Summer Reading

I have been doing some recreational reading of historical novels set in the pioneer period and thought some of the readers might enjoy them as well.  Recently I bought a Kindle :) and am still reading "freebies" available through Amazon.  Much to my surprise there are actually some good ones!  Here are a few you might like:

Letters of a Woman Homesteader, Author Elinore Pruitt.  Her letters back home tell the story (she was obviously quite a letter writer!) of her move to the West in the late 1800s as a single woman with a child on a ranch where she did most of the chores.  The book contains some great information on customs such as weddings, and travel, as well as what was expected or even termed appropriate for a woman alone in the west.  Interesting tales she tells.  This is a true story, not fiction. Available for free download on Kindle.


Homespun Bride, Author Jillian Hart.  Ok so I like a good love story every once in awhile! This takes place in 1883 Montana territory, most of it in the dead of winter with the expected blizzards and such.  A bit sappy at places with the main character being blind from a horse and buggy accident and her lost love who returns to town.  Of course he teaches her how to love life again.  Free on Kindle.

Seasons of Grace, Author Beverly Lewis.   A bit of a different kind of pioneer - the Amish in Lancaster, PA this novel is better than I expected.  It is a mystery and adventure story and actually was a page turner.  Free on Kindle.

Of course, Life on the Mississippi, Author Mark Twain.  Hadn't read this since my high school days and this time I actually enjoyed the book.  Although not the true homesteader pioneer, it is a book filled with adventure and just plain action! Everyone should read this book once in their life.  Twain can certainly spin a yarn, as they say in the book!  Free on Kindle. 

Next - we start our summer discussion on Pioneer Women.