Based on historical characters and events, A Sweetness to the Soul recounts the captivating story of young, spirited Oregon pioneer Jane Herbert who at the age of twelve faces a tragedy that begins a life-long search for forgiveness and love. In the years that follow, young Jane finds herself involved in an unusual and touching romance with a dreamer sixteen years her senior, struggles to make peace with an emotionally distant mother, and fights to build a family of her own. Filled with heart-warming insight and glimpses of real-life pain, A Sweetness to the Soul paints a brilliant picture of love that conquers all obstacles and offers a powerful testimony to the miracle of God's healing power.
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"Another great Jane Kirkpatrick book. She bases a lot of her books on historical characters and this one is Jane Sherar. Jane marries a much older man, becomes best friends with an Indian girl, and makes a life for herself in Oregon. The love story between her and her husband is really sweet."
— Wendy (5 out of 5 stars)
" Can you ever go wrong with Jane Kirkpatrick? Of course, no! Yet another sure-fire winner from her. "
— Anna, 2/14/2014" I read this book several years ago for book club, and it is still one of my all-time favorites. "
— Kara, 2/8/2014" I thought the book was good. It was a little slow moving at first so I only gave it 3 stars. "
— Crystal, 2/1/2014" I love all her books that I've read! "
— Carol, 1/31/2014" I loved their honeymoon night! So sweet! "
— Michelle, 1/22/2014" Very Good I learned a bunch about Oregon History from a local author "
— Chris, 12/28/2013" It started out slow but quickly pulled me in. I loved this book and loved even more learning how much of the book was based on real people and real event. It makes me want to go to Oregon, build a bridge, ride a horse, take some big risks, and keep a journal. Great book! "
— Amy, 12/26/2013" This was a peaceful, great book. A real love story. I found a lot in common with Jane. I will be looking for more books from this author. "
— Lindsey, 11/30/2013" Great story. I really liked the main character and the Oregon history. "
— Kristin, 10/14/2013" The first few chapters were so soft and gentle to read, I fell in love with the book right away. Some authors use words like Michaelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel. "
— Deanna, 10/13/2013" Based on a true story of a girl from Oregon whose life intertwines with many historic events. "
— Janet, 10/13/2013" Vivid depiction of White settlers among the Indians in Oregon. "
— Kathy, 6/27/2013" Boring, couldn't finish it. The author does WAY too much foreshadowing. It's like she learned this technique in a writing class and has run with it and can't stop!!! "
— Jenalyn, 4/25/2013" This is the most beautiful love story I've read since I found Willa Cather's "My Anotonia" ten years ago. A great story to ponder and remember. "
— Art, 3/25/2013" This book was historically very interesting. However, the author's style was a little on the sugary side. Good look at family relationships. Really enjoyed the location and time period of the book. "
— Maggie, 1/8/2013" Recommended by Ruth Hasnedl. Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Oregon Territory. 1861. "It's funny, the pleasures we deprive ourselves of rather than face our fears." page 14. "
— Rebecca, 12/14/2012" This is a great, historical fiction book. The story is taken from true facts. The book takes place from 1860 - 1890 in Oregon. A girl marries and never has kids. She loves her husband, builds bridges and paves the way to the west. "
— Vikki, 10/18/2012" I had never heard of this author or this book, but I picked it up because I had nothing to read. To my surprise, I loved it. A great story with great life lessons intertwined. "
— Christine, 6/13/2012" Being an Oregon girl, I enjoyed this book a lot. I thought it was touching. "
— Ericka, 3/7/2012" This story and its companion are about the people who settled the present day town of The Dalles, Oregon, and in particular built up a lodge along the Deschuttes River. The author has a way of subtly keeping one on the edge so to speak all the way to the end of the book! "
— Joy, 10/30/2011" I finished this book at a time when I started and stopped at least five different books because I wasn't satisfied with them. That is saying something right there! Apparently, I was in the mood for a book where people work hard and accomplish good things and find the good in life. "
— Katy, 8/3/2011" This is the first Jane Kirkpatrick book I have read. I really liked it. "
— Odetta, 3/11/2011" Based on historical characters and events, a story of 12 yr. old Oregon pioneer who marries 28 yr. old man. This man builds a road and befriends Saphaptin Natives. Enjoyed. "
— Trisha, 2/8/2011" LOVED this historical fiction account. Such a good read. If you feel like diving into a good fulfilling novel, I would recommend this one. Especially if you love what I call "pioneer" stories. "
— Karen, 12/12/2010" My very favorite book by Jane Kirkpatrick about a spirited young Oregon pioneer. This is one of the best written books I have ever read, filled with genuine emotion and love. "
— Shauna, 9/26/2010" I thought the book was good. It was a little slow moving at first so I only gave it 3 stars. "
— Crystal, 9/15/2010" I listened to this in the car and REALLY enjoyed it. I particularly liked that it is set in eastern Oregon. "
— Jana, 8/12/2010" I listened to this book and really enjoyed it. The story is based on real people and events in the settlement of Oregon. I like the fact that author Jane Kirpatrick does indepth research for each of her historical novels. This one is exceptional. "
— Barbw, 8/3/2010" I read this book several years ago for book club, and it is still one of my all-time favorites. "
— Kara, 6/7/2010" This is a great, historical fiction book. The story is taken from true facts. The book takes place from 1860 - 1890 in Oregon. A girl marries and never has kids. She loves her husband, builds bridges and paves the way to the west. "
— Vikki, 4/18/2010" Can you ever go wrong with Jane Kirkpatrick? Of course, no! Yet another sure-fire winner from her. "
— Anna, 4/8/2010" This book was a bit slow in spots, but there were passages that really spoke to me. Historical fiction. "
— Angela, 3/26/2010" The first few chapters were so soft and gentle to read, I fell in love with the book right away. Some authors use words like Michaelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel. "
— Deanna, 1/30/2010" I loved their honeymoon night! So sweet! "
— Michelle, 10/13/2009" Very Good I learned a bunch about Oregon History from a local author "
— Chris, 9/16/2009Jane 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.
Susan Denaker is an actress and Earphones Award–winning narrator. Her extensive theater credits include numerous plays in the West End of London, national tours, many English rep companies, including a season with Alan Ayckbourn’s company in Scarborough. In the US, she has appeared in Our Town and Sweet Bird of Youth at the La Jolla Playhouse and Breaking Legs at the Westport Playhouse.