Review & Giveaway: A Claim of Her Own

I have read Stephanie Whitson's book since her earliest series for Thomas Nelson. Those early books were set in Lincoln, NE, and grew out of exploring history with her kids as they homeschooled. My mom, who knew Stephanie through homeschooling, would buy the books and I'd inhale them. I've enjoyed Stephanie's contemporary books, but her historicals will always be my favorites.

Stephanie Whitson has a wonderful way of bringing history to life which is why I've enjoyed her books from the earliest. A Claim of Her Own is a great addition to her list of books. Mattie O'Keefe makes the arduous trip to Deadwood, South Dakota to escape a man who has trapped her in a lifestyle she doesn't want. Her brother is supposed to meet her in Deadwood, but nothing is as it seems other than he has a claim.

Mattie struggles with finding faith after exposure to preachers who were no different than anyone else. She is unwilling to believe that the new preacher in Deadwood is any different, and is convinced that he's hiding something much as she is. But in Deadwood she finds a small circle of friends who have a genuine faith and add her to their "family." Then she decides to take over her brother's claim. She's convinced the gold she uncovers will lead to her happiness. Who hasn't thought that a bit more money or more possessions would bring us the happiness and contentment we long for? With spring's arrival, for me it's a few more flowers :-)

This book will transport you back to Deadwood in its early rough-and-tumble days. It's not a pretty place, but people are determined to scrape an existence from the badlands. The book is populated with a full array of characters, making a rich story. And watching Mattie struggle to create a place for herself separate from her past had me rooting for her to the last page. This is a great addition to the authors list of books.

To be entered to receive a copy of this great book, leave a comment telling me which historical time period is your favorite.

A Claim of Her Own By Stephanie Grace Whitson It's 1876, and 20-year-old Mattie Flynn is determined to make a fresh start after fleeing from her sinister boss in the gambling house where she was employed as a singer. Mattie travels to Deadwood, South Dakota, in search of her younger brother, who went ahead of her in hopes of making a fortune in the gold mines. All Mattie wants is a safe and respectable life for the two of them, but that doesn't seem to be her destiny as she faces more heartache and trials. Will the suspicious bottles of gold dust from her brother's claim be the key to her future...or does the handsome street preacher, who is always turning the other cheek, truly hold the answers to her deepest longings?