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The Lady's Mine
A delightful new western romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love
New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to the California frontier in this sweeping, romantic tale of a displaced New England suffragette, a former Union soldier disinherited by his Southern family, and the town they join forces to save.
1875. When Kathryn Walsh arrives in tiny Calvada, a mining town nestled in the Sierra Nevadas, falling in love is the farthest thing from her mind. Banished from Boston by her wealthy stepfather, she has come to claim an inheritance from the uncle she never a defunct newspaper office on a main street overflowing with brothels and saloons, and a seemingly worthless mine. Moved by the oppression of the local miners and their families, Kathryn decides to relaunch her uncle’s newspaper―and then finds herself in the middle of a maelstrom, pitted against Calvada’s most powerful men. But Kathryn intends to continue to say―and publish―whatever she pleases, especially when she knows she’s right.
Matthias Beck, owner of a local saloon and hotel, has a special interest in the new lady in town. He instantly recognizes C. T. Walsh’s same tenacity in the beautiful and outspoken redhead―and knows all too well how dangerous that family trait can be. While Kathryn may be right about Calvada’s problems, her righteousness could also get her killed. But when the handsome hotelier keeps finding himself on the same side of the issues as the opinionated Miss Walsh, Matthias’s restless search for purpose becomes all about answering the call of his heart.
Everyone may be looking to strike it rich in this lawless boomtown, but it’s a love more precious than gold that will ultimately save them all.
New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to the California frontier in this sweeping, romantic tale of a displaced New England suffragette, a former Union soldier disinherited by his Southern family, and the town they join forces to save.
1875. When Kathryn Walsh arrives in tiny Calvada, a mining town nestled in the Sierra Nevadas, falling in love is the farthest thing from her mind. Banished from Boston by her wealthy stepfather, she has come to claim an inheritance from the uncle she never a defunct newspaper office on a main street overflowing with brothels and saloons, and a seemingly worthless mine. Moved by the oppression of the local miners and their families, Kathryn decides to relaunch her uncle’s newspaper―and then finds herself in the middle of a maelstrom, pitted against Calvada’s most powerful men. But Kathryn intends to continue to say―and publish―whatever she pleases, especially when she knows she’s right.
Matthias Beck, owner of a local saloon and hotel, has a special interest in the new lady in town. He instantly recognizes C. T. Walsh’s same tenacity in the beautiful and outspoken redhead―and knows all too well how dangerous that family trait can be. While Kathryn may be right about Calvada’s problems, her righteousness could also get her killed. But when the handsome hotelier keeps finding himself on the same side of the issues as the opinionated Miss Walsh, Matthias’s restless search for purpose becomes all about answering the call of his heart.
Everyone may be looking to strike it rich in this lawless boomtown, but it’s a love more precious than gold that will ultimately save them all.
450 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2022
1920 people are currently reading
16212 people want to read
About the author
Francine Rivers
59 books20.5k followersNew York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).
www.francinerivers.com
www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers
Twitter: @FrancineRivers
www.francinerivers.com
www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers
Twitter: @FrancineRivers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,177 reviews
February 22, 2022
This pains me to grade a Francine Rivers book this low, yet I struggled quite a bit with this story as a whole. It was quite good in the end, but the journey to get there was bumpy for me.
What I Liked
Rivers has an amazing ability to capture a sense of place and time. The "wild west" setting felt incredibly authentic--lawlessness and saloons and brothels and all. I appreciated that she didn't cover up or make the realities of life in the mining towns more palatable or pretty.
I liked Kathryn and her desire to carve out a life for herself in the midst of trials and turmoil. She is headstrong and self aware in the best way that allows the reader to root for her and her success in life.
What Didn't Work for Me
The romance in the novel overshadows everything, and not in a good way for me. I didn't like the way the men kept pushing themselves on Kathryn, despite the fact that it might have been authentic to the time and life in a mining town. I didn't see any real growth of Matthias through the story. He was a bully to her from the beginning and through most of the book, and then all of a sudden he just changes and becomes the good guy. He ignores Kathryn's pleas to leave her alone and statements that she doesn't have any desire to get married, and then for whatever reason she changes as well, and I didn't get where that came from or why.
The faith element is pretty much non-existent. Yes, the characters go to church and at some points quote Bible verses when it suits them, but unlike Rivers' previous books, the faith journey of the characters was not a prevailing theme.
Overall, if you're looking for a western-themed historical romance, this book will provide all of that and more. Rivers' writing is superb, she has incredible talent for phrasing, setting, and drama that will keep readers entertained and captivated throughout. I just missed the rich, deeply nuanced tales that I've come to associate with her writing in the past.
Edited to Add: I have since discovered that this is a re-write of her 1987 novel A Fire in the Heart. That makes this even more disappointing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 8, 2022
What a different kind of story from Francine Rivers!
It was light hearted and funny but still touched on important topics such as women’s rights and workers’ rights. It was fun!
It was light hearted and funny but still touched on important topics such as women’s rights and workers’ rights. It was fun!
November 30, 2021
It’s been four years since Francine Rivers last released a novel and longer than that since she’s delivered a historical romance similar to her enduring classic, Redeeming Love. To say that The Lady’s Mine is highly-anticipated is to downplay just how much her fans have been clamoring for this novel. As someone who got to read an advance copy, let me tell you—it’ll live up to the hype. Rivers checks all the boxes you’d expect while delivering some surprises and twists along the way. I’m not exactly Rivers’ target demographic (a Millennial male), but she kept me entertained even during the cheesy bits and had me rooting for her no-nonsense heroine.
The Lady’s Mine is the perfect title for this book. It plays off the rather stereotypical (and male-oriented) quest to win over a lady’s hand, but Rivers twists it, making her heroine a somewhat well-to-do young lady who has just inherited her uncle’s mine. Kathryn Walsh is encouraged to sell the mine, but is determined to put down stakes, take over her uncle’s business, and make it in what is clearly a man’s world.
She’s quite a disruptive force in Calvada, a quickly-built boomtown with only a bare semblance of law and order and whose only other single women aren’t exactly the marrying kind. Shocked by the treatment of local miners, haunted by the knowledge her uncle was murdered, and with nowhere else to go, Kathryn determines to make the town a better place by taking on Calvada’s most powerful and wealthy mine owner. And she doesn’t need any man’s help.
Despite that, Matthias Beck—hotel/saloon owner—is right there at the ready. Matthias is a good guy, but his intentions are not quite clear. He’s drawn to protect Kathryn, sometimes over her objections, and the two fall into a fairly stereotypical and predictable banter-and-disdain-until-we-fall-in-love storyline. If it was me, the one thing in this book I’d change would be the inevitable. Their romance always feels a bit forced even as Rivers telegraphs what’s going to happen with them from almost page one. It’d be a great inversion of trope for them to remain platonic friends but…yeah…that wasn’t going to happen. It’s not quite as overbearing or central to the story as the romance in Redeeming Love, making it a bit more palatable, but still more than a bit paint-by-numbers.
The Lady’s Mine combines vintage Rivers’ style with a strong female character who shows remarkable grit and resilience. There’s action, mystery, romance, some surprising twists, and more than a bit of interesting history. This era and this type of story is Francine’s forte and it shines with brilliance from start to finish. Given the soon-upcoming Redeeming Love movie, one has to wonder if The Lady’s Mine will be the next in line to get the Hollywood treatment. It’s certainly deserving.
The Lady’s Mine is the perfect title for this book. It plays off the rather stereotypical (and male-oriented) quest to win over a lady’s hand, but Rivers twists it, making her heroine a somewhat well-to-do young lady who has just inherited her uncle’s mine. Kathryn Walsh is encouraged to sell the mine, but is determined to put down stakes, take over her uncle’s business, and make it in what is clearly a man’s world.
She’s quite a disruptive force in Calvada, a quickly-built boomtown with only a bare semblance of law and order and whose only other single women aren’t exactly the marrying kind. Shocked by the treatment of local miners, haunted by the knowledge her uncle was murdered, and with nowhere else to go, Kathryn determines to make the town a better place by taking on Calvada’s most powerful and wealthy mine owner. And she doesn’t need any man’s help.
Despite that, Matthias Beck—hotel/saloon owner—is right there at the ready. Matthias is a good guy, but his intentions are not quite clear. He’s drawn to protect Kathryn, sometimes over her objections, and the two fall into a fairly stereotypical and predictable banter-and-disdain-until-we-fall-in-love storyline. If it was me, the one thing in this book I’d change would be the inevitable. Their romance always feels a bit forced even as Rivers telegraphs what’s going to happen with them from almost page one. It’d be a great inversion of trope for them to remain platonic friends but…yeah…that wasn’t going to happen. It’s not quite as overbearing or central to the story as the romance in Redeeming Love, making it a bit more palatable, but still more than a bit paint-by-numbers.
The Lady’s Mine combines vintage Rivers’ style with a strong female character who shows remarkable grit and resilience. There’s action, mystery, romance, some surprising twists, and more than a bit of interesting history. This era and this type of story is Francine’s forte and it shines with brilliance from start to finish. Given the soon-upcoming Redeeming Love movie, one has to wonder if The Lady’s Mine will be the next in line to get the Hollywood treatment. It’s certainly deserving.
December 27, 2021
I wanted to like this book, but it is really just a historical romance. I expect so much more from Francine not two people that spend the entire story struggling with how attracted they are to each other. There are some good story threads throughout the story but the romance takes over the story completely.
The main male character refuses to allow the main female lead to do anything on her own. He refuses to respect her decisions. I was so frustrated by his lack of respect of anything and everything she did it drove me nuts. He only wanted to marry her and continued to push for that only for convenience to “save” her. As if marriage is the answer to all of women’s problems.
I hate to give a negative review as I respect Francine Rivers a great deal. I am also sure that others will love this book, I personally did not.
The main male character refuses to allow the main female lead to do anything on her own. He refuses to respect her decisions. I was so frustrated by his lack of respect of anything and everything she did it drove me nuts. He only wanted to marry her and continued to push for that only for convenience to “save” her. As if marriage is the answer to all of women’s problems.
I hate to give a negative review as I respect Francine Rivers a great deal. I am also sure that others will love this book, I personally did not.
December 27, 2023
I was so eagerly anticipating this book, and it let me down with a crash and a bang. Was the pacing good? Absolutely. Did it keep me engaged? Yes. Did the characters make me angry and were there some serious issues within the book? Also yes.
Francine Rivers gives a compelling picture of what life was really like for women in years following the Gold Rush, and how the way they were viewed in society gave them VERY little rights. I wasn't aware that once you got married, the husband had absolute authority over everything you owned, and honestly, you. So that part of the book was interesting. But here is the problem I am now coming to recognize: So often, Christian romance books romanticize lack of consent, disrespect of boundaries, and lust. And unfortunately, Rivers, who has been one of my favorite authors, falls squarely into this trap. Christian women want romance; and let's be honest, a romance without any tension or heady emotions isn't that great. However, "The Lady's Mine" (which I must admit is a nice play on words) is full of dancing around the fire of sexual immorality and trying not to get burnt.
The main love interest, Matthais Beck, is not Christian in the beginning of the book. At all. But, our main character Kathryn Walsh can't help an immediate, and may I add all consuming, physical attraction to him. And hey, I get it. Sometimes we can't control who we are attracted to. But this guy DOES not respect her boundaries. Kathryn tells him she shouldn't be near him and asks him to keep his distance, and he sees this as a challenge to be conquered. The huge problem here is that the reader knows that Kathryn secretly is falling in love with Matthias, DESPITE the fact he is not Christian and doesn't really have her purity in mind.;Sure, he has a level of self control, but his desires are raging throughout the entire book. However, Matthias DOES NOT KNOW KATHRYN LOVES HIM. So realistically, he stalks, essentially KIDNAPS ( for her own safety woohhoooo thank you benevolent hero) and KISSES HER WHILE SHE IS DRUNK. THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS. He kisses her while she is intoxicated, ADMITS internally that he is taking advantage of her, recognizes that she is in an addled and vulnerable state and that he should leave before he "does something he will regret" (RAPE VIBES???) but somehow mentions her "BEDROOM EYES"???!!?!?!?! THIS DUDE ASSAULTED HER. Not to mention he never tells her about this drunken kiss. He kisses her once to shut her up as the "Most effective way". Wow, it's so sexy when guys ignore your boundaries, come into your private room at night to "watch over you" when HE'S THE ACTUAL THREAT to her safety. We get the BARE MINIMUM from Matthias for the first half of the book in term of sexual purity. FUN FACT: just because you don't have sex doesn't mean you are pure. Matthias can't help but observe various aspects of Kathryn that make him desire her. Sure, fine whatever. BUT SHE DOESN'T WANT YOU! TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER UNTIL SHE SAYS YES! And frankly, the last half of the book, I was hoping and praying for some redemption. Maybe there's going to be a huge heart change and Matthias will admit that he was going after Kathryn for the wrong reasons. And let's just say..... the Christain aspect of this book seemed like a secondary plot point, as a way to "let" Christian girls experience lust and desire in a "safe way". There is never a safe way. There's differences between acknowledging physical desire and attraction and monetizing off of borderline sexual impurity because you know it is tantalizing to a mostly sheltered, Christian audience.
And with that rant over......I am genuinely dissapointed in the direction Francine Rivers is going. I haven't watched the Redeeming Love movie because I've heard it also flirts with sin; and this book is the same way. Christian women, ESPECIALLY young Christian girls, should not model their version of romance off of men in this genre. Lack of consent and disrepect of boundaries is not romantic. Persistance after a stern refusal is harrassment. If this book was about female empowerment, as the main character centers her whole personality around, then maybe it should show a relationship where the woman's opinions and decisions are VALUED and RESPECTED, not just disregarded because "She didn't mean it".
Francine Rivers gives a compelling picture of what life was really like for women in years following the Gold Rush, and how the way they were viewed in society gave them VERY little rights. I wasn't aware that once you got married, the husband had absolute authority over everything you owned, and honestly, you. So that part of the book was interesting. But here is the problem I am now coming to recognize: So often, Christian romance books romanticize lack of consent, disrespect of boundaries, and lust. And unfortunately, Rivers, who has been one of my favorite authors, falls squarely into this trap. Christian women want romance; and let's be honest, a romance without any tension or heady emotions isn't that great. However, "The Lady's Mine" (which I must admit is a nice play on words) is full of dancing around the fire of sexual immorality and trying not to get burnt.
The main love interest, Matthais Beck, is not Christian in the beginning of the book. At all. But, our main character Kathryn Walsh can't help an immediate, and may I add all consuming, physical attraction to him. And hey, I get it. Sometimes we can't control who we are attracted to. But this guy DOES not respect her boundaries. Kathryn tells him she shouldn't be near him and asks him to keep his distance, and he sees this as a challenge to be conquered. The huge problem here is that the reader knows that Kathryn secretly is falling in love with Matthias, DESPITE the fact he is not Christian and doesn't really have her purity in mind.;Sure, he has a level of self control, but his desires are raging throughout the entire book. However, Matthias DOES NOT KNOW KATHRYN LOVES HIM. So realistically, he stalks, essentially KIDNAPS ( for her own safety woohhoooo thank you benevolent hero) and KISSES HER WHILE SHE IS DRUNK. THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS. He kisses her while she is intoxicated, ADMITS internally that he is taking advantage of her, recognizes that she is in an addled and vulnerable state and that he should leave before he "does something he will regret" (RAPE VIBES???) but somehow mentions her "BEDROOM EYES"???!!?!?!?! THIS DUDE ASSAULTED HER. Not to mention he never tells her about this drunken kiss. He kisses her once to shut her up as the "Most effective way". Wow, it's so sexy when guys ignore your boundaries, come into your private room at night to "watch over you" when HE'S THE ACTUAL THREAT to her safety. We get the BARE MINIMUM from Matthias for the first half of the book in term of sexual purity. FUN FACT: just because you don't have sex doesn't mean you are pure. Matthias can't help but observe various aspects of Kathryn that make him desire her. Sure, fine whatever. BUT SHE DOESN'T WANT YOU! TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER UNTIL SHE SAYS YES! And frankly, the last half of the book, I was hoping and praying for some redemption. Maybe there's going to be a huge heart change and Matthias will admit that he was going after Kathryn for the wrong reasons. And let's just say..... the Christain aspect of this book seemed like a secondary plot point, as a way to "let" Christian girls experience lust and desire in a "safe way". There is never a safe way. There's differences between acknowledging physical desire and attraction and monetizing off of borderline sexual impurity because you know it is tantalizing to a mostly sheltered, Christian audience.
And with that rant over......I am genuinely dissapointed in the direction Francine Rivers is going. I haven't watched the Redeeming Love movie because I've heard it also flirts with sin; and this book is the same way. Christian women, ESPECIALLY young Christian girls, should not model their version of romance off of men in this genre. Lack of consent and disrepect of boundaries is not romantic. Persistance after a stern refusal is harrassment. If this book was about female empowerment, as the main character centers her whole personality around, then maybe it should show a relationship where the woman's opinions and decisions are VALUED and RESPECTED, not just disregarded because "She didn't mean it".
February 4, 2022
Want to read a book that confronts some heavy subjects, but still leaves a smile on your face? How about a book with bits of The Taming of the Shrew, Oklahoma, and a sprinkle of Gone With the Wind? This is the book for you! Francine Rivers certainly knows how to spin a tale. She has taken us back to the West in the time of Boomtowns. Kathryn has left Boston behind to claim and inheritance from an uncle she never knew. The learning curve is steep, but she is determined and neighboring bar owner Matthias Beck can't help but stick his nose in her business time and again. They start out as enemies and become friends. Will Mr. Beck convince Kathryn to become Mrs. Beck despite her determination to never be married? With lovable characters, moments of peril galore, and grounded in biblical truths; this will be one of my favorite reads this year.
A big thank you to Tyndale House and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A big thank you to Tyndale House and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 3, 2022
I have loved almost all of Francine Rivers’s books… but this one was a struggle for me to finish. After reading the author’s note, it seems she intended this novel to be more lighthearted and not as serious as her other works in the past… but it just didn’t excite me. Nothing stood out as particularly deep or meaningful, there was no substantial faith journey of the characters, and even the romance just didn’t quite interest me.
January 18, 2022
The Lady’s Mine
Written by: Francine Rivers
Christian Fiction
Oh my. What do I say? How do I even start this review?!
First off, I was given an eARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review.
So, honestly, in a word……INSPIRING!
I have always been a fan of the great Francine Rivers. This is her self-proclaimed pandemic book and wowzers what a book it is! I am not one to go excitedly into a “western”, that’s exactly what I thought this book was going to be like, but I love Francine Rivers so much, I knew I would like it. I didn’t expect to fall in love with it though and that is sooooo what I did!
Okay, so think “The Taming of the Shrew”, “Oklahoma”, “Gunsmoke” and “When Calls the Heart” all rolled up together into a beautiful, inspiring, heart wrenching, loving, humorous, tragic and bold story that you absolutely cannot put down and you tear up because you’ve finished and wanted it to last much, much longer. If this book was taken up and aired as a series on “Hallmark”, I’d follow every episode and record it all too, to watch again and again and again! Oh please “Hallmark” do that!
Can one headstrong, faith-filled, fearless person wanting good for a community, save that community from the demons that have plagued it for so long? Can grace and mercy redeem the entire town? Can love find it’s way into a stone cold heart that never wanted to be “owned” by a man?
The characters in this story were very relatable. The storyline and plot were amazing. The flow of this book is fabulous and such a page turner I finished this over 400 pager in a day and a half! A true redemption story.
I plan to buy this book and add it to my personal collection.
Run, don’t walk, to get your copy of this book!
Very well deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mrs. Rivers. You have absolutely done it again!
My “vanilla” radar rating: You’re reading a book about the Wild West. You will read about drinking, drunkenness, prostitution, gambling and cursing. I assure you, no actual curse words are typed out only referenced. For example: Matthias cursed under his breath. Wiley cursed.
Alcoholic beverages are mentioned and consumed by characters. A brothel is part of the town. (Again, think “Gunsmoke”) The only sexual act in the book that was described (in very slight detail, nothing graphic) is between a married man and his wife.
Did any of this make me want to close the book, pause from reading or think poorly of the author? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Written by: Francine Rivers
Christian Fiction
Oh my. What do I say? How do I even start this review?!
First off, I was given an eARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review.
So, honestly, in a word……INSPIRING!
I have always been a fan of the great Francine Rivers. This is her self-proclaimed pandemic book and wowzers what a book it is! I am not one to go excitedly into a “western”, that’s exactly what I thought this book was going to be like, but I love Francine Rivers so much, I knew I would like it. I didn’t expect to fall in love with it though and that is sooooo what I did!
Okay, so think “The Taming of the Shrew”, “Oklahoma”, “Gunsmoke” and “When Calls the Heart” all rolled up together into a beautiful, inspiring, heart wrenching, loving, humorous, tragic and bold story that you absolutely cannot put down and you tear up because you’ve finished and wanted it to last much, much longer. If this book was taken up and aired as a series on “Hallmark”, I’d follow every episode and record it all too, to watch again and again and again! Oh please “Hallmark” do that!
Can one headstrong, faith-filled, fearless person wanting good for a community, save that community from the demons that have plagued it for so long? Can grace and mercy redeem the entire town? Can love find it’s way into a stone cold heart that never wanted to be “owned” by a man?
The characters in this story were very relatable. The storyline and plot were amazing. The flow of this book is fabulous and such a page turner I finished this over 400 pager in a day and a half! A true redemption story.
I plan to buy this book and add it to my personal collection.
Run, don’t walk, to get your copy of this book!
Very well deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mrs. Rivers. You have absolutely done it again!
My “vanilla” radar rating: You’re reading a book about the Wild West. You will read about drinking, drunkenness, prostitution, gambling and cursing. I assure you, no actual curse words are typed out only referenced. For example: Matthias cursed under his breath. Wiley cursed.
Alcoholic beverages are mentioned and consumed by characters. A brothel is part of the town. (Again, think “Gunsmoke”) The only sexual act in the book that was described (in very slight detail, nothing graphic) is between a married man and his wife.
Did any of this make me want to close the book, pause from reading or think poorly of the author? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
September 29, 2022
Ok here we go:)
First of all, I finished this book in less than 48 hours 💗.
Before I start my review I would like to preface by saying that I’ve read Redeeming Love and some of Francine’s other books, AND this one is very different.
Normally (at least in the books I’ve read) her stories seem to be very sexually oriented. And what I mean is that the Main character is somehow involved in prostitution/sexual interaction/etc. Given the nature of those stories I understand the choice.
Also, I’d like to say that even though I’ve read some of her books I don’t completely agree with everything she writes. There’s stuff I don’t like reading but I won’t elaborate on that right now.
What I found refreshing about this book was that the MC was very different from her normal MCs. Like Francine said in her acknowledgments , this was a not heavy romance book she wanted to write amidst the pandemic.
Yes, because the setting is the old west we have brothels and drunk people and stuff, but nothing crazy at all in my opinion.
The romance was sooooooo different from what I’ve read recently! I loved seeing how the main character stuck with her faith amidst all and I truly appreciated how Francine tackled some very difficult but relevant subjects that happen in the church.
The male lead was such an enigma and you started hating him in the beginning but then you started seeing him grow and mature and you couldn’t help but fall for him , too.
As I said the romance was sweet, but the only issue I have with it is that once characters get married, it gets too descriptive for my taste. In a couple pages it describes wandering hands and talking in bed scenes that were not graphic but at the same time gave too much information in my opinion.
That’s the reason I’m giving it 3 stars.
But besides that, this book was wonderful! I truly liked it and I hope Francine ventures to write more books with this same “vibe”.
First of all, I finished this book in less than 48 hours 💗.
Before I start my review I would like to preface by saying that I’ve read Redeeming Love and some of Francine’s other books, AND this one is very different.
Normally (at least in the books I’ve read) her stories seem to be very sexually oriented. And what I mean is that the Main character is somehow involved in prostitution/sexual interaction/etc. Given the nature of those stories I understand the choice.
Also, I’d like to say that even though I’ve read some of her books I don’t completely agree with everything she writes. There’s stuff I don’t like reading but I won’t elaborate on that right now.
What I found refreshing about this book was that the MC was very different from her normal MCs. Like Francine said in her acknowledgments , this was a not heavy romance book she wanted to write amidst the pandemic.
Yes, because the setting is the old west we have brothels and drunk people and stuff, but nothing crazy at all in my opinion.
The romance was sooooooo different from what I’ve read recently! I loved seeing how the main character stuck with her faith amidst all and I truly appreciated how Francine tackled some very difficult but relevant subjects that happen in the church.
The male lead was such an enigma and you started hating him in the beginning but then you started seeing him grow and mature and you couldn’t help but fall for him , too.
As I said the romance was sweet, but the only issue I have with it is that once characters get married, it gets too descriptive for my taste. In a couple pages it describes wandering hands and talking in bed scenes that were not graphic but at the same time gave too much information in my opinion.
That’s the reason I’m giving it 3 stars.
But besides that, this book was wonderful! I truly liked it and I hope Francine ventures to write more books with this same “vibe”.
January 21, 2022
The Lady's Mine by Francine Rivers is a humorous lighthearted historical romance. It is set out west in a mining town called Calvada. I had so much fun reading this book. The heroine, Katherine is a redheaded suffragist who has passion for social justice and turns that town on its head. The hero, Mathias Beck is a saloon owner and does his best to keep Katherine out of trouble. The whole time I was reading this, I kept picturing Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne with the witty banter.
I have found during the pandemic that I have been reading more light hearted books and romantic comedies. I wasn't sure what this book was all about. I've read a handful of Rivers' works and they were pretty serious and gritty. (loved them) However, this book, while very humorous does have a deeper message and an inspiration that one person can make a difference. The epilogue tied everything up in a nice bow and it is a very Happy Ending. I loved it!
*I was given a copy by Tyndale House Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
I have found during the pandemic that I have been reading more light hearted books and romantic comedies. I wasn't sure what this book was all about. I've read a handful of Rivers' works and they were pretty serious and gritty. (loved them) However, this book, while very humorous does have a deeper message and an inspiration that one person can make a difference. The epilogue tied everything up in a nice bow and it is a very Happy Ending. I loved it!
*I was given a copy by Tyndale House Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
January 5, 2022
3.5 Stars ⭐️
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I am disappointed! I had such high expectations for this since I love Francine Rivers, but it just didn’t live up to her typical story.
I am a bit of a sucker for a woman main character who’s powerful and ahead of her time, so I did love that! I also liked the romance because it gave me butterflies. It also was surprisingly heavy on sexual tension (and one sex mention between married people). That doesn’t bother me, but figured I’d mention in case it bothers someone else.
I think what bothered me the most was that the faith was not a prominent aspect of the story. When I read a Rivers book, I go into it expecting faith and for that to be a large portion of the plot, but it was more subtle in this than I would've preferred.
I also enjoyed the plot twists and mystery throughout the story. But by the end I felt it was redundant and ended up skimming it. Overall, not mad that I read it but I was hoping for better :/
Content: sexual tension, murder
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I am disappointed! I had such high expectations for this since I love Francine Rivers, but it just didn’t live up to her typical story.
I am a bit of a sucker for a woman main character who’s powerful and ahead of her time, so I did love that! I also liked the romance because it gave me butterflies. It also was surprisingly heavy on sexual tension (and one sex mention between married people). That doesn’t bother me, but figured I’d mention in case it bothers someone else.
I think what bothered me the most was that the faith was not a prominent aspect of the story. When I read a Rivers book, I go into it expecting faith and for that to be a large portion of the plot, but it was more subtle in this than I would've preferred.
I also enjoyed the plot twists and mystery throughout the story. But by the end I felt it was redundant and ended up skimming it. Overall, not mad that I read it but I was hoping for better :/
Content: sexual tension, murder
February 8, 2022
4.5⭐️
I’m a huge fan of Francine Rivers and I was so excited to read this one. The story takes place in a small mining town in the year 1870. A fiery redhead seeks her inheritance and meets her match with the saloon owner! A great historical romance that had likable characters and a strong heroine. I saw people with faith and many who didn’t. I really enjoyed this and can’t imagine living during this time as a women. They had so few choices and or rights. I loved Matthias and how he pursued Kate. Francine Rivers continues to write wonderful inspirational stories that always center on our God.
Thanks Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley.
I’m a huge fan of Francine Rivers and I was so excited to read this one. The story takes place in a small mining town in the year 1870. A fiery redhead seeks her inheritance and meets her match with the saloon owner! A great historical romance that had likable characters and a strong heroine. I saw people with faith and many who didn’t. I really enjoyed this and can’t imagine living during this time as a women. They had so few choices and or rights. I loved Matthias and how he pursued Kate. Francine Rivers continues to write wonderful inspirational stories that always center on our God.
Thanks Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley.
February 9, 2022
I have to say this is a solid 4 stars for me. The story of Kathryn and Beck. Kathryn family kicks her out to Boston because of her progressive view on Woman Rights. When she lands in California after the Civil War she is at a loss for what to do. He inheritance a mine and a newspaper. Many don't believe she can live a life without a man especially Beck the owner of a Salon next to her. She will show them and show them she does. Can Beck and Kathryn see pass their differences and fall in love and will he let her to remain a free woman? Only time will tell. I did like the book but it took me a long while to get into it. I listened to this book on Audiobooks and the narrator wasn't that good so for me the 1st half of the book was so bland I almost DNF it but so glad I continued. No its not Francine Rivers best book but it was a book I needed to give me a good laugh once I got into the book. I do recommend it but I would read the book instead of listening to it on Audiobooks. Now we have to wait for the next Francine Rivers book to come out!! I hate the wait!!!!!!
January 4, 2025
Very gritty and rich with historical detail! Kept me captivated.
December 16, 2022
3.5* porque le ha faltado más romance a la historia.
July 6, 2022
"Don't believe everything you think. We lie more to ourselves than anyone else."
This is not the Rivers I came to love and adore... auto buying her books became a way of live.
Now I'll be re-thinking and maybe checking the blurb before I just buy.
Usually I almost always resonate with one or more of the characters in her books. Not this time! In fact I wasn't a very big fan of Kathryn Walsh and Matthias Beck were just to good to be true.
From the authors note I realised that Rivers wrote this to be more of a historical romance that the usual thought provoking contemporary literature I was used to and to me it made all the difference.
This isn't a bad book, or an awful story; it is just not a genre that works well for me.
This is not the Rivers I came to love and adore... auto buying her books became a way of live.
Now I'll be re-thinking and maybe checking the blurb before I just buy.
Usually I almost always resonate with one or more of the characters in her books. Not this time! In fact I wasn't a very big fan of Kathryn Walsh and Matthias Beck were just to good to be true.
From the authors note I realised that Rivers wrote this to be more of a historical romance that the usual thought provoking contemporary literature I was used to and to me it made all the difference.
This isn't a bad book, or an awful story; it is just not a genre that works well for me.
November 30, 2021
This was a hard book to put down! I finished it in a little over 24 hours and I even woke up once in the middle of the night to read a chapter.
This felt different than Francine Rivers' usual books, but I still loved it. There was more banter and humor between the main couple than in some of her other books and it felt more like a typical romance novel. Of course the content is still clean, but there are plenty of moments with lots of pining, tension, and kisses. It was packed with several interesting characters and tidbits of what life was like during the time of California mining history.
I think Kathryn is one of my favorite of Mrs. Rivers' characters. She's spunky and smart and independent. She feels like a modern woman stuck in the wrong era. I loved that Matthias matched her step for step too, even at the very beginning of their relationship. He was a gruff-but-lovable hero who had a protective streak that took over when Kathryn got herself in trouble with her business adventures, which was quite a few times. I think what I loved the most about them was their ability to laugh/argue with each other, their eventual respect for each other, and how much they grew as individuals before they sealed the deal as a couple. Their relationship reminded me of a John Wayne/Maureen O'Hara western--their chemistry was off the charts.
I've been a fan of Francine Rivers for a long time, and I'm still a fan after reading this one! Even though I was provided an e-ARC of the novel, I'll still probably buy my own physical copy in February 2022 when the book officially releases. I was provided an e-ARC by the publisher/Netgalley and all thoughts and opinions about the book are my own.
This felt different than Francine Rivers' usual books, but I still loved it. There was more banter and humor between the main couple than in some of her other books and it felt more like a typical romance novel. Of course the content is still clean, but there are plenty of moments with lots of pining, tension, and kisses. It was packed with several interesting characters and tidbits of what life was like during the time of California mining history.
I think Kathryn is one of my favorite of Mrs. Rivers' characters. She's spunky and smart and independent. She feels like a modern woman stuck in the wrong era. I loved that Matthias matched her step for step too, even at the very beginning of their relationship. He was a gruff-but-lovable hero who had a protective streak that took over when Kathryn got herself in trouble with her business adventures, which was quite a few times. I think what I loved the most about them was their ability to laugh/argue with each other, their eventual respect for each other, and how much they grew as individuals before they sealed the deal as a couple. Their relationship reminded me of a John Wayne/Maureen O'Hara western--their chemistry was off the charts.
I've been a fan of Francine Rivers for a long time, and I'm still a fan after reading this one! Even though I was provided an e-ARC of the novel, I'll still probably buy my own physical copy in February 2022 when the book officially releases. I was provided an e-ARC by the publisher/Netgalley and all thoughts and opinions about the book are my own.
April 7, 2024
Excellent
April 9, 2022
3.5 because I don't have the heart to give Mrs. Rivers a 3😭😭
Ok look I'm a HUGE Rivers fan...buttt...this just didn't cut it for me and I'm so sad about it!! But look it wasn't bad bad, no I am a firm believer that Rivers can never do a bad bad book. There were some things I loved and some things I didn't. Loved for instance the chemistry between Kathryn and Beck, there were alot of really cute/tense moments, and as always they were done beautifully. But the issue is I was not fully connected to Kathryn, I don't exactly know why, maybe it was because we are like COMPLETE opposites or mabye it was the fact that she is A HUGE IDIOT!!! No seriously this girl has the common sense of a chicken(probably not how that phrase is used but whatever😂) I was literally screaming at her not to go to those *certain* sketchy places most of the book!!! I get it not everyone is perfect and people make mistakes but she just was flat out an idoit at times. Poor Beck tho😣 This girl be giving him heart attacks 24/7. That was something I did like though, 💫Beck💫 (girly swooning) He definitely got added to the LONG list of my fictional boyfriends😏 Oh also (because I'm rambling at the moment) it was just to long, she definitely could have ended it sooner, that's more when she started losing me. Also that leads me to the plot, there is a plot it definitely gets lost during the middle of the book but sadly I just didn't really care at all for it. I've read plenty of Christian romance books like this , fluff it's all basically fluff. Now don't get me wrong not every Christian writer is like that, in fact that is why I like Rivers so much, is because she doesn't write fluff. So knowing that it was probably going to be a fluff book I already knew that it couldn't be a 5 stars for me.
Context on why she chose to do this style instead of her normal: Rivers decided to not do her normal hard hitting real world situations in this book because of Covid, she said she wanted something lighter than she normally does because everyone has been dealing with Covid and its effects. So I completely get that 100%.
I love Mrs. Rivers and I will always buy from her and this book definitely won't stop me from buying whatever she has up her sleeve next. Once a Rivers fan always a Rivers fan! This one wasn't for me and I'm just glad she had a good time writing it, but I did enjoy Beck immensely😂
Ok look I'm a HUGE Rivers fan...buttt...this just didn't cut it for me and I'm so sad about it!! But look it wasn't bad bad, no I am a firm believer that Rivers can never do a bad bad book. There were some things I loved and some things I didn't. Loved for instance the chemistry between Kathryn and Beck, there were alot of really cute/tense moments, and as always they were done beautifully. But the issue is I was not fully connected to Kathryn, I don't exactly know why, maybe it was because we are like COMPLETE opposites or mabye it was the fact that she is A HUGE IDIOT!!! No seriously this girl has the common sense of a chicken(probably not how that phrase is used but whatever😂) I was literally screaming at her not to go to those *certain* sketchy places most of the book!!! I get it not everyone is perfect and people make mistakes but she just was flat out an idoit at times. Poor Beck tho😣 This girl be giving him heart attacks 24/7. That was something I did like though, 💫Beck💫 (girly swooning) He definitely got added to the LONG list of my fictional boyfriends😏 Oh also (because I'm rambling at the moment) it was just to long, she definitely could have ended it sooner, that's more when she started losing me. Also that leads me to the plot, there is a plot it definitely gets lost during the middle of the book but sadly I just didn't really care at all for it. I've read plenty of Christian romance books like this , fluff it's all basically fluff. Now don't get me wrong not every Christian writer is like that, in fact that is why I like Rivers so much, is because she doesn't write fluff. So knowing that it was probably going to be a fluff book I already knew that it couldn't be a 5 stars for me.
Context on why she chose to do this style instead of her normal: Rivers decided to not do her normal hard hitting real world situations in this book because of Covid, she said she wanted something lighter than she normally does because everyone has been dealing with Covid and its effects. So I completely get that 100%.
I love Mrs. Rivers and I will always buy from her and this book definitely won't stop me from buying whatever she has up her sleeve next. Once a Rivers fan always a Rivers fan! This one wasn't for me and I'm just glad she had a good time writing it, but I did enjoy Beck immensely😂
March 1, 2022
Reading The Lady's Mine made me pure giddy with delight. Silly giddy even. I grinned the whole way through even during the harrowing parts because...Kathryn and Matthias!!!!!
Can't really say witty banter, more like cutting-edge barbs. If ever two people were not meant to be together...well...it might seem that way at first but, trust me, as much as they spar and spew and caterwaul, neither of them can douse the sizzling spark that lights up whenever they are near each other. Consider this your toe-curl and swoon alert so prepare your fainting couches accordingly! Stock up on your smelling salts too. And maybe a few lace hankies for the gentler among us.
Descriptive writing made me feel like I was there. I could see it all, smell it all, even taste the dust of Kathryn's stagecoach journey! Rivers has the kind of storytelling prowess that catapults a reader right into the heart of the story. It was like watching the best episodes of every classic western series...only better! Because she brings God into the equation and shines His light on this sorry, lawless town.
Cassie is an example of the difference one person can make in all her gloriously imperfect brokenness. The author lets us spend a whole year in Calavado, letting us in on all its secrets...even the dangerous ones. She shines a light on social issues of the time and finds ingenuous solutions to fix them. You might say Cassie is a foreword thinking lady! :-) And I love the clever play on word's in the title! Sheer cleverness from start to finish! And a fantastic escape read besides!
Just a note for die hard Francine Rivers' fans: this is a rewrite of a 1987 novel published in the general market, so cleaned up and faith elements added. The title of that novel was A Fire in the Heart and it looks to be out of print.
Can't really say witty banter, more like cutting-edge barbs. If ever two people were not meant to be together...well...it might seem that way at first but, trust me, as much as they spar and spew and caterwaul, neither of them can douse the sizzling spark that lights up whenever they are near each other. Consider this your toe-curl and swoon alert so prepare your fainting couches accordingly! Stock up on your smelling salts too. And maybe a few lace hankies for the gentler among us.
Descriptive writing made me feel like I was there. I could see it all, smell it all, even taste the dust of Kathryn's stagecoach journey! Rivers has the kind of storytelling prowess that catapults a reader right into the heart of the story. It was like watching the best episodes of every classic western series...only better! Because she brings God into the equation and shines His light on this sorry, lawless town.
Cassie is an example of the difference one person can make in all her gloriously imperfect brokenness. The author lets us spend a whole year in Calavado, letting us in on all its secrets...even the dangerous ones. She shines a light on social issues of the time and finds ingenuous solutions to fix them. You might say Cassie is a foreword thinking lady! :-) And I love the clever play on word's in the title! Sheer cleverness from start to finish! And a fantastic escape read besides!
Just a note for die hard Francine Rivers' fans: this is a rewrite of a 1987 novel published in the general market, so cleaned up and faith elements added. The title of that novel was A Fire in the Heart and it looks to be out of print.
February 22, 2022
3.75🌟
A delightfully old-fashioned (but clean) historical romance, The Lady's Mine is a fun western romp with a strong-minded suffragette heroine and a hero who has to learn it's better to work with her than try to stop her.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = It kept me engaged/entertained. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was fine but not a favorite. Just a matter of personal taste.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, this book didn’t engage me.
A delightfully old-fashioned (but clean) historical romance, The Lady's Mine is a fun western romp with a strong-minded suffragette heroine and a hero who has to learn it's better to work with her than try to stop her.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = It kept me engaged/entertained. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was fine but not a favorite. Just a matter of personal taste.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, this book didn’t engage me.
March 2, 2022
Francine Rivers has returned to her earlier historical romances, and this book did not disappoint. If I could have given it higher than a 5, I would have.
Kathryn is a woman from a wealthy Bostonian family but ahead of her time and speaks her own mind. After being kicked out of 3 boarding schools and speaking out as a suffragette, her stepfather has had enough. He gives her a train ticket and some money and sends her out to California to settle her uncle's estate. Little does she know that the mining town of Calvata will change her life forever.
Matthias Beck, owner of one of Calvata's saloons as well as a hotel, knows he's in trouble the minute that Kathryn steps off the stage in her fancy clothes and amazing beauty.
This book was so well written with a hint of mystery, a touch of humor, and sparkling with a one-sided romance that ends with a bet. Both Matthias and Kathryn were wonderful, realistic characters full of wit and flaws. Kathryn's grit and determination to hold her own place in life as well as better the town of Calvatta along with Matthias' desire to improve the town that would only die if the mines played out made them a perfect team. Throw in Morgan Smith a much needed villain in an old west romance novel, along with hard-done-by mining widows, a few ladies of the night and the cast was marvelous.
Another well done historical romance by Francine Rivers.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Kathryn is a woman from a wealthy Bostonian family but ahead of her time and speaks her own mind. After being kicked out of 3 boarding schools and speaking out as a suffragette, her stepfather has had enough. He gives her a train ticket and some money and sends her out to California to settle her uncle's estate. Little does she know that the mining town of Calvata will change her life forever.
Matthias Beck, owner of one of Calvata's saloons as well as a hotel, knows he's in trouble the minute that Kathryn steps off the stage in her fancy clothes and amazing beauty.
This book was so well written with a hint of mystery, a touch of humor, and sparkling with a one-sided romance that ends with a bet. Both Matthias and Kathryn were wonderful, realistic characters full of wit and flaws. Kathryn's grit and determination to hold her own place in life as well as better the town of Calvatta along with Matthias' desire to improve the town that would only die if the mines played out made them a perfect team. Throw in Morgan Smith a much needed villain in an old west romance novel, along with hard-done-by mining widows, a few ladies of the night and the cast was marvelous.
Another well done historical romance by Francine Rivers.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
September 11, 2022
Francine Rivers rates as one of my favorite authors and I’ve anticipated reading The Lady’s Mine since I first heard of it. I don’t consider this stand-alone, historical romance lighthearted, but it felt less broody than other novels by this author. With Matthias’ flirtations, Kathryn’s quick rebuttals, and a handful of squirrely side characters, the book had plenty of mild humor.
In the author’s notes of The Lady’s Mine, Francine Rivers explains that she explored the question, “Can one person impact an entire community?” Being set in Calvada, California, an 1870’s mining town replete with greed, lust, and lawlessness, the novel probes the many ways an individual affects his or her community.
Equally strong throughout The Lady’s Mine, a study on gender equality plays out. Kathryn and Matthias, the lead characters, clash often as Kathryn refuses to wilt under blatant gender discrimination and boldly pursues her God-given purpose. Avoiding overly feministic rhetoric, the narrative follows the characters as they learn the necessity and benefits of mutual respect. Frequent swirls of attraction add a delicious layer of romance to their relationship.
In conclusion, The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers will likely appeal to Christian fiction readers who enjoy gritty historical settings, a strong heroine, and a satisfying romance.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
In the author’s notes of The Lady’s Mine, Francine Rivers explains that she explored the question, “Can one person impact an entire community?” Being set in Calvada, California, an 1870’s mining town replete with greed, lust, and lawlessness, the novel probes the many ways an individual affects his or her community.
Equally strong throughout The Lady’s Mine, a study on gender equality plays out. Kathryn and Matthias, the lead characters, clash often as Kathryn refuses to wilt under blatant gender discrimination and boldly pursues her God-given purpose. Avoiding overly feministic rhetoric, the narrative follows the characters as they learn the necessity and benefits of mutual respect. Frequent swirls of attraction add a delicious layer of romance to their relationship.
In conclusion, The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers will likely appeal to Christian fiction readers who enjoy gritty historical settings, a strong heroine, and a satisfying romance.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
October 4, 2023
I picked up this book because this Western girl loves a story set in the Wild West! 🐎 The author captured the culture so well, and I had so much fun reading! This was definitely more lighthearted than Redeeming Love, but still with plenty of grit and gravity. This was also one of if not the best examples of a woman's strength and her true place in society. I appreciated how the author touched on some common distortions in Scripture, especially in the account of Adam and Eve and refuted the erroneous, arrogant idea that women are lesser, weaker, and made only to be a housewife. Kathryn's steadfast compassion, determination, and independence were such a joy to read. I loved how she didn't let others stop her from doing what was right and saving the town just because many thought her immorally unconventional. Matthias's character arc was done so well that even though he annoyed me at first, I ended up liking him as well. What a powerful reminder of a woman's strength and a convicting theme of reaching out to those in need as recklessly and lovingly as Jesus would!
February 28, 2022
A lighter-hearted, engaging book, as Francine Rivers stated was her intention. Not the sometimes brilliant fare she often offers, but occasionally we just want to read something fun. She desired to write something different during the shutdown and turned to a more standard romance with some slightly more significant themes woven into the storyline.
Spoiler: I didn’t like that the “good guy” took liberties with the heroine. Even if it may have happened more often in the featured time period, I still wish that weren’t included. That type of thing is not romantic; it’s actually assault. Writing that just now made me change my four-star rating to three. It’s a solidly written book, but that part should have been handled differently.
Spoiler: I didn’t like that the “good guy” took liberties with the heroine. Even if it may have happened more often in the featured time period, I still wish that weren’t included. That type of thing is not romantic; it’s actually assault. Writing that just now made me change my four-star rating to three. It’s a solidly written book, but that part should have been handled differently.
February 26, 2022
A disappointment. I've enjoyed most of Mrs Rivers books but this one had me baffled. I didn't enjoy the main characters. Katherine came in as a know it all. Beck forced kisses on Kate and never really saw it as wrong. Feminist comments were throughout but to the point that it came off preachy. I held on till the end hoping character development would redeem the situation. It didn't.
March 10, 2022
This novel reminds me of a TV series titled, “When the Heart Calls” it too takes place in a mining town, you get to know the people and see how the town grows, how they deal with loss and how they get the courage to rebuild. These are all the elements in this novel and much more.
I was immediately drawn to Kathryn Walsh and her situation in 1875. She was banished to Calvada mining town by her stepfather. Her mother and father didn’t know what to do with her outspoken, unladylike ways. She was there to claim her inheritance, which turned out to not be much of anything.
When the stagecoach pulls into town, she draws a lot of attention. There weren’t many ladies in this mining town. The local saloon/hotel owner Matthias Beck makes a point to introduce himself to her as he was a close friend of her uncle C.T. Walsh. Kathryn reminded him of his friend, a redhead, feisty and not afraid of doing the right thing, no matter the cost.
I enjoyed walking along with Kathryn as she learns about her uncle, deals with busy bodies, and makes her own way in this mining town. I enjoyed this story, the characters, and their grapple with allowing the Lord to have a say in their lives.
This book is a delightful read, it’s fun, humorous, different, lighthearted, has a mystery to solve, with quirky and loveable characters I enjoyed hanging out with. I missed the author’s usual deep spiritual thread that is natural and not preachy. But you don’t want to miss this novel, it’s a great escape into days gone by. It makes you appreciate the time we are living in.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
I was immediately drawn to Kathryn Walsh and her situation in 1875. She was banished to Calvada mining town by her stepfather. Her mother and father didn’t know what to do with her outspoken, unladylike ways. She was there to claim her inheritance, which turned out to not be much of anything.
When the stagecoach pulls into town, she draws a lot of attention. There weren’t many ladies in this mining town. The local saloon/hotel owner Matthias Beck makes a point to introduce himself to her as he was a close friend of her uncle C.T. Walsh. Kathryn reminded him of his friend, a redhead, feisty and not afraid of doing the right thing, no matter the cost.
I enjoyed walking along with Kathryn as she learns about her uncle, deals with busy bodies, and makes her own way in this mining town. I enjoyed this story, the characters, and their grapple with allowing the Lord to have a say in their lives.
This book is a delightful read, it’s fun, humorous, different, lighthearted, has a mystery to solve, with quirky and loveable characters I enjoyed hanging out with. I missed the author’s usual deep spiritual thread that is natural and not preachy. But you don’t want to miss this novel, it’s a great escape into days gone by. It makes you appreciate the time we are living in.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
April 18, 2022
This was the first book I had read in several years. And it made me want to continue.
Maybe it was due to my lack of reading. But it took me several chapters to adjust to the writing style and orient myself on what was happening.
One critique for me would be the shift in the timing of events in the last quarter of the book. The pacing seemed so consistent throughout the story. But towards the ends there were a few jumps in the timeline which felt disorienting while reading.
As far as faith content, it is not the main element of this book. Rather than being a Christian book, it seemed like it was a book about a Christian. Faith was there, but not in the spotlight. It just made the occasional appearance.
You aren't reading a great story of a missionary or marter. You're chatting with a friend from church about their day.
Maybe it was due to my lack of reading. But it took me several chapters to adjust to the writing style and orient myself on what was happening.
One critique for me would be the shift in the timing of events in the last quarter of the book. The pacing seemed so consistent throughout the story. But towards the ends there were a few jumps in the timeline which felt disorienting while reading.
As far as faith content, it is not the main element of this book. Rather than being a Christian book, it seemed like it was a book about a Christian. Faith was there, but not in the spotlight. It just made the occasional appearance.
You aren't reading a great story of a missionary or marter. You're chatting with a friend from church about their day.
December 17, 2021
"The Lady's Mine" is a Christian romance set in 1875 in California. The historical details were woven into the story, creating a specific time and place. They brought the story alive in my imagination. The main characters were complex, realistic people. Kathryn didn't always think through the consequences of her actions, but she was willing to admit her mistakes and tried to not keep making the same mistakes. I cared about what happened to her because she wanted so much for the truth to be known and positive change to happen. Matthias wasn't an idealist. but he also wanted to make positive changes, would admit when he was wrong, and could take criticism. Despite some clashing of strong wills, they worked well together to bring about positive change. Suspense was created by physical danger threatened by those who don't like change or their secrets getting out.
Kathryn looked to God for help and transformation. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable historical.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Kathryn looked to God for help and transformation. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable historical.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 4, 2024
This book was very different than any other Francine Rivers books I've read. It was much lighter, and didn't have any of the heaviness, heavy content or depth I've come to expect from her writing. The book follows a young woman who has an independent spirit into a mining town, where things are different than shes ever known. It's definitely a man's world there, but she inserts herself right into the middle of things. I did like Kathryns character, but did not particularly care for Matthias. I've never read a book by this author where there seemed to be a lot of physical attraction and chemistry without a solid groundwork of real feelings being laid first. It felt to me like every time Matthias was around Kathryn it was his hormones that took over, and it made me lack respect for his character. He seemed to have the hots for her more than actually be in love with her. There was a good bit of faith based content, which I did enjoy. I also enjoyed the setting. But overall, this one was a miss for me.
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