Emma of Aurora: The Complete Change and Cherish Trilogy by Jane Kirkpatrick

From the publisher:
The Change and Cherish trilogy, based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy, now available in one volume:
 
A Clearing in the Wild
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the 1850s Bethel, Missouri colony’s beloved leader, she finds new opportunities to pursue her dreams of independence. But as she clears a pathway West to her truest and deepest self, she discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community.
 
A Tendering in the Storm
Determined to raise her children on her own terms, Emma suddenly finds herself alone and pregnant with her third child, struggling to keep her family secure in the remote coastal forest of the Washington Territory. As clouds of despair close in, she must decide whether to continue in her own waning strength or to humble herself and accept help from the very people she once so eagerly left behind.
 
A Mending at the Edge
As a mother, daughter, sister, and estranged wife, Emma struggles to find her place inside—and outside—the confines of her religious community. Emma reaches out to others on the fringe, searching for healing and purpose. By blending her unique talents with service to others, she creates renewed hope as she weaves together the threads of family, friends, and faith.

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All three stories are in one large volume.  This is a positive a negative feature.  The positive aspect is that it is wonderful to have all the books together and not have to wait for the next book to come out before continuing on with the story.  The negative part is that it is cumbersome to travel with or read.  Being so thick (over 1000 pages) it isn't a book to take from home.  It also made it hard for me to want to begin reading it, in a way it felt overwhelming.

Jane Kirkpatrick has done her homework in making this historical novel based on Emma.  The afterward by the author includes more information about the real people and more facts concerning the Aurora Colony.

These books are not a love story but a story of a women who is really surviving and trying to thrive.  Readers of history will like to learn more about Aurora Colony and the way it was founded and set up. 

As a trilogy the pace is more slow than fast and some readers will enjoy this pace and others will not. I was not hooked into reading this so while I was not drawn into the story, others might be.

I received this book free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.