Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The Journey of Josephine Cain, #6 in the American Tapestries Series by Nancy Moser (Review & Giveaway)


ISBN-13: 9780824934279
Paperback $11.99

About the book: When a socialite from the nation's capital embarks on a journey to the Wild West, her life is changed forever.

A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general's daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.

My thoughts: 
I don't recall reading one of Nancy Moser's book previously, but The Journey of Josephine Cain was a fine story to introduce me to her writing. She has taken a little know piece of American history and woven a tale that is interesting and entertaining. Characters:
  • Josephine Cain, daughter of a Union General
  • General Cain impeccable leader of Union forces during the Civil War and now leader of the railroad's task to lay track across America.
  • Lewis - Suitor of Josephine - His character comes across as flawed early in the story, but unbeknownst to Josephine.
  • Hudson - Union soldier under General Cain and now trusted worker under General Cain in the railroad's push to lay track
  • Mrs. Cain - bitter, grieving mother of Josephine who can not reconcile her grief and live a normal life.
The story begins just at the end of the Civil War when Josephine is attending a theater production in Ford Theater. She sits in a box and has a clear view of President Lincoln and his party. She also witnesses first hand the assignation of Lincoln.
The story moves on and being a real "daddy's girl," Josephine wants to leave her home in D.C. and go west where she can be near her father - really so she can escape the restrictions and confines of her mother's grief. So she journeys with Lewis west to find her father. Once she arrives she meets Hudson who is the epitome of a strong gentleman, gracious in his actions, and respected by his leaders and the men with whom he works.
Historically, the book brings to light the still raw relationship between white men adventuring westward and the native Indians. But it also shows how they are trying to get along. The story also brings to light the fact that America is a melting pot when it refers to the men working the rail line - Irish, Italian, Chinese, black, white, Southern, Northern. How they survived the Civil War and how they must now try to pull the country together and their own personal lives as well.

I found the story interesting and a nice read. The plot was somewhat predictable and I wondered why the villain was so slow to be recognized. "The Journey" was not just a westward trek for Josephine, it was a journey of discovery as to just who she is and what her place in life is to be. It is in discovering that she can achieve and she can make wise choices.
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About the author: Nancy Moser is the best-selling author of more than twenty novels. She is a winner and two-time nominee of the Christy Award, and her latest novel was named to Booklist's "Top 10 Romance Novels of 2011." Nancy and her husband have three grown children and three grandchildren, and they live in the Midwest.  Learn more at Nancy at: http://nancymoser.com/
 
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse on behalf of the author and publisher for the purpose of this review. No compensation was received and all opinions expressed are solely my own.

2 comments:

  1. This looks like an enjoyable book. Thanks so much for sharing it with us, Vera

    ReplyDelete
  2. It looks very interesting. Thanks for the give away.

    ReplyDelete

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