Wednesday, July 8, 2009

On My Nightstand - All Together in One Place by Jane Kirkpatrick

This is another oldie, but goodie. The last two stories have dropped into my lap, introducing me to these talented authors. Jane Kirkpatrick is now on my radar screen big time.

"All Together In One Place" is the story of Mazy Bacon, a young wife, whose husband gets the urge to move out to Oregon. Although her mother accompanies them, she's a woman torn from the place where she's put down roots.

Facing hardships crossing the prairie, the unthinkable occurs. A plague sweeps through the wagon train, killing most of the men. Will the widows press on toward California and Oregon or will they return home?

Jane Kirkpatrick explores the personalities of these women, and reveals little by little what makes them tick. The setting, details, and practical duties of daily life flow from the author's pen through the vehicle of dialogue, internal monologue, and scenes.

Within the romantic historical genre, this is the first prairie story I've read. As I sample the different sub-groups, my appreciation grows for the many authors represented. If you haven't already sampled Jane Kirkpatrick's books, I highly recommend this one.

22 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

I've read this too and liked it a lot. I got it and the second book from the library, but then couldn't find the third. Grrr...

It was a good story though. Kind of sad.

Great Grandma Lin said...

congrats on terry's award, enjoyed checking out your blog...

Terri Tiffany said...

Congratulations Susan! My husband picked you as the winner from your post on my 3 year anniversary blog. Please send me your email address and I will send out the Amazon gift certificate:)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

Woohoo! Thanks so much! Your timing is great. I was kind of bummed out because my job is ending July 17th. This really gave me a boost.

My email is susanjreinhardt (at) gmail (dot) com.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lin -

Thanks for stopping by. I'm thrilled about the award. What a blessing!

I post here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I hope you'll visit again.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

I'm planning to get the other 2 books. It was sad, but the story and character development fascinated me. She did an awesome job.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Unknown said...

Reading your review, Susan, reminds me that I really do need to read more books in the historical genre. I don't recall reading any and I have no idea why I haven't. I tend to stick with my favorite genre's instead of branching out. Jane's book might be a good place to start if I ever get caught up on my reading.

Eileen Astels Watson said...

The cover reminds me of Little House on the Prairie. I'll have to check this one out. Thanks for spotlighting it!

Nancy said...

Congratulations on winning Terri's award. You deserve it.

Jessica Nelson said...

And she's a good writer, if I remember correctly.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

Your recollection is correct. She did a great job of getting me into the story, stayed on course with POV, and made me want more, more, more (as the commercial says).

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sharon -

Until I started blogging, historicals weren't part of my reading diet. I decided early on to sample them, and I'm glad I did.

There's a wide variety to satisfy any taste. Regency romances for the Jane Austen soul appeal to many, while stories about the American West abound. We're even seeing a number from the 20th century.

You'll enjoy it. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Nancy -

Thanks for your kind words. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Eileen -

I never thought about it, but you're right. Unlike Little House, the characters are on the move.

The inspiration for Jane's story was a true account about 11 women traveling across country alone. The author notes at the end were almost as interesting as the book!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Karen Mains said...

I'll put this on my to-reads... God bless!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I post here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You're always welcome. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Terri Tiffany said...

Got it! I will send your gift certificate today:)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

Thanks! I'm excited. This means more great books to read and review. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan,
I'm honored that you read my book and took the time to say kind things about it. I do like historical novels because they allow us to explore ourselves within the context of history. And helping women step from one generation to another seems like worthy work! Your insights are appreciated. Warmly Jane

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jane -

Thank you for stopping by and for writing with excellence. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Christina Tarabochia said...

Jane Kirkpatrick is one of my FAVORITE authors. An automatic buy when new ones release ... and I am blessed to have her endorsement of The Familiar Stranger! Less than two months ... *jitters* :-)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Christina -

Thanks for the thumbs up for Jane. The way she developed each character was amazing.

I can't wait to read your book. The small excerpts and your interviews have me wanting the whole thing.

Blessings,
Susan :)