I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Edelweiss+. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer Published by Crown Publishing Group on March 20, 2018
Genres: Christian, Fiction, General, Historical, Romance
Pages: 352
Source: Edelweiss+
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Readers rabid for the sweet historical romances of Tracie Peterson and Tamara Alexander will flock to best-selling author Kim Vogel Sawyer's prairie-set heartwarmer of high society cast-off and the western town that welcomes her.
Abigail Brantley grew up in affluence and knows exactly how to behave in high society. But when she is cast from the social registers due to her father's illegal dealings, she finds herself forced into a role she never imagined: tutoring rough Kansas ranchers in the subjects of manners and morals so they can "marry up" with their mail-order brides. Mack Cleveland, whose father was swindled by a mail-order bride, wants no part of the scheme to bring Eastern women to Spiveyville, Kansas, and he's put off by the snooty airs and fastidious behavior of the "little city gal" in their midst. But as time goes by, his heart goes out to the teacher who tries so diligently to smooth the rough edges from the down-to-earth men. How can he teach her that perfection won't bring happiness?
I’m no stranger to historical fiction as it is one of my favorite genres, however I’ve steered clear of mail order bride stories. . .until now. I’m going to take a detour here for a moment but it all comes together with this book. I just recently found out my aunt was a Harvey Girl (she married my dad’s oldest brother and will be 91 later this year!). I’ve read a lot about this part of history and have always been amazed at these young ladies willing to leave their home and families and set out to carve a new life. Aunt Lora was lucky that she stayed in Kansas City where her family was (though she was born in Canada). She didn’t have to strike out to the great unknown all those years ago like so many others. Mail order brides give me the same feels. Only with less of a safety net for them. They went out to parts unknown, many times alone or maybe with a couple of other girls they had recently met. They went out to meet a man they knew little about except what he might put on an application and pray for the best. Much like today, it’s easy to leave so much out on paper. It’s easy to not see your own faults to share on paper. And it’s hard to find the louts from the winners. . .on paper. These girls literally put their lives on the line in an effort to carve a future for themselves.
The girls with Bingham’s Bevy of Brides, lead by Helena, were such women. Abigail was one such woman, who had taken that journey several times only for it not to work out and her to return. Sometimes her choice, sometimes not. If there was ever a perfect example of a Type A personality that would be Abigail! So well versed in the manners and expectations and ‘society’ that she couldn’t let it go and embrace the idea that there were other perfectly acceptable ways to do things. Why must you always waltz when there’s the jig? Why must you butter one small piece of bread at a time instead of the roll at once (hello! it gets cold and I like melty butter)? She held onto her old life, and the shame of her downfall from that life, which prevented her from finding a new life. Sound familiar? I mean we may not be hyper-focused on the things that Abigail was but we all have the ability to fall into these traits. Unwillingness to step beyond our comfort and familiar to find a new life. Sometimes in our own neighborhood and sometimes far away from family and home and familiar.
This book was so much about redemption. The men’s redemption in gaining manners and learning that wives aren’t just to help do the chores and cook the food and mend and clean and and and. Wives were also hearts to be cherished, and love to be shared, and a lifetime to grow. Mack’s redemption as he realizes that what he ran from is not a stone around his neck, while he grew up in a more western ‘society’ and knew the rules that Abigail couldn’t let go of he had also found acceptance in his new community. Helena’s redemption as she realized that perhaps there was more to making a match than reading an application. Abigail’s redemption as she left go of her rigid adherence to her past and embraced that different didn’t mean wrong or bad. I really loved this book. But then again, I’ve yet to meet a Kim Vogel Sawyer book I haven’t enjoyed.
About Kim Vogel Sawyer
Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer wears many hats. As a wife, mother, grandmother, song-singer, cat-petter, and active participant in her church’s music and women’s ministries, her life is happily full. But her passion lies in penning stories that share the hope we can all possess when we place our lives in God’s capable hands. She and her retired military hubby live on the beautiful plains of Kansas, the setting for many of Kim’s books. In her free time, she enjoys quilting, traveling with “The Hubs,” and spoiling her quiverful of granddarlings..
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