What fascinates me the most about this particular volume of the Dinsmore series is, seeing as it was published in 1875 (10 years after the end of the Civil war) it's depictions are probably near to what author, Martha Finley actually experienced in real life.

This was a book geared toward children and teens, but it is a book rich with action, optimism and historical flair, good enough for adults. It is suggested that these books are best read in order, a lot happens before Elsie's Womanhood, making this story a shift in many ways from the previous books.

Elsie is engaged to the man she loves, enjoying and struggling with the transition from a daughter, closely watched over, to a stately wife in charge of several properties and a growing family. Finley's writing is meticulous and smooth with storylines and characters linking together.

Their are some brief, grim scenes in this about the times of slavery and viewpoints that show how different society was back then. Disturbing to a modern reader, yet it was still progressive for the time, as the reader will see. Elsie is a strong and gallant character - showing a well written and thought out female lead in early literature. There is a happiness and uplifting feeling throughout the book both in writing style and personality of the characters.

A lot happens in this book - mine is an original copy which reads very well - making this a great and surprising reading experience. ( )