I was not compensated for this honest review.
This book started off great with surprising twists and intriguing characters. I loved the setting of a riverboat and the theme of overcoming fears and challenging pasts. It was really fun reading about a female riverboat captain and the adventures that took place on her packet.
There were a couple of things that really bothered me. On page 97, there were two expletives, and throughout there were many mentions of a Christian character swearing and using profanity without any mention of attempting to improve on this area of his life. This seemed overly emphasized to me, which made me wonder whether the author was saying it's okay for people to use profanity in any situation they find challenging. This was really off-putting to me because it went directly against my personal beliefs.
Another thing that was challenging to me was that a new POV was introduced about halfway through the book. I found this really strange especially considering the character had been present in other scenes prior to this but hadn't had her own POV until the halfway mark. Once her perspective came into play, it seemed to take over too much, which made it feel as if she were the leading character. It was just really strange to me and quite distracting.
I was not compensated for this honest review.
June 24, 2014
Excellent novel, set in the period just after the Civil War. It details the plight of women who were coming into their own in a world of men. The dangers and excitement surrounding a trip up the Big Muddy were well worth the read. I thoroughly enjoyed the contrasting characters, as well as men and women triumphing over incredible odds.
November 13, 2024
Good book/ storyline, but not one of my favorites of this author.
March 2, 2014
With her father dead, her errant brother off wooing an airhead girl and her mother preferring not to worry over matters that are just about out of their control (wise woman), Laura White has a full cup of responsibility. Her troubles are compounded too when her mother and brother, the last of her family, are taken away from her. Laura must turn to a man she has never had any respect for in an effort to keep her riverboat business. When faced with overcoming the past or losing what she holds dear, Laura will have to swallow her pride as well as work around numerous obstacles that stand before her.
The fact that I was a little foggy on a lot of the details of A Captain for Laura Rose soon after finishing would seem to speak for itself. When I first began reading I skimmed, because quite frankly, it was boring. At some point I planned to actually begin "reading" because as we all know, some stories don't get off to a roring start but that doesn't mean the rest of the book is going to be that way. Unfortunately this was not so. I skimmed to the very last and was I ever glad when the end was reached. One of the biggest factors too in my disinterest was the lack of dialogue. People who know me know that I love dialogue, especially if it's witty. But there wasn't overly much interaction between characters, at least in the better part of the beginning. There was a lot of implied actions and reminiscing, but very little that grabbed my attention.
It was an interesting idea for a book though. I can't say that I have seen too many books that deal with women who struggled to find their place in the shipping industry. That was what led me to read this book in the first place. A few years ago I read the story about the first American woman to achieve the distinction of possessing a master mariner's license. I thought perhaps this story might be slightly based on her story. Alas, it was a wee bit but and dried.
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received an electronic copy of “A Captain for Laura Rose” from Netgalley.com provided by the publishers, FaithWords, in exchange for our honest review.
The fact that I was a little foggy on a lot of the details of A Captain for Laura Rose soon after finishing would seem to speak for itself. When I first began reading I skimmed, because quite frankly, it was boring. At some point I planned to actually begin "reading" because as we all know, some stories don't get off to a roring start but that doesn't mean the rest of the book is going to be that way. Unfortunately this was not so. I skimmed to the very last and was I ever glad when the end was reached. One of the biggest factors too in my disinterest was the lack of dialogue. People who know me know that I love dialogue, especially if it's witty. But there wasn't overly much interaction between characters, at least in the better part of the beginning. There was a lot of implied actions and reminiscing, but very little that grabbed my attention.
It was an interesting idea for a book though. I can't say that I have seen too many books that deal with women who struggled to find their place in the shipping industry. That was what led me to read this book in the first place. A few years ago I read the story about the first American woman to achieve the distinction of possessing a master mariner's license. I thought perhaps this story might be slightly based on her story. Alas, it was a wee bit but and dried.
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received an electronic copy of “A Captain for Laura Rose” from Netgalley.com provided by the publishers, FaithWords, in exchange for our honest review.
November 14, 2014
Loved it. Especially because not only was it historical fiction but based on real people. I loved learning about these people and what they accomplished.
September 13, 2019
An intriguing book about life on a steamboat on the Missouri River in 1867. I enjoyed this story of a young woman who wanted to be a riverboat pilot like her father and brother. Laura faces many obstacles keeping the boat after the deaths of her father and brother and in obtaining her pilot license. I recommend this historical book to others.
September 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and was sorry I didn't make the time to read it faster. That being said Stephanie never ceases to amaze me with her detailed research. She brings history to life and it doesn't hurt that the pioneer type lifestyle that she has in her books is one of my favorites. I love clean books and this follows all my criteria. Please watch for my upcoming blob at Carolynreads.com
September 4, 2014
The summer before I was to be a senior in high school, my parents and I went to Kansas City, Missouri, for a business trip/vacation. While my mom and I were exploring the city, someone told us to make sure to check out the Steamboat Arabia Museum.
We were fairly skeptical about it, but we like museums, so we decided to visit. And were we amazed!
The Steamboat Arabia sank near Kansas City in 1856, and 132 years later it was recovered – with much of its cargo intact. If you are ever in Kansas City, it is a very neat place to visit – the author of this novel actually mentions visiting this museum during her research. I thought of our visit to the museum many times as I was reading this novel.
The steamboat in A Captain for Laura Rose almost becomes another character in this novel. The story in A Captain for Laura Rose flowed smoothly, although towards the beginning I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to handle anything else going wrong for this poor girl!
The romance in this novel is sweet and idyllic but also has more of a touch of reality to it than some. This is mostly due to the fact that the two main characters don’t really like each other in the beginning of the book.The two don’t always see eye-to-eye, and it’s definitely not a love-at-first-sight scenario. But over time, the two realize just how good they are together and just how much they feel for each other. What started out as somewhat strong feelings in the other direction somehow turned to love. That’s what made this romance a bit different from others I’ve read lately.
I appreciate, too, when the main male character is looking for more in a wife than just a pretty face, and Finn definitely fit this bill. I also like that Laura was a strong, independent female character that didn’t come off as reckless or annoying. She was confident without being conceited and was able to be her own person without being unbelievable. The witty banter between Laura and Finn doesn’t hurt, either.
I also like the secondary characters in this story. Secondary characters are sometimes hard to get just right because they either are written too well (and you end up liking them better than the main characters), or they become cardboard cutouts. I thought the secondary characters in A Captain for Laura Rose and their stories were a perfect t compliment to the main characters and their story.
While the setting of this story is unique – especially the time spent aboard the steamboat – I sometimes got bogged down in the steamboat travel and language. But just when I was feeling as if the story was beginning to drag, something would happen to keep me from feeling that way.
A Captain for Laura Rose is a sweet romance with a unique setting that is very well-written. And Finn MacKnight is the most romantic name I have come across in many, many years of reading romance novels!
Read my complete review here - http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
We were fairly skeptical about it, but we like museums, so we decided to visit. And were we amazed!
The Steamboat Arabia sank near Kansas City in 1856, and 132 years later it was recovered – with much of its cargo intact. If you are ever in Kansas City, it is a very neat place to visit – the author of this novel actually mentions visiting this museum during her research. I thought of our visit to the museum many times as I was reading this novel.
The steamboat in A Captain for Laura Rose almost becomes another character in this novel. The story in A Captain for Laura Rose flowed smoothly, although towards the beginning I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to handle anything else going wrong for this poor girl!
The romance in this novel is sweet and idyllic but also has more of a touch of reality to it than some. This is mostly due to the fact that the two main characters don’t really like each other in the beginning of the book.The two don’t always see eye-to-eye, and it’s definitely not a love-at-first-sight scenario. But over time, the two realize just how good they are together and just how much they feel for each other. What started out as somewhat strong feelings in the other direction somehow turned to love. That’s what made this romance a bit different from others I’ve read lately.
I appreciate, too, when the main male character is looking for more in a wife than just a pretty face, and Finn definitely fit this bill. I also like that Laura was a strong, independent female character that didn’t come off as reckless or annoying. She was confident without being conceited and was able to be her own person without being unbelievable. The witty banter between Laura and Finn doesn’t hurt, either.
I also like the secondary characters in this story. Secondary characters are sometimes hard to get just right because they either are written too well (and you end up liking them better than the main characters), or they become cardboard cutouts. I thought the secondary characters in A Captain for Laura Rose and their stories were a perfect t compliment to the main characters and their story.
While the setting of this story is unique – especially the time spent aboard the steamboat – I sometimes got bogged down in the steamboat travel and language. But just when I was feeling as if the story was beginning to drag, something would happen to keep me from feeling that way.
A Captain for Laura Rose is a sweet romance with a unique setting that is very well-written. And Finn MacKnight is the most romantic name I have come across in many, many years of reading romance novels!
Read my complete review here - http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
March 7, 2015
Stephanie Grace Whitson in her new book, “A Captain For Laura Rose” published by FaithWords takes us into the life of Laura Rose White.
From the back cover: A Captain For Laura Rose
Laura Rose White’s late father taught her everything he knew about piloting a Missouri River steamboat. He even named their boat after her. Despite that, it seems that Laura will forever be a “cub pilot” to her brother Joe, because in 1867, a female riverboat captain is unheard of. That is, until tragedy strikes and Laura must make the two month journey from St. Louis to Fort Benton and back in order to save her family’s legacy, her home, and the only life she’s ever known.
The only way for her to overcome the nearly insurmountable odds is with the help of her brother’s disreputable friend Finn MacKnight, a skilled pilot with a terrible reputation. Laura loathes having to accept MacKnight as her co-pilot, especially when she learns she must also provide passage for his two sisters. Straight-laced Fiona has a fear of water, and unpredictable Adele seems much too comfortable with the idea of life in the rough and tumble environment of the untamed river and the men who ply it. Though they are thrown together by necessity, this historic journey may lead Laura and the MacKnights to far more than they ever expected.
I think if I had lived in 1867 in The South I would have loved to have been a Steamboat Captain. There is a romance all to itself about the Steamboats. Now enter a woman who knows how to be a Captain but, because of the time, is not allowed to be one. Then throw in that she has to be a Captain due to life’s misfortunes and we are off and running. This is Historical fiction at its best and a wonderful, fun book. I think this is one of the hardest stories to write as it is all character driven and takes a steady hand to guide the characters through the story while remaining true to each character and these characters are memorable. You come to love Laura Finn, his sisters and the Steamboat, yes, the Steamboat, as if they were alive (and they are within the pages of this book) and it is a thrill to watch them interact, grow and put aside their distrust, fear and the hurts of their pasts and find peace in their present. Many kudos to Ms. Whitson for a truly memorable book. I am so looking forward to the next book from the very talented Ms. Whitson.
If you missed the interview for “A Claim Of Her Own”, another novel by Ms. Whitson, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where they are available On Demand.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from FaithWords. 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.”
From the back cover: A Captain For Laura Rose
Laura Rose White’s late father taught her everything he knew about piloting a Missouri River steamboat. He even named their boat after her. Despite that, it seems that Laura will forever be a “cub pilot” to her brother Joe, because in 1867, a female riverboat captain is unheard of. That is, until tragedy strikes and Laura must make the two month journey from St. Louis to Fort Benton and back in order to save her family’s legacy, her home, and the only life she’s ever known.
The only way for her to overcome the nearly insurmountable odds is with the help of her brother’s disreputable friend Finn MacKnight, a skilled pilot with a terrible reputation. Laura loathes having to accept MacKnight as her co-pilot, especially when she learns she must also provide passage for his two sisters. Straight-laced Fiona has a fear of water, and unpredictable Adele seems much too comfortable with the idea of life in the rough and tumble environment of the untamed river and the men who ply it. Though they are thrown together by necessity, this historic journey may lead Laura and the MacKnights to far more than they ever expected.
I think if I had lived in 1867 in The South I would have loved to have been a Steamboat Captain. There is a romance all to itself about the Steamboats. Now enter a woman who knows how to be a Captain but, because of the time, is not allowed to be one. Then throw in that she has to be a Captain due to life’s misfortunes and we are off and running. This is Historical fiction at its best and a wonderful, fun book. I think this is one of the hardest stories to write as it is all character driven and takes a steady hand to guide the characters through the story while remaining true to each character and these characters are memorable. You come to love Laura Finn, his sisters and the Steamboat, yes, the Steamboat, as if they were alive (and they are within the pages of this book) and it is a thrill to watch them interact, grow and put aside their distrust, fear and the hurts of their pasts and find peace in their present. Many kudos to Ms. Whitson for a truly memorable book. I am so looking forward to the next book from the very talented Ms. Whitson.
If you missed the interview for “A Claim Of Her Own”, another novel by Ms. Whitson, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where they are available On Demand.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from FaithWords. 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.”
February 17, 2019
I wanted to like this book more than I did. I enjoyed the first few chapters, but the romance was subpar. I could see how the characters would be a great couple, but the story on how they got to there was pretty bad. It basically went like "I hate him for bringing about the downfall of my brother. But he has a nice shoulders. I think I'm in love."
The romance lead's sisters were well fleshed-out characters, but I had issues with them being point-of-view characters in some chapters. It seems like a major deal that one of them is
The romance lead's sisters were well fleshed-out characters, but I had issues with them being point-of-view characters in some chapters. It seems like a major deal that one of them is
January 6, 2023
*3.5
This genuinely was a good story, with good characters; it just didn’t live up to its potential in my opinion. Adele’s storyline felt very odd — eluding to certain things that then ended up never being true, — it just felt… off. The main romance felt very rushed at the end as well, despite the book feeling like it dragged on for the last 150 pages of it. And, although I did really enjoy the individual main characters and the growth that they went through (even though Adele’s felt kind of weird), I just feel like it really could have been something amazing in my book, but I guess we can’t win them all.
Anyway, I guess I’m ringing in the New Year six days late with a 3(and-a-half)-star read! Could definitely be worse.
This genuinely was a good story, with good characters; it just didn’t live up to its potential in my opinion. Adele’s storyline felt very odd — eluding to certain things that then ended up never being true, — it just felt… off. The main romance felt very rushed at the end as well, despite the book feeling like it dragged on for the last 150 pages of it. And, although I did really enjoy the individual main characters and the growth that they went through (even though Adele’s felt kind of weird), I just feel like it really could have been something amazing in my book, but I guess we can’t win them all.
Anyway, I guess I’m ringing in the New Year six days late with a 3(and-a-half)-star read! Could definitely be worse.
May 19, 2017
This book was selected as our May book club book at the library. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the story. Beautifully woven details, wonderfully developed characters, and a fascinating story kept my attention...and even had me wishing this was the first in a series, just so I could get more of this story.
I checked this book out of the library and am voluntarily sharing my review. My opinions are my own.
I checked this book out of the library and am voluntarily sharing my review. My opinions are my own.
July 27, 2018
This is the second book I have read by Whitson. I greatly enjoy her historical details and learning as I read a fictional account of another place and time. The characters a very "human" with plenty of weaknesses as well as strengths. A Captain for Laura Rose really impressed me with the great detail and understanding of what it was like to take charge of a steamboat in the 1800's. There obviously was a lot of research behind this novel.
March 10, 2021
I loved this book. The story unfolds on a river boat on the Missouri River. Since I live in the are it special meaning for me. The locations were familiar and the characters were deep and fascinating. There is love and heartache and friendship and this ever present hand of God throughout the book. Well done.
May 14, 2021
An awesome story
Nothing interests me in reading more than the author including historical research in the book. This is a “captivating” story of a woman river boat captain, her struggles to become licensed and the trials she endures on the river. This is a favorite story, a book to be read again.
Nothing interests me in reading more than the author including historical research in the book. This is a “captivating” story of a woman river boat captain, her struggles to become licensed and the trials she endures on the river. This is a favorite story, a book to be read again.
November 26, 2022
I've enjoyed all the Stephanie Grace Whitson books I've read, and this one is no exception. Reading about the life of a paddle boat captain was very interesting, especially when said captain is a woman trying to prove her abilities to a bunch of men. Historical fiction is always a fun way to learn more about history!
August 23, 2018
Outstanding historical read.
I related to the historical significance of the book as I was raised in St. Louis and knew many of the sites referred to. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in historical romance and the love of steamboats.
I related to the historical significance of the book as I was raised in St. Louis and knew many of the sites referred to. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in historical romance and the love of steamboats.
September 13, 2018
Good overall book.
Reason for 3 stars is that it was the slowest story line of any book I’ve read. It’s not one of those addictive books you read, think this one took me 6 months? Finally did finish it. Happy ending. Some of the words are very old and not the way we speak anymore.
Reason for 3 stars is that it was the slowest story line of any book I’ve read. It’s not one of those addictive books you read, think this one took me 6 months? Finally did finish it. Happy ending. Some of the words are very old and not the way we speak anymore.
January 18, 2020
I couldn’t put this book down! It was the second book I’ve read by this author and I’ve been entranced by the storyline both times. The history and main characters feel authentic. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this in under 24 hours!
March 2, 2020
This was a beautiful story! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it was exceptionally well researched and well written. I loved the characters I loved the setting I loved the story and I loved how God was woven into it so beautifully.
May 16, 2023
Interesting. A romance, I suppose, but set on a mountain (river) boat that plied the Missouri River just after the Civil War. I like the historical aspect, and it had a few twists and turns that made it a little suspenseful.
June 25, 2024
A very interesting presentation of life when transport depended on packet boats. I enjoyed the characters. It wasn’t a strong romance, which I found to be a relief from other Christian fiction. As with much writing the early part of the book is a bit ho hum. A good read.
September 7, 2025
What an interesting story! If you like historical fiction, I highly recommend this book. Sudden loss, seemingly insurmountable odds, adventure, hope, faith and love...it's all in this book. Looking forward to reading more of this author's work.
October 19, 2017
I love historical fiction. This one takes place in the US in the early 1920 (or 30s, I can't remember right now). Deals with societal expectations, second chances, and life on the river.
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