Hello! Have you been enjoying some fall weather in your neck of the woods? It’s finally starting to feel more like autumn and less like hot and humid summer around here, so I am LOVING it! Anything to let me pull out my flannel shirts. If you see me in the next few months, I’ll probably be wearing one. They are a cold-weather favorite. What’s something you enjoy about this season?
Another thing I love is having a great book to snuggle with on these crisp autumn nights. This week, I’ve been cozying up with Jane Kirkpatrick’s new release, Beneath the Bending Skies. It is such an interesting historical read! Knowing the main characters are real and that their lives touched so many others in the West, especially Montana, just makes this story even more special. And be sure to Google Mollie Sheehan Ronan so you can see a picture of her fabulous hair that’s mentioned in the story so many times. Wow!
Keep reading to find purchase links and my full review.
More About the Book:
Title: Beneath the Bending Skies
Author: Jane Kirkpatrick
Publisher: Revell
Back Cover Blurb:
Bound by duty–loosed by destiny
Mollie Sheehan has spent much of her life striving to be a dutiful daughter and honor her father’s wishes, even when doing so has led to one heartbreak after another. After all, what options does she truly have in 1860s Montana? But providing for her stepfamily during her father’s long absences doesn’t keep her from wishing for more.
When romance blooms between her and Peter Ronan, Mollie finally allows herself to hope for a brighter future–until her father voices his disapproval of the match and moves her to California to ensure the breakup. Still, time and providence are at work, even when circumstances are at their bleakest. Mollie may soon find that someone far greater than her father is in control of the course of her life–and that even the command to “honor thy father” has its limits.
Get your copy here.
My Thoughts:
Beneath the Bending Skies by Jane Kirkpatrick is an eloquent and unique work of historical fiction. Based on real-life events, this story focuses on Mollie Sheehan Ronan and her experiences growing up and forging her own way in the wilds of the West.
This is my second Jane Kirkpatrick book, and I love her writing style. Reading like a memoir, Mollies story is delivered intimately, full of details of her life and the emotions that troubled her for many years. I grew to love Mollie: her passion for life, her quick wit, her love of books, and her desire to please God. I even did a Google search to learn more about her!
The author does a fantastic job of building the landscape of the West with her words. I grew fond of the land alongside Mollie and felt her loss as she left the beauty of Montana behind. In every way, I felt fully immersed in Mollie’s story from beginning to end.
What I love the most about this kind of story is that it keeps history alive. Mollie’s memory lives on. Her life, though maybe not extraordinary by some standards, was still beautiful, emotional, and inspirational. And now, it’s been given new life through Jane Kirkpatrick’s talented words.
Fans of historical fiction will enjoy learning about Mollie and the impact of her life on history.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
You history lovers out there will want to try this story. I hope it helps keep you warm and cozy on a fall evening!
Happy reading and God bless,
Kristina
Blessed & Bookish 