Monday, May 18, 2009

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.





205125: A Claim of Her OwnA 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?

10 comments:

Deborah said...

Historical timeframe - I love the Civil War era and also Indians in the West.

Honestly...I love them all if the book is good.

This one sounds good. Hope I win it!

Merry said...

I love the late 1800's to the turn of the century in America or anywhere really! Please include me in the drawing. Thanks.

Linda said...

I love the timeframe of the later 1800s, as they coincides with the Little House on the Prairie series, especially when they are historicals.

Please add my name to your drawing.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
Thanks.

sarahw said...

i like the later 18oo's the best. please enter my name in the draw. thanks,
sarahwoll at hotmail dot com

Carole said...

My favorite historical period is around the American Revolution, and second to that is the settling of the American West in the 1800s.

Thank you for the chance to win A Claim of Her Own.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Janet K said...

My favorite is WWII - the time my grandparents would tell stories about.

please enter me.

Anonymous said...

Oh, please enter me. I've been watching this for a while!

Being a history freak I have sooo many favorite eras. Right now the Regency era comes to mind.

ldneuhof at hotmail dot com

windycindy said...

Sometimes, I like to read about certain time periods in the suspense genre. Other times, historical romance in another time period.
The time period that most interests me is the Victorian one.
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anita Yancey said...

My favorite time period is the 1800's, the old wild wild west. I think if I could have been born at any other time, I would have wanted it to be then. Please enter me in your giveaway.

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

adge said...

I don't know if this contest is still open but if it is count me in please. And my favorite historical time is the late 1800's.

gasweetheart211[at]netscape[dot]net

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