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The Women of Cannon Beach #1
Across the Crying Sands: The Women of Cannon Beach
A Tale of Uncharted Adventure and Discovery Inspired by a True Story
In 1888 Mary Edwards Gerritse is a witty and confident young woman who spends as much time as possible outdoors on the rugged Oregon coast where she and her husband, John, have settled. The two are a formidable pair who are working hard to prove their homesteading claim and build a family. But as Mary faces struggles of young motherhood and questions about her family of origin, she realizes that life is far from the adventure she imagined it would be.
After losing the baby she's carrying, grief threatens Mary, but she finds an unconventional way to bring joy back into her life—by taking over a treacherous postal route. As Mary becomes the first female mail carrier to traverse the cliff-hugging mountain trails and remote Crying Sands Beach, with its changing tides and sudden squalls, she recaptures the spark she lost and discovers that a life without risk is no life at all.
"Jane Kirkpatrick's writing evokes a powerful sense of the challenges and strengths of women who settled the West."—SANDRA DALLAS, New York Times bestselling author
In 1888 Mary Edwards Gerritse is a witty and confident young woman who spends as much time as possible outdoors on the rugged Oregon coast where she and her husband, John, have settled. The two are a formidable pair who are working hard to prove their homesteading claim and build a family. But as Mary faces struggles of young motherhood and questions about her family of origin, she realizes that life is far from the adventure she imagined it would be.
After losing the baby she's carrying, grief threatens Mary, but she finds an unconventional way to bring joy back into her life—by taking over a treacherous postal route. As Mary becomes the first female mail carrier to traverse the cliff-hugging mountain trails and remote Crying Sands Beach, with its changing tides and sudden squalls, she recaptures the spark she lost and discovers that a life without risk is no life at all.
"Jane Kirkpatrick's writing evokes a powerful sense of the challenges and strengths of women who settled the West."—SANDRA DALLAS, New York Times bestselling author
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First published May 20, 2025
About the author
Jane Kirkpatrick
59 books1,113 followersKirkpatrick brings us a story of one woman's restoration from personal grief to the meaning of community."
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June 8, 2025
“The future would take care of itself, Mary decided. They were all writing a new chapter in their lives with its good days and bad. What mattered was not that there were unpleasant chapters, but that they were writing this story together.”
Across The Crying Sands is the first book in a new trilogy titled ‘The Women of Cannon Beach.’ Author Jane Kirkpatrick was inspired by the real-life history of one of the first female mail carriers in Oregon. In the 1890s, Mary Gerritse delivered mail via packhorse in this isolated section of the North Oregon Coast, from Tillamook to Cannon Beach.
This new-to-me author explores the universal themes of loss, grief, and friendship, and then showcases them through the lens of a newly married couple and homesteading in a rugged part of the Western USA.
My sole purpose in reading this book was to learn more about a pioneering woman who chose a career and a family at a time when this wasn’t common. However, I realized that I had more in common with Mary than I initially thought. Don’t pass on this book thinking that because it focuses on homesteading or because the main character is married with children, you won’t be able to identify with the characters. I promise you’ll find this a layered and complex read. Yes, Mary had 4 children in quick succession, and, although I can only imagine what a handful this must have been, it was the lens with which she viewed marriage that I identified with most. There were many instances where either Mary or John could have thrown in the towel and said, “Marriage isn’t what I thought it would be.” But they were two committed people who grew up (Mary was a young bride), matured, changed, and then eased into a life completely different from what they had imagined or planned. Mary could have focused on what she’d lost (her identity, her independence, or her purpose), or her guilt at needing to ask for help, or what her husband thought of her (embarrassed that she sought employment, that he couldn’t trust her alone on the homestead, or that she made poor decisions), but she knew she needed adventure, so she hired a nanny and “went to sea in a sieve.”
I appreciated learning about the origins of Tillamook, remittance men, and the definition of grace.
My takeaway: don’t overlook the power of resilience and fight for whatever you need to keep your sanity.
Mary is someone I admire, so I’ll be watching out for book 2 in this series.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Across The Crying Sands is the first book in a new trilogy titled ‘The Women of Cannon Beach.’ Author Jane Kirkpatrick was inspired by the real-life history of one of the first female mail carriers in Oregon. In the 1890s, Mary Gerritse delivered mail via packhorse in this isolated section of the North Oregon Coast, from Tillamook to Cannon Beach.
This new-to-me author explores the universal themes of loss, grief, and friendship, and then showcases them through the lens of a newly married couple and homesteading in a rugged part of the Western USA.
My sole purpose in reading this book was to learn more about a pioneering woman who chose a career and a family at a time when this wasn’t common. However, I realized that I had more in common with Mary than I initially thought. Don’t pass on this book thinking that because it focuses on homesteading or because the main character is married with children, you won’t be able to identify with the characters. I promise you’ll find this a layered and complex read. Yes, Mary had 4 children in quick succession, and, although I can only imagine what a handful this must have been, it was the lens with which she viewed marriage that I identified with most. There were many instances where either Mary or John could have thrown in the towel and said, “Marriage isn’t what I thought it would be.” But they were two committed people who grew up (Mary was a young bride), matured, changed, and then eased into a life completely different from what they had imagined or planned. Mary could have focused on what she’d lost (her identity, her independence, or her purpose), or her guilt at needing to ask for help, or what her husband thought of her (embarrassed that she sought employment, that he couldn’t trust her alone on the homestead, or that she made poor decisions), but she knew she needed adventure, so she hired a nanny and “went to sea in a sieve.”
I appreciated learning about the origins of Tillamook, remittance men, and the definition of grace.
My takeaway: don’t overlook the power of resilience and fight for whatever you need to keep your sanity.
Mary is someone I admire, so I’ll be watching out for book 2 in this series.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 8, 2025
This is a cover that caught my attention right away. Why? Because that's my beach! That's my beautiful Cannon Beach that I grew up visiting. So many years walking in that exact spot with those rocks. Of COURSE I'm going to read this new book by the fabulous Jane Kirkpatrick!
This book goes back to a time when the coast was still being settled. When the roads were only just being created to tie the coastal cities together. When tourism at the beach was still rapidly brighter gleam in investors' eyes. oh I enjoyed reading the names of the towns I know so well. Seaside. Tillamook. Cannon Beach.
And even though those cities are gaining attention as tourist destinations, a good chunk of this book explores the fact that much of the Oregon Territory is still unsettled and available for homesteaders if they can last.
the book begins with Mary the day before her wedding. So excited to start her new life with her beloved husband. And the book ends after several of her children have been born so you get to see a good span of years in her life. She's got major ups and downs as the reality of her marriage and what her husband has promised vs delivered arises. And also the book explores the frustration Mary feels when she's left behind with the children to "do all the work" of settling a homestead while her husband gets to leave it behind as he earns his way. She comes to the realization that she's not cut out to be left behind and fill a traditional role as wife and mother. She longs for adventure.
the book addresses Mary leaving her children behind with her mother for weeks/months as she rides a pack horse to deliver mail. As she works as a cook for the construction crew.
The plot also adds in the mystery behind who Mary actually is as we see her mother's point of view as she is hiding Mary from the truth of her childhood. Who is the man who keeps trying to find Mary? What is in the notes that Mary's mother keeps burning without reading?
The third POV is from Mary's husband as he tries to reconcile his love of Mary, his role as a husband, his perceived role of her as a wife and Mary's own personality. The things he loves most about her are the things that are also causing her to drive him crazy.
So I personally didn't really like Mary. I just couldn't relate to her burning desire for fulfillment outside of her life as wife/mother in regards to being willing to LEAVE THEM behind with her mother for weeks and months on end to pursue her need for adventure. I mean this was the partially tamed Oregon territory! It just turned me off of the story and I put the book down several times.
There is faith woven into the story as usual for the author's books.
4 Stars. Very historically sound. But I kept being able to put it down.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.
This book goes back to a time when the coast was still being settled. When the roads were only just being created to tie the coastal cities together. When tourism at the beach was still rapidly brighter gleam in investors' eyes. oh I enjoyed reading the names of the towns I know so well. Seaside. Tillamook. Cannon Beach.
And even though those cities are gaining attention as tourist destinations, a good chunk of this book explores the fact that much of the Oregon Territory is still unsettled and available for homesteaders if they can last.
the book begins with Mary the day before her wedding. So excited to start her new life with her beloved husband. And the book ends after several of her children have been born so you get to see a good span of years in her life. She's got major ups and downs as the reality of her marriage and what her husband has promised vs delivered arises. And also the book explores the frustration Mary feels when she's left behind with the children to "do all the work" of settling a homestead while her husband gets to leave it behind as he earns his way. She comes to the realization that she's not cut out to be left behind and fill a traditional role as wife and mother. She longs for adventure.
the book addresses Mary leaving her children behind with her mother for weeks/months as she rides a pack horse to deliver mail. As she works as a cook for the construction crew.
The plot also adds in the mystery behind who Mary actually is as we see her mother's point of view as she is hiding Mary from the truth of her childhood. Who is the man who keeps trying to find Mary? What is in the notes that Mary's mother keeps burning without reading?
The third POV is from Mary's husband as he tries to reconcile his love of Mary, his role as a husband, his perceived role of her as a wife and Mary's own personality. The things he loves most about her are the things that are also causing her to drive him crazy.
So I personally didn't really like Mary. I just couldn't relate to her burning desire for fulfillment outside of her life as wife/mother in regards to being willing to LEAVE THEM behind with her mother for weeks and months on end to pursue her need for adventure. I mean this was the partially tamed Oregon territory! It just turned me off of the story and I put the book down several times.
There is faith woven into the story as usual for the author's books.
4 Stars. Very historically sound. But I kept being able to put it down.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.
May 20, 2025
A wonderful historical read based on the lives of real Oregon pioneers. The first in a new series, The Women of Cannon Beach, introduces multiple people whose lives intertwined along the northern Oregon coast.
The author's impeccable research comes through as historical figures come to life, and makes it feel like stepping back in time. Mary was like many women--facing the challenges of early married life, motherhood, and difficult times as an early homesteader. It was easy to relate to her struggles, yet inspiring to see how she rose above with the help of family, friendships and faith. This author always highlights the lives of interesting people I have never heard of before and leaves an impression of how a seemingly ordinary person, who chose to do the hard thing, could make an impact for good on generations to come.
Looking forward to more books in the series. Recommend for historical inspirational fiction fans. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
The author's impeccable research comes through as historical figures come to life, and makes it feel like stepping back in time. Mary was like many women--facing the challenges of early married life, motherhood, and difficult times as an early homesteader. It was easy to relate to her struggles, yet inspiring to see how she rose above with the help of family, friendships and faith. This author always highlights the lives of interesting people I have never heard of before and leaves an impression of how a seemingly ordinary person, who chose to do the hard thing, could make an impact for good on generations to come.
Looking forward to more books in the series. Recommend for historical inspirational fiction fans. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
March 13, 2026
I will start off by saying this story was not bad and it had some really good parts. However, it felt very all over the place. Jumping from pov to pov with no rhyme or reason. I felt like 2 of the povs could have been left out and it would have been better. I’m guessing they are there for future books in the series. This story mainly focuses on Mary. Her life with her husband, children, parents and friend. She strives to be more than just a mother. Sometimes I got annoyed with her and her husband, I don’t know why exactly I just did. Other times I really liked them! There is some great storytelling here, especially since this is based on a true story. But other parts seemed very random and odd. I didn’t like all the Native American supernatural/spiritual elements being considered ok basically, not completely ok but ya basically. The story ends very abruptly and we still have things to discover and left unsettled. Which of course is to get you to read the next one. Overall I would say this is an okay story, didn’t love or hate it. And it just might be it’s not my cup of tea but it may be yours.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley . All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley . All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
August 16, 2025
When I saw the title for this series, I knew I had to read it. I visited Cannon Beach for the first time two years ago, and have since dreamed of my next visit. I absolutely love the historical detail that Ms. Kirkpatrick included in the story. The rugged beauty of an area that is now a tourist draw held me riveted. I would love to have seen it before the area was settled.
I adored how the main storyline was told from the POV of Mary. She is the epitome of the women who helped to settle and forge a new life in the Pacific Northwest. Mary's character is skillfully developed as she grows into womanhood. She is torn between her life as a wife and mother with one of adventure, helping to establish a claim and as well as serving for a time as a postal carrier, traversing unsettled territory filled with danger. It is her strength and grit that attracted her husband, which he continues to respect through the years. The reality of marriage to a man she loves is full of ups and downs...very much a realistic relationship of a young couple who find time to dream, yet face reality and work through many hardships to forge a better life.
Great story, with some loose threads that I anticipate will continue in the next book. At times, the story was told from a few secondary characters POV and I am looking forward to seeing their stories fully developed in the next book(s) in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I adored how the main storyline was told from the POV of Mary. She is the epitome of the women who helped to settle and forge a new life in the Pacific Northwest. Mary's character is skillfully developed as she grows into womanhood. She is torn between her life as a wife and mother with one of adventure, helping to establish a claim and as well as serving for a time as a postal carrier, traversing unsettled territory filled with danger. It is her strength and grit that attracted her husband, which he continues to respect through the years. The reality of marriage to a man she loves is full of ups and downs...very much a realistic relationship of a young couple who find time to dream, yet face reality and work through many hardships to forge a better life.
Great story, with some loose threads that I anticipate will continue in the next book. At times, the story was told from a few secondary characters POV and I am looking forward to seeing their stories fully developed in the next book(s) in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 9, 2025
DNF about 15% in. I picked this up because of the setting; my family has vacationed in Cannon Beach for about 30 years, so I was really excited for that element.
It’s been a long time since I read a Kirkpatrick book; I enjoyed them at first but kynda stopped as I had a hard time getting into them—more character driven than plot, and a bit tedious for my taste. This is still the case for me with this read, so I’m setting it aside; I’m sure others will enjoy it, I just didn’t.
It’s been a long time since I read a Kirkpatrick book; I enjoyed them at first but kynda stopped as I had a hard time getting into them—more character driven than plot, and a bit tedious for my taste. This is still the case for me with this read, so I’m setting it aside; I’m sure others will enjoy it, I just didn’t.
July 5, 2025
I wonder if this couple talked about ANYTHING regarding their future plans before they got married. I understand it's a story about a woman who wants more than the traditional life of a pioneer woman but she seemed so whiney to me. And John, the adult who wanted to play the sailor, leaving his wife to manage EVERYTHING... including the babies that popped out after a shore leave. What happened to her best friend, who just vanished part way through the book?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
I did not realize this was the first in a series. That might explain the abrupt ending of the book… but one character completely disappears without explanation! Overall I felt like I was reading a long book report.
May 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed the homesteading aspects and the Oregon coast descriptions. I loved learning about the difficulties the pioneers went through, the triumphs and the heartaches. Overall enjoyable read.
April 19, 2025
Wow! What an amazing book! The title is what captured my attention right away. They crying sands is an appropriate name as later revealed. It starts off with an almost devastating disaster. There are secrets kept by many of the characters that threaten their relationships. The setting in Oregon represents a tough but satisfactory existence.
Mary - she's strong physically and mentally. She's a hard worker and often has too much on her plate. John- hm. I liked him, then I didn't, and then he became a better man by the end. I admire him for trying to be the provider for his family, but sometimes the cost to his family was too much. Jewell is a jewel! She's a faithful friend, always showing up at just the right time. I hope she's in the next book!
There are a lot of questions raised that are unanswered, but the cliffhanger promises that more will be revealed.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Revell via Netgalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mary - she's strong physically and mentally. She's a hard worker and often has too much on her plate. John- hm. I liked him, then I didn't, and then he became a better man by the end. I admire him for trying to be the provider for his family, but sometimes the cost to his family was too much. Jewell is a jewel! She's a faithful friend, always showing up at just the right time. I hope she's in the next book!
There are a lot of questions raised that are unanswered, but the cliffhanger promises that more will be revealed.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Revell via Netgalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 22, 2025
Two truths came frequently to mind as I read Across the Crying Sands: 1) as I’ve long suspected, there is no way I would have survived as a pioneer, and 2) if John were my husband I would have purse whomped him with a saddlebag several times over by the end of this story. Haha! In all seriousness though, I have such admiration for real life women of the frontier who blazed more than one sort of trail for those that came after them. Even ‘just’ (and I use that word lightly) the wives and moms who held down the homestead, did the chores, raised the kids, played the role of protector and hunter and gatherer and doctor and teacher, while their husbands were employed away from home for days or weeks or even months on end. Mary Edwards Gerritse is one such heroine, and I enjoyed meeting her on the pages of Jane Kirkpatrick’s latest novel based on true events.
It’s been a minute since I’ve read a novel by this author, only since I gravitate more toward romance, but this cover, the setting, the description, and the fact that it’s the first in a series grabbed my attention. Kirkpatrick excels at bringing to life the stories of pioneer women who showed great strength in turbulent circumstances, and Across the Crying Sands is a prime example. Mary Gerritse is young and somewhat naive, but her witty personality (with a little sass thrown in for good measure) and adventurous soul serve her well when marriage and motherhood – and proving up a claim – don’t match her idealistic expectations. My heart went out to her more than once, though I also questioned several of her choices. (However, considering we’ve already established that I wouldn’t survive on the frontier, my opinion about Mary’s decisions doesn’t mean a whole lot lol) The secrets that her parents, particularly her mother, are keeping from her raised my investment in Mary’s story and I am really engaged in how this will play out in the next book. Another reason I’m looking forward to book two? Mary’s Native American friend Jewel, whom I loved so much. I can’t wait to see where her story goes from here too, especially with how Kirkpatrick leaves Jewel’s subplot in this one.
Bottom Line: Across the Crying Sands by Jane Kirkpatrick takes us to the Pacific Northwest frontier and paints a realistic and inspiring portrait of the women who loved and lost and toiled and made a life for themselves and their families against insurmountable odds. The coastal setting gave a new spin to the pioneer theme, with different challenges that gave me a fresh perspective on the rugged beauty of that area of the country (which is on my bucket list to visit) and what it took to settle it. While there were moments I got frustrated with Mary and especially John, I was nonetheless invested in their marriage and rooting for their family to thrive. And the two side characters I really loved – Jewel and Herbie – have me eager to see where their respective stories will take them in the next book(s). Kirkpatrick’s writing is smooth and poignant as she brings to life the stories of frontier women who are strong but still relatable to our more fragile selves. If you love stories like that, and if the beach calls your name, and if you don’t mind that everything isn’t wrapped up in a tidy bow at the end, then you need to read Across the Crying Sands too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
It’s been a minute since I’ve read a novel by this author, only since I gravitate more toward romance, but this cover, the setting, the description, and the fact that it’s the first in a series grabbed my attention. Kirkpatrick excels at bringing to life the stories of pioneer women who showed great strength in turbulent circumstances, and Across the Crying Sands is a prime example. Mary Gerritse is young and somewhat naive, but her witty personality (with a little sass thrown in for good measure) and adventurous soul serve her well when marriage and motherhood – and proving up a claim – don’t match her idealistic expectations. My heart went out to her more than once, though I also questioned several of her choices. (However, considering we’ve already established that I wouldn’t survive on the frontier, my opinion about Mary’s decisions doesn’t mean a whole lot lol) The secrets that her parents, particularly her mother, are keeping from her raised my investment in Mary’s story and I am really engaged in how this will play out in the next book. Another reason I’m looking forward to book two? Mary’s Native American friend Jewel, whom I loved so much. I can’t wait to see where her story goes from here too, especially with how Kirkpatrick leaves Jewel’s subplot in this one.
Bottom Line: Across the Crying Sands by Jane Kirkpatrick takes us to the Pacific Northwest frontier and paints a realistic and inspiring portrait of the women who loved and lost and toiled and made a life for themselves and their families against insurmountable odds. The coastal setting gave a new spin to the pioneer theme, with different challenges that gave me a fresh perspective on the rugged beauty of that area of the country (which is on my bucket list to visit) and what it took to settle it. While there were moments I got frustrated with Mary and especially John, I was nonetheless invested in their marriage and rooting for their family to thrive. And the two side characters I really loved – Jewel and Herbie – have me eager to see where their respective stories will take them in the next book(s). Kirkpatrick’s writing is smooth and poignant as she brings to life the stories of frontier women who are strong but still relatable to our more fragile selves. If you love stories like that, and if the beach calls your name, and if you don’t mind that everything isn’t wrapped up in a tidy bow at the end, then you need to read Across the Crying Sands too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 21, 2026
Unfortunately this was a miss for me.
I found the writing to be quite monotone. The pacing was way off as the first 60-70% was very slow and the main events of the story were crammed into the last 30%—in fact some of the events listed in the synopsis only happen at around about the 80% mark. The ending was quite abrupt.
Mary was whiny, manipulative, and quite selfish at times. While I do understand that some of the whiny-ness was due to her age at the beginning of the story, and while I also do understand why she made certain decisions at times, it still felt like she didn’t grow much throughout the story. I feel like there could’ve been another way to resolve her discontentment with being a traditional stay at home wife and mom as well as deal with her postpartum depression without making her come across as self-centred. Mind you, this is just my impression of book one Mary, she may grow more in books two and three, but right now she’s setting herself up for having resentful children.
John was possibly bipolar. He would be unreasonably stubborn on a certain issue for five or more chapters and then suddenly change his mind without any lead up. He changed a lot throughout the story and I suppose this was supposed to come across as growth but to me it felt like he had several personality transplants.
I REALLY didn’t like Amanda.
I liked Jewell but her POV felt very random and didn’t fit into the rest of the story. I feel like maybe the author should have saved her perspective for book two or three. Same with Herbert’s perspective.
I won’t be continuing the series, but I will add a caveat that perhaps these critics of mine might be explored or resolved in the rest of the trilogy.
***I’m very grateful for my complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I found the writing to be quite monotone. The pacing was way off as the first 60-70% was very slow and the main events of the story were crammed into the last 30%—in fact some of the events listed in the synopsis only happen at around about the 80% mark. The ending was quite abrupt.
Mary was whiny, manipulative, and quite selfish at times. While I do understand that some of the whiny-ness was due to her age at the beginning of the story, and while I also do understand why she made certain decisions at times, it still felt like she didn’t grow much throughout the story. I feel like there could’ve been another way to resolve her discontentment with being a traditional stay at home wife and mom as well as deal with her postpartum depression without making her come across as self-centred. Mind you, this is just my impression of book one Mary, she may grow more in books two and three, but right now she’s setting herself up for having resentful children.
John was possibly bipolar. He would be unreasonably stubborn on a certain issue for five or more chapters and then suddenly change his mind without any lead up. He changed a lot throughout the story and I suppose this was supposed to come across as growth but to me it felt like he had several personality transplants.
I REALLY didn’t like Amanda.
I liked Jewell but her POV felt very random and didn’t fit into the rest of the story. I feel like maybe the author should have saved her perspective for book two or three. Same with Herbert’s perspective.
I won’t be continuing the series, but I will add a caveat that perhaps these critics of mine might be explored or resolved in the rest of the trilogy.
***I’m very grateful for my complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 17, 2026
Having vacationed along the Oregon Coast, it was fun to read this book and the way of life back in 1888 and early 1900. A fictional book about a young 16 year old girl who marries an immigrant from the Netherlands and their adventures in making a living in that time period as well as others along the Northern Oregon Coast. This is the first book of a series called The Women of Cannon Beach. The second one comes out in April 2026 - A 3.5 rating
August 25, 2025
A beautiful story of a young family homesteading on the Oregon coast and the hardships and love.
February 18, 2026
Normally, I really enjoy Kirkpatrick's work but this book... I could not really get into it and the only reason I finished it was because I wanted to know what the mystery was behind Mary's mother's behavior. But nope, not getting that until at least the next book. Also, super frustrating was the fact that stuff that the blurb of the book talked about didn't start until 250 pages in! That's just utterly ridiculous.
So yah this book really frustrated me because I grew up coming to the Oregon coast (though a bit further south in Lincoln City and my mother's family helped to found Newberg Oregon (Not far from Scholl's Ferry, today known as Scholls, Oregon) and while my family didn't spend much time in the Cannon Beach area I knew of it and wanted to know more of the history.
So yah this book really frustrated me because I grew up coming to the Oregon coast (though a bit further south in Lincoln City and my mother's family helped to found Newberg Oregon (Not far from Scholl's Ferry, today known as Scholls, Oregon) and while my family didn't spend much time in the Cannon Beach area I knew of it and wanted to know more of the history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
The majority of the blurb for this book happens after the 85% mark, so this book was not at all what I thought it would be. However, I was interested enough in the plot and characters to want to continue on to the next book. I really hope that lose ends from this story are resolved in the next one.
June 22, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book. The end of the book leaves me wanting to read the second book of the series to continue the storyline of the characters. I appreciate the historical accuracy as well as the writing style of the author. I enjoyed the main character's sense of adventure and playfulness and how the author used a silly poem between the main character and her relationship with her husband. I will definitely be reading the second book of the series.
**spoiler alert**
I found it ironic that her husband didn't want her to consider being a mail carrier due to the treacherous terrain, yet while staying home on the homestead, she encountered a dangerous bear as well as a house fire while she was there alone. She also had a major medical incident from a miscarriage that she nearly died from while her husband was away. I love that she found happiness with her sense of adventure while doing things differently than most other people of her time.
**spoiler alert**
I found it ironic that her husband didn't want her to consider being a mail carrier due to the treacherous terrain, yet while staying home on the homestead, she encountered a dangerous bear as well as a house fire while she was there alone. She also had a major medical incident from a miscarriage that she nearly died from while her husband was away. I love that she found happiness with her sense of adventure while doing things differently than most other people of her time.
September 10, 2025
Based on a true story, I appreciated the history about Mary Gerritse, and Cannon Beach. However, this book was a lot of narrative and not enough dialogue for me.
July 27, 2026
Interesting tale of the Oregon Coast, a place I love, but the narrator sounded like an old lady…not the 16 year old girl who just got married. I think it would be more enjoyable to read vs listen to
August 15, 2025
2.75*, this book interested me for the setting and imagining mail delivery along the coast. As far as setting it did deliver and was mostly the reason for continuing with the book as it dragged out and became slow and less interesting the more I read. The mail delivery portion was more mentioned than brought to life and was 90% her husband or a male and only towards the end of the book the female MC.
This is based on a real person and for me the fictionalizing and turning it into a trilogy didn't work. I lost interest about halfway through and it was easy to set aside. A portion of me related to Mary in that motherhood is not what I thought it would be, but a greater part of me struggled with her as a character. Her mysterious family background is hinted at but nowhere near resolved and it gave me very negative feelings towards her mom (who may or may not have kidnapped her?). So, overall I appreciated the setting and learning more of the history of an area I am familiar with and have spent time at, but as whole the book was a letdown for me.
"The Bar, it was called, and it put seamen like John into peril crossing it. On certain days, ships broke up or had to wait a day or two until the sea calmed. Mary thought it was a bit like life-surviving suffering times, having to wait." pg 19
"They stood in silence watching the sea breathe, survival and loss like two oars moving the ship of life forward whether they were ready or not." pg 26
"Sometimes one person's dreams could seem another's nightmare until one saw the wisdom that comes only with time." pg 37
"The future would take care of itself, Mary decided. They were all writing a new chapter in their lives with its good days and bad. What mattered was not that there were unpleasant chapters, but that they were writing this story together." pg 136
This is based on a real person and for me the fictionalizing and turning it into a trilogy didn't work. I lost interest about halfway through and it was easy to set aside. A portion of me related to Mary in that motherhood is not what I thought it would be, but a greater part of me struggled with her as a character. Her mysterious family background is hinted at but nowhere near resolved and it gave me very negative feelings towards her mom (who may or may not have kidnapped her?). So, overall I appreciated the setting and learning more of the history of an area I am familiar with and have spent time at, but as whole the book was a letdown for me.
"The Bar, it was called, and it put seamen like John into peril crossing it. On certain days, ships broke up or had to wait a day or two until the sea calmed. Mary thought it was a bit like life-surviving suffering times, having to wait." pg 19
"They stood in silence watching the sea breathe, survival and loss like two oars moving the ship of life forward whether they were ready or not." pg 26
"Sometimes one person's dreams could seem another's nightmare until one saw the wisdom that comes only with time." pg 37
"The future would take care of itself, Mary decided. They were all writing a new chapter in their lives with its good days and bad. What mattered was not that there were unpleasant chapters, but that they were writing this story together." pg 136
April 23, 2025
I loved being in the Pacific Northwest in the 1890's as the characters progress towards more updates. It was interesting to see the thoughts behind the roads that were laid and how mail was distributed.
I loved Mary and her fierce determination and resilience to survive amidst a harsh climate. She took a lot of risks in order to achieve her dreams.
There seemed to be a lot of loose ends but maybe those will weave together in the next book?
Thanks to the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
I loved Mary and her fierce determination and resilience to survive amidst a harsh climate. She took a lot of risks in order to achieve her dreams.
There seemed to be a lot of loose ends but maybe those will weave together in the next book?
Thanks to the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Read
April 28, 2026Just finished this beauty, and it was everything l've come to expect from a Jane Kirkpatrick story and more. More, because I learned so much about Cannon Beach and its formidable homesteaders on the rugged Oregon Coast—a place that holds special memories.
Whether or not readers relate to her, Mary Gerritse is a fascinating and remarkable woman in history. The author drew her story from Mary’s own writings, as well as newspaper accounts, and beautifully crafted a cohesive tale that would make for lively book club discussion.
Adventure packed, this one, and the writing is exquisite of course. I love, too, that the author pays tribute to the area's indigenous people and the beautiful name they gave this stretch of the coast, Crying Sands.
I rotated between the print book and audio, and the audio narrator is excellent.
Whether or not readers relate to her, Mary Gerritse is a fascinating and remarkable woman in history. The author drew her story from Mary’s own writings, as well as newspaper accounts, and beautifully crafted a cohesive tale that would make for lively book club discussion.
Adventure packed, this one, and the writing is exquisite of course. I love, too, that the author pays tribute to the area's indigenous people and the beautiful name they gave this stretch of the coast, Crying Sands.
I rotated between the print book and audio, and the audio narrator is excellent.
August 22, 2025
Oh Jane! What happened here?! This is a train wreck. Poor writing, terrible editing. I’m a fan of hers but this one bombs. As much as I love Cannon Beach I will not be reading 2 & 3…which is quite a statement from an OCD reader! The cannons, the beeswax ballast, the road. Now you know all there is here. So disappointed. A little of her religious heavy handedness is starting to raise its unpleasant little head.
October 7, 2025
When reading the cover, you assume that the story is going to be about the hard life of balancing motherhood with a career as the first female mail carrier and learning her true identity . However, she never learns of her true identity and her career only takes place in the last 24 pages! It felt like there was a lot of little information to get to the meat of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 26, 2025DNF @33%
I'm super bummed since I love Oregon history. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm the audience for this one.
I'm super bummed since I love Oregon history. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm the audience for this one.
July 12, 2025
I enjoyed it overall but the ending was dumb and vague.
December 16, 2025
A little tedious. I felt like it got slower as it went on. Also an abrupt ending but it may be because this is part of a series. I was hoping for a bit more out of this one…
June 17, 2025
Jane Kirkpatrick is skilled at writing novels based around true stories or events and this is no exception.
In 1888 16 year old Mary Edwards is a confident and outgoing young woman who is about to marry John Gerritse and begin a new life on their homesteading claim. John, however, is less than forthcoming about the actual state of the claim Mary is expecting to move onto, which means that the young couple instead begin their married life living with Mary's parents. We soon discover that there is a question about Mary's own birth and family when we learn about her mother's fear of strangers and the familys successive moves to increasingly remote places. Indeed, her mother is happy Mary is marrying John partly because his homesteading claim is so remote! This element of the story is referred to periodically but not resolved, so looks likely to be an overarching thread through this series. Meanwhile, we are faced with the struggles Mary finds herself dealing with as she becomes a young mother in very difficult circumstances. Her free spirited character begins to feel suffocated by the demands of motherhood and the long periods when she is alone while her husband works away. There are a number of crisis points leading up to the worst, when she loses her unborn baby, and nearly her own life too. This leads to a dramatic change in her lifestyle when she's recovered. Determined to find some independence and adventure she takes on part of her husband's dangerous postal service route.
This is a story which I found took some time to connect with. For a long time I found Mary's husband John to be an unlikeable man, and Mary's parents aren't especially warm either. In the latter case, I found I understood them better as her mother's fears were more explained. If there's one key thread throughout, it's that of communication, and how the lack of it can cause serious and long-reaching issues. So far as Mary and John's marriage goes there is also the very big issue of unequal dreams and hopes. While John is impressed by Mary's strength, resilience, and spirit, he is a man who doesn't like to be challenged, to discuss his plans, or to have his wife ask questions about - well, ANYTHING, really. Which did make me wonder, several times, why he chose to marry her. It was also one of the elements which made me feel rather cool towards him! It took him a VERY long time to realise that his marriage was a partnership, not just him living his own life and making decisions which were never discussed beforehand, yet telling Mary what to do and largely ignoring her struggles.
The secondary story, about the English 'second son' Herbie I also found a bit difficult. The story is well written, obviously well researched, and the sense of place is excellent thanks to skilled descriptive writing. For me though, the characters were simply a bit flat. I'm more interested in finding out about Mary's birth family, and I'd also like to know what happens/happened to Jewell.
The faith elements are subtle and well woven. I DID like the element of 'walking prayers', something which someone who was a significant influence in my own early Christian path used to do most days in the gardens near his home. As someone who has thought a lot about the sacredness of the ordinary, I also very much liked the appreciation of Mary's mother that 'the sacred... was everywhere. One just needed to notice.'
For me I think this is a 3 1/2 star read. Despite it's many positives, I found the main characters hard work for rather too much of the book. Others may well feel differently though and that's the joy of reading fiction.
In 1888 16 year old Mary Edwards is a confident and outgoing young woman who is about to marry John Gerritse and begin a new life on their homesteading claim. John, however, is less than forthcoming about the actual state of the claim Mary is expecting to move onto, which means that the young couple instead begin their married life living with Mary's parents. We soon discover that there is a question about Mary's own birth and family when we learn about her mother's fear of strangers and the familys successive moves to increasingly remote places. Indeed, her mother is happy Mary is marrying John partly because his homesteading claim is so remote! This element of the story is referred to periodically but not resolved, so looks likely to be an overarching thread through this series. Meanwhile, we are faced with the struggles Mary finds herself dealing with as she becomes a young mother in very difficult circumstances. Her free spirited character begins to feel suffocated by the demands of motherhood and the long periods when she is alone while her husband works away. There are a number of crisis points leading up to the worst, when she loses her unborn baby, and nearly her own life too. This leads to a dramatic change in her lifestyle when she's recovered. Determined to find some independence and adventure she takes on part of her husband's dangerous postal service route.
This is a story which I found took some time to connect with. For a long time I found Mary's husband John to be an unlikeable man, and Mary's parents aren't especially warm either. In the latter case, I found I understood them better as her mother's fears were more explained. If there's one key thread throughout, it's that of communication, and how the lack of it can cause serious and long-reaching issues. So far as Mary and John's marriage goes there is also the very big issue of unequal dreams and hopes. While John is impressed by Mary's strength, resilience, and spirit, he is a man who doesn't like to be challenged, to discuss his plans, or to have his wife ask questions about - well, ANYTHING, really. Which did make me wonder, several times, why he chose to marry her. It was also one of the elements which made me feel rather cool towards him! It took him a VERY long time to realise that his marriage was a partnership, not just him living his own life and making decisions which were never discussed beforehand, yet telling Mary what to do and largely ignoring her struggles.
The secondary story, about the English 'second son' Herbie I also found a bit difficult. The story is well written, obviously well researched, and the sense of place is excellent thanks to skilled descriptive writing. For me though, the characters were simply a bit flat. I'm more interested in finding out about Mary's birth family, and I'd also like to know what happens/happened to Jewell.
The faith elements are subtle and well woven. I DID like the element of 'walking prayers', something which someone who was a significant influence in my own early Christian path used to do most days in the gardens near his home. As someone who has thought a lot about the sacredness of the ordinary, I also very much liked the appreciation of Mary's mother that 'the sacred... was everywhere. One just needed to notice.'
For me I think this is a 3 1/2 star read. Despite it's many positives, I found the main characters hard work for rather too much of the book. Others may well feel differently though and that's the joy of reading fiction.
April 18, 2025
“It was his job to keep his family safe even if did upset her,” Mary’s husband determines in Jane Kirkpatrick’s novel, Across the Crying Sands.
~ What ~
The first book in The Women of Cannon Beach series, this 304-page paperback targets those interested in Christian historical fiction about living on the Oregon Coast in the late 1800s. With no profanity, topics of mistreatment, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The beginning includes reviews, a list of the author’s written books, maps, and a cast of characters while the ending has a poem, sneak peek to the next book in the series, six discussion questions, the author’s notes and acknowledgments, resources, a biography, and advertisements.
In this story supported by history dating back to 1888, Mary Edwards Gerritse is married at sixteen and pregnant at seventeen in a rugged Oregon coastal town. While her husband is gone for weeks or months at a time delivering mail or helping on a ship, it is up to her to carry on and survive, even when she has four young children. With a wanderlust for adventure, she must learn how to fend for herself to find her purpose in life. Meanwhile, those around her, including her secretive mother, her uncertain husband, a foreigner wanting to prove himself, and an American Indian finding her footing, flow in and out of Mary’s life.
~ Why ~
Since I live in Oregon, I was drawn to this series that involves the state, its land, climate, and growing civilization. I enjoyed learning about the first female mail carrier of Crying Sands Beach and the building of the Elk Creek Road, which brought travelers to the remote area. The story explains well what women went through living alone on the land to survive.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like stories that mention God may not like this series, but it is not overdone or the focus of the book. Some may not like the tale is told by multiple characters, thus there is little closure in the first book. I found Mary selfish and controlling with the book’s ending abrupt and anticlimactic.
~ Wish ~
Having read several books by the author, I wish the eternal plan of salvation were given.
~ Want ~
If you like historical fiction about a stubborn woman’s search for freedom, even when married with children in the late 1800s, this one has a strong protagonist who is determined to find her way.
Thanks to Revell and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
~ What ~
The first book in The Women of Cannon Beach series, this 304-page paperback targets those interested in Christian historical fiction about living on the Oregon Coast in the late 1800s. With no profanity, topics of mistreatment, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The beginning includes reviews, a list of the author’s written books, maps, and a cast of characters while the ending has a poem, sneak peek to the next book in the series, six discussion questions, the author’s notes and acknowledgments, resources, a biography, and advertisements.
In this story supported by history dating back to 1888, Mary Edwards Gerritse is married at sixteen and pregnant at seventeen in a rugged Oregon coastal town. While her husband is gone for weeks or months at a time delivering mail or helping on a ship, it is up to her to carry on and survive, even when she has four young children. With a wanderlust for adventure, she must learn how to fend for herself to find her purpose in life. Meanwhile, those around her, including her secretive mother, her uncertain husband, a foreigner wanting to prove himself, and an American Indian finding her footing, flow in and out of Mary’s life.
~ Why ~
Since I live in Oregon, I was drawn to this series that involves the state, its land, climate, and growing civilization. I enjoyed learning about the first female mail carrier of Crying Sands Beach and the building of the Elk Creek Road, which brought travelers to the remote area. The story explains well what women went through living alone on the land to survive.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like stories that mention God may not like this series, but it is not overdone or the focus of the book. Some may not like the tale is told by multiple characters, thus there is little closure in the first book. I found Mary selfish and controlling with the book’s ending abrupt and anticlimactic.
~ Wish ~
Having read several books by the author, I wish the eternal plan of salvation were given.
~ Want ~
If you like historical fiction about a stubborn woman’s search for freedom, even when married with children in the late 1800s, this one has a strong protagonist who is determined to find her way.
Thanks to Revell and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
August 3, 2026
2.75 stars
Some of this book really bothered me and some of it was really good. I hope to be able to read the second one in the not-too-faraway-future, which I truly hope will be better than this one was.
This is about a family that had already made it to Oregon from the trail a few years earlier (they talk a bit about the journey here and there). Mary is our main character, and she is about to get married to a Dutchman named John. The two of them see things pretty differently, but he likes that she is opinionated and spunky. They are going to build a homestead, but John seems to be dragging his feet throughout a lot of the story.
Mary's parents are hiding something. I am sure this will be revealed in the next book as it to me is a huge deal, and part of what bothered me a lot in this story. I want to know more about what little was mentioned.
What really bothers me, is that Mary and John's marriage is just strange to me. Mary doesn't even really like the idea of being a stay-at-home mom and doesn't really seem to be into the idea of motherhood either. That makes me really hurt for the children. She argues with her husband and wants her own way all the time. Equally John doesn't always think about his family or his wife and wants to do things his way without considering what it would do to his family. Sometimes he learns and sometimes he doesn't. It takes a major incident to make him realize things a bit more later on in the book.
I didn't really like Mary the whole time I read this book. I'll just say that. I did like how the book was written though.
I suppose the main reason for this book being written is that there is a whole thing about mail carriers being new and both John and Mary have an interest in this type of work. This story is supposed to be based off of a couple that did such work.
The best part of this book was Mary's friend who is a Native American. We only got a little bit of her perspective, and the book leaves us wanting to know where she is. We also get a perspective of a male friend of theirs who seems to have some obsession with a woman he is in love with who is probably married by now. It was just awkward. Otherwise, Mary's mom has a perspective in this story as well. She seems a bit selfish to me. I struggled with her a lot.
content: abandonment issues brought up throughout, some spiritual Native American things brought up, child loss, destruction of home, and deceit
Some of this book really bothered me and some of it was really good. I hope to be able to read the second one in the not-too-faraway-future, which I truly hope will be better than this one was.
This is about a family that had already made it to Oregon from the trail a few years earlier (they talk a bit about the journey here and there). Mary is our main character, and she is about to get married to a Dutchman named John. The two of them see things pretty differently, but he likes that she is opinionated and spunky. They are going to build a homestead, but John seems to be dragging his feet throughout a lot of the story.
Mary's parents are hiding something. I am sure this will be revealed in the next book as it to me is a huge deal, and part of what bothered me a lot in this story. I want to know more about what little was mentioned.
What really bothers me, is that Mary and John's marriage is just strange to me. Mary doesn't even really like the idea of being a stay-at-home mom and doesn't really seem to be into the idea of motherhood either. That makes me really hurt for the children. She argues with her husband and wants her own way all the time. Equally John doesn't always think about his family or his wife and wants to do things his way without considering what it would do to his family. Sometimes he learns and sometimes he doesn't. It takes a major incident to make him realize things a bit more later on in the book.
I didn't really like Mary the whole time I read this book. I'll just say that. I did like how the book was written though.
I suppose the main reason for this book being written is that there is a whole thing about mail carriers being new and both John and Mary have an interest in this type of work. This story is supposed to be based off of a couple that did such work.
The best part of this book was Mary's friend who is a Native American. We only got a little bit of her perspective, and the book leaves us wanting to know where she is. We also get a perspective of a male friend of theirs who seems to have some obsession with a woman he is in love with who is probably married by now. It was just awkward. Otherwise, Mary's mom has a perspective in this story as well. She seems a bit selfish to me. I struggled with her a lot.
content: abandonment issues brought up throughout, some spiritual Native American things brought up, child loss, destruction of home, and deceit
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