On an unusual day in the Dakota territories in January of 1888 a blizzard strikes. Two teenage sisters who are also school teachers in different towns are tested beyond their measures to keep their students safe. One will succeed and one does not. Another young woman, a servant, hopes for love to reign in the disaster. All based on a sad true story that has betrayal, death, and hope.

I love Melanie Benjamin's historical fiction because she seems to be able to jump into each character's mind so easily. The characters' emotions feel true and their reactions to things that happen just make sense.

This book did jump around to the 3 or 4 characters often. I did get confused about which sister was which. I think that is just me. I have horrible short-term memory and names don't stick in my head.

I will continue to read Mrs. Benjamin's books because I love them. She has a new one called California Golden either out now or soon. I look forward to it and future releases.

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2.5 stars, it was okay. There were too many characters with unbelievable behaviors and the story jumped from so many POVs. Loosely based on an actual blizzard of 1888 which hit the plains and killed many school children. Thankful for modern weather reporting and conveniences we take for granted.
t/w: child death

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The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin tells a fictionalized account of a deadly storm that hit the plains states in 1888. Within the context of this storm, this book paints a picture of a time and a place. Ultimately, the book is also the story of women and the men in their lives. Given the wide net the book casts, there are a lot of characters and stories and a bit too much going on.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2021/04/the-childrens-blizzard.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

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