Troublesome Creek (Troublesome Creek Series #1)

I actually enjoyed the leisurely way this book introduced you to the characters as it reminds me of my mountain kin and the way they approach life. I love that you get slowly built layers of the main character and her reactions to what is happening inside her and in her life. I would have liked to see the other characters fleshed out a bit better, but the book wrapped up nicely and I am interested in reading the rest of this series.

It was not until about page 320 that I began to enjoy this book. Usually, I read Christian Fiction because of its uplifting reminders that you are not alone and that in the midst of struggle God prevails. Christian Fiction for me is usually my antidepressant... but it just was not working with this book. The book starts with Copper, a girl in her late teens and then flashes back to when her parents met and her mother died. It goes on to show her grow up practically over night to realize choices for her future. The first two thirds of this book were just really depressing and if it wasn't for a book club I'm not sure I would have gone on. In finishing the book I'm glad I read it, but I just felt that there wasn't much enjoyment until show more late in the game. That said, I do still plan to go on and read the sequels. show less

It was not until about page 320 that I began to enjoy this book. Usually, I read Christian Fiction because of its uplifting reminders that you are not alone and that in the midst of struggle God prevails. Christian Fiction for me is usually my antidepressant... but it just was not working with this book. The book starts with Copper, a girl in her late teens and then flashes back to when her parents met and her mother died. It goes on to show her grow up practically over night to realize choices for her future. The first two thirds of this book were just really depressing and if it wasn't for a book club I'm not sure I would have gone on. In finishing the book I'm glad I read it, but I just felt that there wasn't much enjoyment until show more late in the game. That said, I do still plan to go on and read the sequels. show less

What a wonderful story of rural life in the Appalachian Mountains. The main character, a teenage girl called Copper, has no desire to ever leave her home on Troublesome Creek, but her stepmother has other ideas. This series has made a place on my "favorites" shelf.

Christian fiction centered on Copper growing up in rural Ky. Describes what life was like. Pretty good story.

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the characters and the setting. I can't wait to read the rest!

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts
Copper loves her life by Troublesome Creek, and is scared at the thought of being sent to a boarding school. But her stepmother is worried that Copper--or Laura Grace--won't have much of a future in the rural hills of Kentucky during the 1880s. Copper also wonders about the sometimes strained relationship between her Pa and her stepmother--and about how her mother died. The story flashes back to when her Pa--Will--met her mother Julie in the city of Lexington. After telling of their courtship and Julie's death, it reverts back to the present and Copper's dilemma about wanting to stay in Troublesome Creek--and also about being courted by a couple of different show more gentleman.

Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.
The flashback method works well for this story. There isn't much action to the plot, but there is a lot of conflict between people and Copper's inner struggles. It's more of a character focused tale, and the reader does really get to know the people of troublesome creek and their passions and struggles. Watson also has done a fine job of describing the day to day life of the place and time period.

This is a fine addition to the ranks of Christian Historical fiction. show less