Sweetbriar

Sweetbriar #1

by Brenda Wilbee

Please don't delete. This is an alternate cover.

The Beginnings of an Empire and the Story of a Remarkable Love.Louisa Boren journeys West to carve out a new way of life. Out of her rugged determination and deep faith comes an enduring love and the founding of one of America's greatest cities--Seattle, Washington.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical, Christian, Historical Romance

206 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1983

About the author

Brenda Wilbee has written 10 books with over 700,000 copies sold. She is best known for her Seattle Sweetbriar Series, historical novels of Louisa Boren Denny and Seattle's earliest days.

Her most recent book, Taming the Dragons: Powerful Choices for Women in Conflict and Pain will be released July 2020.

She lives in the Pacific Northwest but frequently migrates to AK and the Canadian Yukon.

Reviews

[Loretta Marchize · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in my mom's collection and honestly? It was really short and the romance was pretty good, but it wasn't super exciting. Nothing too dramatic, a quick easy read but good for an afternoon.

[Mandi]

I really like this series. The writing is simple. Sometimes too simple. Since I live in Seattle it was interesting to read about the people who left everything behind to come to this unknown territory. Knowing it's not all true, it is still a nice glimpse on what 'could' have happened. This is the second time I have read the series, the first being back in high school shortly after moving to the Seattle area. After I was done reading the books I went to the cemetaries to visit the families (the main characters in the series) who settled Seattle. (because I'm strange and like to go to cemetaries too I guess) It was fun to find them there. Now to read about them in something NON Fiction! :) Fascinating stuff.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was kind of dull. I read it because I have #2 and #3 int eh series and I try to never own books that I haven't read! So I got this one from the library. Its historical fiction (based on a true story) about the people who founded Seattle, WA. It was kind of boring at time though.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series many times when I was in high school. Such sweet Christian based love stories. I still have the books on my shelf for my daughter to read when she's ready.

[Hallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this many times and just had to revisit these characters!

[Adventure Awaits · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character seems to be sobbing about something each chapter and running into some guys arms for comfort and kisses. In the first part there was no rest between dramatic happenings, but the second half allowed for some breaks between them. The writing is simple, and there are a little too many underdeveloped characters to keep track of.

The 3 stars I gave this story are for the overall story material. As a Seattle native, it was a lot of fun hearing about the local history through this format. It's crazy to imagine the urban streets of Seattle as a forested hill with a rocky beach. How beautiful it must've been, especially looking across to the Olympics. The author portrayed the Natives in a pleasant and facinating light, I enjoyed reading about them. I had no idea they used dogfish oil and went naked! Or that Alki means "by-and-by". I would've never guessed that a five year gap, with the man younger, would've happened in those times, but it made for interesting story material.

I'd say this is a fine historical read for 11-14 year old girls. I sure would've loved it at that age.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with this story when I was in 4th grade- I bought the book from the author herself at a harvest bazaar and she signed it- it was the first time I had met an author. I started it in the car on the way home and proceeded to get into trouble for not going to sleep and reading under my covers several nights ina row. I read this book probably 15 times in the next few years. It’s a simple historical fiction story with big heart. After a rough year I picked up my old friend for some comfort and was instantly amazed by how I had romanticized the Oregon trail at 9- at 38 I can very clearly state that I would not want to be among the white settlers of the Puget Sound. Over the years Brenda’s description of the Sound and the weather have creeped into my thoughts on hikes and especially when camping. I highly recommend my old friend Sweetbriar, especially to those who love historical fiction and the pnw. Ironically I had no idea there were more- so I guess I have some more reading to do!

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because it was a historical fiction, which I like, about the founding of Seattle, which I love, currently being a Washington resident. Most of the story was fun, I loved reading about the areas I know and love so well, and what they were like in the 1800s - the author did a ton of research and much of the story was based on direct quotes from the settlers in their own journals or autobiographies. So that was fun. What I didn't like was how much of a 'romance' it ended up being. It didn't get graphic like Jude Deveraux or anything but still, I would call this, in the words of a very young and disgusted Fred Savage, "a kissing book". Blech. They kissed too much and the women cried and screamed too much. I thought the emotion was a bit overdone. It felt like a very 1980s style of writing. But the story itself, and learning some of the history of an area I love, was overall enjoyable. A quick easy fun read for the most part.

[Taryn Spearey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! This is the start of a book series set in the 1800s. Louisa Boren has eyes for only one man, David Denny. She is in love with him, despite her father's disapproval. He thinks that another man would be better for Louisa than him.

David's brother, James, also wants to marry Louisa, even though she doesn't love him. Louisa and David end up going on a journey west, along with Louisa's family, to find a new land and a new life. Throughout the journey, the two only end up falling in love with each other even more.

At the end of the book, David asked Louisa to marry him and she says yes. Can't wait to continue the series!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy, fun read. Writing was awkward in a few places, but overall enjoyable.

[Courtney Holcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable. Screened for my 13 year old, Washington State history.

[CorkyNSam92 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the entire Sweetbriar series. I think there are 6 books. The first time I read them years ago it didn't register with me that it was based on a real family. I just found the last of the books within the past year; I think it was the 4th or 5th book of the series. I found them all enjoyable, but my favorite was probably the first two books. The first one (Sweetbriar) tells of the family's travels out west. At the beginning of the book there is already a few marriages among the Boren and Denny family. David's father is married to Louisa's mother and one of his brother's is married to her sister. The book starts with Louisa hiding a mirror in the wagon. I believe that mirror was one of the last things that had belonged to her biological father who died years earlier; plus she also wanted to take it and give it to her future husband as a wedding gift. She was supposed to take it to her friend Pamelia's house. You could almost feel the pain they felt at leaving behind loved ones and/or friends; knowing they would probably never see them again. But there was also a sense of adventure. It kept me interested throughout. The books in the series are Sweetbriar, Sweetbriar Bride, Sweetbriar Spring, Sweetbriar Summer, Sweetbriar Autumn, and Sweetbriar Hope. I almost think there should have been a Sweetbriar Winter since the other season's were covered! Seriously though would recommend the entire series.

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 2 out of 5]

C-. fiction, historical fiction; pioneer family moves west to Washington, from stash, discard

[Leslie]

The beginnings of the city Seattle as gleaned from the intimate and heart warming journal entries of Seattle's earliest bride and pioneer, Louisa Boren Denny. I liked the author's effective use of weaving fascinating historical facts with fiction into a inspiring protrayal of an extraordinary pioneer woman.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Wilbee remarkably described the journey and settling of Seattle in the 1800's. I clearly visualized every place described along the journey and especially the various places mentioned in the Seattle region, since I live just north of Seattle. I found the story to be an easy read, engaging, and a interesting historical fiction novel.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

My grandmother recommended these historical romances to me on the basis of pretty solid hitorical research and enjoyable-enough plot. I agree on both counts, and the main reason I read the whole things (and might read the other two) is that I'm recently very interested in the history of Seattle, my grandmother's home city which has been calling very loudly to me.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book! It is the love story of Louisa Boren and David Denny (one of the founders of Seattle). It is a sweet, appropriate love story. My only complaint is, in true romantic comedy fashion, they don't get together until the last page! Good thing there are more.

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book. While the historical elements were interesting and new, I foun the characters irritating, the story progression confusing, and the drama unconvincing. Not a good one for me!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was soooo good. The heroine was a little bit of a cliched "crier" but all in all, this book was a great read. Apparently, this book is the start of a five book series! I am looking forward to reading the rest of them.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Seattle Historical Fiction EVER

[Cws]

JF-YAWil

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Aunt collection ;)

[Rivkah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like how the author tired to stay true to the historical journey of the charactures.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this 1st one! Louisa is very likable and I am excited about getting to know her. the story has lots of details, which I love and its just a wonderful book.

[Amanda Wige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun books, has some of Seattle's history, pioneer stuff, romance, and adventure.

[Lisa Singleterry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read this book before, but forgot how well written it is. It's a love story but also the story of how Seattle was founded. Definitely very interesting!

[Laura MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, such a simple, inspiring story about the settlers of the Seattle area. I love driving around Seattle now and feeling a connection with the people that used to live there.

[Xuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book cause it was full to the brim with romance and excitement and it made me almost fall off my chair I was leaning forward too much

[Gardavson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, likeable characters. Fantastic historical, great romance.

[Lorie Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting... Love fiction books based on fact.