Jane Kirkpatrick, A Tendering in the Storm

A Tendering in the Storm

Jane Kirkpatrick

WaterBrook, Apr 2007, $13.99

ISBN: 1578567351

In 1857 in Willapa Bay, Washington Territory, the tragic death of her beloved spouse Christian Giesy leaves his widow Emma alone to raise their preadolescent children though their respective families offer to help her. The religious order she and Christian used to belong to before the group moved south to the Oregon Territory also offers to help her if she relocates, but she declines as their severity and intolerance made life untenable when she belonged.

However, her best proves not good enough as her pride of demonstrating she is a strong, capable mother reaches the point where she may be hurting herself and her children. Emma prays to God for guidance as she realizes she must choose between accepting the help of others that she and her family need or put them at risk.

Apparently based on a true, mid-nineteenth-century account, this Americana historical is a fascinating tale of the maturing of a headstrong woman who allows her pride to interfere with what is best for her children, especially with a baby born after her spouse's death. Although the religious sect led by Kiehl seems to have become tolerant and kinder since the events of A CLEARING IN THE WILD, readers will enjoy this entertaining look at a person who changes as she cherishes the preciousness of life while learning that it takes a village to raise children.

Harriet Klausner