Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.
When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor’s brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she’s ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.
Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse’s confidence in her–and his faith in God’s perfect plan–slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.
(Please Note: I cut off the synopsis here because it reveals a major spoiler)
My Review:
published in 2011
If the idea of a grown-up Little House book appeals, look no further. My child’s heart is singing even as my adult one is swooning. LOL. This is an amazing read and I’m not quite sure that I will be able to do it justice with this review but I aim to try.
Incredible characterization — and dynamics! Jesse has me all but swooning one second and then wheezing with laughter the next. He’s larger than life with his grandiose gestures and loose tongue that spouts the most surprising things! He’s earnest and loves God and delights in his farm, the land…in his wife who he has determined to love before he ever set eyes on her! He’d be perfect if he wasn’t so exasperating at times and a little titched in the head.
Each chapter in the book starts out with a quote — from Jesse. An intimate glimpse into the man’s conversations with God. My favourite: “Your idea about becoming one flesh, God — it’s the best.”
By contrast Susannah is timid and shy and contained, so terrified of not meeting expectations that she almost sets herself up for failure. But deep in the core of her being the real Susannah is yearning to be let out and Jesse’s just the man to set her free. His unflagging attempts to draw her out of her shell so that he can get to know her — his insistence that she have an opinion, that she make her own decisions — his pride in her accomplishments — his delight in the surprises he uncovers — well, let’s just say this was an incredible read from beginning to end. Definitely a book to savor.
Richmond has captured the essence of the pioneer spirit. Susannah’s personal journey is inspiring, especially when you realize that the hardships she endured are the exact ones our ancestors faced. Homesteading the west was not for the faint of heart!
You might have noted the controversy in other reviews regarding some of the romantic content in Spring for Susannah. Jesse and Susannah are already married at the beginning of the story and we witness the development of that relationship. I don’t feel that there is anything untoward in what Richmond has written, but she does reference the fact that their union involves intimacy. These scenes are filled with tenderness and humour and I think they bring a greater depth to the story.
Spring for Susannah is a rich, robust epic pioneer tale that well stay with you long after finish reading the last page.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
gently read paperback copy which has been stored in a glass doored bookcase available to anyone, anywhere — so this is an International giveaway. Woohoo!!!
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Spring for Susannah, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 3, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.
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