Review: The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick

The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Classically trained pianist and singer Natalie Curtis isolated herself for five years after a breakdown just before she was to debut with the New York Philharmonic. Guilt-ridden and songless, Natalie can't seem to recapture the joy music once brought her. In 1902, her brother invites her to join him in the West to search for healing. What she finds are songs she'd never before encountered--the haunting melodies, rhythms, and stories of Native Americans.

But their music is under attack. The US government's Code of Offenses prohibits American's indigenous people from singing, dancing, or speaking their own languages as the powers that be insist on assimilation. Natalie makes it her mission not only to document these songs before they disappear but to appeal to President Teddy Roosevelt himself, who is the only man with the power to repeal the unjust law. Will she succeed and step into a new song . . . and a new future?

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick weaves yet another lyrical tale based on a true story that will keep readers captivated to the very end. 

My Review: 

I found Jane Kirkpatrick’s newest release, The Healing of Natalie Curtis, to be a fascinating read. I adored Natalie with her determination and courage throughout the book. I was intrigued that she was actually part of history. She is one that I was able to connect with and relate to. I enjoyed the historical details that made me feel as though I was right there and transported back in time. I thought this was a pretty good story to read. The author obviously did her research to bring Natalie back to life.

I am giving The Healing of Natalie Curtis four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean Historical Fiction based on true events.

I received a paperback copy of The Healing of Natalie Curtis from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

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Review: One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick

One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stevens-Murphy company left Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mostly Irish Catholics, the party sought religious freedom and education in the mission-dominated land and enjoyed a safe journey--until October, when a heavy snowstorm forced difficult decisions. The first of many for young Mary Sullivan, newlywed Sarah Montgomery, the widow Ellen Murphy, and her pregnant sister-in-law Maolisa.

When the party separates in three directions, each risks losing those they loved and faces the prospect of learning that adversity can destroy or redefine. Two women and four men go overland around Lake Tahoe, three men stay to guard the heaviest wagons--and the rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River waiting for rescue . . . or their deaths.
Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick plunges you deep into a landscape of challenge where fear and courage go hand in hand for a story of friendship, family, and hope that will remind you of what truly matters in times of trial. 



My Review: 

One More River to Cross is an interesting read. It is based on true events from mid nineteenth century. I thought the author did a great job bringing this moment in history to life. However, there are quite a bit of characters to keep up with that did make me confused at times. I enjoyed reading the book, but it was a little slow at times. About halfway through, I was beginning to be intrigued and could not put it down.

I am giving One More River to Cross three and a half stars. It is definitely worth a read.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

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Review: Everything She Didn't Say by Jane Kirkpatrick

Blurb (from Amazon):

In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a memoir entitled Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage, which shared some of the most exciting events of 25 years of traveling and shaping the American West with her husband, Robert Strahorn, a railroad promoter, investor, and writer. That is all fact. Everything She Didn't Sayimagines Carrie nearly ten years later as she decides to write down what was really on her mind during those adventurous nomadic years.



My Review: 

Everything She Didn't Say is the newest release by Jane Kirkpatrick. I love historicals and love them more when they were based on real people. However, the style this story was written was not one I enjoy as much as others I have read in the past. I did not feel connected to Carrie as I would have liked. I enjoyed reading about the travelling her and Robert did and what they experienced. I like reading the author's note and learn more about them. 

Everything She Didn't Say is worth the read, but unfortunately not my favorite read by this author. I give it three stars. 


I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Review: All She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick

Blurb (from Amazon):

Already well-versed in the natural healing properties of herbs and oils, Jennie Pickett longs to become a doctor. But the Oregon frontier of the 1870s doesn't approve of such innovations as women attending medical school. To leave grief and guilt behind, as well as support herself and her challenging young son, Jennie cares for an elderly woman using skills she's developed on her own. When her patient dies, Jennie discovers that her heart has become entangled with the woman's widowed husband, a man many years her senior. Their unlikely romance may lead her to her ultimate goal--but the road will be winding and the way forward will not always be clear. Will Jennie find shelter in life's storms? Will she discover where healing truly lives?

Through her award-winning, layered storytelling, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites readers to leave behind their preconceived notions about love and life as they, along with Jennie, discover that dreams may be deferred--but they never really die. Based on a true story.

My Review: 

All She Left Behind is my new favorite novel written by Jane Kirkpatrick. I just love this story. This book is based on real events involving Jennie Pickett. I loved Jennie and loved that she refused to allow the times to keep her from following her dream. She was an extraordinary woman that went through so much to keep her dream alive. Such a beautiful story full of hope, faith, determination, and redemption.

All She Left Behind is most definitely a must read and I highly recommend it.

5 plus stars.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

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