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An Unseemly Wife
Not all journeys come to an end....
1867. Ruth Holtz has more blessings than she can count—a loving husband, an abundant farm, beautiful children, and the warm embrace of the Amish community. Then, the English arrive, spreading incredible stories of free land in the West and inspiring her husband to dream of a new life in Idaho.
Breaking the rules of their Order, Ruth’s husband packs up his pregnant wife and their four children and joins a wagon train heading west. Though Ruth is determined to keep separate from the English, as stricture demands, the harrowing journey soon compels her to accept help from two unlikely Hortence, the preacher’s wife, and the tomboyish, teasing Sadie.
But as these new friendships lead to betrayal, what started as a quest for a brighter future ends with Ruth making unthinkable sacrifices, risking faith and family, and transforming into a woman she never imagined she’d become….
1867. Ruth Holtz has more blessings than she can count—a loving husband, an abundant farm, beautiful children, and the warm embrace of the Amish community. Then, the English arrive, spreading incredible stories of free land in the West and inspiring her husband to dream of a new life in Idaho.
Breaking the rules of their Order, Ruth’s husband packs up his pregnant wife and their four children and joins a wagon train heading west. Though Ruth is determined to keep separate from the English, as stricture demands, the harrowing journey soon compels her to accept help from two unlikely Hortence, the preacher’s wife, and the tomboyish, teasing Sadie.
But as these new friendships lead to betrayal, what started as a quest for a brighter future ends with Ruth making unthinkable sacrifices, risking faith and family, and transforming into a woman she never imagined she’d become….
309 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
34 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 25, 2015
A good historical novel is convincing with its voice. A great one (and An Unseemly Wife is a great historical novel) has a voice with such authority that you are buried in the setting, unable even to conceive of your own era anymore. I could build a time machine, travel back and speak to a Plain woman making a wagon journey with her family, and it probably wouldn't feel as authentic as Ruth.
E. B. Moore is as unflinching and devoted as her protagonist in telling the story from Ruth's perspective. We feel each battle that faces and know, with her, that each of her choices is inevitable. She is forced to battle with her husband, with her community in support of her husband, with life-threatening illness (both her own and her children's), with Indian attacks, with the terrifying ways of the English, and, finally, with her own God.
There is a moment toward the end of her journey, when seemingly everything that can go wrong has exploded around her, and Ruth loses her composure. As she struggles to gain control of herself, she steadies her thoughts: "Bend you to it, and don't flinch." When I read this sentence, the people in the apartments near me must have thought that I was watching a sports match they weren't aware of, because I yelled my support at the pages. Never mind putting you on the edge of your seat, you're likely to fall out of your chair completely while leaning closer to the words with excitement, and then worry, from the floor, that you're about to get crushed by a wagon until you hazily remember that you are not, in fact, in the 1860s on a dangerous trail.
This is a part of American history that we so rarely hear about, and it is painted here with an authority and intensity that makes the reader understand and identify with it immediately.
I can't wait for the sequel.
E. B. Moore is as unflinching and devoted as her protagonist in telling the story from Ruth's perspective. We feel each battle that faces and know, with her, that each of her choices is inevitable. She is forced to battle with her husband, with her community in support of her husband, with life-threatening illness (both her own and her children's), with Indian attacks, with the terrifying ways of the English, and, finally, with her own God.
There is a moment toward the end of her journey, when seemingly everything that can go wrong has exploded around her, and Ruth loses her composure. As she struggles to gain control of herself, she steadies her thoughts: "Bend you to it, and don't flinch." When I read this sentence, the people in the apartments near me must have thought that I was watching a sports match they weren't aware of, because I yelled my support at the pages. Never mind putting you on the edge of your seat, you're likely to fall out of your chair completely while leaning closer to the words with excitement, and then worry, from the floor, that you're about to get crushed by a wagon until you hazily remember that you are not, in fact, in the 1860s on a dangerous trail.
This is a part of American history that we so rarely hear about, and it is painted here with an authority and intensity that makes the reader understand and identify with it immediately.
I can't wait for the sequel.
August 10, 2016
I was lucky enough to read this early. The combination of heart stopping & thoughtful & engaging is incredible. Ruth's journey will break your heart. Her courage will make engender hope for always. Loved this book.
September 14, 2015
I have a lot of thoughts swimming around about my feelings about this book. There will be lots of spoilers.
First, I found the writing style extremely hard to follow. It was very staccato, I had a hard time reading the sentences and understanding them as a sentence. There were 3-4 times where I backed up a few pages and re-read them to make sure I understood what was going on.
There are some Amish sayings/words that are not explained, but that's ok.
I found this book very laggy at points, and overall incredibly sad. In fairness, I read this book expecting..not necessarily sunshine and rainbows, but a fun quick historical read. It was not fun at all, it was sad. Most of the book everyone is sick or Horetence is yelling at someone for something stupid or being otherwise dramatic.
There was very few, to almost no details about the environment, what they packed and ate, what they wore, what it was like. All the plot movement was driven by dramatic situations.
Again, spoilers warning.
You've been warned! =)
I was totally shocked when everyone was dead. I thought I was confused. I thought, what a terrible way to have this book go, and being that there was only 20 pages left, I was sure everyone else would be dead too.
I still have no idea how the surviving characters got to that English house, where was it? Did they go backwards towards home and found this place? Was this related to the people that found them? See, I even re-read this part and have no idea what happened.
I felt a little bad judging the book so harshly knowing it was loosely based on her Great grandmothers/Grandmothers journey westward, but I don't think anything that I disliked about the book is part of the heritage of their families story.
First, I found the writing style extremely hard to follow. It was very staccato, I had a hard time reading the sentences and understanding them as a sentence. There were 3-4 times where I backed up a few pages and re-read them to make sure I understood what was going on.
There are some Amish sayings/words that are not explained, but that's ok.
I found this book very laggy at points, and overall incredibly sad. In fairness, I read this book expecting..not necessarily sunshine and rainbows, but a fun quick historical read. It was not fun at all, it was sad. Most of the book everyone is sick or Horetence is yelling at someone for something stupid or being otherwise dramatic.
There was very few, to almost no details about the environment, what they packed and ate, what they wore, what it was like. All the plot movement was driven by dramatic situations.
Again, spoilers warning.
You've been warned! =)
I was totally shocked when everyone was dead. I thought I was confused. I thought, what a terrible way to have this book go, and being that there was only 20 pages left, I was sure everyone else would be dead too.
I still have no idea how the surviving characters got to that English house, where was it? Did they go backwards towards home and found this place? Was this related to the people that found them? See, I even re-read this part and have no idea what happened.
I felt a little bad judging the book so harshly knowing it was loosely based on her Great grandmothers/Grandmothers journey westward, but I don't think anything that I disliked about the book is part of the heritage of their families story.
September 5, 2014
An Unseemly Wife is a very different Amish read then most of the other books I have read. Yes Ruth is willing to follower her husband Aaron as any Amish wife would; he is the head of her household, and makes the major decisions.
This story was so different in the way that the Amish try to stay together for the sake of their religion and the practice of their faith. What she never ever expected was for her husband to go against his faith and strike out on his own from Pennsylvania to the unknown of Idaho. He has been told that there are acres and acres of land their for the taking.
This is 1867 and the mode of transportation will be by wagon, packing up what they can transport to the unknown, and leaving behind some of her cherished memories. Hard to imagine how Ruth must have felt, she was leaving all that she had ever known, and her rock, her faith.
Doubt I would have made it out of the driveway, never mind across the country, Ruth was one strong woman. We travel each mile with her, and are there for the birth of her baby. Wow, again I can’t imagine.
If you want to read a story about what our country was like for a pioneering family, this will put you right into the wagon. Don’t miss this rather historical read; you won’t be able to put it down once you start. A really great read.
I received this book through the Publisher NAL Trade and Edelweiss, I was not required to give a positive review
This story was so different in the way that the Amish try to stay together for the sake of their religion and the practice of their faith. What she never ever expected was for her husband to go against his faith and strike out on his own from Pennsylvania to the unknown of Idaho. He has been told that there are acres and acres of land their for the taking.
This is 1867 and the mode of transportation will be by wagon, packing up what they can transport to the unknown, and leaving behind some of her cherished memories. Hard to imagine how Ruth must have felt, she was leaving all that she had ever known, and her rock, her faith.
Doubt I would have made it out of the driveway, never mind across the country, Ruth was one strong woman. We travel each mile with her, and are there for the birth of her baby. Wow, again I can’t imagine.
If you want to read a story about what our country was like for a pioneering family, this will put you right into the wagon. Don’t miss this rather historical read; you won’t be able to put it down once you start. A really great read.
I received this book through the Publisher NAL Trade and Edelweiss, I was not required to give a positive review
October 15, 2014
I picked up a copy of this book because I enjoy reading stories of Amish life. One of my first authors who introduced me to really great Amish stories is Beverly Lewis. It has been a while since I have seen or read a good Amish story. Thus when I saw this book, I had to check it out. So glad that I did. It was amazing. I shared an close, instant and emotional connection with Ruth. Although I have to admit in the beginning I was not sure about her husband, Aaron. I thought he was just selfish and did not care about his wife and family. I was quickly put in my place and set straight. Aaron was a loving husband and father. The journey that the family took was breathtaking and scenic. It was like I was with them every step of the way. If you like Amish stories or are just looking for a good book to read then check out this book.
July 2, 2014
Wow, just wow. A gorgeously written book about a physically demanding journey, the toll it exacts, and the emotional awakening it enables. As experienced by an Amish woman, Ruth, whose husband decides to leave their tightknit community to head to Idaho in a covered wagon. And she goes with him, against her better judgment, and even though leaving breaks her heart.
I felt like I was a part of Ruth. Her journey was my journey, and the emotions she felt but couldn't always express resonated deep within me. I've read plenty of pioneer stories before, but none that hit me like this. Sometimes you keep going because you have no other choice. And sometimes you create a new life for the same reason.
I felt like I was a part of Ruth. Her journey was my journey, and the emotions she felt but couldn't always express resonated deep within me. I've read plenty of pioneer stories before, but none that hit me like this. Sometimes you keep going because you have no other choice. And sometimes you create a new life for the same reason.
May 6, 2014
I read an early version of this book and couldn't put it down. A well-written and fascinating epic journey of an Amish family leaving all they know to venture west.
October 10, 2014
Ruth Holtz loves life as an Amish wife and mother in Pennsylvania but her husband has bigger, practical dreams of having enough land to yield enough crops and farm products for a large, large family. Ruth also loves the care and cooperation of the Amish community and can’t imagine living without them. At first Ruth thinks it’s nothing but her husband’s fantasy, so imagine her surprise when Aaron announces they are heading for Idaho. The novel travels back and forth between their animosity once the decision is made without her input and the immense difficulty of their journey in a home-built Conestoga wagon. The latter is an adventure in itself!
At first the challenge as they travel is nothing more than a sense of Ruth’s grief at leaving behind family, friends and the Amish community. But then rainstorms, cold, floods, ice, disease, and trouble with the “English” whom they meet looms larger and larger to the point where Ruth wonders if they will ever finish what seems to be a God-forsaken journey.
During the trip Ruth makes two good friends, Hortense a preacher’s wife and Sadie a tough little woman, and much later other friends who become her new world. Each new person has his or her own motives and ultimately some turn out faithful and one in particular an unexpected betrayer. Sadly enough there are several huge losses that almost take away Ruth’s survival spirit and make her question God and her prayers to him for so much.
An Unseemly Wife is a lovely and tough story that never fails to keep the reader totally engaged. The reader wants so much for Ruth and the author satisfies, while never giving up honesty as in Aaron’s stubborn will regarding the future. In some external ways, Ruth is a stereotypical woman of the time, but the author makes the internal thoughts and feelings of Ruth uniquely real and fascinating as this woman changes from a compliant, meek woman to a strong, even tough, woman, manifesting the strength necessary to live a fruitful life in the American West. Her and her family’s journey with its losses and triumphs is symbolic of so many who became part of the westward expansion of America’s borders. E. B. Moore depicts it so well and gives the reader a wonderful read in the process!
At first the challenge as they travel is nothing more than a sense of Ruth’s grief at leaving behind family, friends and the Amish community. But then rainstorms, cold, floods, ice, disease, and trouble with the “English” whom they meet looms larger and larger to the point where Ruth wonders if they will ever finish what seems to be a God-forsaken journey.
During the trip Ruth makes two good friends, Hortense a preacher’s wife and Sadie a tough little woman, and much later other friends who become her new world. Each new person has his or her own motives and ultimately some turn out faithful and one in particular an unexpected betrayer. Sadly enough there are several huge losses that almost take away Ruth’s survival spirit and make her question God and her prayers to him for so much.
An Unseemly Wife is a lovely and tough story that never fails to keep the reader totally engaged. The reader wants so much for Ruth and the author satisfies, while never giving up honesty as in Aaron’s stubborn will regarding the future. In some external ways, Ruth is a stereotypical woman of the time, but the author makes the internal thoughts and feelings of Ruth uniquely real and fascinating as this woman changes from a compliant, meek woman to a strong, even tough, woman, manifesting the strength necessary to live a fruitful life in the American West. Her and her family’s journey with its losses and triumphs is symbolic of so many who became part of the westward expansion of America’s borders. E. B. Moore depicts it so well and gives the reader a wonderful read in the process!
December 27, 2014
Where I got the book: review copy provided by publisher. This review first appeared on the Historical Novel Society website: I also wrote a feature article on this novel for the same website.
In 1867, Ruth Holtz’s peaceful life in a Pennsylvania Amish community is destroyed when her husband hears of the free land in Idaho. Driven by the fear that his sons will not have enough land to farm, Aaron is willing to go against the rules of their Order and join up with an ‘English’ wagon train heading west. Both he and Ruth believe they can keep separate from the English as their Order’s rules dictate, but as the distance from home grows longer the small Amish family is the focus of jealousies and resentment. When tragedy strikes, Ruth questions her decision to stop being what her people see as an ‘unseemly wife’ and follow her husband in an act of blind faith.
This debut literary novel is remarkable for its lyrical tone and the sense that Moore manages to convey of Ruth and Aaron’s separateness when they eventually have to come to grips with the English community. The circles of bonding – the Amish identity, the Fold, the family, and friendship – intersect in different ways, the bonds variously tested by obdurate attitudes and the ordinary strains of family life. The poetry of Moore’s language enhances rather than diminishes a sharply drawn portrait of life within a wagon train that conveys both the sheer boredom of the long trek west and the inevitability of hardship and loss.
An Unseemly Wife is Moore’s family history, but the reader is left to imagine how Ruth’s story ends. This lack of resolution may be unsatisfactory for some, but to me it suits the theme of heading out into the unknown, on faith, that pervades the whole book. Faith, Moore seems to be saying, can be changed by circumstances but still abides deep within us. Recommended.
In 1867, Ruth Holtz’s peaceful life in a Pennsylvania Amish community is destroyed when her husband hears of the free land in Idaho. Driven by the fear that his sons will not have enough land to farm, Aaron is willing to go against the rules of their Order and join up with an ‘English’ wagon train heading west. Both he and Ruth believe they can keep separate from the English as their Order’s rules dictate, but as the distance from home grows longer the small Amish family is the focus of jealousies and resentment. When tragedy strikes, Ruth questions her decision to stop being what her people see as an ‘unseemly wife’ and follow her husband in an act of blind faith.
This debut literary novel is remarkable for its lyrical tone and the sense that Moore manages to convey of Ruth and Aaron’s separateness when they eventually have to come to grips with the English community. The circles of bonding – the Amish identity, the Fold, the family, and friendship – intersect in different ways, the bonds variously tested by obdurate attitudes and the ordinary strains of family life. The poetry of Moore’s language enhances rather than diminishes a sharply drawn portrait of life within a wagon train that conveys both the sheer boredom of the long trek west and the inevitability of hardship and loss.
An Unseemly Wife is Moore’s family history, but the reader is left to imagine how Ruth’s story ends. This lack of resolution may be unsatisfactory for some, but to me it suits the theme of heading out into the unknown, on faith, that pervades the whole book. Faith, Moore seems to be saying, can be changed by circumstances but still abides deep within us. Recommended.
October 17, 2014
Giving up the only life she knew, leaving all her possessions for a new life she was not excited about, following her husband's wishes and keeping silent. That is what Ruth's life was like as she followed the rules of her Fold.
We follow Ruth and her family as they get ready to leave their secure community for the unknown in Idaho and follow them on their difficult, two-thousand-mile trek. A trip that was supposed to give them a better life.
The writing in AN UNSEEMLY WIFE is beautiful, and Ms. Moore smoothly and masterfully moves from one time period to the other revealing what Ruth's life was before marrying Aaron and what it was like now. As the journey west continued, Ruth realized that her life with Aaron would never be the same. She had no family close by, and the people they met were not like her Fold at home.
AN UNSEEMLY WIFE is actually an account of the author's great grandmother. I enjoyed this book because I do like historical fiction, but definitely wouldn't want to be living in the 1800's as a woman.
AN UNSEEMLY WIFE did drag a bit, though, but it was quite educational to see the difficulties of traveling in and living in a covered wagon along with the hardships of everyday life. You will feel the family's pain as sad things happen, and all the characters definitely grow on you. The children were so innocent and good. Ruth was obedient and a very good mother. Aaron was a good husband, but not one that I would want. He was kind but too strict.
If you are interested in the early days of settling America, you will enjoy this book. 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation in return for an honest review.
August 4, 2014
*I won an advance reader's copy of this book in a Gooreads First Reads giveaway.*
To be completely honest from the start, I was really disappointed with this book. I really enjoy Amish fiction so I was excited to win this, but it fell flat for me and I almost couldn't finish it. I felt like this book had so much potential that it just didn't live up to.
Part of the problem for me was the writing style. I think the author was trying for a unique way of using flashbacks to tell the story, but it came across as a jumbled mess. I applaud the effort but the execution was poor, so hopefully future editions will be cleaned up a bit. Between the dialogue, the flashbacks, and the parts of the plot not told in flashbacks, this book really was a mess.
Additionally, it seemed like the author didn't research the historical aspects of the story very well. Very few real historical details were actually included and those seemed vague and not entirely accurate.
Now for what I did enjoy: I really liked how much drama was included in the story. If it had been presented in a better written way, I would have really enjoyed this book. As it is written now though, I just couldn't get over the bumps in the writing enough to enjoy the plot. I also was disappointed at the ending. It felt like all the previous drama had been building up for absolutely no reason. The conclusion wasn't really a conclusion, which is fine if this series is going to be continued, but there was also not much action at the end of the book to carry the story. In short, nothing really happened and all the events of the story were for naught.
To be completely honest from the start, I was really disappointed with this book. I really enjoy Amish fiction so I was excited to win this, but it fell flat for me and I almost couldn't finish it. I felt like this book had so much potential that it just didn't live up to.
Part of the problem for me was the writing style. I think the author was trying for a unique way of using flashbacks to tell the story, but it came across as a jumbled mess. I applaud the effort but the execution was poor, so hopefully future editions will be cleaned up a bit. Between the dialogue, the flashbacks, and the parts of the plot not told in flashbacks, this book really was a mess.
Additionally, it seemed like the author didn't research the historical aspects of the story very well. Very few real historical details were actually included and those seemed vague and not entirely accurate.
Now for what I did enjoy: I really liked how much drama was included in the story. If it had been presented in a better written way, I would have really enjoyed this book. As it is written now though, I just couldn't get over the bumps in the writing enough to enjoy the plot. I also was disappointed at the ending. It felt like all the previous drama had been building up for absolutely no reason. The conclusion wasn't really a conclusion, which is fine if this series is going to be continued, but there was also not much action at the end of the book to carry the story. In short, nothing really happened and all the events of the story were for naught.
July 26, 2014
E. B. Moore has written wonderful historical novel in “An Unseemly Wife”. This book brings to life the sheer audacity of some men to want to uproot their families, leave their comfortable homes and travel west to new land. They leave behind cherished possessions, friends, family and familiarity to travel with others of like mind, some of whom are not stellar persons.
The journey is arduous, dangerous, monotonous and fraught with illness, hunger and all things that would make a sane person turn back. But also the different families who travel together can be made up of persons of varying backgrounds, religions, educations, and motivations. Traveling together with unknown folks can cause more problems than being on the trail itself.
I found that I would not have been a good candidate to settle the west, away from the familiar, risking life and limb and the lives of children just to find more land to farm or ranch. I recommend this book because it gives a good view of what those in the westward migration experienced on their journeys to the Promised Land.
I ordered free kindle copy of this book from Amazon.com. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-c2.
The journey is arduous, dangerous, monotonous and fraught with illness, hunger and all things that would make a sane person turn back. But also the different families who travel together can be made up of persons of varying backgrounds, religions, educations, and motivations. Traveling together with unknown folks can cause more problems than being on the trail itself.
I found that I would not have been a good candidate to settle the west, away from the familiar, risking life and limb and the lives of children just to find more land to farm or ranch. I recommend this book because it gives a good view of what those in the westward migration experienced on their journeys to the Promised Land.
I ordered free kindle copy of this book from Amazon.com. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-c2.
December 30, 2014
This is one of the rare books I devoured in a single sitting and couldn't stop thinking about after putting it down. In brisk and elegant prose, E.B. gives us this beautiful yet harrowing story of a young Amish mother, Ruth, compelled by devotion to her husband to leave the safe haven of her home and community in Pennsylvania and trek across the country in a covered wagon with her 4 young children plus another on the way in search of new opportunities out west, braving hostile elements and the hostilities that fester in suspicious, envious human hearts along the way. As her family’s luck turns heartbreakingly tragic, Ruth’s faith and understanding of her identity are turned upside-down.
Especially poignant is the storyline involving Ruth’s raw and loving yet conflicted relationship with her husband Aaron, and the extremely vivid birth and short life of their 5th child during the trek. I could feel, smell and hear the infant while reading and in my sleep.
For those who appreciate powerful, gritty writing and a tear-jerking story based in history and harsh reality, I can't recommend An Unseemly Wife highly enough.
Especially poignant is the storyline involving Ruth’s raw and loving yet conflicted relationship with her husband Aaron, and the extremely vivid birth and short life of their 5th child during the trek. I could feel, smell and hear the infant while reading and in my sleep.
For those who appreciate powerful, gritty writing and a tear-jerking story based in history and harsh reality, I can't recommend An Unseemly Wife highly enough.
February 4, 2015
Left Wanting “Moore”!
As a wife and mother, I was taken with this family, struggling to survive as they dreamt of something better. Ruth’s devotion is guided by her relationship with God, whom she desires to trust, and her determined husband whom she has to trust. E.B. Moore’s “seven peas in a pod on wheels” are trying to stay separate but traveling together with the English, a dynamic both helpful and harmful at a time that was already so difficult.
Regardless of dreams, there is truly a beautiful love and support within the Holtz family and surely you’ll fall in love with sweet, innocent, refreshing, little Esther, whom was my favorite character. I’ll be on the lookout for more books from E.B.
As a wife and mother, I was taken with this family, struggling to survive as they dreamt of something better. Ruth’s devotion is guided by her relationship with God, whom she desires to trust, and her determined husband whom she has to trust. E.B. Moore’s “seven peas in a pod on wheels” are trying to stay separate but traveling together with the English, a dynamic both helpful and harmful at a time that was already so difficult.
Regardless of dreams, there is truly a beautiful love and support within the Holtz family and surely you’ll fall in love with sweet, innocent, refreshing, little Esther, whom was my favorite character. I’ll be on the lookout for more books from E.B.
July 27, 2014
I won this on Goodreads First Reads giveaway..
A wonderful historic story of a family's journey to claim free land. Their love and devotion to each other is heartwarming though the travel to the new land is tougher than they thought. The end of this book tore at my heart. Although an abrupt end to the journey, it's also a new beginning.
The author does a fantastic job in writing this book. It's a hard one to put down. The story draws you in and allows you to experience another way of life. The love, the hardships of life at the time, and the heartwrenching loss of family.
A must read book and one I'll read more than once.
A wonderful historic story of a family's journey to claim free land. Their love and devotion to each other is heartwarming though the travel to the new land is tougher than they thought. The end of this book tore at my heart. Although an abrupt end to the journey, it's also a new beginning.
The author does a fantastic job in writing this book. It's a hard one to put down. The story draws you in and allows you to experience another way of life. The love, the hardships of life at the time, and the heartwrenching loss of family.
A must read book and one I'll read more than once.
May 7, 2014
What a great -- gripping, heartbreaking, uplifting -- story. The novel is set among the "Plain People," the Pennsylvania Dutch. The protagonist is a wife and mother, happy in her community, in love with her husband. Her husband, however, is lured by stories of land -- abundant and fertile - in the west. The reader falls easily into Ruth's world, and makes the long and difficult journey to another life -- and not the one that Ruth's husband imagined. The book isn't out until the fall. I was lucky enough to get an early copy.
August 14, 2014
An Unseemly WifeAn Unseemly Wife by E.B. Moore is a great read. It is the story of an Amish woman who heads west by wagon with her husband and children. The characters are extremely well developed and I felt transported to the time and place of the novel. One thing that I felt was really week done was that even the characters that I felt less sympathetic too were presented without judgement. The ending left me wanting more. A well crafted novel well worth the time to read.
June 14, 2014
I read a lot of novels and some stick with me and some don"t. An Unseemly Wife will stay with me forever. A literary tour de force that captures the heart and soul of the characters and of the reader. Ruth and her family make one laugh, cry, and to want to never complain again. The writing is simply superb. Each sentence is like a poem that flows and inspires and evokes the places and people Moore describes with clarity. This book is a must read.
June 20, 2014
I loved this debut novel by EB Moore! I loved the main character, Ruth who loves her husband and submits to his will to go west, even though she doesn’t want to leave her Amish community in New Eden, Pennsylvania. The writing gives concrete details of daily life, but also has a lyrical beauty. A must read!
July 27, 2014
I loved this book! Ruth and her family are of the amish order, when he husband decides he wants to move and find more land for the family Ruth is against it but keeps her peace. Tragic encounters occur during the trip leaving ruth heartbroken. However as the story progresses she finally does find a new home and a new life.
June 10, 2014
All I can say about this is I HAD NO WORDS! There were moments in this book that I just could NOT put together words to describe my feelings.
Buckle up for quite a ride! A fantastic debut and I can't wait to see what's next from EB Moore!
Buckle up for quite a ride! A fantastic debut and I can't wait to see what's next from EB Moore!
April 12, 2021
It's a slower mover until the end when it feels like it abruptly stops. It's a quick and relatively easy read. I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it but it's not likely a story that will stick with me.
October 15, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/an...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
An Unseemly Wife is written with excellence, a historical novel based on the lives of actual family members of the author. Aaron Holtz is a respected man in his Amish community until he takes heed of the English who convince him that there is amazing land, free for the taking, for those families who take the wagon train west to Idaho. Seeking this land of promise of the future for his family, Aaron proceeds, in spite of his wife Ruth’s concerns, to go against the Order and prepare for this westward journey. With his four children and pregnant wife, he sets out with promises to stay true to their faith, be religiously separate from the others on the journey, and be the leader his family desperately needs.
Ruth is afraid of leaving everything behind, envious of the younger family members moving into her home and using her former possessions. Her brother Dan’l and Aaron’s sister Anna and their families chose to remain in Pennsylvania, as did her best friend Delia, sister of one of the Elders. Ruth’s grandfather’s massive oak tree that was so much a part of her childhood and her years with her growing family – huge enough to climb and completely be hidden from the world in – had been cut down completely to make the wagon that cradled them and their remaining possessions safely on the journey. Choosing to be obedient to her faith and the husband she loves, Ruth gets into the box on wheels and heads toward her future.
E.B. Moore writes unflinchingly of life on the trail, which is certainly not the way we imagined when studying Manifest Destiny in school! It was interesting to learn how the men were established in various roles within the wagon train, and see how it really was a small community of people. There were some people whose opinion was revered as if it had come from God Himself, and the men and women treated their fellow travelers according to that person’s view. Heaven help everyone if that person were unbalanced in any way!
Imagine, if you will, what it was like to be in all kinds of weather including sleet and ice while living in a Conestoga. How it was for a woman, used working within a community of women, to keep herself separate as her religion demanded, especially when avoiding the weekly worship services led by the pastor and his wife on the trail. How to go through one’s pregnancy on the trail while raising and watching out for one’s children. There are joys and sorrows, hopes and losses.
The characters, based on real people, are very well defined. While we are primarily seeing through the eyes and heart of Ruth, she seems to have accurate assessments of those about her. Ruth definitely is a woman of courage and substance – not many women could live through what she did! Each man and woman is a believable, complex character who is described with compassion and clarity.
The storyline is interesting, a different way of seeing the westward journey. If one is looking for a traditional happily-ever-after, one would be disappointed. However, if one would choose to consider their own life in light of Ruth’s, one could question how we would respond to similar circumstances or what “happily-ever-after” would truly consist of if view of the multiple tragedies this woman endured. While I can wonder how Ruth made some of the choices she did, could I have done differently in the same circumstances? Ruth loved her husband dearly, and chose to obey him in this move to Idaho. Would this be enough in the endless hours on the trail? Will she be the same woman who left Pennsylvania, or become someone who is unacceptable to her God, her husband, even herself? One of the tragedies for this family is how they were treated as folks of a different faith within the wagon train, and we are reminded that prejudice has always existed in one form or another – and we see a grim reality of how terrible the results of prejudice can be. I appreciate that the account of E.B. Moore’s ancestor demonstrates a more realistic account of the journey than some authors might show. I will think of those who made the westward trip in a different light in the future, men and women made of even sturdier stuff than I thought before! And celebrate that there remains an open avenue of hope for Ruth and her loved ones.
I recommend An Unseemly Wife to adults of any age, particularly women, who appreciate well-written historical novels about westward travel.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
An Unseemly Wife is written with excellence, a historical novel based on the lives of actual family members of the author. Aaron Holtz is a respected man in his Amish community until he takes heed of the English who convince him that there is amazing land, free for the taking, for those families who take the wagon train west to Idaho. Seeking this land of promise of the future for his family, Aaron proceeds, in spite of his wife Ruth’s concerns, to go against the Order and prepare for this westward journey. With his four children and pregnant wife, he sets out with promises to stay true to their faith, be religiously separate from the others on the journey, and be the leader his family desperately needs.
Ruth is afraid of leaving everything behind, envious of the younger family members moving into her home and using her former possessions. Her brother Dan’l and Aaron’s sister Anna and their families chose to remain in Pennsylvania, as did her best friend Delia, sister of one of the Elders. Ruth’s grandfather’s massive oak tree that was so much a part of her childhood and her years with her growing family – huge enough to climb and completely be hidden from the world in – had been cut down completely to make the wagon that cradled them and their remaining possessions safely on the journey. Choosing to be obedient to her faith and the husband she loves, Ruth gets into the box on wheels and heads toward her future.
E.B. Moore writes unflinchingly of life on the trail, which is certainly not the way we imagined when studying Manifest Destiny in school! It was interesting to learn how the men were established in various roles within the wagon train, and see how it really was a small community of people. There were some people whose opinion was revered as if it had come from God Himself, and the men and women treated their fellow travelers according to that person’s view. Heaven help everyone if that person were unbalanced in any way!
Imagine, if you will, what it was like to be in all kinds of weather including sleet and ice while living in a Conestoga. How it was for a woman, used working within a community of women, to keep herself separate as her religion demanded, especially when avoiding the weekly worship services led by the pastor and his wife on the trail. How to go through one’s pregnancy on the trail while raising and watching out for one’s children. There are joys and sorrows, hopes and losses.
The characters, based on real people, are very well defined. While we are primarily seeing through the eyes and heart of Ruth, she seems to have accurate assessments of those about her. Ruth definitely is a woman of courage and substance – not many women could live through what she did! Each man and woman is a believable, complex character who is described with compassion and clarity.
The storyline is interesting, a different way of seeing the westward journey. If one is looking for a traditional happily-ever-after, one would be disappointed. However, if one would choose to consider their own life in light of Ruth’s, one could question how we would respond to similar circumstances or what “happily-ever-after” would truly consist of if view of the multiple tragedies this woman endured. While I can wonder how Ruth made some of the choices she did, could I have done differently in the same circumstances? Ruth loved her husband dearly, and chose to obey him in this move to Idaho. Would this be enough in the endless hours on the trail? Will she be the same woman who left Pennsylvania, or become someone who is unacceptable to her God, her husband, even herself? One of the tragedies for this family is how they were treated as folks of a different faith within the wagon train, and we are reminded that prejudice has always existed in one form or another – and we see a grim reality of how terrible the results of prejudice can be. I appreciate that the account of E.B. Moore’s ancestor demonstrates a more realistic account of the journey than some authors might show. I will think of those who made the westward trip in a different light in the future, men and women made of even sturdier stuff than I thought before! And celebrate that there remains an open avenue of hope for Ruth and her loved ones.
I recommend An Unseemly Wife to adults of any age, particularly women, who appreciate well-written historical novels about westward travel.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
February 14, 2015
So when I see bonnet strings on the cover of a book, my hand generally doesn't linger there and instead goes to another book. But I read this because I have an opportunity later this month to see the author speak with a friend of mine, and I think this story will stay with me for a long time. It chronicles the migration attempt of an Amish family from Lancaster PA to Idaho in 1867, and the troubles they face drew me in more and more as the journey unfolds. Instead of cloying Christian overtones, the book recognizes the importance of religion to the characters without hitting the reader over the head with it. This novel is based on the author's ancestors who made a similar, trouble-filled trek. The details of making such a trip in a covered wagon were really well done. An absorbing read.
August 30, 2015
This is a riveting well-paced historical novel that drew me into the story in short order. Imagine traveling west in a Conestoga wagon with husband, five children, one a newborn, leaving family and community behind to pursue a dream not your own. The writing is beautifully detailed, the characters well-drawn and the voice of Ruth is so real that she speaks to the concerns of women of today. The story is plausible and an emotional one involving heartbreak that must be faced with resolve. I find I want to say as little as possible except for this: an amazing novel that I will never forget!
September 26, 2015
A lovingly written work illustrating the struggle and inner strength of an Amish woman removed from all she knows and loves. Difficult to read at times, but a testament to the author, that you experience Ruth's hardships, questions and losses so realistically, that you continue on, much as Ruth does. No matter how difficult or upsetting Ruth's trials are one is left with a sense of hope and new beginnings. Richly written, harrowing but lovely.
August 8, 2015
Written with eloquence and attention to detail, E.B. Moore's description of a family's journey is both heartbreaking yet inspirational.
Through the emotional and physical challenges our heroine faces, she begins to discover her inner strength and Faith.
Through the emotional and physical challenges our heroine faces, she begins to discover her inner strength and Faith.
September 11, 2016
I was fortunate to read an early copy of this novel, and the vivid characters, scenery and story has stuck with me since. Thoughtful, dramatic and transporting. Highly recommend.
February 4, 2015
This's is an amazing book! The author makes you feel like you are right there in the wagon with Ruth.
December 19, 2020
It was well written and I enjoyed learning more about the Amish traveling west to seek a better life. But it was very depressing and not what I thought it was going to be like.
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