Measure of Katie Calloway, The: A Novel

The Measure of Katie Calloway is an outstanding work of fiction

The Measure of Katie Calloway is an outstanding work of fiction about a life--no, two lives--that are in shambles, but even more about the woman with the courage to do something about it. I was captivated from the very first chapter, where Katie flees the miserable Georgia cabin, and anticipation kept me awaiting each new chapter, even though I felt absorbed into the very page I was on.
The setting is unique, as are the characters(in particular, the shanty boys). The characters' emotions are realistic also, giving them an added depth that made me love this novel even more. Even though my own knowledge of 1800's Michigan lumbering is extremely limited, I found the author's descriptions to be entertaining and well-written as to where I clearly understood her meanings, sparking a new interest for the deep woods of this state within me. The little bits of shanty songs at the beginning of and correlating with each new chapter were nice touches, too, that I loved.
All in all, I really found no downfalls to this book, because I loved every aspect of it, from page 1 to page 316.

In the thick of the woods, Robert proves honorable, Katie gains courage, and the shanty boys are all heart. I have never read a novel with the same feel as this one. It is the first of Serena Miller's I have ever given a try, and it most certainly won't be the last. My only complaint? I wish there was a sequel!!

Awesome book

Can't wait for more books from this author!!

I Loved This Book!

'The Measure of Katie Calloway' is the first book that I've read by Serena Miller and I very much enjoyed it! I found Katie's story very sad and heartbreaking. She was married to an abusive husband who (in the first chapter) tried to kill her. Katie, upon learning this, hurriedly left Georgia and her violent husband behind, traveling North with her brother. She ends up in Michigan where she secures a job as a lumber camp cook. Her heart seeks sanctuary in the deep woods. But will trouble find her even here? I liked Katie's, Robert's, Mose's, and Skypilot's characters. The story was entertaining, suspenseful, romantic, and interesting. I read 'The Measure of Katie Calloway' relatively quick and would enjoy reading a sequel - just to see how the character's stories develop. The whole aspect of the lumber camp, wildfires, and shanty boys made me enjoy 'The Measure of Katie Calloway' all the more! I think if you enjoy a good story with romance and a little suspense, then you would enjoy 'The Measure of Katie Calloway'! Recommended! *I received a complimentary copy for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, just my honest opinion.*

Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Measure of Katie Calloway

Serena Miller gives Christian Fiction readers an original setting and a streamlined plot in her latest book, The Measure of Katie Calloway. Set against the backdrop of a post Civil War lumber camp, this book offers the reader an inside view of camp life and shows the strength and determination of one woman who wants a better life for herself and her brother. Detailed descriptions and compelling characters set this book apart from typical Christian Fiction stereotypes. Miller's knack for setting the scene and drawing the reader in will captivate her audience in this endearing historical romance with an inspirational flair. Serena Miller obviously did her homework with this novel. Her descriptions of the northern Michigan logging camps is not only accurate, but interesting. She chooses a very different setting than most Christian fiction titles, which allows her work to show originality and creativity. She doesn't follow the traditional patterns of the genre either, which is refreshing. My grandfather was a Scottish immigrant, who came to the United States in the early 1900's. He and my grandmother spent many years are proprietors of the general store for a lumber camp in the woods of Kentucky, so this setting is particularly interesting to me and I thought Miller was able to pull it off with style. She uses her descriptive power well in this novel on everything from food to camp life and I think readers will appreciate her attention to detail. They will be able to hear the lumberjacks felling the trees and smell the apple pie cooling in the summer breeze. I also liked the fact that Miller didn't stay away from darker themes and ideas. Her portrayal of the spousal abuse that Katie is forced to endure and eventually flee from is well written and packs a punch. Readers will find themselves sympathizing with this strong, courageous woman. It was interesting for a Christian fiction title, that the lead character falls in love with another man while still being linked to her abusive husband. I thought that was a stretch for the genre, but it worked well with the idea of the book. That there are second chances in life and that finding people who love an support you is key to a happy life. I liked that the author pushed the limits of the genre and was able to make it convincing, if a little unorthodox. Miller creates a wonderful supporting cast for Katie and Roberts story. From the dynamic men of the lumber camp to Katie's ruthless husband, but if I have one criticism it is in the use of Katie's brother Ned. Ned comes across as almost unnecessary character. He adds very little to the overall story and I think Miller missed out on a chance to make him a more vital part of the book. There was a lot of potential for Ned, but it never seemed to come to fruition. Regardless, the rest of the cast of characters is very well developed and each one adds depth and flavor to the novel. I recommend this one to Christian Fiction readers, especially those who are looking for something a little different than the average CF fare. I also recommend it to historical romance readers and inspirational fiction fans. This book has a lot of heart and some very compelling characters. It deals with some heavy issues including abuse and doesn't shy away from the hard questions. I look forward to Miller's future in Christian and Inspirational fiction. If this book is a taste of what's to come, my interest is peaked and ready for more.

CAMP OWNER MEETS SOUTHERN LADY WITH NORTHERN ROOTS! A MUST READ! THE MEASURE OF KATIE CALLOWAY BY SERENA MILLER....

THE MEASURE OF KATIE CALLOWAY by Serena Miller is an interesting historical romance set in 1867 Georgia and a lumber camp near Bay City, Michigan.It has betrayal,spousal abuse,faith,conflict,post Civil War,lumber camp life,secrets,danger and romance. Katie Calloway,is beautiful,a Georgia wife who was from the North,is abused by her violent husband,her and her younger brother flees to Michigan to escape the abuse. Katie learns her husband, Harlan,is trying to kill her.Enter, Robert Foster,a widower,a camp owner who is in need of a camp cook. Katie seeking a sanctuary for her and her brother accepts Robert's offer of camp cook. What she finds is never-ending work from dawn until dusk,harsh conditions,friendship,men who would give their lives for her and her brother, a family, love and finally peace. But her abusive husband finds her and attempts to take her back to Georgia. Katie stands strong and refuses.This story is fast paced,full of twists and turns,with charming characters that will steal into your heart. This story is an adventure for Katie and her brother as she struggles for independence and conquers one trial after another. Not only does she survive she and her brother thrives as they learn to trust again and start a new life. "The Measure of Katie Calloway" is truly the measure of a Southern lady with Northern roots and a must read for any historical,inspirational,adventure,post Civil War and romance readers. Received for review from the publisher. Details can be found at Revell,a division of Baker Publishing Group and My Book Reviews.

A Historical Love Story in the Heart of Michigan.

From the very first page I was hooked. And it just kept getting better and better as I read on. I couldn't ask for more, this book had me utterly charmed. And I will most certainly be reading more books from Ms. Miller as soon as I possibly can!


Katie Calloway and her younger brother Ned, run from her husband's Georgia Plantation, up North to the lumber camps of Michigan. Will Katie's faith and determination keep them safe from their past? And what about the honorable owner of the lumber camp whose kind words give Katie reason to hope again?


The characters were charming and believable, each having their own special charm about them. The lumber men were each distinct and wonderful, I think my favorites were Skypilot (the ex-preacher), and Jigger (the cook). There were so many memorable characters, and non of them particularly stood out for me as better, even with the secondary characters lined up next to the main characters. And I mean that as a good thing. The story and the characters were well-rounded.


I could tell that this book was also well researched, and I enjoyed learning little facts about lumber camps as I read. This is now one of my favorites that I've read this year :)


Ms. Miller is a wonderful writer and she has a huge future in writing. I will most definitely be reading her next book!


Overall, this is a historical love story that will charm your heart away. I have already highly recommended this book many times, just by word of mouth. In my opinion, this is exactly how Christian Historical Fiction is done. The Measure of Katie Calloway was a pleasure to read; an absolute delight! That will be enjoyed :) Thank you.


"Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."


I received this book from Revell for free in return for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own. Thank you :)

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No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.