Book review - A Clearing in the Wild

A Clearing in the Wild is a novel written by Jane Kirkpatrick.  Based on a true story, it is about a teenage girl named Emma Wagner who is part of a religious community that is based in Bethel, Missouri in the 1850s.   Emma is independent and questions some of the ways of the community and the rules that Wilhelm the community leader has made. She ends up marrying the man of her dreams (Christian) against the wishes of Wilhelm.  Christian is a scout leader and Wilhelm feels that Emma will keep Christian from committing fully to his job.  Eventually Emma is given permission by Wilhelm to go with her husband Christian to Oregon to establish a new community. Through various trials that Emma experiences in Oregon, she grows in her faith and becomes closer to her husband.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed reading this book especially knowing that it was based on a true story. The author did a great job of blending what she knew about the real-life Emma and events with fictional events.  There is also an interview with the author at the end of the book where she gives information about the real-life characters the book is based on.  A Clearing in the Wild is the first book in the Change and Cherish Historical Series.  I am looking forward to reading the next book and following Emma's adventures.

I received this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review.