The Edge of Light

Much in the same way as [a:Siri Mitchell|2598371|Siri Mitchell|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-F-50x66.jpg] write Regency novels that are incredibly depressing, but historically accurate and visual new novelist [a:Ann Shorey|1949873|Ann Shorey|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1231558780p2/1949873.jpg] does the same on the American Frontier. Through out my experience in reading this novel I was sad and heartbroken with the characters as one thing happened after another. It reminded me of childhood playing of the game Oregon Trail as you could do nothing but let life take things away. At first I was curious what could possibly happen that would be good and cause my heart to smile and there were a few things here and show more there.

Ann's writing is incredibly good and the details of weaving were vivid and educational. I would definitely recommend her books and I look forward to reading [b:The Promise of Morning|6605731|The Promise of Morning (At Home in Beldon Grove, #2)|Ann Shorey|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1254553857s/6605731.jpg|6799645]. But I would warn you that this is not a light hearted romance, but a heavy one. I think it is realistic, but difficult not to be pessimistic. One thing I had real trouble with was that the mother hardly paid any attention to her older daughter always pushing her out of the way and telling her to just be still and quiet. Overall, the book was an interesting experience.

Do not get me wrong, it is a good book, just depressing a bit. But it does en-capture "the edge of light" where you can hold on to hope and not let go.

*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.* show less

Mollie McGarvie had a good life. She had Samuel, her loving husband, three healthy children with another on the way. And then an unexpected tragedy happened to her. Her husband died of cholera. She thought she would be able to provide for herself and her children by working at her husband's business. What she did not know was that her husband's evil and deceitful brother had tricked Samuel out of his portion of the business. She had no way of providing for her children. Not wanting to back to her controlling father in Texas, Mollie decides to pack up everything and move to Indiana. She had a slave woman who was dear to her heart since childhood and was planning to free her once she arrived in Indiana, a free state; however her plans show more were thwarted when the hateful brother-in-law out of spite decided to claim the slave. This was not the end of her troubles. An incident happened on the way to Indiana that left her bitter toward a young doctor.

All and all I enjoyed the book and admired how she handled her hardships. It was interesting to see how she managed to find a way to support herself. She took something that was a hobby and turned it into a way to support her family. I did get annoyed at her that she held a grudge against the doctor for about 60 percent of the book. She did finally find love again but I did not feel that the romance could have been developed more.

I am looking forward to reading the next two books in the series. show less

Molly just can't seem to catch a break. Her husband dies, her brother-in-law is jealously taking everything, and she's heavily pregnant with three other children to take care of. Then, on the way to Illinois to live with her brother, one of her sons is lost and presumed dead. Things don't get much better, making Molly question her belief in God as she struggles to support her children.
It's a good period piece, the emphasis put on God and belief is rather light. It's understated and natural, very realistic. I liked feisty Molly, who stood up for herself, but wasn't above apologizing when she was wrong. She changed in subtle ways, and was a great character. The story was somewhat predictable, nothing really unexpected or suspenseful, show more given the genre. A pleasant book to read on a rainy afternoon. show less

It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie's life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but resolves to take care of herself and her children.

When Samuel's unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she knows she must head out on her own. It is a dangerous journey, and along the way she must face the loss of another family member. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, restore her family, and fend off some overeager suitors.

****
Review:
Ann Shorey's debut novel will grip and tug at your emotions from beginnning to end. The story is true to the time period, where many women found themselves widows show more with children and having no where to go. Molly has a choice to marry someone she may not really love, but can give her security or follow her heart and forgive a doctor that brought her heartache. The struggle she has managing children, work and her own social life is reflective of how women today have to find that balance in their lives too. It just amazes me how much 'life' hasn't changed that much in all these years.
The writing is strong and easy to read, which makes reading the book go very fast! I was done way too soon! This is the first book in the series "At Home in Beldon Grove" that Ann Shorey will be writing. I can' wait to read the next one. If you are looking for a book that shows how determination and strong-will can pull you through almost anything, this is the book you show read!

Thank you to Ann Shorey for the book and the opportunity to read and review her new book!! I love historical fiction! show less

This was a pretty good book. I enjoyed it. I thought Ms. Shorey did an excellent job of creating historic atmosphere. It wasn't a can't-put-it-down-until-I'm-finished kind of story for me. But it did sustain my interest, and I was curious as to what would finally become of her lost son. She didn't leave loose ends, but wrapped things up satisfactorily.

NCLA Review -Molly McGarvie is a woman living in 1830s Missouri. After her husband dies from cholera, she is determined to take care of herself and her children. Her brother-in-law takes over the family business and forces her to fend for herself. She decides to leave town and along the way another family tragedy strikes. Molly must go on and find a way to make a living and restore her family. She settles in a new town and begins weaving blankets for an income. With many setbacks, Molly continues to struggle to survive. Surprises at the end make you anxious for the next book in the series. Ann Shorey has been writing for over fifteen years but this is her first novel. I enjoyed it very much and will be looking for the sequel. Rating: 4 show more —PD Revell 2009, 316p, paper, 9780800733308, $13.99 [FIC] show less

Really enjoyed this book about a women's struggle with a changing world.