Emma of Aurora by Jane Kirkpatrick

A Clearing in the Wild
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the 1850s Bethel, Missouri colony’s beloved leader, she finds new opportunities to pursue her dreams of independence. But as she clears a pathway West to her truest and deepest self, she discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community.
 
A Tendering in the Storm
Determined to raise her children on her own terms, Emma suddenly finds herself alone and pregnant with her third child, struggling to keep her family secure in the remote coastal forest of the Washington Territory. As clouds of despair close in, she must decide whether to continue in her own waning strength or to humble herself and accept help from the very people she once so eagerly left behind.
 
A Mending at the Edge
As a mother, daughter, sister, and estranged wife, Emma struggles to find her place inside—and outside—the confines of her religious community. Emma reaches out to others on the fringe, searching for healing and purpose. By blending her unique talents with service to others, she creates renewed hope as she weaves together the threads of family, friends, and faith.

My take on this book:

At 1146 pages Emma of Aurora was one that I kept putting off, but once I started reading,I realized that I had already read the first book in the story allowing me to skip to the next. Emma of Aurora is the story of Emma Wagner who lived in a colony during the mid 1800's. She was only seventeen when she fell in love with a man twenty years her senior, thing is her colony leader is against marriage, but that doesn't stop Emma. She and Christian Giesy are married and she and her husband are sent off on a land seeking mission. The journey that ensues is an adventure in it's own right, and we watch as a settlement is established, we also witness the strength of this remarkable woman.

I love historical fiction, and this one was based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy. I will admit the book ebbed and peaked, it was slow going at times to read this one, but overall I am glad that I finished it! I found the historical detail to be rich, allowing the time period to come to life. The author provides a handy cast of characters at the beginning of the book to make it easy to figure out who's who.I really enjoyed reading the author notes which provided historical facts to go along with the story, there is also a list of recommended reading if one is interested in reading more about Ms. Giesy. Overall a story worth reading if your a fan of historical fiction that is based on real events and real people.

rating 4/5