Book Review-The Widows of Braxton County-Jess McConkey | Miki's Hope

Book Review-The Widows of Braxton County-Jess McConkey

Thursday, August 29, 2013

I won this book in a giveaway and was not really sure I would like it or not. I figured I would read it and that would be it. Turns out I liked it so much I decided to write a review on my blog.

This story starts in the 1800's when woman were treated as possessions by their husbands. They had no rights and were expected to stay home, take care of the chores, their families and if they happened to marry an abusive man--well that was their problem and was not to be spoken of. They had no recourse. The story of Hannah slowly is revealed through the marriage of Kate to Joe Krause in present times. They move to Joe's farmhouse where Kate finds her mother-in-law is living and will continue to live! The family that Kate marries into has a violent and hidden past which Kate ultimately has to figure out to save herself. Small towns have long memories and are still notorious for keeping secrets.

I know you will enjoy this book and just be thankful that the "sufferagettes" changed all that went before to what is now!


About the Book: (from the back of the book)

FAMILY SECRETS CAN BIND AND DESTROY

Kate is ready to put her nomadic, city-dwekking past behind her when she marries Joe Krause and moves with him to the Iowa farm that has been in his family for more than 140 years. But life on the farm isn't quite as idyllic as she'd hoped. It's filled with chores, judgemental neighbors, and her mother-in-law, who-- unbeknownst to Kate until after the wedding--will be living with them.

As Kate struggles to find her place in the small farming community, she begins to realize that her husband and his family are not who she thought they were. According to town gossip, the Krause family harbors a long-kept secret about a mysterious death that haunts Kate as a dangerous, unexplanable chain of events begins.

This Book can be purchased at Amazon

About the Author: (from the back of the book)

Jess McConkey, aka Shirley Damsgaard, is an award winning writer of short fiction and the author of Ophelia and Abby mysteries and Love Lies Bleeding. She lives in a small Iowa town, where she served as postmaster for more than twenty years.

Visit this authors Amazon Authors Page




I won this book in a giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

25 comments :

Leigh @ OneandOneEqualsTwinFun said...

I love the 1800's as a period - it was such a hard time to live. This sounds like it was a difficult book for other reasons though with all the violence. Did you end up liking the book?

Maria said...

The 1800's is my favorite period to write about! I love stepping into time to a older era. Going to check the book out and see what else would be in store for me.

Kelli Avery said...

This sounds like an intense story. From the time period of what was to what is and the mystery aspect. Sounds like something I would enjoy!

Taty said...

I think the topic sure puts things into perspective when we think of everything we could complain of today.
We all have things in our life that bother us, but most everything we can change if we want to. Back then seems like changing anything at all was nearly impossible if you were a woman

Christy Maurer said...

It's amazing how women were treated in the past. Children too. They were just property in so many cases. I'm sure there were men who were more loving and caring but it's sad that women had to suffer. This sounds like a really good read.

Holly @ Woman Tribune said...

Ooh, this sounds creepy and super intriguing!

Chubskulit Rose said...

A heart pounding kind of story, my type of book!

Jennifer said...

This sounds absolutely fascinating! I love books that have a history element along with a little mystery!

Anonymous said...

I like the genre of the of the story. It's thrilling and full of mysteries which always made me sold to read the book. Thanks for sharing it! I would love to read it too!

Happy Gardening, Kim said...

Well, first off.....glad I don't live back in those days.

Second, your snippet of the book makes it sound like a book I'd even like to read...and you know that rarely happens.

If I had time to read, I might pick this one up.....

Kristyn said...

so glad im not living back in those days with the way women were treated this book sounds very intriguing!

Healy Harpster said...

I'm sure I will love this book too. Women these days are lucky to have the freedom of expression!

Pinx said...

i'm glad too that i don't live in those days. that would have been so horrible. i think it's a wonderful book with your snippet, i used to be reading a lot before i got two little boys, but now, reading for me is a luxury. i'd be lucky if i'll be able to finish a chapter, i fall asleep as soon as i reach the second page... lol! good review.

Trendy Cyndie said...

I love book from this era and it shows how far women have come in the usa

kelly said...

I'm thankful that I am not living back in that era. I enjoy having my freedom and rights as a woman.

Amy said...

This sounds like a very interesting book. I think I would go out of my mind if I lived with my mother in law when I was first married. Now I would love for her to live with us, that woman can cook!

Lexie Lane said...

I love stories that allow us to see how life used to be. We are definitely lucky to live in a time when my opinions could truly matter.

Anonymous said...

You can never keep secrets in a small town. This book sounds like something I would really enjoy, I will check it out.

jheylo said...

Congratulation from winning this book. Not much of a book reader too but if i win i'll take it and probably give it to a friend who loves book.

Rebecca said...

very intriguing must read

Tingting R. said...

I am glad, I did not live in the 1800's. It must be very tough to the women during this era, suppressing their potentials to become leaders all because of male dominance.

Unknown said...

anything that have creepy family secrets stories intrigues me. would love to read this.:)

Nova said...

I guess we have to expect the unexpected...family secrets is quite fascinating.

Marms said...

Women should be treated very well. I like the way you review.

mommy Orkid Belle said...

Thank you so much for sharing. It does sound like one exciting and interesting book to read. What a difference life is from now than back in the old days. I can only imagine what women go through back then without the privilege and the freedom that we now have.

 
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