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Mirrors & Smoke
Rebecca Plummer is a Canadian herbalist and midwife with a shameful secret and feminist outlook, caught up in the War of 1812 in Niagara, Upper Canada. Rebecca struggles to keep her family and community together despite wartime deprivation and gossip.
Awarded third place in the historical novel category of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association competition, 2023.
"A story of courage, strength, and resilience" "Mirrors & Smoke captivates from the start and delivers a moving tale of perseverance in the face of tragedy. Rebecca Plummer is a healer, midwife, and caregiver to women whose strength has been diminished by childbearing, near starvation, and abuse. In 1812, when the United States invades Canada, Rebecca's dedication to healing is put to the test. Told from multiple perspectives, the reader is given interwoven views of the war, and contrasting perceptions about Rebecca and her life. Based on real people and historical events, this fictionalized account is told from the Canadian perspective and presents a rarely seen view of life in war-torn, rural Canada."-Donna D. Conrad, award-winning author of House of the Surviving the Sixties ***
"Mirrors & Smoke tells the remarkable story of Rebecca Plummer. Life is not easy for a healer and midwife in Upper Canada in the early part of the nineteenth century, especially one who wants to improve the lot of women. Inevitably, such desires bring her more enemies than successes. "Adrienne Stevenson presents us with an oh so realistic, yet fictionalised, account of those turbulent times from the perspective of a woman living in Niagara in Upper Canada. With more enemies than friends, Rebecca navigates the anti-feminist repression of the time with intelligence, determination and a capacity for hard work. The chaos brought by the US invasion in 1812 multiplies her problems. Her skills must turn from saving the lives of injured soldiers to saving her own family as the turmoil causes both friend and foe to reveal their true nature. "As I read on, I became more and more involved with Stevenson's artfully crafted characters. It was a jolt to realise the author had not actually lived through those times, although she must have immersed herself in every last detail. Stevenson brings a light and poetic touch to this important subject matter without hitting us over the head with the underlying serious theme. "It is refreshing to see a book about the war of 1812 that reveals the wider effect on the people of the time and how a woman might achieve her goals against her political adversaries and the agonies of war raging, albeit slowly, around her."-Brian Wyvill, author of The Second Gate series
Awarded third place in the historical novel category of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association competition, 2023.
"A story of courage, strength, and resilience" "Mirrors & Smoke captivates from the start and delivers a moving tale of perseverance in the face of tragedy. Rebecca Plummer is a healer, midwife, and caregiver to women whose strength has been diminished by childbearing, near starvation, and abuse. In 1812, when the United States invades Canada, Rebecca's dedication to healing is put to the test. Told from multiple perspectives, the reader is given interwoven views of the war, and contrasting perceptions about Rebecca and her life. Based on real people and historical events, this fictionalized account is told from the Canadian perspective and presents a rarely seen view of life in war-torn, rural Canada."-Donna D. Conrad, award-winning author of House of the Surviving the Sixties ***
"Mirrors & Smoke tells the remarkable story of Rebecca Plummer. Life is not easy for a healer and midwife in Upper Canada in the early part of the nineteenth century, especially one who wants to improve the lot of women. Inevitably, such desires bring her more enemies than successes. "Adrienne Stevenson presents us with an oh so realistic, yet fictionalised, account of those turbulent times from the perspective of a woman living in Niagara in Upper Canada. With more enemies than friends, Rebecca navigates the anti-feminist repression of the time with intelligence, determination and a capacity for hard work. The chaos brought by the US invasion in 1812 multiplies her problems. Her skills must turn from saving the lives of injured soldiers to saving her own family as the turmoil causes both friend and foe to reveal their true nature. "As I read on, I became more and more involved with Stevenson's artfully crafted characters. It was a jolt to realise the author had not actually lived through those times, although she must have immersed herself in every last detail. Stevenson brings a light and poetic touch to this important subject matter without hitting us over the head with the underlying serious theme. "It is refreshing to see a book about the war of 1812 that reveals the wider effect on the people of the time and how a woman might achieve her goals against her political adversaries and the agonies of war raging, albeit slowly, around her."-Brian Wyvill, author of The Second Gate series
556 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2023
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 10, 2023
I liked this book very much. I like books which have not only a good story but the added pleasure is that I learn something. In this case, it was a period of history I thought I knew a little about, the Napoleonic Wars. But here's a new perspective, that of a sturdy Canadian woman and her family, before Canada was even a country. These early settlers were peering across the Niagara River at the American settlers and their Army who were ready to invade Canada. They hear the rattle of the guns, see the troops drilling. Ah, the tension.
The story follows Rebecca, a herbalist, who comes out from England to the wilderness and must marry. There are no other choices. She makes a life for herself, and a good one, out of the scraps of her dreams, and along the way, helps other women with her healing arts. I wondered how I would survive privation and hard work that would probably kill most of us nowadays. How I would deal with war and hunger and threat.
I knew nothing about the role of the Indian tribes and their stalwart leaders in fending off the American invasion. Call me a bad Canadian. We're all catching up on history told from other points of view. I think you will like Rebecca and her family.
The story follows Rebecca, a herbalist, who comes out from England to the wilderness and must marry. There are no other choices. She makes a life for herself, and a good one, out of the scraps of her dreams, and along the way, helps other women with her healing arts. I wondered how I would survive privation and hard work that would probably kill most of us nowadays. How I would deal with war and hunger and threat.
I knew nothing about the role of the Indian tribes and their stalwart leaders in fending off the American invasion. Call me a bad Canadian. We're all catching up on history told from other points of view. I think you will like Rebecca and her family.
August 22, 2023
The thing I love most about reading historical fiction is learning more about places and pieces of history that I didn't fully appreciate before. In this book, Adrienne Stevenson does a brilliant job immersing us in the war of 1812 - from the Canadian side, and from the point of view of the strong and engaging Rebecca Plummer, among others.
Many American's don't realized the US invaded Canada during the War of 1812. This book follows not only the travails of Rebecca Plummer as she works to keep her family and her community safe, but includes an entire cast of point of view characters that help illuminate the politics and the humanity behind the war.
Readers who like to be immersed in history, becoming part of the story through the eyes of the characters, will love this story and recommend it to others.
Many American's don't realized the US invaded Canada during the War of 1812. This book follows not only the travails of Rebecca Plummer as she works to keep her family and her community safe, but includes an entire cast of point of view characters that help illuminate the politics and the humanity behind the war.
Readers who like to be immersed in history, becoming part of the story through the eyes of the characters, will love this story and recommend it to others.
October 22, 2023
This well-written and engaging book is told from the point of view of Rebecca, an unmarried Englishwoman with prospects limited by her station in life. When she's offered the chance to come to the wilderness to help her brother-in-law care for her nieces, it's her best alternative. She works hard to make a life for herself and win the love and trust of her new family and community as they face the uncertainty and privations of the times. In Rebecca, Adrienne Stevenson has created a brave and thoughtful heroine to rival Scarlett O'Hara, and a tense and emotional story of ordinary people in war to rival Gone With the Wind.
June 28, 2024
We are proud to announce that MIRRORS & SMOKE by Adrienne Stevenson has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
August 8, 2024
This historical fiction novel was well researched, about an interesting time and place not often heard of, as seen through the eyes of Rebecca, a herbalist, who became immersed in the war effort.
July 18, 2024
A well told tale about Ontario's stand against America in 1809-1813. Well written, entertaining, a delight to read, from someone who usually listen on audio.
March 20, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
1st July 2024
TITLE: Mirrors & Smoke
AUTHOR: Adrienne Stevenson
Star Rating: 4
‘A riveting historical novel with a cast of memorable, and often charismatic, characters. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
In this highly emotive and engaging historical novel from the talented pen of Adrienne Stevenson, the reader gets to follow Rebecca, a herbalist and midwife, who finds herself in Canada during the early 1800s when it is invaded by the US. What follows is an enjoyable, character-led drama, the author not only offering the reader a compelling plot but also an insight into the war, the culture, and the politics of the time.
I must say, there's a lot to enjoy here. The author is a competent writer capable of pulling readers into the characters’ drama-filled existence. In fact, it's the characters, particularly Rebecca, who hold the story together. I very much enjoyed getting to know them, what inspired them, and why they did what they did. I was also impressed by the author's knowledge of the time and place, and her ability not to shove it in the reader's face. As a result, the setting is important, but it still stays in the background where it belongs, the focus always on the plot and the journey of the characters.
In terms of what needs work, not a lot! I, personally, wasn't a big fan of the changing POV and the often very short chapters. It resulted in a rather jerky sort of read which, for me, killed the flow of the story. I'd rather the author focused on Rebecca and kept the story from her POV. But that's just me, and many readers will undoubtedly disagree.
So, if you happen to be on the hunt for a smartly plotted, character-focused, historical drama, you can't go too far wrong with Mirrors & Smoke. It's a long read, but there's never a dull moment and I think most readers will enjoy rooting for Rebecca as she attempts to do what's right for her family and the women in her charge.
‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Mirrors & Smoke
Author: Adrienne Stevenson
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 6/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 15 readers:
10 would read another book by this author.
6 thought the cover was good or excellent.
13 felt it was easy to follow.
10 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
9 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
10 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Almost a character study as the reader is introduced to the formidable Rebecca. Set in the 1800s in Canada, this novel is well-written and smartly plotted. I suspect readers interested in ‘strong’ women in history will find this book a gem.” Female reader, aged 49
“The story of a woman determined to save her family in war torn Canada. The writer knows the setting well, putting across to the reader the politics and problems of the time. A fascinating novel.” Male reader, aged 66
“Let down by a poor, badly constructed cover, this novel is a must-read for anybody interested in Canada and its history. Very much character-led, the readers will get to know the MC (Rebecca) in depth. Multi-themed – herbalism, midwifery, politics, etc. etc. I felt the author did a good job of turning the ‘happenings’ of the day into a gripping drama.” Female reader, aged 62
“Enjoyed this novel, but it is rather long. I think a good editor would cut into it by, say, 10%, and improve the pacing. I’m also not a big fan of the jumping POV, But as an insight into Upper Canada in the 1800s, it’s still fascinating.” Female reader, aged 57
To Sum It Up:
‘A smartly plotted, character focused novel set in 1800s Canada.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
1st July 2024
TITLE: Mirrors & Smoke
AUTHOR: Adrienne Stevenson
Star Rating: 4
‘A riveting historical novel with a cast of memorable, and often charismatic, characters. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
In this highly emotive and engaging historical novel from the talented pen of Adrienne Stevenson, the reader gets to follow Rebecca, a herbalist and midwife, who finds herself in Canada during the early 1800s when it is invaded by the US. What follows is an enjoyable, character-led drama, the author not only offering the reader a compelling plot but also an insight into the war, the culture, and the politics of the time.
I must say, there's a lot to enjoy here. The author is a competent writer capable of pulling readers into the characters’ drama-filled existence. In fact, it's the characters, particularly Rebecca, who hold the story together. I very much enjoyed getting to know them, what inspired them, and why they did what they did. I was also impressed by the author's knowledge of the time and place, and her ability not to shove it in the reader's face. As a result, the setting is important, but it still stays in the background where it belongs, the focus always on the plot and the journey of the characters.
In terms of what needs work, not a lot! I, personally, wasn't a big fan of the changing POV and the often very short chapters. It resulted in a rather jerky sort of read which, for me, killed the flow of the story. I'd rather the author focused on Rebecca and kept the story from her POV. But that's just me, and many readers will undoubtedly disagree.
So, if you happen to be on the hunt for a smartly plotted, character-focused, historical drama, you can't go too far wrong with Mirrors & Smoke. It's a long read, but there's never a dull moment and I think most readers will enjoy rooting for Rebecca as she attempts to do what's right for her family and the women in her charge.
‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Mirrors & Smoke
Author: Adrienne Stevenson
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 6/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 15 readers:
10 would read another book by this author.
6 thought the cover was good or excellent.
13 felt it was easy to follow.
10 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
9 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
10 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Almost a character study as the reader is introduced to the formidable Rebecca. Set in the 1800s in Canada, this novel is well-written and smartly plotted. I suspect readers interested in ‘strong’ women in history will find this book a gem.” Female reader, aged 49
“The story of a woman determined to save her family in war torn Canada. The writer knows the setting well, putting across to the reader the politics and problems of the time. A fascinating novel.” Male reader, aged 66
“Let down by a poor, badly constructed cover, this novel is a must-read for anybody interested in Canada and its history. Very much character-led, the readers will get to know the MC (Rebecca) in depth. Multi-themed – herbalism, midwifery, politics, etc. etc. I felt the author did a good job of turning the ‘happenings’ of the day into a gripping drama.” Female reader, aged 62
“Enjoyed this novel, but it is rather long. I think a good editor would cut into it by, say, 10%, and improve the pacing. I’m also not a big fan of the jumping POV, But as an insight into Upper Canada in the 1800s, it’s still fascinating.” Female reader, aged 57
To Sum It Up:
‘A smartly plotted, character focused novel set in 1800s Canada.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews