Crooked Paths Straight

by Elizabeth Wehman

From nearby states, settlers merge into the region by the Shiawassee River. Everyone plans to assemble a community in the vast wilderness of the Michigan Territory, yet even their dreams begin to pale as their second year’s attempt brings further trials.
Dangers still exist in the new land. Weather adds to the issues of planting crops as late Michigan frosts kill seedlings. Food supplies grow scarce as it is still months away from the next harvest. The new families do their best to help, but many arrive hungry and in need of immediate shelter.
The natives continue to hold tight to their traditions. The primitive way of living takes a toll on those accustomed to finer things. Can shelters be erected fast enough with the minimal men available to help? And when unexpected tragedy strikes, will the determination be enough to continue or will it grow dim?
Crooked Paths Straight is the sequel to The Year the Stars Fell in The Newburg Chronicles series. Join Wehman on the adventure to tame the frontier—the wilderness of Shiawassee County.

401 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Melissa Wardwell]

Elizabeth Wehman is crafted a story that is both engaging in page turning. It is the story of the first settlers in a small inconsequential area of Michigan. It’s a story of their struggle in the snowy wilderness amongst towering pine trees, wild animals, and curio native Americans.

This story hit a little different for me. The Baker’s story takes place in an area of Michigan that I call home. Reading this would be story of our area’s first settlers as they struggle to establish the Newburg settlement was enjoyable and a treat. Elizabeth’s imagination mixed with her facts and reseach brought to life these historical figures of our small community.

Crooked Paths Straight is the second book in the Newburg Chronicles and it will takes readers on a journey to a time before civilization was established in this area of Michigan.

** I purchased the book before the blog tour was set up.

[Deana Dick]

The story is so well written that the author placed me in 1833 alongside the Baker family. It was a hard life for those coming to the Michigan territory. They had to build a place to live in. At times the winter storms were so fierce you could feel the cold wind as it blew snow everywhere. I’m not much for being out in the cold and wondered how anyone could survive the winter. I got shivers every time I read that a family member had to go out in the snow. The author does a good job of describing the hardships families faced as they came to start a new life in the area.

The Baker family is very welcoming to everyone and willing to help in any way they could. There was one character in the story that was difficult to like. She was a very unhappy person who critiqued everything and made those around her uncomfortable. It was refreshing to read how others treated her with kindness and showed God’s love to her.

There are moments in the story when tensions rise as an accident kills something dear to the Indian chief. I liked how the man responsible wanted to face the chief and tell him the truth. He wanted to protect his family and knew that his honesty was what God wanted him to do. With trouble brewing another tragedy strikes which causes worry among the little community.

There are relationships that go through trials and new arrivals that bless everyone. There is a nice faith element in the story which shows how trusting God can get you through hard times. I loved reading this story that shares hopes, dreams and new beginnings.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Amy]

Crooked Paths Straight is the second novel in the historical story of the Baker family and their journey of establishing a frontier settlement in Michigan. As I read stories like this, I am always amazed at the strength and the gumption that our ancestors had to populate and settle this great nation of ours. Theirs was not an easy task and I am not sure any one of us alive today would have the fortitude that they had when we live fairly comfortable lives with conveniences at our fingertips.

The settlement is growing and of the newcomers is John and his wife Abigail. John is Aaron's brother and Aaron is very surprised to see them. After receiving some devastating news and Abigail almost dying, John is truly happy to see his brother again. However, Abigail is not happy to be there, and she is most determined to go back East. So, the whole family is tested in their love of Christ as Abigail does all she can to make things unpleasant.

There is a lot happening in this story and a few characters to keep track of. But I was quickly immersed in this family's life and that of their extensions. From love triangles, to weather, to sickness, tensions with the Native Americans, and all sorts of danger, and even sacrifice, this family stayed strong and kept trudging along. I look forward to the next installment and how they continue making a civilization in the wilds of Michigan.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Connie Hill]

Crooked Paths Straight is book two in the Newburg Chronicles that is written by Elizabeth Wehman. I have read book one. This is a continuing story of the Baker family who settles in the Michigan Territory in 1833. We got to know them very well in the first book The Baker family moved to start a new life. I appreciate how much research went into the went into the story. I felt that it made the story as real as possible.

What the Baker family had to deal with while setting up that first establishment was a lot. The description of the fierce winter storms had me pulling up my blanket around me. I love how the family pitched in and tried to help everyone that came across their path.

The lesson in the first book was listening to God's prompting and following it. This book's lesson was treating people equally, helping them out and being welcoming to everyone despite how they may treat you. It also is a lesson in how important prayer is in our daily lives. I have enjoyed the Baker family and watching them establish in the Michigan Territory.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.

[Erin]

I love a good historical fiction book. They really take you back in time and make you wish you were a part of history. Being a “farm wife” myself or a homesteader or whatever you want to call us, I find that I can relate to some of the trials but not all of them.

We grow our own food, butcher our own meat, milk our own cow, etc etc but I don’t have to worry about hostile natives or where I’m going to buy the things I can’t grow. This book really brought out how far we’ve come and just how easy we have it while also captivating me to what went on in history.

This is a wonderful book to read and the second book in a historical fiction series that you’re going to want to read for sure. Definitely read this series in order.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Patti Pierce]

This second book in the chronicles of the Baker family drew me as much as the first book. Almost all of the characters in the book show strength and determination along with a need to rely on God. The author creates a wonderful story based on the lives of real people set in the 1830s. For the most part, I enjoyed all of the characters in this book. But one character specifically grated on my nerves as I read this book.

Betsey, her sisters, along her parents show love towards each other. They also show kindness and generosity to those around them. I must say I definitely enjoyed the character development the author created.

The story ends in a way that satisfied me, but I definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series. I also recommend reading the books in order. If you enjoy works set in the past, I definitely recommend checking this book out for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy]

I have the pleasure of reading books by Elizabeth Wehman and was excited to have the opportunity to read her second installment from her The Newburg Chronicles series, Crooked Paths Straight. I thought it was a great historical novel. It was interesting to see how it was like to live in the wilderness of the Michigan Territory during the early nineteenth century. It was interesting to get a visual of what the settlers and natives must have went through during those days.

I am giving Crooked Paths Straight a very well deserved five plus stars. I am hoping there will be a third addition to The Newburg Chronicles series in the future. I highly recommend this one for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction.

I received a paperback copy of Crooked Paths Straight from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Helen]

Crooked Paths Straight by Elizabeth Wehman is book two in The Newburg Chronicles series. This is a wonderful story that takes over where the first book ends, so it is best to read them in order. With this story we pick back up with the Baker families as they build their homes in the new area. The story shows the importance of prayer and helping others. The characters are so real and the writing so clear it was easy to imagine them, their surroundings and the events that took place. I love how the author has written a very good story that is based on true people and events. The amount of research she did is very evident. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Ashley Dawn]

This is book 2 in the series and I think you should read them in order. The author continues to do a great job with the story and the characters. I really like going back in time and revisiting this family and seeing the continuing story.

The authors writing style just welcomes you in to enjoy the story. There are twists and turns through the story that I enjoyed and some surprises. The author's descriptions are great. I don't think I would have done good in this time period and place because I'm not a fan of going out when it is super cold! Overall, a really good book that I enjoyed.

4/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Jennifer J.]

A meticulously crafted historical fiction tale written with great detail and faith. This author does a fine job of showing human nature at its best and worst, providing an interesting study of human frailties and strengths. Thankfully, the power of the settler’s Christian faith sustained them through their myriad trials and triumphs. This quote sums it up best: “God did make crooked paths straight. She just needed to trust God, for He knew her heart better than even she did.” An enjoyable read – historical fiction fans will definitely be delighted!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.

[Debbie]

I really enjoyed"Crooked Paths Straight" by Elizabeth Wehman and I recommend that you read the first book "The Year the Stars Fell" to get the background. These books are filed with heartaches and joy and faith and family. I felt like I was there watching the story unfold because the novel was really well written. As always I liked that the author tells at the end of the book was actual and what was fictional. If you likes stories about how characters overcome and want to be inspired then I really recommend these books.

I received a complementary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Angela]

A wonderful book 2 in a series. Following the same family, but with new faces, it was nice to see changes in the Baker family and how they adapted to the struggle in the Michigan territory. New characters introduced showed that Michigan is not for everybody and it took a certain kind of stamina to live here back then. You couldn't pop into a local store to purchase silk and lace or your favorite French chocolate like you could in the stores "back east". You had to bring with you what you could and make do with what you had and what the earth gave you after your hard work.

[Emma Filbrun]

I enjoyed this book, especially since it is set not far from the area in which I spent most of my life. The story itself is nothing special, but I really enjoyed the setting. I liked that romance, while present, was not the main focus of this book. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction about pioneer life, especially in Michigan, which is often overlooked.
I received a review copy of this book from CelebrateLit, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

[Michelle Bogner]

Fun read

Enjoyed the book thoroughly. I found the interactions with the Indians fascinating. I love the way the Bakers weave God's Word throughout their lives as the live by it. These books almost make one want to live 150 years ago.

[Martha Bullard]

Great book Elizabeth!!

[Laura Amrhein]

Excellent!!

I could not put this book down! I felt transported to the story and unable to stop thinking about it. Absolutely love!

[Rebekah Wehman]

Falling more in love with this family even more than in the first book