Book Review:
A Clearing in the Wild is the first volume of Jane Kirkpatrick’s Change and Cherish Historical Series and is based on a true story.
Emma Wagner was an outspoken young woman who lived in the Utopian separatist community of Bethel, Missouri during the 1850’s. As a newlywed, she elected to accompany her husband Christian Giesy as he led a group of scouts to find new land for the community in the Oregon territory.
A Clearing in the Wild chronicles the trials and tribulations of the Bethel group during their journey and after their arrival and attempt to establish a new community. Emma’s struggles with blindly following the autocratic leader of Bethel, her well-intentioned but sometimes foolish choices, and the couple’s spiritual growth and love as they learn to depend on the Lord and each other are described honestly and believably.
I enjoyed reading A Clearing in the Wild and would recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.
I will review the next volume of the series A Tendering in the Storm next Monday, April 14 and the final volume A Mending at the Edge along with a book giveaway on Monday, April 21.
About the Author:
Jane Kirkpatrick is the best-selling author of two nonfiction books and eleven historical novels, including Oregon Book Award Finalist A Name of Her Own and the acclaimed Kinship and Courage series. Her award-winning essays and articles have appeared in more than fifty publications, including Daily Guideposts and Decision. A winner of the coveted Western Heritage Wrangler Award, Jane is a licensed clinical social worker as well as an internationally recognized speaker and inspirational retreat leader. She and her husband, Jerry, ranch 160 acres in eastern Oregon. (from the Random House website)
