What do You think about A Clearing In The Wild (2006)?
This takes place around 1850. Emma Wagner is a member of a religious colony in Missouri. The book is based around her character and the challenges she faces as they move to the Pacific Northwest, which is my own stomping grounds. I really enjoyed this series: Change and Cherish Historical Series. Book two is A Tendering in the Storm and the last one is A Mending at the Edge. I found myself disgusted with the colony leader and wanted to verbally blast him, then wring his neck--which I guess means the author succeeded, because I think that is what we are meant to feel about him. Emma is very strong willed and outspoken. We see her mature and develop through the series. There is a part that I did NOT agree with, and you'll just have to read it to see if you know what I am talking about. I would have never ever done it. I'd wouth rather die.
—Stacy
A compelling, richly-written blend of historical fact and thoughtful storytelling, "A Clearing in the Wild" is book one in author Jane Kirkpatrick's "Change and Cherish" series. Based on real-life people and places, the story line occurs in the mid-1800's, a time of Civil War and great reform to come for women and slaves. Emma Wagner is a young teenaged girl of German descent who lives in the idealized community of Bethel, Missouri. Communal life was based on a "Golden Rule", or a "Diamond Rule", and members shared their crops and food, clothing and supplies, hand-crafted items, and, when needed, their monetary worth. The Bethel Community was founded by Wilhelm Kiel, a stern leader with a devoted following. Emma Wagner often disagreed with Kiel and his dictates of a woman's true place in life and her role in the community. Going against Kiel's wishes, Emma marries Christian Giesy, a man twice her age. Christian is the head scout for the colony, and he and Emma are often separated by his travels. When it becomes clear that a new location should be found for the security of the community, Emma maneuvers her way into accompanying Christian and the other scouts. They begin the journey with Emma keeping news of her pregnancy known only to herself. A momentous journey it is, full of wondrous discoveries and unexpected hardships. Eventually, Christian decides that the rugged territory of the land around the Willapa River in Washington Territory will make the perfect new home for the community. However, when Kiel and the colonists arrive, Kiel is quite disapproving of Christian's choice, and dissension stirs among the reunited community members. As Emma and Christian begin a new life with a growing family, will their own convictions and faith stand up to Kiel's edicts? As they adapt to a new land, and each grows as a person, will their relationship grow as well? Author Jane Kirkpatrick has shone a light on a remarkable woman and the fascinating era and settings in which her life was lived. The book contains wonderful extras for history lovers. There are maps, a roster of characters and their relationships, and a glossary of German and Chinook words. Also included is a very interesting interview with author Jane Kirkpatrick along with her acknowledgements and suggested additional reading resources. There are two additional books in this series: "A Tendering in the Storm", and "A Mending at the Edge". There is also a companion book, "Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community and Craft", which provides a history told through quilts and crafts of the actual colony in Oregon.Review Copy Gratis WaterBrook Press
—Virginia Campbell
A Clearing in the Wild receives 3 stars from me.At times I wanted to keep reading and at others times I wanted to quit reading this book, but I am glad I finished it and even want to read the next book in this series. A Clearing in the Wild is the first book in the Change and Cherish Historical Series. A Clearing in the Wild is based on actual people and events. It is written from Emma's view of her life and the changes she must make in order to insure her and her family survival and happiness.Emma is a young woman who is part of the Bethel colony,ruled by Wilhelm Keil. Emma doesn't have complete and blind trust in Kiel. Keil tries his best to keep Emma and her husband Christian apart by sending Christian and other scouts out to find her land for their colony. Emma is finally allowed to travel with the scouts and she learns to use her questions and doubts. Emma is courageous and she wasn't afraid to break a few rules to help her family and the other members of the colony. When they find a land, Kiel rejects it and Emma finds a new way to keep her family and the others who want to stay there a way. That way is how the book ends and that is why I want to read the second book in this series. “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.
—Debbie
