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Clearing in the Wild: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.06) - 451 listener ratings
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Young Emma Wagner chafes at the constraints of Bethel colony, an 1850s religious community in Missouri that is determined to remain untainted by the concerns of the world. A passionate and independent thinker, she resents the limitations placed on women, who are expected to serve in quiet submission. In a community where dissent of any form is discouraged, Emma finds it difficult to rein in her tongue--and often doesn't even try to do so, fueling the animosity between her and the colony's charismatic and increasingly Autocratic leader, Wilhelm Keil. Eventually Emma and her husband, Christian, are sent along with eight other men to scout out a new location in the northwest where the Bethelites can prepare to await "the last days." Christian believes they've found the ideal situation in Washington territory, but when Keil arrives with the rest of the community, he rejects Christian's choice in favor of moving to Oregon. Emma pushes her husband to take this opportunity to break away from the group, but her longed-for influence brings unexpected consequences. As she seeks refuge for her wounded faith, she learns that her passionate nature can be her greatest strength--if she can harness it effectively.
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"The woman in this story is totally amazing to me! This is the first in a series again, but ultimately it is a story about a family within a larger community 'family' who comes west to settle on the coast west of Olympia, Washington. Again, the characters and their lives drew me in until I couldn't put the book aside."
— Joy (5 out of 5 stars)
Clearing in the Wild Listener Reviews
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" it is based on a true story, so I felt like that alone made it pretty good. It took me a little while to get into it, but it really turned out pretty good. "
— Julie, 2/18/2014 -
" I love pioneer books and this one was interesting to me because it is about the Pacific Northwest. "
— Jennifer, 2/15/2014 -
" Excellent book - gave me a better understanding of the way women were treated and looked upon in the 1800's. Would highly recommend this book! "
— Cathy, 2/13/2014 -
" Enjoy the subject and the surroundings. She made me feel apart of it all. "
— Nancy, 1/29/2014 -
" The book wasn't that bad all said and done, but it took a while to get into the swing of things and trudge my way though. "
— Genna, 1/25/2014 -
" Young married couple have to decide whether to show allegiance to each other or to follow edicts of controlling religious leader. Asked to go to Oregon country to find new home for settlement, relationship is strained and life is fragile. "
— Cherri, 1/13/2014 -
" I liked it enough to finish it, but will be donating to the library. "
— Laurie, 1/6/2014 -
" I enjoyed this book. Very clean! It is a historical novel-which I really like. Pretty thought provoking. "
— Jen, 12/9/2013 -
" I really don't like this book! It's written fine, but I don't like the characters and I don't like the storyline... it is just miserable! "
— Jamie, 11/29/2013 -
" Interesting and quick read. I have always been fascinated about the travels of pioneers, and pioneer women. I did not realize that this was a somewhat historical book, but that actually helped improve my opinion. I will read the next book in the series, to see how the story continues "
— Ann, 11/25/2013 -
" I loved this book. It is based on a true story. A colony of Germans travel to Oregon/Washington. Emma is a head-strong girl who marries an older man. She connives to travel with him and his scouts on a journey. We learn to love her. This is the first book in the Change and Cherish series. "
— Vikki, 8/30/2013 -
" This book grew on me. I didn't love it at first but as I got into it I really liked it. It definitely draws you in and I would easily read three chapters when I only meant to read one. "
— Kelly, 3/30/2013 -
" I love Jane Kirkpatrick. She is so historically accurate in her writing. This one was no exception! "
— Kristiina, 1/8/2013 -
" All of Ms. Kirkpatricks books are wonderful. "
— Barb, 9/1/2012 -
" All of Ms. Kirkpatricks books are wonderful. "
— Barb, 1/1/2011 -
" I liked it enough to finish it, but will be donating to the library. "
— Laurie, 12/17/2010 -
" I enjoyed this book. It took me some time to get into it, the conventions of the time that it was written were hard for me to relate to at first. I do want to know what happens next, however. "
— Tammy, 12/7/2010 -
" The book wasn't that bad all said and done, but it took a while to get into the swing of things and trudge my way though. "
— Genna, 9/17/2010 -
" It took a little bit to get into the story but once I did I could not put it down. I highly recommend getting the whole series because once you start reading you won't want to have to wait to get the next book. <br/> <br/>I love the characters!! "
— Melissa, 5/22/2010 -
" I loved this book. It is based on a true story. A colony of Germans travel to Oregon/Washington. Emma is a head-strong girl who marries an older man. She connives to travel with him and his scouts on a journey. We learn to love her. This is the first book in the Change and Cherish series. "
— Vikki, 3/27/2010 -
" I love pioneer books and this one was interesting to me because it is about the Pacific Northwest. "
— Jennifer, 10/13/2009 -
" first of a trilogy about the founding of Aurora,Oregon. "
— sylvia, 9/3/2009 -
" Once again, Jane K. really pulls you in. Emma is crazy-strong and I enjoyed watching her own opinions form. Then to see her keep to her choices and see them through despite hardship - what a woman! "
— Anna, 8/16/2009 -
" I enjoyed this book. Very clean! It is a historical novel-which I really like. Pretty thought provoking. "
— Jen, 8/13/2009 -
" I love Jane Kirkpatrick. She is so historically accurate in her writing. This one was no exception! "
— Kristiina, 6/22/2009 -
" We aggressive women can tax men's right to superiority! "
— Carol, 5/4/2009 -
" This was a very enjoyable read. It was very fascinating to ponder the idea of a group trying to create a utopian society and how independent thought can fit in. "
— Pamelamtracey, 4/24/2009 -
" As a novel, this wasn't too compelling. As a history, it was enjoyable. I live in the Northwest, and am familiar with the locations mentioned in the book. I'll read the rest of the series because I want to know more about the founding of the Aurora colony in Oregon. "
— Ann, 2/12/2009
About Jane Kirkpatrick
Jane 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.
About Kirsten Potter
Kirsten Potter has won several awards, including more than a dozen AudioFile Earphones Awards and been a three-time finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. Her work has been recognized by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts and by AudioFile magazine, among many others. She graduated with highest honors from Boston University and has performed on stage and in film and television, including roles on Medium, Bones, and Judging Amy.