Great Work of Historical Fiction
340169
After her father is injured in an accident, Sadie Wagner moves from her home in Dalton, Indiana to Goldtree, Kansas so that she can work and earn money to help support her family. Shortly after her arrival, Sadie meets Goldtree's handsome new sheriff, Thad and enjoys spending time and getting to know him better.  But before long, she realizes she's inadvertently gotten herself into more than she bargained for, including being involved in an illegal boot-legging and gambling operation. There's also the matter of Sid, who isn't related to Sadie by blood, but grew up as her cousin. When Sadie arrives in Goldtree, it's Sid's agenda to make her his wife.

This was another great book by Kim Vogel Sawyer, she has a great way of making the reader feel as though they're in the  middle of the story with the characters. She really tries to keep the story true to the setting and time period, down to even the smallest details. This is the second book I've read by her and both times I was easily able to get into the story and lose myself as I read. It's exactly the effect I'm looking for when I read fiction. I'd really love if Kim picked up the story again at a later time so we could follow the characters even more.

Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided for this review. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
2816916
I was drawn immediately into this compelling story. The characters experience quite a few lurches through better and worse times over the course of about 6 years that the story covers.  I wondered how the narrator might have made better choices in several situations, which brought mistery to both her and her mother. Although flawed, the narrator does grow significantly during the course of events. My one crticism is that I wish the other characters hadn't been so one dimensional.

The backdrop of 15th century Persia was very interesting, since I knew nothing about it before.  An ecellent work of historical fiction, this book shows it has been extensively researched.
4368488
I loved this book. I am a big fan of Historical Fiction and this one was great. It reminded me a lot of Sarah Jio novels in the way it alternates between two time periods showing that the present and the future connect. It also had a little mystery to solve.
It was written beautifully. The characters were very real. I loved that it gave you a true picture of what it would have been like to be Olive and Angelina and Sadie. Women working in the early 1900's and trying to make a salary and still fit the role of a woman in those days. It showed just how much and how little women were told about their own bodies and health.
Olive is such a great character. She is strong and ahead of her time in many ways. Angelina is a wonderful pairing for her.
Amanda is our woman in the present time. Her life is complicated to say the least. I love that the choices she makes seem like those that a real person would make. All the characters have that in common making it a realistic group of woman to fall in love with.
I would totally recommend it to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction, romance with a little mystery, and Sarah Jio fans.
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1175848
A great work of fiction with a lot of history. Makes me wonder if a lot of the story is true?
451426
Great historical novel.  Book follows the major historical events, and filled with the novelists license of the personal adventures.  The book is filled with the love and war that put a human touch to the struggles for freedom.
2590606
This is an enjoyable read from a local author. I live in the area that this book is written and the author does a great job describing not only the area but the characters. A great historical fiction.
2350882
I would recommend this book to all who enjoy historical fiction. Wow, it was really well written and hard to put down.
4754668
I really enjoyed this book.  The only thing I would change is to move the historical information from the end of the book to the front of the book.  I had no idea this novel was historical fiction until after I had finished reading it.
I purchased extra copies to give to my baseball/softball playing grandchildren.
2406855
Really enjoyed this book.  Love historical fiction and didn't realize until I was reading the author's notes after finishing the book that the characters were in fact based on real people involved in the fight against slavery.  Highly recommend it.  My book club loved it too.
952393
I love reading this book, and highly recommend reading it yourself. It is a good historical fiction to add to your library.
871971
I thought, "Ken Follett! He only writes spy novels".  But I was very wrong.  Ken Follett writes well researched and engaging novels in any genre.

I've read The Pillars of the Earth 3 times now and I have to do my part in pointing readers to this great work of historical fiction.  The book brings the reader into middle ages England to experience the lives and history of real working people.  This viewpoint makes for a lively and believable saga set apart from the usual history of the newsmakers of the day.

Newsmakers and Kings have real workers that lay the foundation of any civilization.  The workers in The Pillars of the Earth lay a foundation and build gloriously upon it.
2824860
If you like historical fiction then buy this book. A great, character-driven piece that has obviously been well-researched. The people and plot are backed by a fascinating look into London in the Regency era. It kept me up well into the wee hours for several nights. I'm hoping the next installment comes out soon.
2724587
I really enjoyed the storyline in this book. I started reading it on a the drive for a weekend trip and couldn't put it down. I was interested in seeing how the lives of these characters played out. Historical fiction always keeps me entertained, and that is what this book did for me. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. You will not be disappointed.
2424515
Great historical fiction. I also liked the afterward that explained some of the real events and changes made in the book.
108046
Excellent work of historical fiction based on the lives of a young slave wet nurse and a privileged white baby.  A great read that flows into the belief that humanity at its best is color blind.
4916591
This is a wonderful novel of historical fiction, well researched and marvelously told about a young man's experiences in the medeival world. Doyle is one of the world's great authors and this work gives the reader a close-up view of the attitude, activities and dangers of the time.
3501616
Full of fascinating historical fiction (I assume), this book was a great read. Following the lives of so many women who were wronged, and seeing how they all may or may not get justice. Countless theories suggest ideas such as the main one in this Chronicle/Gospel. Beautiful language makes you feel like you're right there with the characters. Very empowering to women and men alike.