really interesting story ruined by self-absorbed "me me me" charactersThe book is actually really good in many aspects, however, I experienced an overwhelming urge to punch the female protagonist (and the "hero" requires a kick up the backside), hence this is getting a 1*. ====================The PlotThe heroine is a "poor little rich girl" who wants to study and pursue a career in the Railroad. However, due to her gender severe restrictions are imposed relating to her ambition. The plot starts off great - pioneer intelligent heroine and the author really has researched her subject matter with regards to the railroad (some audience may find a surfeit of historical detail).In the interim we are introduced to the heroine's family and other supporting characters, all of whom are pretty well fleshed out. However, there were far too many subplots introduced too early in the book, which did overwhelm the actual story. Overall, I think the author relied far too heavily on plot cliches without really thinking about her characters. 1. The pioneering heroine who defies all to pursue her ambitions ought to have been handled with some tact and sophistication. The immature renderings of the heroine were understandable as she's 15 (and no one enjoys reading about goody self-sacrificing types), however, this heroine was far too self absorbed with deplorable conduct.2. The sibling rivalry put the heroine rather than the opposing sibling in a bad light. Again, another plot cliche that was handled poorly.3. The b*tch fiance of the hero (who happens to be the heroine's older sister) is a plot cliche that can be well worked out, but here I felt sorry for the "other woman"!4. The tall dark handsome cliche is not enough to make a hero. Give him a personality we can like! This guy flits about women, careers and is also self absorbed. The author uses a cliched "foil" against the hero by introducing a Blond suitor for the heroine, however, this self made hardworking man who says it like it is seems far better than the weak, selfish little hero. =====================The Characters:Heroine: This is where the book really fails. I appreciate the restrictions society has placed on women, however, the heroine is so self absorbed while people (including poor slaves) are dying and living awful lives while all she can do is "poor me" herself and rage against her parents.Even towards the end when there is a huge tragedy - she's still inflicting us with her "poor me" self absorbed monologue. It was tiring! Another issue I took exception to was her callous disregard to her sister's feelings. Ok - I get it - her older beautiful sister only wants to marry the "hero" for the "wrong reasons" (avoid being a spinster). However, that is no justification for trying to steal her man! That's your sister! And if the "hero" was meant to be with you than he'd make that choice without interference from you! Hence, not only is she self absorbed she's also selfish devious scheming horrible and spiteful.Hero: what a weak, spineless and selfish character. This dude needs a backbone. Another self absorbed "me me me" type. His friend dies in a horrible accident, he breaks his leg (and might possibly lose the function of it) and all he's concerned about is becoming a cripple! A man has lost his life and he thinks the dude who died is better off. He's so ungrateful to his parents enacting the whole "poor me" routine that would rival the heroine's "poor me" monologue. Also, this guy encourages a 18 year old gently bred girl to fall for him (he is openly courting her), however, feels trapped into marrying her while checking out her younger sister (the heroine). This despicable behaviour is of course not his fault - according to him - it's all due to his parents and his fiance's fault he's in this mess. He could have easily rectified the situation by NOT COURTING her when it became obvious he was eyeing up the younger sibling. But no - the dude just lets others drag him along till he realises he "oh no I must account for my actions!". So while he plays one sister off against the other - he then proceeds to continue his self absorbed lifestyle where everything is about "me me me"======================PoliticsThere were many political issues dealt within this book which some people may find uncomfortable with or boring. The slavery references were a touch uncomfortable, however, I did enjoy reading about the banking details, how Texas was part of Mexico (and it was Mexico's opposition to slavery?) that created the rift which had the American govt steal(?) Texas from Mexico despite treaties. And the railroad politics were also fascinating.I think most people will be impressed by the author's research, however, the may not agree with all the topics.================ReligionI didn't feel this book was a Christian book. Other than the heroine's father seeking God, the other characters were selfish and materialistic. The slvve-owning was also a problem (I don't understand why the "need" for slaves was so great - just cut back on your lush cushy lifestyle). I also didn't feel they were good examples of Christians with all the spitefulness and self absorbed sentiments raging throughout the book. Although I'm not a Christian hence I'm not an authority.
This was a really fun book to read since I love the 1800. Joseph Adams is a southern gentleman who owns Oakbridge Plantation. He and his wife, Margaret, are loving people who enjoy their southern way of life. They have several wonderful children and life seems to be grand. Enter Carolina Adams. This 15 year old southern belle is anything but the belle of the ball. She longs for higher learning in a world where ladies run the household, care for the children and are the picture of society. Her father wants to please Carolina and her mother want her to become the southern lady that she was raised to be. Their oldest daughter, Virginia, is the picture of what a southern belle should be. She is nearly past the age to be eligible to marry a proper southern gentleman and she is determined to find a husband. The twists and turns throughout the story kept me on the edge of my seat and it made it difficult to put the book down. I enjoyed the historical facts and how the story shows how the struggles that each character went through.
What do You think about Distant Dreams (1997)?
Great historical novel, with an amazing amount of detail relating to railroads of the day. That amazing detail got a little old around 3/4 of the way through, but if I had researched railroads that much to write a book, then by gum I would bore the reader, too! There were also some unnecessary-to-the-plot encounters with historical figures and political discussions, but again, it was ok with me. I'd rather skip over too much historical detail than feel like an author knows nothing about the period.Besides the rich historical and technical detail, I also liked how the authors did not shy away from the opinions of the day, or make those who had what we consider now to be bad things as bad people. Surprisingly to me, I have come to the conclusion I like these types of novels that unfold over several months or years of a character's life. It gives depth of character you can't quite get in a short time frame. If you showed me the same in a movie I would die of boredom (where are the explosions or aliens or something exciting) but it works in books.And, finally, although this is a Christian fiction book, the religious stuff is not over the top or cheesy or contrived. Already bought book 2 and am looking forward to reading it!
—Leann
It was well written and a good story, but it had a cliffhanger type ending. I don't mean there is suspense, but all the loose ends are left untied waiting for the next book. Thankfully the whole series is out so there is no waiting. These types of books/series are the worst when just released because you can end up waiting a year or more to find out what happens. This particular book is interesting and well written, but left me feeling kinda depressed. I am thankful that i have access to the next book and hopefully things will start to look up.
—Carolyn
*sigh* well this was a boring book. It started out well enough, but quickly went into long winded conversations. Most of the characters are very self centered. I liked the train aspect, but they did go on and on forever about trains. It's all well and fine that the main characters like them, but I don't need it so often. I'm pretty sure this book could have cut out a lot and been a much better read. The worst part? No ending. :/ Wah wah. Lame. Well, there was an ending, but it was a sad one. I don't read these books for sad/unfinished endings. I really had to struggle to finish reading past about the 60% mark. It was a free read, so I can't complain too much, but I won't read any more of this series. I'll assume it has a happy ending and skip torturing myself.
—Duchess Paula
