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As Thyself: A Historical Romance set in 1950s Post-Dust Bowl Kansas
Post-Dust Bowl Kansas, 1950. Joyce Killion, a 17-year-old piano prodigy, is running from her grandma. But it’s not easy to hide from an intrusive tormentor who’s constantly invading Joyce’s living room, practice time, and personal business.
Richard Wood is running too—from his neglectful stepfather, his fear of mediocrity, and his family’s poverty.
When they both find refuge at Harper’s railway station, Richard as an apprentice telegrapher, and Joyce as her father’s assistant, they build an unshakable connection.
But while the railroad brings them together, their futures tear them apart, and Joyce fears she must choose between the boy she is growing to love and earning the music degree she’s always dreamed of. After all, college-bound girls cannot marry transient railway workers.
Based on the lives of real people, AS THYSELF is a fictionalized account of a true love story with a large helping of family drama. It is informed by extensive interviews and first-hand accounts of the social and economic struggles that rural Kansan families, especially those affected by the Dust Bowl, faced in the 1950s.
Richard Wood is running too—from his neglectful stepfather, his fear of mediocrity, and his family’s poverty.
When they both find refuge at Harper’s railway station, Richard as an apprentice telegrapher, and Joyce as her father’s assistant, they build an unshakable connection.
But while the railroad brings them together, their futures tear them apart, and Joyce fears she must choose between the boy she is growing to love and earning the music degree she’s always dreamed of. After all, college-bound girls cannot marry transient railway workers.
Based on the lives of real people, AS THYSELF is a fictionalized account of a true love story with a large helping of family drama. It is informed by extensive interviews and first-hand accounts of the social and economic struggles that rural Kansan families, especially those affected by the Dust Bowl, faced in the 1950s.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 12, 2023
really cool.
OK wow, that was quite the adventure! I’ve never read a historical romance that was set so recently. Especially in the 1950s in Kansas. Usually it’s Victorian romances or even medieval, but this one? So interesting?
Really well researched and well put together. Definitely believable and relatable and I enjoyed it very much.
OK wow, that was quite the adventure! I’ve never read a historical romance that was set so recently. Especially in the 1950s in Kansas. Usually it’s Victorian romances or even medieval, but this one? So interesting?
Really well researched and well put together. Definitely believable and relatable and I enjoyed it very much.
November 16, 2023
This is a fabulous story!
I’m glad I didn’t let the ‘Historical Romance’ part of the title dissuade me. There is romance but I found it to be a tender, poignant, achingly sweet ‘Coming of Age’ story. The romance is wonderful but mostly secondary to our heroine’s inner journey. And it’s so beautifully written! I found something genuine and likable about ever character, even the “witch”. Try it out!
I’m glad I didn’t let the ‘Historical Romance’ part of the title dissuade me. There is romance but I found it to be a tender, poignant, achingly sweet ‘Coming of Age’ story. The romance is wonderful but mostly secondary to our heroine’s inner journey. And it’s so beautifully written! I found something genuine and likable about ever character, even the “witch”. Try it out!
April 29, 2024
Romantic sweet love story
I loved the characters and the plot. The story was so sweet. I enjoyed the characters and plot; the historical elements added depth. It seemed like what my grandparents experienced. The story was touching and perfect for anyone seeking a heartwarming read.
I loved the characters and the plot. The story was so sweet. I enjoyed the characters and plot; the historical elements added depth. It seemed like what my grandparents experienced. The story was touching and perfect for anyone seeking a heartwarming read.
November 9, 2023
Beautiful
The characters are so human that draw you in! Each in their own way. The pages are full of hope, despair, and a certain beautiful brokenness with all searching for their own redemption. Whether it's lovable Richard and Joyce or unlikable Jim or grandma Nellie, the characters are all human. Great story
The characters are so human that draw you in! Each in their own way. The pages are full of hope, despair, and a certain beautiful brokenness with all searching for their own redemption. Whether it's lovable Richard and Joyce or unlikable Jim or grandma Nellie, the characters are all human. Great story
November 3, 2023
As Thyself
What a beautiful love story. It brought back a lot of nostalgia from the 50’s and engrossed you into alot of challenging situations involved in relationships. It is beautifully written and an easy read. Love your style.
What a beautiful love story. It brought back a lot of nostalgia from the 50’s and engrossed you into alot of challenging situations involved in relationships. It is beautifully written and an easy read. Love your style.
June 28, 2026
As Thyself is a beautifully crafted historical romance set in post-Dust Bowl Kansas that captures the struggles, dreams, and resilience of a generation shaped by hardship. Seventeen year old piano prodigy Joyce Killion and apprentice telegrapher Richard Wood find refuge and connection at a railway station, but their futures threaten to tear them apart as Joyce faces an impossible choice between love and her dream of a music degree. Based on the lives of real people, this novel is rich with historical detail and emotional depth, informed by interviews and firsthand accounts of rural Kansan life in the 1950s. The characters are beautifully drawn, the romance is heartfelt, and the themes of love, sacrifice, and ambition resonate deeply. A touching and unforgettable read for fans of historical romance and stories based on true lives. Highly recommended.
September 3, 2024
beautifully written
Loved that this was based on a true story. Author is very detailed in her descriptions of 1950s life in Kansas. Characters are well written and make you root for them. Joyce and Richards love story was sweetly written but I especially liked the cranky Granny and the hobo Matthew. Well written story.
Loved that this was based on a true story. Author is very detailed in her descriptions of 1950s life in Kansas. Characters are well written and make you root for them. Joyce and Richards love story was sweetly written but I especially liked the cranky Granny and the hobo Matthew. Well written story.
October 3, 2024
such a great story.
The beginning of this book hooked me from the get go. Such an amazing story. Kudos to the author for writing this love story
The beginning of this book hooked me from the get go. Such an amazing story. Kudos to the author for writing this love story
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews