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I'm a Christ-follower who has a household of 7 - who sometimes writes reviews, all with a Family Friendly perspective.


Sunday, October 9, 2011

The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller



Measure of Katie Calloway, The: A Novel


My Review:

Katie Calloway is a lady who has had hardships that most people can only imagine.  Thriving before the Civil War and desolate after.  Hated by her husband, she seeks a new life - going far up North as possible.  She finds herself a job in a lumber camp.

Working in a lumber camp in the bitter winter has many challenges.  One being the only lady and having to keep her secret, so her vile husband won't find her.

This is one of those books, that kept me intrigued.  I wanted to be there - to smell the pine trees, to feel the snow, to hear the laughter. 

Each chapter had more challenges that were grimacing.  Even to the end - I was not expecting what happened.  I feel that is the reason, I liked the book so much. The author took me to a place that was expected just not the way I anticipated it.  I love when that happens! 

I would give this book 4 1/2 stars.  That is the highest I give unless it takes my breath away.  However, this book made me question myself - what would I do in this situation?  Would I really lean on a Savior or just lie in self-pity? 

I also learned that life is more precious.  Lumbering in the past was very dangerous and people were affected in so many ways during the Civil War.  This book added so many personal touches - to different situations.

Saying that, this book would not be suitable for the young at heart.  It had more than a few adult situations. 

It was a very easy read and kept me focused.  I would say that it would be a wonderful book to read by the fire or on a road trip.

By the publisher:


The Measure of Katie Calloway (ISBN: 978-0-8007-1998-2, $14.99, October), the newest book from author Serena Miller, transports readers to an era of log jams and shanty boys in the northern woods of Michigan.

The Civil War in America is over and former northerner, Katie Calloway, must flee for her life from Georgia, where her husband, an abusive Confederate officer, is waging war in their own home. Not only does he taunt her about her father and brother dying for the Union army, but she discovers that he is planning to kill her in order to be free to marry a local widow whose still-intact plantation he covets. Katie and her little brother find refuge in a lumber camp where she allows the camp owner to believe she is a widow.

The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie, worried that Robert will fire her if he discovers she is not the grieving widow she pretends to be, fights to keep her past a secret from this good man she is growing to love.

As Katie and Robert slowly realize their deep love for one another, Katie wonders, can she truly outrun her tumultuous past and learn to trust someone new?

Miller tells the story of an unforgettable journey of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of a world that was unforgiving at best.


Blessings to you!  You are loved!


“Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


Note: I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated. The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.


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