Title: Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Publisher: Waterbrook
Genre: Historical, Christian, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Blogging for Books
Summary:
Readers rabid for the sweet historical romances of Tracie Peterson and Tamara Alexander will flock to best-selling author Kim Vogel Sawyer’s prairie-set heartwarmer of high society cast-off and the western town that welcomes her.
Abigail Brantley grew up in affluence and knows exactly how to behave in high society. But when she is cast from the social registers due to her father’s illegal dealings, she finds herself forced into a role she never imagined: tutoring rough Kansas ranchers in the subjects of manners and morals so they can “marry up” with their mail-order brides. Mack Cleveland, whose father was swindled by a mail-order bride, wants no part of the scheme to bring Eastern women to Spiveyville, Kansas, and he’s put off by the snooty airs and fastidious behavior of the “little city gal” in their midst. But as time goes by, his heart goes out to the teacher who tries so diligently to smooth the rough edges from the down-to-earth men. How can he teach her that perfection won’t bring happiness?
Review:
Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer is an absolutely heartwarming historical romance with a gentle undercurrent of faith.
After her father is arrested and convicted of stealing from his business partners, Abigail Brantley loses not only her social standing, but her friends and fiancé. With no one to turn to for help, she becomes a mail order bride for Mrs. Helena Bingham. Unfortunately , none of her matches have worked out so when Helena receives sixteen requests for brides from a small town in Kansas, she decides she needs to meet the men in person. Both women journey to Spiveyville where Abigail is tasked with tutoring the men who have hearts of gold but need a little polish and tips for courting their brides. Mack Cleveland, one of the few men who did not request a bride, is sent to pick up the women. Mack has reason to be suspicious Helena’s business is on the up and up so he is surprised when he looks forward to spending time with Abigail during her stay in town. Given the differences between them, is there any chance for a future together?
Abigail clings tightly to the teachings of her darling mother and she is unyielding when it comes to manners and social decorum. However, she does not seem to realize that what is proper behavior for her former life is not exactly a perfect fit for her new circumstances. Abigail holds tight to these last vestiges of her previous social standing and in doing so, she pushes everyone away. She has also lost her faith since she feels so abandoned by everyone else after her father’s activities come to light. Now with one more failed match behind her, Abigail is scared that Helena will desert her as well.
Helena is a wonderfully wise, caring and compassionate woman. She wants nothing but the best for the women who are willing to become mail order brides. However, she is having a difficult time convincing Abigail that she needs to lower her expectations and be more willing to relax her strict adherence to social etiquette. Unwilling to cast her out, Helena instead comes up with a plan to put Abigail’s social skills to good use.
Mack is a good hearted man who knows better than anyone how Abigail’s fall from grace feels. He too experienced being judged by his peers for someone else’s actions. His friends in Spiveyville helped him heal from these emotional wounds but he is not quite as trusting as his neighbors when it comes to mail order brides. So with a healthy skepticism, Mack is determined to make sure Helena and Abigail are not running a scam. Initially highly suspicious of the two women, Mack is very surprised by how much he enjoys spending time with Abigail. When the truth about her past comes to light, will Mack continue to give Abigail the benefit of the doubt?
Beneath a Prairie Moon is an absolutely charming novel with a superb cast of lovable characters. Mack and Helena are quite endearing right from the start but Abigail is initially quite frustrating and not overly appealing. The plot is engaging and Abigail’s transformation occurs at a realistic pace. Spiveyville is a typical rough around the edges western town and Kim Vogel Sawyer does an outstanding job bringing the little town and its residents vibrantly to life. The spiritual element is perfectly woven into the storyline in a way that feels like a natural extension of the characters’ lives. With just a hint of adventure, this wonderful historical novel comes to an uplifting and heartfelt conclusion.
