Jake "Griz Killer" Lyman was pure mountain man right through. He has made a home for his wife Rachel and adopted son Daniel in the finest place on earth, with room to live and breathe free. Yet he could read the sign of things to come, and wasn't afraid t
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"This is the second book I've read by Jane Kirkpatrick and I've thoroughly enjoyed both of them. She calls these 'a true story, imagined' as they are based on real characters and real events, but she weaves a story that makes those characters come to life. This is the first in a series and I'm anxious to read more. Both of the books I've read (and I suspect most of hers) are about strong woman characters. This one is about an Ioway Indian woman who crosses the mountains multiple times with an Astor expedition in 1811-1813. An amazing tale, told with insight and understanding of the human spirit."
— Hollis (4 out of 5 stars)
“Impeccably written, this historical work of fiction about a young mother’s westward trip with her abusive husband in the early 1800s is not for the faint of heart. The author’s research seems exhaustive and the characterization of Marie Dorion is rich and believable, as are many of the other players.”
— RT Book Reviews (4 stars)" Quite possibly my favorite of her books! I loved the way Ms. Kirkpatrick brought the female character to life so vividly. "
— Meredith, 2/18/2014" I just had a really hard time getting into this one, although the premise was interesting. "
— Tristi, 2/15/2014" Very interesting and moving story about a mother's journey to protect her children. "
— Amber, 2/11/2014" This book is historical fiction, about an Indian woman who travels west (after Lewis & Clark) with her husband trying to establish a new trade route. It was very good writing, but sometimes hard to keep reading. But, there were some very beautiful life lessons and analogies that really struck me deeply (especially toward the end of the book), which is why I gave it four stars instead of three. I'd be willing to read another book by this author. "
— Michelle, 2/10/2014" True historical happening of an Indian woman, Marie Dorion, who traveled in the 1800s from St Louis to Oregon coast with French Canadian/Indian husband, an interperter, for an expidetion much like the Lewis and Clark Expidetion. Her trials and hardships and growth.She survied to live in Oregon and is memorialised just North of Salem, Oregon. Historical records of the account were used about her and Kirkpatrick filled in the rest of the story. "
— Karen, 2/9/2014" ok book, just very depressing- "
— Janzey, 1/30/2014" About struggles of Indian life trying to survive. It's reality so be prepared. "
— Judith, 1/21/2014" Good to read local historical fiction from a native woman's POV, a rare perspective. At times over emotional descriptions of Marie's feelings, how could a non native ascribe so much guilt? but so worth the journey through northwest history imagined; people, places and events. "
— Caty, 1/19/2014" Lots and lots of detail. I found myself skimming a lot. "
— Rachel, 1/4/2014" I really liked this book. It was slow moving at first, but after I got into it, it became a really interesting read. "
— Amy, 12/11/2013" I enjoyed this book. I am into historica fictions right now too. "
— Kylie, 12/1/2013" Good book for those interested in the exploration of the early US west. "
— Chris, 11/18/2013" An indian woman follows her husband across the country rather than being left behind. Her decision has tragic consequences. I found this at times to be a very slow read. "
— Valerie, 11/14/2013" This series isn't one of Kirkpatricks best. I've read the first two and just haven't felt the desire to read the third. "
— Mindy, 10/31/2013" Historical fiction of the first mother to go west and then settle in the Northwest. Hardships abound for this Native American wife of a mixed French/Indian husband. Lots of names,places etc. familiar to the Northwest. "
— Dawn, 9/4/2013" Listened to audio book & really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the sequel (not sure of title off hand). "
— Susie, 3/10/2013" A little slow to begin with, but picked up and especially loved the last part of the book. "
— Pamela, 12/30/2012" I loved this series! Jane Kirkpatrick is one of my favorite authors. "
— Jwalker, 12/19/2012" i should finish this book but cannot seem to get back into it. it is good and a powerful woman's story but i am too tired to take it all in. i am going to set it aside for future reading... "
— Roxanne, 11/9/2012" This book tells the story of Marie Dorian, the first woman to cross the Rockies to the west. She stands up to harsh conditions, hunger, Indians, and even her husband to protect her children. "
— Ainomaija, 10/1/2012" Good but sad at parts. "
— Cheryal, 7/8/2012" the main character, Marie Dorion, has a very interesting voice, very unmodern in tone and rhythm. the author did a great job writing "a history imagined". the emotional depth of the Dorion and her story make this a great page turner. "
— Emily, 10/4/2011" I always enjoy historical fiction, but it was amazing to read this book based on a true story of our state. i'm reading the 2nd book now "
— Maryd, 9/16/2011" Loved reading this because it takes place in the early days of Astoria, OR and the area where I currently live. "
— Laura, 9/1/2011" recommend any of Jane Kirkpatrick books "
— Renee, 8/7/2011" I don't think there are many books I would rate a 5, but I really enjoyed this one. It's about a woman and her journey west through the Oregon trail - her trials, motherhood, history, etc. It's based on a true story and is pretty heart-wrenching. "
— Erin, 7/11/2011" This story was OK. I didn't dislike it, but it didn't make an impact on me either. I think I finished it because I started it. "
— Linda, 6/1/2011" I listened to this book. Very good. "
— Marianne, 5/5/2011" I enjoyed this book. I am into historica fictions right now too. "
— Kylie, 3/6/2011" I really loved the connection to Marie. Being part of the expedition would have been difficult enough, but being a mother, wife and woman would have been exhausting. "
— Aimee, 2/17/2011" I enjoyed reading this book and learned a lot about the wilderness. I certainly admire Marie Dorion and her ability to survive on her own out there. This is part of a series and I am going to start reading the second book in the series now. It is based on a true story. "
— Bonnie, 11/26/2010" An indian woman follows her husband across the country rather than being left behind. Her decision has tragic consequences. I found this at times to be a very slow read. "
— Valerie, 11/14/2010" I listened to this book. Very good. "
— Marianne, 8/30/2010" I listened to this book while in the mountains. "
— Sally, 8/25/2010" I really need to read the rest of this series. It was heartbreaking. It was also a great snapshot of life in the early days of America. "
— Rachel, 7/29/2010" I loved this series! Jane Kirkpatrick is one of my favorite authors. <br/> "
— Jwalker, 7/1/2010" This was an interesting novel (based on a true story) of an Indian woman who like Sacagawea traveled with a party of men exploring the west. However, unlike Sacagawea she brought along her children. "
— Jodi, 3/9/2010" About struggles of Indian life trying to survive. It's reality so be prepared. "
— Judith, 3/4/2010" Good book for those interested in the exploration of the early US west. "
— Chris, 11/22/2009Jane Kirkpatrick is the award-winning author of forty books, including A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have won the WILLA Literary Award, the Carol Award for Historical Fiction, and the 2016 Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award. And her works have been short-listed for the Christy, Spur, and Oregon Book Awards. Learn more at www.jkbooks.com.
Stephanie Brush is a multitalented professional writer, singer, narrator, and actress. She has appeared in numerous stage productions and television commercials.