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Sixteen Brides
Sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising "prime homesteads" in a "booming community." Unbeknownst to them, the speculator's true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledging community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival!
Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them. These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances--especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.
Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them. These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances--especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2010
About the author
Stephanie Grace Whitson
44 books325 followersA native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 453 reviews
June 9, 2012
Though the synopsis has no mention of it, this book would qualify as Christian fiction, in my opinion, though it is certainly far from some of the "over-the-top" Christian fiction that I have read. There are strong references to God, prayer, and the Bible, so if Christian undertones are a deal-breaker, you have been forewarned.
While the story may be called Sixteen Brides, we are ultimately following the stories of about six of these women, which lessens the confusion a bit. Whitson admirably rotates through each woman's point of view throughout the book and once I really got into the story, I didn't find it too difficult to keep everyone straight, despite the fact that we are following so many different storylines. Each woman's background is unique and each woman has to face her own challenges and struggles. I found that I felt a connection to many of them as their stories unfolded. How Whitson was able to successfully manage so many prominent characters is beyond me. Perhaps they were not as fully fleshed out as they could have been, but I'm willing to forgive that, given the sheer number of "main" characters we are talking about.
Each woman's story is heartwarming in its own way and I enjoyed watching the various romances unfold, some more quickly than others. In fact, by the end of the book, one of the romances has barely begun, leaving you wishing for more. Yet at the same time, knowing the young woman the way you do by the end of the book, it's just enough to leave you happy knowing what her future holds in store, even if you don't get to read about it. I also found there to be quite a few humorous scenes and exchanges that kept the book moving quickly for me. All-in-all, while not perfect, I thought Sixteen Brides was a charming story without being overly preachy: a win-win in my book, and at the time I read it, it was just what I was looking for. If you like historical fiction that is set in the western frontier and you can live with some underlying Christian themes that won't overwhelm you, I'd say it's worth giving Sixteen Brides a shot.
While the story may be called Sixteen Brides, we are ultimately following the stories of about six of these women, which lessens the confusion a bit. Whitson admirably rotates through each woman's point of view throughout the book and once I really got into the story, I didn't find it too difficult to keep everyone straight, despite the fact that we are following so many different storylines. Each woman's background is unique and each woman has to face her own challenges and struggles. I found that I felt a connection to many of them as their stories unfolded. How Whitson was able to successfully manage so many prominent characters is beyond me. Perhaps they were not as fully fleshed out as they could have been, but I'm willing to forgive that, given the sheer number of "main" characters we are talking about.
Each woman's story is heartwarming in its own way and I enjoyed watching the various romances unfold, some more quickly than others. In fact, by the end of the book, one of the romances has barely begun, leaving you wishing for more. Yet at the same time, knowing the young woman the way you do by the end of the book, it's just enough to leave you happy knowing what her future holds in store, even if you don't get to read about it. I also found there to be quite a few humorous scenes and exchanges that kept the book moving quickly for me. All-in-all, while not perfect, I thought Sixteen Brides was a charming story without being overly preachy: a win-win in my book, and at the time I read it, it was just what I was looking for. If you like historical fiction that is set in the western frontier and you can live with some underlying Christian themes that won't overwhelm you, I'd say it's worth giving Sixteen Brides a shot.
April 17, 2013
This book was a pleasant surprise! I wasn't excited to read a book about 16 brides -- I thought it would be too confusing to follow, but we only really learn about 5 (6 counting Ella's mother) of these brides and their stories!
Mr. Hamilton Drake is a cheat and a fraud, but unfortunately the women of St. Louis don't know that. So when he organizes the Ladies Emigration Society to help women acquire land in their own name in Nebraska, several women join. They are all without husbands - widows of the war, divorced, estranged...
Caroline Jamison didn't have a happy marriage, and she finds herself disowned by her family because she married "the enemy" and three of her brothers died in the war. She is a true southern belle who lives by the mantra: "No rule had been made that a gentleman wouldn't break for a determined southern belle."
Ella Barton was married to a man who constantly berated her and made her feel unwanted. She doesn't see herself the way others see her.
Zita Romano is Ella's mother and joins her to go out west for their own land.
Sally Grant was beaten by her husband and so she divorced him. She is young and forthright and not interested in marriage again.
Hattie Raines (Gates) accidentally joins the group when she is trying to escape a bad situation. She lets the others think she is widowed... which works until her husband finds her and she is forced to face the demons she is trying to run from!
Ruth Dow is the widow of a general who she loved deeply. It has been three (or maybe four?) years since his death, and she is still mourning him. But her 14-year-old son Jackson could sure use a strong man in his life.
When these women get to Plum Grove they learn that Mr. Drake has tricked them into coming to Nebraska to be brides for some men who are paying him. Half of the women go on to Cayote to meet the men who want to get married, but the other half decide to stay in Plum Grove and take their chances at creating a homestead. In Plum Grove they also get a second chance at love!
Matthew Ransom is a widower with a 14-year-old daughter, Linney. It has been several years since his wife, Katie, died but he is still haunted by her death and his part in it.
Lucas Gray is a successful rancher who has never married... and as the story progresses we learn more about why he has never married.
Jeb Cooper arrives in Plum Grove on the same train as the "brides." He is a large, one-handed man with a heart of gold!
These men of Plum Grove help the women set up their homestead and get their own second chances at love!
Mr. Hamilton Drake is a cheat and a fraud, but unfortunately the women of St. Louis don't know that. So when he organizes the Ladies Emigration Society to help women acquire land in their own name in Nebraska, several women join. They are all without husbands - widows of the war, divorced, estranged...
Caroline Jamison didn't have a happy marriage, and she finds herself disowned by her family because she married "the enemy" and three of her brothers died in the war. She is a true southern belle who lives by the mantra: "No rule had been made that a gentleman wouldn't break for a determined southern belle."
Ella Barton was married to a man who constantly berated her and made her feel unwanted. She doesn't see herself the way others see her.
Zita Romano is Ella's mother and joins her to go out west for their own land.
Sally Grant was beaten by her husband and so she divorced him. She is young and forthright and not interested in marriage again.
Hattie Raines (Gates) accidentally joins the group when she is trying to escape a bad situation. She lets the others think she is widowed... which works until her husband finds her and she is forced to face the demons she is trying to run from!
Ruth Dow is the widow of a general who she loved deeply. It has been three (or maybe four?) years since his death, and she is still mourning him. But her 14-year-old son Jackson could sure use a strong man in his life.
When these women get to Plum Grove they learn that Mr. Drake has tricked them into coming to Nebraska to be brides for some men who are paying him. Half of the women go on to Cayote to meet the men who want to get married, but the other half decide to stay in Plum Grove and take their chances at creating a homestead. In Plum Grove they also get a second chance at love!
Matthew Ransom is a widower with a 14-year-old daughter, Linney. It has been several years since his wife, Katie, died but he is still haunted by her death and his part in it.
Lucas Gray is a successful rancher who has never married... and as the story progresses we learn more about why he has never married.
Jeb Cooper arrives in Plum Grove on the same train as the "brides." He is a large, one-handed man with a heart of gold!
These men of Plum Grove help the women set up their homestead and get their own second chances at love!
September 18, 2016
I am fascinated by the true stories of post Civil War America when the scarcity of men influenced lonely women to consider becoming mail-order brides. And I loved this cover. So in spite of the fact that it was in the dreaded genre of "Christian fiction," I decided to give this book a shot. Happily the writing (or maybe it was the editing) is better than most Christian fiction. At first, there are way too many brides to keep straight but when eight of them move to another city, it becomes manageable.
Every chapter begins with a Bible verse and everyone comes to saving faith, which most readers would consider a good thing. But even though I'm a devout Christian, I dislike books that are that simplistic. Luther wrote that a Christian shoemaker doesn't make shoes with crosses on them, but shoes that are of good quality. I wish Christian fiction was "well-made" rather than preachy.
A couple of times the women in this story made surprisingly bawdy comments, something that real ladies of that time period would not have made. (p. 94 and 199) And I wasn't really into the whole feminist thread that men are superfluous. One of many examples came from page 333: "She didn't need a man. Oh, she might want one. But she didn't need one."
I wanted very much to love this title, but it fell short in ways that Christian fiction too often does.
Every chapter begins with a Bible verse and everyone comes to saving faith, which most readers would consider a good thing. But even though I'm a devout Christian, I dislike books that are that simplistic. Luther wrote that a Christian shoemaker doesn't make shoes with crosses on them, but shoes that are of good quality. I wish Christian fiction was "well-made" rather than preachy.
A couple of times the women in this story made surprisingly bawdy comments, something that real ladies of that time period would not have made. (p. 94 and 199) And I wasn't really into the whole feminist thread that men are superfluous. One of many examples came from page 333: "She didn't need a man. Oh, she might want one. But she didn't need one."
I wanted very much to love this title, but it fell short in ways that Christian fiction too often does.
August 4, 2015
I had high hopes for this one, and was rather intrigued especially since my best friend is from Nebraska. I was quickly divested of my enthusiasm, however. The author has too many characters all vying for attention with their own point of view. We jump rapidly from one to another, to the point I'm not even sure which one I was reading about.
One of the main girls in the story was from Tennessee and the author has given her the most horrible, movie-fake southern accent I've ever read. She's a young white woman from a slightly well-to-do family who is made to sound like a poor, black slave woman with no education might have sounded. It was laughably ridiculous.
DNF
One of the main girls in the story was from Tennessee and the author has given her the most horrible, movie-fake southern accent I've ever read. She's a young white woman from a slightly well-to-do family who is made to sound like a poor, black slave woman with no education might have sounded. It was laughably ridiculous.
DNF
November 1, 2016
A very interesting story about a pack of women determined to leave the past behind and embrace the pioneer spirit.
Each character was endearing in their own way and each had their own struggles to overcome.
There are a couple of "fast-forward" parts, but they weren't too bad.
The only disappointment for me was the ending. It felt inconclusive to me. Slightly abrupt. I would have liked to see how the rest of the story turned out with Jeb and Ellie, and Ruth and Lucas, and Sally and Pete. Really, only Matthew and Caroline's story was concluded.
Or maybe I'm just not ready to part with the characters because I loved them so much. ;)
Each character was endearing in their own way and each had their own struggles to overcome.
There are a couple of "fast-forward" parts, but they weren't too bad.
The only disappointment for me was the ending. It felt inconclusive to me. Slightly abrupt. I would have liked to see how the rest of the story turned out with Jeb and Ellie, and Ruth and Lucas, and Sally and Pete. Really, only Matthew and Caroline's story was concluded.
Or maybe I'm just not ready to part with the characters because I loved them so much. ;)
August 8, 2015
Listened to this on audio book.
One reviewer on goodreads said there were too many characters to keep straight. This is true. I had to start writing them down and giving each character some identifying comments and I still couldn't keep them straight until after the book was truly underway and even then I sometimes lost track of who was who. However, I think the fault was in the writing rather than in my faulty brain. I have read books with many more characters and kept them straight. I think instead of introducing them serially, I think the story should have gotten underway with bits and pieces of each story being revealed at relevant times as the story moved along or having one main character and introducing bits of the collateral characters as the story went along. Oh well.
It was an okay story. These inspirational romances are a lot the same--30 chapters with almost imperceptable plot movement throughout and very little else of any import going on.
A three-star rating is too much and a two-star rating is too little, so if that leaves it at 2.5, then do I round up or down?
One reviewer on goodreads said there were too many characters to keep straight. This is true. I had to start writing them down and giving each character some identifying comments and I still couldn't keep them straight until after the book was truly underway and even then I sometimes lost track of who was who. However, I think the fault was in the writing rather than in my faulty brain. I have read books with many more characters and kept them straight. I think instead of introducing them serially, I think the story should have gotten underway with bits and pieces of each story being revealed at relevant times as the story moved along or having one main character and introducing bits of the collateral characters as the story went along. Oh well.
It was an okay story. These inspirational romances are a lot the same--30 chapters with almost imperceptable plot movement throughout and very little else of any import going on.
A three-star rating is too much and a two-star rating is too little, so if that leaves it at 2.5, then do I round up or down?
May 14, 2015
While the novel started out with too many characters to keep up, I found myself enjoying the novel very much once the characters narrowed down substantially. As you'd expect from the title, there were numerous story lines and each had a different dynamic and focus.
Overall, I enjoyed this historical fiction novel.
Overall, I enjoyed this historical fiction novel.
June 9, 2018
Sixteen brides (who don't know they are supposed to be brides) board a train heading for Nebraska with the promise of being able to own land. They don't discover their benefactor's subterfuge until they have nearly reached their destination. What a great premise for a story! So much scope for laughter and mayhem! And angst. Lots of angst. :-)
Trying to keep track of sixteen heroines in one novel would be impossible so Whitson has narrowed it down to five. Sally, Ruth, Caroline, Ella and Hettie all have their own POV which sounds confusing but it really isn't. I quickly bonded with each of these ladies -- all women who have suffered and struggled and are desperate enough to leave all that is familiar for the unknown. Talk about courage and spunk and determination! And I love how these ladies band together to help each other in their homesteading endeavors. And how the tight-knit community of Plum Grove rallies around them. And while these women aren't seeking husbands, romance does comes calling for a few of them.
Sixteen Brides puts me in mind of Laura Ingalls Wilder -- only a grown up version of The Little House books. That same perfect blend of drama and laughter and fascinating historical details. With the added bonus of romance!
Trying to keep track of sixteen heroines in one novel would be impossible so Whitson has narrowed it down to five. Sally, Ruth, Caroline, Ella and Hettie all have their own POV which sounds confusing but it really isn't. I quickly bonded with each of these ladies -- all women who have suffered and struggled and are desperate enough to leave all that is familiar for the unknown. Talk about courage and spunk and determination! And I love how these ladies band together to help each other in their homesteading endeavors. And how the tight-knit community of Plum Grove rallies around them. And while these women aren't seeking husbands, romance does comes calling for a few of them.
Sixteen Brides puts me in mind of Laura Ingalls Wilder -- only a grown up version of The Little House books. That same perfect blend of drama and laughter and fascinating historical details. With the added bonus of romance!
December 5, 2011
The title of this book is terribly misleading. Sixteen women embark on a journey to claim land in the west. Most of them are widows, though a few are on the run from abusive husbands. Unfortunately, the real reason they're being taken west is to become brides for men who already own land, because there's a shortage of women inhabiting the harsh land. The whole truth comes out before they reach their destination, so the women choose to split ways. Half stay in Plum Grove to attempt new lives free of men. The other half continue westward, deciding to become brides after all.
This story is really only about six women, rather than sixteen. At the beginning, I felt overwhelmed with the number of characters. It was very difficult to keep things straight, though the main characters were likable and after a while I could keep track of everyone. However, I was expecting a story of mail-order brides, which this isn't. I also think it would have been easier to keep track of characters, as well as being able to relate to them, if the author had chosen a couple to follow rather than six to eight. So while this was a fine story, I didn't get overly attached to any of the characters because the author didn't really spend too much time on any one person.
At times, this book came off as a bit preachy, as one of the characters lost his wife and turned his back on God. This is my biggest complaint about Christian books. Instead of leaving the poor guy alone, to work through his grief by himself, everyone he comes into contact with decides they need to preach to him about the importance of seeking God's forgiveness. Not everyone needs to be a believer...except in Christian fiction apparently.
This story is really only about six women, rather than sixteen. At the beginning, I felt overwhelmed with the number of characters. It was very difficult to keep things straight, though the main characters were likable and after a while I could keep track of everyone. However, I was expecting a story of mail-order brides, which this isn't. I also think it would have been easier to keep track of characters, as well as being able to relate to them, if the author had chosen a couple to follow rather than six to eight. So while this was a fine story, I didn't get overly attached to any of the characters because the author didn't really spend too much time on any one person.
At times, this book came off as a bit preachy, as one of the characters lost his wife and turned his back on God. This is my biggest complaint about Christian books. Instead of leaving the poor guy alone, to work through his grief by himself, everyone he comes into contact with decides they need to preach to him about the importance of seeking God's forgiveness. Not everyone needs to be a believer...except in Christian fiction apparently.
May 15, 2015
You might think from the title of this book and the cover, that it is fluffy romance and a "mail order bride" type of story- but you would be wrong.
Sixteen Civil War widows who are living in St. Louis are lured to Nebraska by a land speculator who promises them free homesteads in a "booming community", but unbeknownst to them, he is really using that as an excuse to bring them them to the fledgling community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes that they will accept marriage proposals from men looking for brides.
After arriving in Plum Grove, the women discover the true motives of the land agent, and they certainly have no intentions of becoming anyone's bride. Some of the women decide to stay anyway, having nothing to go back to in St. Louis, so they devise a plan where they can stay together on four adjoining homesteads.
Now, from the title, it may sound like there a lot of characters to keep track of, but this story actually focuses on just 6 of these women, and they each have very different reasons for wanting a new start in the west. There is just bit of romance to the story, but the main focus is how these women, who are very different from one another, form bonds of friendship and how they work together to forge new lives for themselves.
I really enjoyed this story, and my only complaint is that the story was over with too quickly! It's one of those books where you feel sad to "leave" the characters because you like them so much.
Sixteen Civil War widows who are living in St. Louis are lured to Nebraska by a land speculator who promises them free homesteads in a "booming community", but unbeknownst to them, he is really using that as an excuse to bring them them to the fledgling community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes that they will accept marriage proposals from men looking for brides.
After arriving in Plum Grove, the women discover the true motives of the land agent, and they certainly have no intentions of becoming anyone's bride. Some of the women decide to stay anyway, having nothing to go back to in St. Louis, so they devise a plan where they can stay together on four adjoining homesteads.
Now, from the title, it may sound like there a lot of characters to keep track of, but this story actually focuses on just 6 of these women, and they each have very different reasons for wanting a new start in the west. There is just bit of romance to the story, but the main focus is how these women, who are very different from one another, form bonds of friendship and how they work together to forge new lives for themselves.
I really enjoyed this story, and my only complaint is that the story was over with too quickly! It's one of those books where you feel sad to "leave" the characters because you like them so much.
March 19, 2010
An incredible heart warming story of romance and faith in God. Before each chapter there is a Bible verse that sets the stone for what you are about to read. The five women's stories are intricately woven. You really get to know each one and come to love each of the characters instead of them getting lost in little tid bits here and there. These women are brought together under unusual circumstances that shows God works in mysterious ways. Despite the differences in these women's characters they surpass the odds bonding themselves in true friendship. Through their faith in each other and God they prove that they can do anything. They are touched by the lives of those they come into contact with and they in return touch their lives. The men who love these women have the qualities that anyone would be blessed to have in their lives. You not only find yourself in love with these women but with the men as well. Redemption, love, hope and faith are the very strong themes. Enlightens the reader that all things are possible with God.
October 14, 2011
The book was very interesting. I really didn't start to get into it until around page 200, which is really far in. It wasn't a page turner and I wasn't really ever on the edge of my seat. I think it is more suited to teenagers and adolescents then women. I was happy with the ending, but I wouldn't have re-read it again. It took me about 5 days to read and I usually get done with a book between 2-4 days but more like 3.
August 18, 2011
This book tells the story of 16 women who move west from St. Louis to Nebraska to take part in the land grab of the mid- to late 1800s. Having been widowed or scorned by men, these women hope to make new and independent lives for themselves as homesteaders.
Having been raised by a single mother on a homestead of sorts, I was naturally drawn to this story. I thought that I could see my own mother's story amongst these women's personal histories. And I did. However, I was quickly disappointed in the path the narrative took.
Having arrived in Nebraska on the premise that they would each be given a parcel of land by the government, they soon discover that they were instead induced to travel westward to be brides for men who had already claimed land from the government. In fact, the man transporting the women to Nebraska had, in a way, sold these women to certain well-paying men.
Since these women had set out to lead lives independent of men, one would expect that they would be horrified when this "bride business" was revealed to them. Only half of them were! The other half continued on their journey to become new brides to bachelors in the west.
The women that halted their journey westward decided to settle in the town where the bad news had been revealed to them. They eventually came to the conclusion that it would benefit them all if they homesteaded together, as a team.
Up to this point in the story, the narrative was incredibly believable and intriguing. However, I was terribly disappointed when many of these homesteading and "independent" women began to accept a lot of help from the men in town in building their home and organizing their farm. I understand that there were certain kinds of help that even men would have accepted from neighbors (like barn-raising), but it seemed like these women were becoming awfully dependent upon men in the area to build and run their homestead.
Moreover, about half of the women began to fall in love with men in the area. You cannot help who you fall in love with. But it seems like awfully bad timing that the moment the women begin to build a homestead for all of them to live on together, many of these same women fell in love with men in the area (and the men had similar feelings toward the women). The reader knows that these feelings of affection will likely result in marriage, and then how will the homestead be managed with half of the women having moved away to start their own families?
Besides my problems with the narrative and the path the story eventually took, there were other problems I had with this book. The author kept repeating the same words and phrases, one phrase being "laws o'massey." I began to get annoyed with not only that phrase but with all of the religious speak in it. I now know that this is a Christian book, a detail I will not overlook in the future when choosing novels to read.
A major issue I found with the authorship, and which made the book almost unreadable, was the ambiguity throughout the novel. There were so many times I was left confused about what was going on, or I couldn't picture visually the descriptions of places she was giving in the text (I still can't picture accurately what the mudhouse on the homestead looks like). As an indication of this, there were many times when the author would introduce a character as, for instance, Ms. Smith. A few chapters later, she would refer to someone as, let's say, Beatrice Smith. The author means for us as readers to connect the Ms. Smith of a few chapters before with this Beatrice Smith. That is amateurish and invites ambiguity and confusion.
I'm sorry, but I do not recommend this book at all. The story had potential but failed miserably in my eyes. And the writing was much too confusing and incomprehensible at times.
Having been raised by a single mother on a homestead of sorts, I was naturally drawn to this story. I thought that I could see my own mother's story amongst these women's personal histories. And I did. However, I was quickly disappointed in the path the narrative took.
Having arrived in Nebraska on the premise that they would each be given a parcel of land by the government, they soon discover that they were instead induced to travel westward to be brides for men who had already claimed land from the government. In fact, the man transporting the women to Nebraska had, in a way, sold these women to certain well-paying men.
Since these women had set out to lead lives independent of men, one would expect that they would be horrified when this "bride business" was revealed to them. Only half of them were! The other half continued on their journey to become new brides to bachelors in the west.
The women that halted their journey westward decided to settle in the town where the bad news had been revealed to them. They eventually came to the conclusion that it would benefit them all if they homesteaded together, as a team.
Up to this point in the story, the narrative was incredibly believable and intriguing. However, I was terribly disappointed when many of these homesteading and "independent" women began to accept a lot of help from the men in town in building their home and organizing their farm. I understand that there were certain kinds of help that even men would have accepted from neighbors (like barn-raising), but it seemed like these women were becoming awfully dependent upon men in the area to build and run their homestead.
Moreover, about half of the women began to fall in love with men in the area. You cannot help who you fall in love with. But it seems like awfully bad timing that the moment the women begin to build a homestead for all of them to live on together, many of these same women fell in love with men in the area (and the men had similar feelings toward the women). The reader knows that these feelings of affection will likely result in marriage, and then how will the homestead be managed with half of the women having moved away to start their own families?
Besides my problems with the narrative and the path the story eventually took, there were other problems I had with this book. The author kept repeating the same words and phrases, one phrase being "laws o'massey." I began to get annoyed with not only that phrase but with all of the religious speak in it. I now know that this is a Christian book, a detail I will not overlook in the future when choosing novels to read.
A major issue I found with the authorship, and which made the book almost unreadable, was the ambiguity throughout the novel. There were so many times I was left confused about what was going on, or I couldn't picture visually the descriptions of places she was giving in the text (I still can't picture accurately what the mudhouse on the homestead looks like). As an indication of this, there were many times when the author would introduce a character as, for instance, Ms. Smith. A few chapters later, she would refer to someone as, let's say, Beatrice Smith. The author means for us as readers to connect the Ms. Smith of a few chapters before with this Beatrice Smith. That is amateurish and invites ambiguity and confusion.
I'm sorry, but I do not recommend this book at all. The story had potential but failed miserably in my eyes. And the writing was much too confusing and incomprehensible at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2016
This is my first book by Ms. Whitson but it definitely won't be my last. An intriguing story, interesting characters and sweet romance made this a terrific read.
Mr. Hamilton Drake comes to St. Louis MO with the offer of free homesteads for ladies. He organizes the Ladies Emigration Society to help the women acquire land in their own name in Nebraska, assuring the ladies the land is all close to town, fertile and just ready for the slightest touch to make it into a home.
Caroline Jamison had married a Yankee and been estranged from her genteel Southern family as a result. The strain turns to an all out break when three of her brothers are killed in the war and her father's broken heart can't stand the thought she might be married to their murderer. When her husband dies she has no choice but to fend for herself. The land in Nebraska sounds like a Godsend and she is agree to sign up.
Ella Barton is a strong woman with a body built for labor, a fact her husband used to berate her for constantly. When he dies she is set free from his abuse but he took the last of her hopes and dreams with her. The land in Nebraska is her chance to start anew, with dreams untainted by hateful words. She and her mother Zita are determined to make a new life in a new land.
Sally Grant isn't a respectable widow like the others but a shameful divorcee. Her ex may have broken her body a few times but he hadn't touched her indomitable spirit. Life on the prairie is her chance to start anew and she plans to seize it with both hands.
Hattie Raines (Gates) is a woman on the run. She wasn't a part of the Emigration Society meetings but joins at the last minute to further her escape.
Ruth Dow loved her husband but he died leaving her with no means to support her son. Forced to choose between marrying a man she doesn't love and starting afresh, she chooses Nebraska.
When these ladies learn that Mr. Drake planned to marry them off to the men of the town they were going to, they stop and put up stakes in tiny Plum Grove. There, they are able to get the homesteads they've dreamed of. They also meet some might nice neighbors like . . .
Matthew Ransom a widower with a 14-year-old daughter. Mathew's wife died, leaving him with some painful scars.
Lucas Gray is a successful rancher with a house any lady would be proud to call home. But the lady he built it for didn't choose him and he's had a broken heart - and guilt conscience for years.
Jeb Cooper is new to homesteading and Plum Grove. This large, big hearted man isn't looking for love but that may just change as he gets to know the ladies homesteading near him.
Ms. Whitson brings each of these characters to amazing life. She doesn't mind getting her hands dirty in the process either. All of them have problems, all of them have to learn to change who they are so they can be the best version of themselves. I loved the fact that I started the book not liking certain characters and ended the novel rooting for them. I also liked that the novel didn't sugar coat pioneer living - it was hard, this showcases you had to be hardy and tough to live through it. Warm and engaging, this Western with its moderate message of faith and sincere story of how real love works was an absolute delight to read.
Mr. Hamilton Drake comes to St. Louis MO with the offer of free homesteads for ladies. He organizes the Ladies Emigration Society to help the women acquire land in their own name in Nebraska, assuring the ladies the land is all close to town, fertile and just ready for the slightest touch to make it into a home.
Caroline Jamison had married a Yankee and been estranged from her genteel Southern family as a result. The strain turns to an all out break when three of her brothers are killed in the war and her father's broken heart can't stand the thought she might be married to their murderer. When her husband dies she has no choice but to fend for herself. The land in Nebraska sounds like a Godsend and she is agree to sign up.
Ella Barton is a strong woman with a body built for labor, a fact her husband used to berate her for constantly. When he dies she is set free from his abuse but he took the last of her hopes and dreams with her. The land in Nebraska is her chance to start anew, with dreams untainted by hateful words. She and her mother Zita are determined to make a new life in a new land.
Sally Grant isn't a respectable widow like the others but a shameful divorcee. Her ex may have broken her body a few times but he hadn't touched her indomitable spirit. Life on the prairie is her chance to start anew and she plans to seize it with both hands.
Hattie Raines (Gates) is a woman on the run. She wasn't a part of the Emigration Society meetings but joins at the last minute to further her escape.
Ruth Dow loved her husband but he died leaving her with no means to support her son. Forced to choose between marrying a man she doesn't love and starting afresh, she chooses Nebraska.
When these ladies learn that Mr. Drake planned to marry them off to the men of the town they were going to, they stop and put up stakes in tiny Plum Grove. There, they are able to get the homesteads they've dreamed of. They also meet some might nice neighbors like . . .
Matthew Ransom a widower with a 14-year-old daughter. Mathew's wife died, leaving him with some painful scars.
Lucas Gray is a successful rancher with a house any lady would be proud to call home. But the lady he built it for didn't choose him and he's had a broken heart - and guilt conscience for years.
Jeb Cooper is new to homesteading and Plum Grove. This large, big hearted man isn't looking for love but that may just change as he gets to know the ladies homesteading near him.
Ms. Whitson brings each of these characters to amazing life. She doesn't mind getting her hands dirty in the process either. All of them have problems, all of them have to learn to change who they are so they can be the best version of themselves. I loved the fact that I started the book not liking certain characters and ended the novel rooting for them. I also liked that the novel didn't sugar coat pioneer living - it was hard, this showcases you had to be hardy and tough to live through it. Warm and engaging, this Western with its moderate message of faith and sincere story of how real love works was an absolute delight to read.
June 2, 2010
Stephanie Grace Whitson
2010
Bethany House Publishers
Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
It is 1872, the Civil War has ended. But for many widows life is now harder than ever. Seeing an advertisement about free land, available in Nebraska, sixteen women meet with the founder of the Ladies Emigration Society, in St. Louis and decide to head for Nebraska. Each woman has their own reason for joining the Society, but none of them are aware that Mr. Drake is really taking them to Nebraska to be mail order brides or war brides as they were sometimes called.
Finding out this was his scheme six of the women refused to go forward with his plan, leaving the train and settling in Plum Grove. Deciding to try their hand at homesteading, they band together and claim four homesteads adjoining and build a house where the four properties meet. Calling it Four Corners, they set out to show the local folk they can and will make this work. Six women that you would have never imagined pairing up to be friends make this book a delight to read.
This novel was different in very many aspects, one aspect being there were more main characters in this book than I have ever seen in a book. However Ms Whitson never got them confused or mixed up. Her superb writing skills make this book very enjoyable. I loved the book, and was wishing it did not end where it did. Most definitely a book to read and share with others. 348 pages $US 14.99 5 stars
This book was provided for review purposes only.
2010
Bethany House Publishers
Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
It is 1872, the Civil War has ended. But for many widows life is now harder than ever. Seeing an advertisement about free land, available in Nebraska, sixteen women meet with the founder of the Ladies Emigration Society, in St. Louis and decide to head for Nebraska. Each woman has their own reason for joining the Society, but none of them are aware that Mr. Drake is really taking them to Nebraska to be mail order brides or war brides as they were sometimes called.
Finding out this was his scheme six of the women refused to go forward with his plan, leaving the train and settling in Plum Grove. Deciding to try their hand at homesteading, they band together and claim four homesteads adjoining and build a house where the four properties meet. Calling it Four Corners, they set out to show the local folk they can and will make this work. Six women that you would have never imagined pairing up to be friends make this book a delight to read.
This novel was different in very many aspects, one aspect being there were more main characters in this book than I have ever seen in a book. However Ms Whitson never got them confused or mixed up. Her superb writing skills make this book very enjoyable. I loved the book, and was wishing it did not end where it did. Most definitely a book to read and share with others. 348 pages $US 14.99 5 stars
This book was provided for review purposes only.
May 16, 2010
Sixteen Brides is a Historical Read and VERY Good~! I rate this book 5 Stars out of 5 Stars
I really enjoyed the whole story from start to finish I felt I was in 1870's when the 16 girls arrived to Plum Grove, and how their life changed when they got there. I felt like a widow too. These Lady's rink everything to start over and find a new love and own land... you have to read this book to find out what they find in Plum Grove. Also what I LOVE is each chapter starts of with a bible verse.
Here is a little more about this book .. more of a teaser really lol
It is 1872 and sixteen women are lured to Nebraska with the promise of free land, independence, and an opportunity to start over after the devastating loss of their husbands. What they find when they arrive in Plum Grove, Nebraska is a story of hope, new beginnings, forgiveness, and love.
Stephanie Grace Whitson’s excellent writing carries you along on the journey with these women. Based on historical facts, she weaves the stories of these brides into the landscape of the prairie of Nebraska that leaves one at the end of the story with a nod and sigh of satisfaction.
I really enjoyed the whole story from start to finish I felt I was in 1870's when the 16 girls arrived to Plum Grove, and how their life changed when they got there. I felt like a widow too. These Lady's rink everything to start over and find a new love and own land... you have to read this book to find out what they find in Plum Grove. Also what I LOVE is each chapter starts of with a bible verse.
Here is a little more about this book .. more of a teaser really lol
It is 1872 and sixteen women are lured to Nebraska with the promise of free land, independence, and an opportunity to start over after the devastating loss of their husbands. What they find when they arrive in Plum Grove, Nebraska is a story of hope, new beginnings, forgiveness, and love.
Stephanie Grace Whitson’s excellent writing carries you along on the journey with these women. Based on historical facts, she weaves the stories of these brides into the landscape of the prairie of Nebraska that leaves one at the end of the story with a nod and sigh of satisfaction.
August 17, 2011
I have to say right off the bat that I am more a paranormal reader, and I have to admit that I have mentally over digested so many of the same cliche books of the supers(supernatural world) that I thought I'd try some thing different, and oh how I loved this book, who wudda thought. lol
this book is basically about sixteen woman who get coined into going west and settling there for a homestead, but really where being married off. eight woman stay behind when they find out the truth and try a new life in the out skirts of plum grove. there they find what they think they were far from getting, a family, friendships, a homestead, and love.
the book was easy reading. The story flowed naturally so that by the time I new it, I was down with the book. the book had great characters, very strong willed woman who were admirable. what I loved most about the book was that even though a lot of the book was Oooo's and Aww's, their was so many hilarious parts I was cracking up. overall great book. loved Ella story the most. <3 Her mom Zita was a hoot. lol
this book is basically about sixteen woman who get coined into going west and settling there for a homestead, but really where being married off. eight woman stay behind when they find out the truth and try a new life in the out skirts of plum grove. there they find what they think they were far from getting, a family, friendships, a homestead, and love.
the book was easy reading. The story flowed naturally so that by the time I new it, I was down with the book. the book had great characters, very strong willed woman who were admirable. what I loved most about the book was that even though a lot of the book was Oooo's and Aww's, their was so many hilarious parts I was cracking up. overall great book. loved Ella story the most. <3 Her mom Zita was a hoot. lol
August 23, 2011
I was trolling around on the amazon kindle site for free stuff, because, you know, that's how I roll. Anywho, found this book, with amazing reviews and figgered 'what do I have to lose?'. Great book, get it, read it, good for ladies mostly. It reads like real feminist fantasy literature..not like Zena, but a life where women come together despite hard times and make their life work according to their own terms. And the people around them see that by their deeds and their work that they are worthy of respect, despite their initial reservations. You know, fanstasy -- but good fanstasy, the kind of fantasy I like to read and hold up as an ideal, set in post civil war society in Nebraska. There is also the love stories and the twists and turns. Get it! You'll love it.
March 20, 2010
Readers are in for a treat with Sixteen Brides. This is the tale of not just one or two or even three women; instead Whitson skillfully entwines the stories of five women, each heading West for her own reasons. With carefully chosen details of life on the Nebraska prairie, Sixteen Brides provides an unforgettable picture of strong and independent women finding their place in the world – a place that includes love, faith, friendship and most of all, hope.
May 6, 2010
I had a hard time getting into this book because of the quick introduction to so many different characters without really getting to know any of them. It was confusing to keep track of them all for a while. They grew on me though - as did the book as a whole. I would have probably given it more like 3 & 3/4 stars - but since that was closer to 4, and I did really enjoy the characters and story a lot, I went ahead and gave it the full four. :o)
April 2, 2012
An interesting story about widows of the civil war who move out west to Nebraska to homestead. While this book is fiction I learned that hundreds of women actually did homestead back then. Strong women indeed.
And to add to the interest I found out that my Great Great Grandmother homesteaded with her sons. No wonder I felt an interest.
And to add to the interest I found out that my Great Great Grandmother homesteaded with her sons. No wonder I felt an interest.
June 19, 2013
I only got 50 or so pages in and stopped reading. There were too many characters being introduced and I didn't have the desire to pay that much attention. Also, I didn't realize when I began the book that it was in the Christian historical fiction genre, which is of no interest to me, so I cut my losses This one wasn't for me.
September 27, 2015
I was disappointed in this book. It had great potential but there were too many "brides" to focus on in one book. I might have been better to lay the foundation for a series of books with the main focus on one or two of the brides. Still a decent read but not a favorite for me.
April 3, 2010
At first i found there were so many characters to keep up with, but once i had them all straight in my head, i enjoyed the book very much.
August 10, 2011
What kept this book from being a five star is that because of the multiple story lines I wanted a little more at the end with each pair, plus and epilouge.
June 30, 2015
It was a good book but I did not feel an attachment to any one character. Great story line but needs more character development.
February 1, 2016
Complex Story Structure
I enjoyed the way each of the people in Sixteen Brides had true depth of character. Their stories were masterfully woven together!
I enjoyed the way each of the people in Sixteen Brides had true depth of character. Their stories were masterfully woven together!
March 14, 2022
I enjoyed Sixteen Brides from beginning to the end. Sixteen women from different backgrounds all looking to go to a place they've never seen before in the hopes of having a piece of land they could call their own. A big decision in the least not counting having to build a home, start farming to have food to eat and to protect themselves from the men that wanted to see them as brides sent to find their man. No small task but they were up for the challenge.
The author did great on writing a book that had so many characters and giving them space to live their story for us. If that was not enough, imagine picking up this book and being able to keep all their stories separated and straight with no problem. That is surely a very good author. I highly recommend you read this one.
The author did great on writing a book that had so many characters and giving them space to live their story for us. If that was not enough, imagine picking up this book and being able to keep all their stories separated and straight with no problem. That is surely a very good author. I highly recommend you read this one.
February 18, 2022
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK
5/5 100% recommend
Sweet book! A bit hard to keep track of all the characters in the first few chapters, eventually they get thinned out and things get easy and SUPER good. What an emotional page turner.
Perfect amount of independent women working hard to provide for themselves but also, romance, eventually finding future husbands
Love it 😊
5/5 100% recommend
Sweet book! A bit hard to keep track of all the characters in the first few chapters, eventually they get thinned out and things get easy and SUPER good. What an emotional page turner.
Perfect amount of independent women working hard to provide for themselves but also, romance, eventually finding future husbands
Love it 😊
February 28, 2020
I almost gave this 5 stars, but the title didn't match up enough with the book there were a few too many characters to keep track of.
I loved the storyline all the characters. Maybe the author will expand in further books on what happens to these ladies.
I loved the storyline all the characters. Maybe the author will expand in further books on what happens to these ladies.
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