Tinsmith 1865

Flats Junction #1

by Sara Dahmen

When her tinsmith father and brothers head West, Polish immigrant Marie Kotlarczyk has no choice but to go along. Family, after all, is family. The Dakota Territories are anything but welcoming to the Kotlarczyks, and as the months trip by, Marie must pick up the hammers she’s secretly desired but also feared. When she faces the skeptical people of Flats Town, the demands of the local Army commander, and her public failures, her inner voice grows destructively, forcing Marie to decide exactly who she is and what it means to be a woman smith.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2022

About the author

Coppersmith, mother of 3, and novelist Sara Dahmen lives in Wisconsin, and is the author of the Flats Junction series {Promontory Press, Inc.}, historical fiction novels set in the Dakotas. The series is in development for television, with the third book, Outcast 1883, releasing on November 22, 2022.

She is the designer and founder of House Copper & Cookware - an American-made kitchenware and copper cookware line and manufactures pure metal kitchenware by herself in her copper shop. Her knowledge on cookware is featured in Copper, Iron, and Clay: A Smith's Journey (William Morrow / Harper Collins).

When not writing books or hitting metal over an anvil, Sara writes scripts and screenplays, sits on Zoom calls with entertainment executives and producers on some of her scripted projects, keeps up with her honeybees, gardens, mini-farm, and family.

Reviews

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tinsmith 1865 is a fascinating book about pioneer life following the Civil War, focusing on the daughter of a Polish family of tinsmiths who head west. Marie, or Marya, is one of the most wonderful characters I’ve ever met in a book. She is strong, brave, independent and determined, but also insecure and overwhelmed by her life. I was fascinated by her life as a tinsmith, and completely captivated by her personality; she was an extraordinary young woman faced with a myriad of challenges and decisions that would shape her future. Sara Dahmen did a wonderful job of describing the hardships and the everyday lives of these pioneers, but it was the details of tinsmithing that were especially compelling. This is the kind of historical fiction book that shines. It is a book that educates as it entertains, putting the reader wholly into the setting. I was utterly engrossed by the subject, by the characters, and the deep feelings that were evoked by Maria’s story.

[Gregory Renz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to like about this novel. The main character and narrator, Marie Kotlarczyks, is a beautifully complex character. I agonized along with her when dealing with seemingly insurmountable challenges and was irritated with her about some of her behaviors and bad decisions. Marie was so well-drawn, her character authentic and real to me. The author's skillfully crafted sensory details and vivid descriptions had me experiencing the story rather than just reading it. We get an inside look at the polish culture in 1865. Again, the details gave the story a gripping authenticity. The crisp pacing of the narrative kept the plot moving along. It never sags. Every page bristles with tension either through authentic dialect and dialogue, external danger, or internal struggles. The stakes for Marie and her family escalate throughout this masterfully written story. I'll be reading every book in this series and anxiously waiting for the television series based on these books. Bravo, Sarah Dahmen. Well done.

[Robin Gainey]

Dahmen, is as adept as Ole Rolvang in his classic, Giants in the Earth, in depicting the emotional and physical trials of settling the Dakotas. Her wonderful twist of including the world of a tinsmith (Dahmen, a coppersmith herself) gives this heartfelt tale a detailed realism and depth not often found in historical fiction. Juxtaposing the boundless Dakotas against the boundaries that Polish immigrant heroine, Marie, struggles against as she comes to terms with womanhood, romance, and the constricting realities of being female in mid-1800 America, along with the difficulty of fitting into a new culture, will leave you wanting more where “the tools do not rust, and the tin and copper will gleam and glow and glitter.” Lucky: this is the first novel of a series!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing wrong with this, but I never quite connected with it either. There was something a little off about the writing and I didn't like the main character for a long while. The parts about tinsmithing were the best.

[Mary E Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Dahmen’s historical fiction, Tinsmith 1865, is a skillfully written account of tin and coppersmiths in the years following the Civil War. But more than that, it’s a story of a woman who doesn’t fit into the expected mold of that era.

Marie Kotiarczyk, 18, together with her recently widowed father and two brothers, travel by wagon train from Chicago to Flats Town, Dakota Territory. The Polish immigrant family are tinsmiths. Although Marie is fascinated by their occupation, her place is doing woman’s work. Unfortunately, she is not a good cook, nor does she have interest in any phase of womanly duties. What fascinates Marie is her family’s occupation.

They arrive in Flats Town to a shop her father has previously arranged to rent, a shop that will double as their home. Marie assumes her expected duties, but occasionally tinkers in the family profession. When her brothers join the Army to fight the Indian wars, Marie and her father are devastated. Marie steps in to help with the family business, fulfilling her deep-harbored dream, but also fearing not only failure, but breaking expectations of what a woman should do. When her father is stricken with illness, she must take over to fill the orders.

Marie has many worries. Will the townspeople take her occupation seriously? Her skills are in demand—will she be able to produce a worthy product? Will the cups she produces leak? Will the kitchen utensils she creates be things of beauty? When the Army places a large order, Marie is under pressure to show what she is capable of doing. She must succeed to pay their many debts.

I loved this book. The author portrays complex characters rich with desires and dedication to work. Her characters have scarred and calloused hands with grime under their fingernails; their clothes have holes due to sparks from creating their product. They’re not beautiful people, yet they’re appealing. I particularly appreciated learning about the tin and coppersmith profession. The author speaks with authority on that subject as she works as a metalsmith of vintage and modern cookware of tin, copper and iron.

Tinsmith 1865 is Book 1 of the “Flats Junction Series,” and is also currently in production to become a major motion picture. I’m looking forward to more of this series and to seeing it played out on screen.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all came so quickly her mother died her brother came back from the Civil War and her dad pack them all up to move to the Dakotas. So with their brand-new tin smithing machine in debt in tow they set off to the west. She was mesmerized by the new machine and just had to touch it so one night when getting food out the wagon for dinner she did and unfortunately she broke it and would keep this secret all the way to the Dakotas. When they arrive they would stay withWalter and his son Thaddeus and their apprentice who is also an orphan Jimmy. Jimmy would be her first dalliance into love or something close to it as time goes on she proves not to have the personality for sales but her talent for 10 smithing it’s something no one can deny but when her brothers go off to fight the Indians looking for a quick payday it is left up to Marie to pick up the pieces. Even Jimmy heads to the fight. Although Marie is a novice although a talented one when it comes to tin smithing her father now depends on her more than ever but with the absence of the boys come new people in new experiences and her biggest challenge will lead to the biggest Love she’s ever known. I know this summary is terrible but I didn’t want to give anything away I was a little hesitant about reading this book because I get tired of these historical romances where authors write the characters as a modern day women but that was not at all the case in this book. I should’ve known better than to think this author‘s story would be anything less than authentic and stellar. She has such a knack for historical accuracy and you don’t at all see modern day opinions and I love that about her books. I highly recommend this book it is a five star read and one I will probably read again. I am not into long drawn out books but I’m so into this Author‘s writing style that it seems the pages turn their self in before you know it the greatness is over. I truly love her books and highly recommend it. I received this book from Net Galley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Jennifer Rupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Tinsmith 1865, Sara Dahmen transports the reader to time when the American territories are being figuratively and literally forged by men and women willing to risk all for freedom and fortune. This is a deeply researched historical novel, rich in detail, and brimming with tension.

Marie Kotlarczyk, the only woman in a family of tinsmiths, follows her father and brothers to Flats Town in the Dakota Territories with the promise of a new home and thriving business. Once her family arrives, the situation they find is very different than the one they had imagined. Hardships put them in debt. To quench their restless spirits (against their father’s wishes), her brothers leave to join the army with vows to send home their earnings. When Marie’s father receives news of the deaths of his sons, he takes a turn. As her father’s health spirals, Marie sees only one viable option, to take up where her father and brothers left off and make a go of it as a tinsmith. But mastering the skill is a steep learning curve, especially in a time when most metal artisans are men.

What sets Dahmen’s writing apart from other historical romance writers is her ability to make her female character’s actions believable. During a time when women’s roles are so narrowly defined, Marie’s choices are always grounded in the reality of the story. One can easily believe a character such as Marie Kotlarczyk existed.

It’s a slow burn, passion unfolding through emotion, but oh so worth it.

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie is from a close Polish family, with two brothers living. The Civil war has just ended, and the mother just died. The father decides to sell everything and go with a wagon train West to where a friend is to work. The men in the family are all tinsmiths. Marie has watched them for years, always wanting to try. Her relationship with her father and brothers is deep. She is expected to cook and take care of them all, but doesn't really have those skills. She learns who she is throughout the story, always having to adjust to the men's actions. Very well written - you get lost in her struggle. It's interesting learning about tinsmithing. Heart wrenching story as she struggles to get out of debt and stay strong when others don't accept that she's female doing a man's trade. She struggles as hard to accept herself and fit in. There are a few spots with bad language that are disappointing, mostly towards the beginning. Another somewhat graphic sexual situation near the end. The suggestion of each would have been enough. The story is so compelling that I still gave it five stars but people I review for should be aware.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#Tinsmith1865 #NetGalley #SaraDahmen #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come. Just finished this story. Amazing is the one word review for now.
Update: Captivating, realistic portrayal of pioneer life in South Dakota from a young women’s point of view. Rarely do I find a character I like this much for her bravery, spirit, overcoming and enduring hardships. Her insecurities and inner battles and struggles make her so relatable and one can’t help be in awe of her strength and root for her.
Congrats the author for writing such a fantastic story. It is very well researched and the authors knowledge and passion, not only the time period, but the tin smith craft shines through. I’ll be honest, at first I thought “oh I can always skip the tin smith parts, because who cares how a cup is made? But not only did I find myself interested in learning along with Marya, I spent time googling and watch YouTube videos to understand the trade and the talent needed better. I was delighted to find the bibliography at the end to help explain and give a visual on tools described, but I do wish I would have realized it was there earlier.
I’m thrilled that there are 2 more books in this series as I can’t wait to be back in Flats Junction and meet more residents. Well done, Ms. Dahmen.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what a tinsmith was until I discovered this book at a writer's conference. Let alone a woman smith in 1865. Marie, a Polish immigrant, trekked to the Dakota Territories with her family. Along the way, she finds loss and a trade she secretly admires. Dahmen not only teaches the reader the craft in tinsmithing in an organic fashion, we learn about Polish customs, language, and traditions. I looked forward to reading this every night and finding out what happened next and what I would learn about the trade.

Marie struggles with being a single woman in the Victorian age and fights to make a living in a man's world and a man's trade. But her struggles make her the kind of woman we all desire to be: honest, hardworking, brave.
I highly recommend Tinsmith. You will have fun learning and will enjoy the journey along with Marie.

[Larry F. Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tinsmith 1865 is a wonderful book about a young woman, Marie Kotlarczyk, transplanted to the Dakota frontier, who must take up and succeed at her family’s trade of tinsmithing, despite being a woman. The voice of Marie, who is often tormented by the decisions she must make and the feats she must perform, is strong and compelling. Romance is a strong part of this story but it would be wrong to call it a “romance.” It is historical fiction, with an emphasis on the real struggles of a community of well-drawn characters in the post-Civil War American West. It highlights the varying ethnicities present in the fictional Flats Town—especially Marie’s Polish family and friends, and several Norwegians who sometimes help and sometimes hinder her quest to be her own woman. I was fascinated by the story’s authentic historical detail and continually drawn into Marie’s personal struggle.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an introduction to the popular '1883' movies and the art of Tin and Copper Smithing! Ms. Dahmen paints a realistic, encompassing picture of the life of settlers in isolated Flats Junction, Dakota Territory, and the cost to a woman who dares enter the world of working men. If you haven't seen them, please do so - the movies are really special, but even more special, the story of this brave woman, Sara Dahmen, who offers us all this knowledge and has created a niche for herself in the mostly male art of metalworking. This is a book I am going to gift my Nieces and greats, along with the 1883 books. Sara Dahmen is an author I will follow. She is an author I am pleased to recommend to family and friends.

Reviewed on March 16, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub.

[Valerie Biel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful and rich cast of characters. You’re rooting for everyone from the very beginning, through heartbreak and tragedy we’re on the journey with them in the rough life of a western frontier town. I loved the details of the tinsmith trade, including the illustrations and definitions at the back of the book. This attention to detail makes all the difference for the reader. I was not surprised to learn that the author is a tinsmith/coppersmith herself. I love learning new things through story – and what a heartfelt, lovely story it is! Can’t wait to read more in the Flats Junction series!

[Michelle Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of reading Sara Dahmen’s book, Widow 1881, you’ll already be in love with the people of Flats Junction. Reading Tinsmith will feel like coming home of sorts with all the lovely tie ends. But this book doesn’t rely on the established setting. It tells it’s own story - one of a brave and determined pioneer woman who dared to be a smith. Dahmen expertly weaves her story with love, loss, bravery, and irrefutable human tenderness. I can’t remember the last time I yearned for a protagonist to succeed while her poor, underbelly was so exposed to a world determined to put her in “a woman’s place.” What a wonderful story. I highly recommend.

[John Yarrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to step through a door to live life on the plains in the mid-1800s, then this novel is for you. Author, Sara Dahmen’s heroine dives in a world where only the hardiest of men survive. As an apprentice tinsmith, she fights to keep the family business going against the harshness of surviving in a small Midwest town where even the banker is gunning for her. Not only is this a great character study, but the story has twists and turns that are intriguing and full of suspense. The bestselling authors in historical fiction need to open their arms to accept another great writer. I’d give five guns up for Sara Dahmen’s Tinsmith 1865!

[Cindy Hemric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie's family moves to the Dakota Territory after the death of her Mom. Her father and brothers and tinsmiths and she wants to learn to be a tinsmith if they will allow her to learn. Her brothers join the army, leaving her and her father. Her father has a seizure and she has no choice but to try to finish her father's work if they are to survive. Learning this trade is hard. She is physically scarred from the tin. Will she let a man into her life, or will she choose to be independent?

I enjoyed this story, the growth of the characters, and their interaction with others. I was not familiar with work as a tinsmith so it was entertaining and educational. I highly recommend!

[Mary's Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing from beginning to end. The historical era has been depicted with careful care and the characters came across as very believable. This book gives a fascinating insight into the craft of tinsmith, and what was more fascinating was Marie’s determination to learn the skill and help her family.

If you love quality historical fiction then this book should really be on your to-read list. I highly recommend this book.

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Dahmen has written an excellent history-based novel about a family of tinsmiths that join a wagon train to the Dakota Territories in 1865. Her description of life during that time period, especially for women, is picturesque and striking. The protagonist, Marya, knowing only the rudiments of the tinsmithing trade, must find her way, on her own, with the death of her family. Her struggles for acceptance and identity are captivating. A book that not is easy to put down.

[Lawrence Verigin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story from a woman's perspective of survival in the mid 1800s. It tells of the hardship, pain, fighting doubt and inner voices, to make it in a man's trade, in a hard land. The characters were vivid and the story kept moving me forward. I highly recommend for people who like historical fiction.

[Shirley Londry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love some historical fiction and this one is a new take. A Female tinker in 1865+ asserting her rights as a female tinker who still has romantic feelings. An easy yet interesting read. Characters are interesting and well developed. Setting is less so, even though we see the Polish family as they leave the settled east and go on a wagon train to the unsettled west.

[Lisa Demers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read

I like to read books that are going to give me a little bit of an education and keep my interest.This book did just that!If you like a little bit of history,mixed with a little bit of sadness and romance with a side of comedy thrown in then you might like this book!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well researched novel of an immigrant Polish family moving West with their trade and a hope to settle with success in a new territory.

I was provided a free copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth Honea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about Marie's journey to the Dakota Territories. Fallow along as she blossoms into a confidence young woman who knows where her head and heart belong. Marie must find belief in herself and her trade as a Tinsmith. In an era where women are expect to marry and stay home.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this intriguing story set in the pioneer West. I was totally immersed.

[Mary Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dahmen is a good storyteller - I couldn't put this down. A well researched historical romance with a slow burn that keeps you reading.

[Jennifer Eagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for historical fiction, and this book was written so well that I felt pulled right into the time and place. Wonderful read!

[Sreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with interesting characters and setting.

[Sally Mander · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars, Changes

TINSMITH 1865 (FLATS JUNCTION SERIES BOOK 1)
by Sara Dahmen

Marie, her father, and two brothers are from a Polish immigrant family who comes by wagon train to Flat's Junction, Dakota Territory to start a new life as tinsmiths in 1865. No one realizes how much their lives will change in the next few years.

Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of #tinsmith1865 from #netgalley #booksGOsocial I was under no obligation to post a review. #triggerwarnings #saradahmen #historicalfiction #tinsmith @saradahmen @booksgosocial #bibliophile #reviewer #Polish #America

[andrew nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s anesthésie feel to this book.The hardness of their life jumps from the pages and wearers you down as you gasp for an ending of any sort and your not disappointed. It’s better than tv as your imagination is your weapon of choice.The woman’s depth of dispair can relate to women of today and the isolation and loneliness together with the burden of dept facing the reality of no escape you live this journey with her. A must reed book

[Chris Norbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating, detailed look at the life of a young Polish immigrant woman who goes west to the frontier in 1865 and tries to maintain a semblance of her life as it was in Chicago after her parents grew their family. When first her brothers die while in the Army, and then her father dies, she's left to fend for herself and carry on the family's tinsmith business.

Continuously in debt and under pressure to be a typical woman of the era and marry and raise children, she struggles with herself and those close to her to find the path that will fulfill her dreams and desires. It's not easy, and overall the story is dark and a bit depressing, but the conclusion works very well.

Dahmen's choice of writing style and voice is a perfect fit for the character and the time period. I had no trouble believing all these characters could have existed in real life and that their lives, duties, social engagement, and living conditions were accurate for the period. Well worth your time to read.