One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick - A Book Review

    

They started out together: the Murphy, Townsend, Montgomery, Sullivan, and Patterson families and those accompanying them, following Captain Elisha Stephens on their way westward to California. Meeting hardships and harsh conditions, the group broke apart piece by piece, some taking a different route, others left behind with the hope of being rescued come spring. None knowing whether they would reach their final destination or what awaited them there.

As usual Kirkpatrick's story focuses on the strong women who helped mold our nation. As is frequently the case in her stories, this story is set within the westward movement. The matriarchs of the families whose story is told in One More River to Cross were women often left to feel powerless as their fates and the fates of their children were left to the decisions made by the men in their lives. When left on their own, Kirkpatrick shows them to be women of strength, courage, and determination.

Kirkpatrick's books are not your typical historical romance, but are more aptly described as historical drama filled with perseverance and true grit. Her books would not be described as fast-paced, but her chosen pace allows for deep character development. I must say that while this story was very interesting, it is not among my favorites of her books. I think that is because, although Mary and Sarah did get a bit more attention than the other women, there really didn't seem to be a main character among the women. I did enjoy the story though, and would choose it to read again. I appreciate having received a copy of One More River to Cross from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.