Publishers Weekly
Based on true events, this second book in the Change and Cherish Historical Series continues the saga of the feisty Emma Giesy, a member of the Missouri Bethelites, a repressive German religious colony. Set against the backdrop of Willapa Bay of the Washington Territory coast in 1856-1861, Emma and her husband, Christian, formerly a prominent leader in the community, carve out their own independent existence. Tragedy strikes, and alone and pregnant, Emma finds that her decision to ensure independence for her little family may cost her everything she holds dear. The repressive religious community is cast in a far more favorable light than in book one, and some series readers may find it challenging to undo their initial impressions. The character of Jack Giesy also undergoes a speedy personality change, which is difficult to assimilate. The best revelations come as the reader relates to Emma's conflicts: a longing for security, a fierce quest for independence, a desire to express herself artistically and a hardscrabble existence that gives her energy only to care for herself and her children. Kirkpatrick's able prose and attention to historical detail help smooth any story line trouble spots. (Apr. 17) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
From the Publisher
Praise for A Tendering in the Storm
By Jane Kirkpatrick
"A Clearing in the Wild is a joy to read....It satisfies on every level."
–Historical Novels Review
“Jane Kirkpatrick again proves herself to be one of the finest writers working in historical fiction today. With A Tendering in the Storm, Kirkpatrick applies her usual meticulous research and rich period detail to give readers a wonderful story with strong, unforgettable characters. Beautifully and thoughtfully written as always, this novel will capture your attention, your imagination, and your heart.”
–B.J. Hoff, author of the Mountain Song Legacy and An Emerald Ballad
“In A Tendering in the Storm, Jane Kirkpatrick continues the story of the tensions between the individual and the community that is at the core of the communal experience. The voices of Emma Giesy and Louisa Keil offer personal and passionate perspectives of these often conflicting views. Kirkpatrick presents a historically based and emotionally charged account of challenges, change, and charity.”
–James J. Kopp, Communal Historian, Aurora Colony Historical Society Board of Directors, and the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission
“A Tendering in the Storm is one of Jane Kirkpatrick’s most compelling novels yet–and that’s saying something! With her skilled and lyrical writing, Kirkpatrick brings to vivid life the beauty and severity of pioneer living, a complex provocative villain, and a story that grabs the reader and won’t let go. But most of all, Emma Giesy emerges as a remarkable heroine: appealing and vulnerable, but possessing tenacious courage and true strength. This book kept me turning pages far into the night!”
–Cindy Swanson, online reviewer and radio host
“Jane Kirkpatrick’s riveting history of Emma Wagner Giesy holds up an antique mirror whereby we may regard ourselves today. Kirkpatrick’ s intuitive, effulgent prose leads us from our self-possessed age to the nineteenth century where we participate through Emma in an emerging civilization. Kirkpatrick tears away the proscenium, allowing us to experience Emma’s firm opinions, ravaging losses, fathomless grief. Emma’s life teaches us that without community we lose synergy, love, protection–and perhaps even God. Yet without a strong sense of self, we have no convictions, no dreams–no sehnsucht (to borrow Emma’s word) and therefore, nothing to contribute. In seeing ourselves through this true, fictional rendering of a real life, perhaps we can find the courage to grow and the wisdom to learn.”
–Dorothy Allred Solomon, author of In My Father’s House; Predators, Prey, and Other Kinfolk: Growing Up in Polygamy; Daughter of the Saints; and Sisterhood
“Once again Jane Kirkpatrick's attention to historic detail brings the hardscrabble existence of the Willapa Bay pioneers to life. In A Tendering in the Storm, Emma Wagner Giesy struggles with choices she makes in response to great tragedy. With rigid honesty, Kirkpatrick shows the consequences of these choices and how Emma regains her strength through love, trust, and sacrifice.”
–Karla K. Nelson, owner,
Time Enough Books, Ilwaco, WA.
“The title A Tendering in the Storm keenly expresses the continuing story of the intrepid Emma Wagner Giesy as she struggles between the comfort and security of her religious community and self-reliance in the midst of tumult. Jane Kirkpatrick’s impressive research on this true character reveals many realities of one woman’s efforts to carve out a life for herself and her children on the burgeoning frontier of Washington Territory. In her engaging style rich with metaphor and imagery, the author explores issues still relevant in today’s world: women’s rights, child custody, property rights, domestic violence, and religious freedom. Bravo!”
–Susan G. Butruille, author of Women’s Voices from the Oregon Trail and Women’s Voices from the Western
Frontier
