Helpful Score: 10
I enjoyed reading about very early San Francisco days - images of the muddy streets and living conditions were very vivid. The main character Rachel I had mixed feelings about. I admired her courage and her resoluteness to remain a Christian lady when all else around her was depravity but I grew impatient with her inability to 'forgive' those who engaged in 'sin'. I did want to learn more of Johnnie Parker's struggle with coming to terms with God. A sequel exploring his life and development would be nice as well as stories about Lissa (Rachel's sister) and Michael (Rachel's brother).
Helpful Score: 8
This is my favorite Deeanne Gist book. I can't even put my finger on it, but I loved the storyline and the changes in the main characters--especially the love story of the main characters. Be warned that her books contain some real-life elements and not every character makes the 'Christian' decision, but moral comes through loud and clear.
Helpful Score: 6
This author is a very vivid writer...more vivid than the typical Christian fiction. She loves the Lord and the end always works out, but there is a struggle in all of her books. She is a great writer, just a bit too edgy for a Christian novel for me.
Helpful Score: 6
In an attempt to review this book, I am a little bit at a loss for words. For those of you who know the other books that I read, recommend and love, I can tell you that the humor is something similar to that found in novels of my beloved favorite author Mary Connealy. The drama is amazing and the characters rip out your heart.
Easily, this novel is powerful, funny, and full of thought-provoking plot. Throughout the entire story, I felt like I was right there along with our protagonist. In so many of the situations, while she worked to finding a solution to a current dilemma, I would have just sat down and cried. Through these three hundred pages, author Deeanne Gist has really woven together a story that makes you think about what you do in your own walk with Christ and realize the bits and pieces that might need a little more tweaking and a bit more Bible Devotion.
There are people who will not appreciate this book because it may make them uncomfortable. But it does it in a way that is really attempting to show what is the purpose behind our God breathed lives and I praise this book fully for what it is capable as accomplishing as a tool for good.
I highly recommend this book to young women and older women alike. Especially those entering the romantic scene. For younger girls however, I would not say to avoid the book, but to read it and be able to discuss it with a mother, sister, or older friend.
The writing is incredible and will leaving you thirsting for more. At one point I had to put down the book while I was highly frustrated with a few particular characters and then I found myself irritated with my husband because of misplaced anger. A book that can lead on into my own life is obviously powerful enough to make me think.*grin*
Easily, this novel is powerful, funny, and full of thought-provoking plot. Throughout the entire story, I felt like I was right there along with our protagonist. In so many of the situations, while she worked to finding a solution to a current dilemma, I would have just sat down and cried. Through these three hundred pages, author Deeanne Gist has really woven together a story that makes you think about what you do in your own walk with Christ and realize the bits and pieces that might need a little more tweaking and a bit more Bible Devotion.
There are people who will not appreciate this book because it may make them uncomfortable. But it does it in a way that is really attempting to show what is the purpose behind our God breathed lives and I praise this book fully for what it is capable as accomplishing as a tool for good.
I highly recommend this book to young women and older women alike. Especially those entering the romantic scene. For younger girls however, I would not say to avoid the book, but to read it and be able to discuss it with a mother, sister, or older friend.
The writing is incredible and will leaving you thirsting for more. At one point I had to put down the book while I was highly frustrated with a few particular characters and then I found myself irritated with my husband because of misplaced anger. A book that can lead on into my own life is obviously powerful enough to make me think.*grin*
Helpful Score: 5
This I think is the best Deanne Gist book that I have read so far, I could not put it down until I finished it can't wait for more books by this aurthor I think I have read all of her books now and loved them all, if you like historical christian fiction this is the book for you!
Theresa
Theresa
Helpful Score: 4
Another great read from Deeanne Gist! I really enjoyed this one. It had romance, drama, and lots of humor within its pages. I found it hard to put down-------wanting to find out what was going to happen next. I also learned a lot of "little-known facts" that actually took place in that time. Make this one a book to be read. You won't be disappointed.
Helpful Score: 4
Deeanne Gist brings the San Francisco of the Gold Rush alive! Well constructed plot with believable characters plopped down in a memorable setting.
Helpful Score: 4
This book is hard to put down! A book about the gold rush days and a young lady and her sister and brother coming to CA. Their father died on the boat coming over. They are alone and must find their way. Great book.
Helpful Score: 3
I really enjoyed this book! Can't wait to read more from Gist!
Excellent story! Well written historical novel. Romantic but poignant.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a light, enjoyable read that gives an insight into the challenges faced by women as the wild west was settled.
Helpful Score: 2
I couldn't put this down. GREAT story of love and keeping your values in a very rough and desperate time in history.
Helpful Score: 1
WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE. AWESOME READING AND STORY.
Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't finish this one. It is very unbelievable and trite.
Helpful Score: 1
Great read though I liked A Bride Most Begrudging better.
Once I eventually got into it I didn't want to put it down.
Once I eventually got into it I didn't want to put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. Loved it. In fact, I read it very quickly.
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting read. Lots of historical information.
Helpful Score: 1
If you like historical Christian romance from the late 1800's, this book has just the right mix of truth about the history of the San Francisco area and the social mores of the time to balance with Christian ethics,compassion and romance. Gist brings her character Rachel Van Buren to life with easy prose and a hard to put down plot. As Rachel tries to make a life for herself and her siblings in the rough and decadent life-style of early San Fransisco where she is known as a "sun-bonnet", she becomes the center of attention. In her attempts to rise above the temptations and sins that are surround her but not perish from starvation, she alienates her family and falls for her protector, Johnnie Parker, a saloon keeper. Will she never see her sister again? Is it a sin to want to marry someone who owns a business you don't approve of? Is God trying to teacher Rachel a lesson about compassion and not judging others? You will just have to read and find out.
Helpful Score: 1
This book had mixed reviews in our book club. It did have a lot of substance to make it a good discussion.
Helpful Score: 1
An interesting look at a person trying to keep what they believe intact in a world that pulls them in the other direction. It is a romance that is thought provoking along with it. Although there is a happy ending, not everything ends up happy as we would like.
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic book! Reads very well and has twists scattered throughout the book! you won't want to put it down! Another bestseller by Deanne Gist!
Helpful Score: 1
Good read . Made me really think about manners , what is acceptable , what is proper . And choices and consequences .
Helpful Score: 1
This book is so incredibly romantic.....a wonderful historic romance! It literally whisks you away to another time and place in history.
Helpful Score: 1
Five Rules for Proper 19th Century Ladies. Rachel Van buren tries to uphold them but it becomes increasingly difficult to remain a beacon of virtue in a city of vice.
Helpful Score: 1
Great story of a "properly" raised young lady who learns to love and balance rules with reality.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is about a woman, Rachel who is travelling with her father, brother and sister to San Francisco in the 1849. Her father dies on the journey so Rachel has to find a way to support her family and still try to remain a lady in rough frontier town. Book was well researched and is pretty good.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a cute, funny read that I enjoyed very much!
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful read. I've enjoyed both of her books so much.
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this was a really good book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Helpful Score: 1
Another excellent book by Ms. Gist!
Helpful Score: 1
This is the 2nd book I've read by Deeanne Gist and really enjoyed it. Made me glad to know that when God forgives, He also forgets. Being human, forgetting can be a huge problem, and even forgiving is hard for some of us.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh a few times.
a geat book. I loved the stroy and the way it was told. I think I have a new fave author.
The author writes vividly about San Francisco and how difficult life could be during this era. My favorite phrase was "a sunbonnet" - a phrase used to refer to a decent and honorable lady. At the time of this story, ~ 1849, sunbonnets were in short supply in San Francisco.
Rachel is a strong character who is called upon to face her prejudices against folks who did not live according to her strict moral code. This main character feels safe in her self-righteousness because the people who offend her view of morality live outside her circle.
When her younger sister, Lissa, steps across the line; this puts her in conflict with her brother. Rachel must re-evaluate her views. I thought that `who really owned the building and rented it to her' brought her prejudice into sharp focus.
It was an interesting story about how all of us can feel comfortable with negative feelings, as long as the people closest to us ascribe to the same feelings. When facts come to light, we have a choice - stay blind (and lose those people from our lives) or change.
Rachel knew that if she did not change, she would lose her brother too. She saw that she might be the oldest sibling but she could learn something from her brother, Michael. The author makes the point that all of us learn from others - as long as we are open to seeing beyond our view.
Rachel is a strong character who is called upon to face her prejudices against folks who did not live according to her strict moral code. This main character feels safe in her self-righteousness because the people who offend her view of morality live outside her circle.
When her younger sister, Lissa, steps across the line; this puts her in conflict with her brother. Rachel must re-evaluate her views. I thought that `who really owned the building and rented it to her' brought her prejudice into sharp focus.
It was an interesting story about how all of us can feel comfortable with negative feelings, as long as the people closest to us ascribe to the same feelings. When facts come to light, we have a choice - stay blind (and lose those people from our lives) or change.
Rachel knew that if she did not change, she would lose her brother too. She saw that she might be the oldest sibling but she could learn something from her brother, Michael. The author makes the point that all of us learn from others - as long as we are open to seeing beyond our view.
This is an easy enjoyable read and a good story.
Good book.
Enjoyed all of Deeanne Gist's books but this one was especially entertaining!
Very good read!
The author writes vividly about San Francisco and how difficult life could be during this era. My favorite phrase was "a sunbonnet" - a phrase used to refer to a decent and honorable lady. At the time of this story, ~ 1849, sunbonnets were in short supply in San Francisco.
Rachel is a strong character who is called upon to face her prejudices against folks who did not live according to her strict moral code. This main character feels safe in her self-righteousness because the people who offend her view of morality live outside her circle.
When her younger sister, Lissa, steps across the line; this puts her in conflict with her brother. Rachel must re-evaluate her views. I thought that `who really owned the building and rented it to her' brought her prejudice into sharp focus.
It was an interesting story about how all of us can feel comfortable with negative feelings, as long as the people closest to us ascribe to the same feelings. When facts come to light, we have a choice - stay blind (and lose those people from our lives) or change.
Rachel knew that if she did not change, she would lose her brother too. She saw that she might be the oldest sibling but she could learn something from her brother, Michael. The author makes the point that all of us learn from others - as long as we are open to seeing beyond our view.
Rachel is a strong character who is called upon to face her prejudices against folks who did not live according to her strict moral code. This main character feels safe in her self-righteousness because the people who offend her view of morality live outside her circle.
When her younger sister, Lissa, steps across the line; this puts her in conflict with her brother. Rachel must re-evaluate her views. I thought that `who really owned the building and rented it to her' brought her prejudice into sharp focus.
It was an interesting story about how all of us can feel comfortable with negative feelings, as long as the people closest to us ascribe to the same feelings. When facts come to light, we have a choice - stay blind (and lose those people from our lives) or change.
Rachel knew that if she did not change, she would lose her brother too. She saw that she might be the oldest sibling but she could learn something from her brother, Michael. The author makes the point that all of us learn from others - as long as we are open to seeing beyond our view.
I agree with Tia O. that the harlequin books are not for any girl. i read one and got to a certian part and said to myself, this is not good! I'm Christian and this is not pleasing to my savior. but these books by Deeanne Gist are not anything like those harlequin books. i assure you.
But these books are awesome! they are historical too which makes it interesting.
But these books are awesome! they are historical too which makes it interesting.
Love Deanne Gist's early American writing. Humor balances the love story and intrigue as her heroine's literally "stumble" into love and reveal much of early America in the process.
The author writes vividly about San Francisco and how difficult life could be during this era. My favorite phrase was a sunbonnet a phrase used to refer to a decent and honorable lady. At the time of this story, ~ 1849, sunbonnets were in short supply in San Francisco.
Rachel is a strong character who is called upon to face her prejudices against folks who did not live according to her strict moral code. This main character feels safe in her self-righteousness because the people who offend her view of morality live outside her circle.
When her younger sister, Lissa, steps across the line; this puts her in conflict with her brother. Rachel must re-evaluate her views. I thought that who really owned the building and rented it to her brought her prejudice into sharp focus.
It was an interesting story about how all of us can feel comfortable with negative feelings, as long as the people closest to us ascribe to the same feelings. When facts come to light, we have a choice stay blind (and lose those people from our lives) or change.
Rachel knew that if she did not change, she would lose her brother too. She saw that she might be the oldest sibling but she could learn something from her brother, Michael. The author makes the point that all of us learn from others as long as we are open to seeing beyond our view.
Rachel is a strong character who is called upon to face her prejudices against folks who did not live according to her strict moral code. This main character feels safe in her self-righteousness because the people who offend her view of morality live outside her circle.
When her younger sister, Lissa, steps across the line; this puts her in conflict with her brother. Rachel must re-evaluate her views. I thought that who really owned the building and rented it to her brought her prejudice into sharp focus.
It was an interesting story about how all of us can feel comfortable with negative feelings, as long as the people closest to us ascribe to the same feelings. When facts come to light, we have a choice stay blind (and lose those people from our lives) or change.
Rachel knew that if she did not change, she would lose her brother too. She saw that she might be the oldest sibling but she could learn something from her brother, Michael. The author makes the point that all of us learn from others as long as we are open to seeing beyond our view.
The author writes vividly about San Francisco and how difficult life could be during this era. My favorite phrase was a sunbonnet a phrase used to refer to a decent and honorable lady. At the time of this story, ~ 1849, sunbonnets were in short supply in San Francisco.
Rachel is a strong character who is called upon to face her prejudices against folks who did not live according to her strict moral code. This main character feels safe in her self-righteousness because the people who offend her view of morality live outside her circle.
When her younger sister, Lissa, steps across the line; this puts her in conflict with her brother. Rachel must re-evaluate her views. I thought that who really owned the building and rented it to her brought her prejudice into sharp focus.
It was an interesting story about how all of us can feel comfortable with negative feelings, as long as the people closest to us ascribe to the same feelings. When facts come to light, we have a choice stay blind (and lose those people from our lives) or change.
Rachel knew that if she did not change, she would lose her brother too. She saw that she might be the oldest sibling but she could learn something from her brother, Michael. The author makes the point that all of us learn from others as long as we are open to seeing beyond our view.
Rachel is a strong character who is called upon to face her prejudices against folks who did not live according to her strict moral code. This main character feels safe in her self-righteousness because the people who offend her view of morality live outside her circle.
When her younger sister, Lissa, steps across the line; this puts her in conflict with her brother. Rachel must re-evaluate her views. I thought that who really owned the building and rented it to her brought her prejudice into sharp focus.
It was an interesting story about how all of us can feel comfortable with negative feelings, as long as the people closest to us ascribe to the same feelings. When facts come to light, we have a choice stay blind (and lose those people from our lives) or change.
Rachel knew that if she did not change, she would lose her brother too. She saw that she might be the oldest sibling but she could learn something from her brother, Michael. The author makes the point that all of us learn from others as long as we are open to seeing beyond our view.
easy read
Deanne Gist is a good writer. However, her books are far too sexually descriptive. I would not suggest these books, especially for single women and teen girls. They remind me of the Harlequin Romances I, unfortunately, read 25 years ago. If you are looking for something spiritually uplifting I suggest going elsewhere.
