1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Frontier (Texas) Read Featuring Faith and Friends, November 2, 2008
This review is from: Diamond Duo (Texas Fortunes Trilogy, Book 1) (Paperback)
Perfect for : Personal reading, Book Club Read (No Discussion Questions)
In a nutshell: A nice Christian historical fiction story containing three primary plot-lines: 1 - Bertha and Thad's growing relationship, 2 - Newcomer Annie "Bessie" Monroe and her not-so-charming husband(?), 3 - racial tensions surrounding Henry and Sarah King. All three story-lines have wonderful examples of faith and God's hand in their lives. I was amazed to find that the characters are based on real-life people from Jefferson, Texas. I wish I had known that from the beginning (It is explained at the end of the book). I personally struggled with some of the racial issues (yes, I know - it REALLY did happen, but I'm glad I don't enjoy reading about the harshness), and some of the circumstances surrounding Annie. Another thing that amazed me was the author's easy transitions between different voices in the book. The King's voices are very different from the proper tone of Annie's character. I especially liked the significance of Bertha's cross necklace and her sharing of faith with Annie at the end of the book.
My Review:
A fascinating story which takes place throughout January of 1877 in Jefferson, Texas. Readers find out at the end of the book that the characters are based on real people. As a reader, we get a good look at life from that time. The physical labor, the class differences, neighborly help, significance of race, etc. I loved the dialogue, but could have done with a little less tears.
Characters: The characters were each wonderfully different from the other. I think my favorite was Bertha's father. He was a strong, loving and supportive person, with the ability to confront his wife in a loving manner. He also showed wonderful support to his daughter, while coaching her through some difficult situations.
Story-Line: I think the story-line(s) were very interesting, tying together nicely in the end. I was especially interested in the story once I learned that it was based on real people.
Readability: This book provided a nice, enjoyable read. The different speech patterns among the characters made it that more interesting.
Overall: A nice period book, written with a Christian influence. This was the first book of the series, and I look forward to watching for the upcoming sequel Chasing Charity (I sure hope we get to catch a glimpse of Bertha!)
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Texas Fortunes means GOOD FORTUNE, September 29, 2008
This review is from: Diamond Duo (Texas Fortunes Trilogy, Book 1) (Paperback)
Book Blurb: 1877 Jefferson, Texas
Bertha Biddie's in love. The fellow seems interested, but something's holding him back. When a charismatic stranger rolls in on the northbound train offering to teach Bertha the art of wooing her man she leaps at the chance. But when the woman is found cruelly murdered, Bertha realizes their meeting held eternal significance.
Thaddeus Bloom is way past smitten with Bertha. But his father's determined Thad will be the family's first college graduate. Thad's bound for military school and must leave his feelings for little Bertha behind. Trouble is it's time to leave, and he can't muster the starch to say goodbye.
Review: Texas Fortunes means good fortune for anyone lucky enough to read this book from debut author, Marcia Gruver. From start to finish, I was entralled by the author's easy use of dialect, description, and location. This book was obviously well researched, yet the words flowed from the page. I never felt like like I was reading a history lesson. On the contrary! I felt like I'd been transported in time. Great, great read!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Great historical Read, March 13, 2011
This review is from: Diamond Duo (Texas Fortunes Trilogy, Book 1) (Paperback)
A really sweet read. Despite some not so nice things happening in this story, it is still a fun read, with super sweet characters who grab your heart. Great dialogue, great atmosphere, good story, apparently with its origin from a real-life person. The atmosphere of the early West is really palpable, and the characters who inhabit the pages feel enjoyably authentic. This is one to curl up with and have fun.
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