Historical Fiction Book Review: Beneath a Prairie Moon

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 Publisher's Description

"Readers rabid for the sweet historical romances of Tracie Peterson and Tamara Alexander will flock to best-selling author Kim Vogel Sawyer's prairie-set heartwarmer of high society cast-off and the western town that welcomes her.

Abigail Brantley grew up in affluence and knows exactly how to behave in high society. But when she is cast from the social registers due to her father's illegal dealings, she finds herself forced into a role she never imagined: tutoring rough Kansas ranchers in the subjects of manners and morals so they can "marry up" with their mail-order brides. Mack Cleveland, whose father was swindled by a mail-order bride, wants no part of the scheme to bring Eastern women to Spiveyville, Kansas, and he's put off by the snooty airs and fastidious behavior of the "little city gal" in their midst. But as time goes by, his heart goes out to the teacher who tries so diligently to smooth the rough edges from the down-to-earth men. How can he teach her that perfection won't bring happiness?"

My Review

Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a delightful historical fiction novel. Incorporating its own unique twist on the mail-order-bride saga, this book is encouraging, entertaining, and unexpected. At all times, this novel successfully balances history, romance, faith, and even a bit of suspense, making the story thoroughly readable and engaging.

An enjoyable feature of this novel is its strong focus on community and the people that make a small town interesting, vibrant, and unforgettable. Within this book there were several characters to meet, to love, and to hold dear. The various characters are wonderfully endearing and well-developed. They are authentic and multifaceted, and their fears, hopes, desires, convictions, and choices make them heart-warming and relatable. Even though the characters struggle through real, trials that test their faith, the light of God’s grace and mercy shines through with hope, forgiveness, and restoration. These enduring themes of grace and second chances are integral to the story and are also deeply inspiring. 

I sincerely recommend Beneath a Prairie Moon. It is a book worth reading, complimenting, and sharing. Kim Vogel Sawyer is certainly a talented writer, and I would gladly read more of her novels in the future.

My Reflection

Forgiveness and second chances are important themes within this novel. Yet, this book does not reduce the frustrations and uncertainties the characters must endure as they struggle to heal, recover, forgive, and restore. The characters wrestle with their assumptions and their choices. They face consequences from their decisions and actions. As they persevere through trials, they become more tender-hearted, more compassionate, and more gracious towards themselves and others. Their faith grows as they practice placing their trust in a loving, merciful God. I found it very encouraging and inspiring to journey with the characters in this novel as they found the forgiveness and second chances for which their hearts yearned. 

About the Author

"Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wife, mother, gramma, chocolate-lover, cat-petter, and--most importantly--a daughter of the King! With more than 1.5 million books in print in seven different languages, Kim enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Her "gentle stories of hope" are loved by readers and reviewers alike. Kim and her retired military husband, Don, reside on the plains of Kansas, the setting for many of her novels." --Biography from Kim Vogel Sawyer's author page on Amazon.com.

Click here to purchase a copy of this novel for yourself.

*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own. 

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