Hold Tight the Thread

Tender Ties Historical #3

by Jane Kirkpatrick

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

In a land occupied by foreign powers and torn by confusion and conflict, a mother seeks to weave her family and her past into a fabric that will not tear.

Their Lives Were Woven by Wars and Wilderness Places, and Tied by the Peace of Family and Faith.

As the 1840s bring conflict to the Pacific Northwest’s rugged Columbia Country, new challenges face Marie Dorion Venier the wife, mother, and Ioway Indian woman who crossed the Rocky Mountains with the Astor Expedition, the first big fur trapping expedition after Lewis and Clark’s. On French Prairie in the newly forming Oregon Territory, Marie strives to meet the needs of her conflict-ridden British settlers and Americans, missionaries and disease-stricken natives, fur trappers and French Canadian farming families, and the surviving natives of the region.

At the same time, as a mother, Marie must weave together the threads of an unraveling family. One daughter compares and judges as she seeks to find her place; another reaches for elusive evidence of her mother’s love. Marie’s memories are threatened with the emergence of a figure from the past. In the midst of this turmoil, Marie discovers an empowering spiritual Unconditional love can shed light on even the darkest places in the heart.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Historical, Native American

432 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

About the author

Kirkpatrick brings us a story of one woman's restoration from personal grief to the meaning of community."

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ends the series of three in the "Tender Ties Historical Series". They are especially interesting to me because of my Indian heritage. The story tells of the hardship and struggle of a brave Indian mother making the trip across the Rockies from Iowa to the Pacific Northwest in 1811. She made that trip by boat, foot and horseback with her husband and two small boys. This last book was very good....the best of the series, I think. I learned a lot from these books, mostly how extremely spoiled and self-centered we have become. We wouldn't make it a day!!!

[Nancy]

read in haiti

[Rachel M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel begins with Marie and her daughter, Marguerite, staring up at the stars on the eve of Marguerite's wedding. What really caught my interest was how Kirkpatrick voiced the questions in each woman's mind - the mother, wondering if she had imparted to her daughter everything she would need to know as a wife, and the daughter, filled with anxiety for what marriage will bring. Soon enters Marie's younger daughter Mary Ann, plagued with self-doubt and feeling that she is overlooked in favor of her older sister.
All three of these women are explored throughout the novel, each with their own troubles, but I found myself identifying with each of them in different ways. I wanted to be more like the wise and patient Marie, a little less like Marguerite, who can't find joy in her life because she continually focuses on what it ought to be - and less like Mary Ann, too, who is so anxious to be loved and cared for that she forgets to give and show love to others. I suspect that most women would find their reflections in this book, which is a scary thing, but also a beautiful thing, that Kirkpatrick can write characters so honestly and with so much compassion.

[Marie Carmean · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reading experiences I've ever had, reading this trilogy by Jane Kirkpatrick about the life of Marie Dorian! So few people know about her, and yet there is a lot of historic information out there. Through Kirkpatrick we can be inspired anew by her story, the Native woman who traveled with the Astoria Expedition. I was moved to tears by the end. Marie simply wanted to be the best mother she could be to her children, and to give of herself. Her failings torment her. She tries to forget the things that are too painful to remember. Yet, as we read about her amazing journey, and then her subsequent life in the "Columbia River country" we see a woman who touched more lives than she would ever realize, and who we can find strength from in her resolve. At times, the wealth of information regarding the historic events of the time, and the everyday lives of Marie and her family, can bog the reader down somewhat. There is just SO MUCH research that has been followed faithfully, and for that Kirkpatrick deserves huge accolades. Telling this novel based on fact however gives you, in wonderful depth, the heart of the story and it is one you will never forget!

[J Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marie Ioway Dorion Venier Toupin struggles to hold her growing family together amid the conflicts brought by British and American settlers. Her family seems frayed as daughters get married. She continues to wonder what she has done wrong with raising her children. It seems that she does not realize that even children raised “right” have their own motivations and desires and it may not fit in with their parent’s desires.

Marie always questioned her purpose. She helped heal people with her herbs, she would give food to families, and encouraged youngsters to become students. She raised a family, and saw her family tree grow.

Towards the end, Marie speaks to the priest, and he mentions that she should have confidence in her own worthiness and that she deserves a life of hope. He says, “Life is not made up of smooth waters alone. But of troubles and celebrations, of living through lost loves, noticing wrong turns, letting others help you turn around. Finding the lessons whenever they’re offered, not just when you thought you were ready. Living looks like what you did: You took in gifts then gave them away.” That beautifully sums up Marie’s life.

[Marci · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a fascinating weave of novalist skill with real people and facts! This is the last of a trio of books about a native American woman who lived and made a huge mark on the making of America from 1812 to 1850. I learnen so much history from the naive American view point that when we recently traveled to Eugene, Oregon my mind was filled with images of so many people who had lived there before the flood from the east arrived to claim all the land as theirs! Anyone who is interested in the history of American should consider reading all three of these books, from the time that Marie Dorian decides to go west with her husband on the first trip west after Lewis and Clark to the ending when she dies in Oregon . So much hiatory not learned in school, from the Frnch Canadians to the native Americans, this was a rich and populated world long before the British "Americans" came to claim the land as theirs.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the Tender Ties Historical series from Jane Kirkpatrick. As with the previous two books, this is also an excellent book. Marie is now in her later years of life coping with her faith, family and mental illness. Marie and her family have settled and are making roots in the area of the Oregon territory that is now know as the Willamette valley.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the last in the Tender Ties series. It appealed to me because I love history of the American West. While this is a novelization, it does accurately depict life at that time - especially for women. It covers a location in history (American North West)during the development of fur trade wars between Astor and the Hudson Bay Company. Not an easy read.

[Delene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book in the series was very thought provoking. The author takes the time to explore the deepest yearnings and turbulent journey of a womans heart in her later years while weaving an interesting tale of the events that may have shaped her life. This well researched fictional story about a real woman may prompt further interest in the colorful history of our conuntry.

[Kristen Ballam Burkhardt · Rating 2 out of 5]

The third book in the series and not nearly as captivating. I gave up after a couple chapters and am waiting to finish it. Don't let that stop you from reading the first book (A Name of Her Own).

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book series.

[Andrea]

was pretty bored through the 2nd book in the series, probably won't waste time on this one.

[Cws]

YA Kir

[Maryd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series, probably because it is set in Washington and Oregon, and I learned more about our regional history. Great books!

[Sheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not listen to too much of this. It was hard for me to understand and boring.

[Maura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mistakenly started this series with this book instead of the first so I missed a lot of the background.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series!

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good series about another "mother of our Country" her wit, determination, skill and her journey with God. Jane Kirkpatrik wove the true story of Marie Dorion into a good read.

[Kathy Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender Ties series #3 (final)

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another incredible series by Jane Kirkpatrick.

[Lucinda Vinoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this trilogy by Kirkpatrick re Marie Dorion.

This was the last of the series Tender Ties. Marie always faulted herself for how her children turned out, thinking she was a poor mother. Later in life, the character of the child comes from both parents and can only be molded to a certain degree. As Marie studied the Christian faith she came to know forgiveness, not only of others but also of herself. She forgave herself and accepted the mother that she was and also for her weakness in old age.

Actually, she was a very good mother and the Sister taught her that this was Marie's vocation. Marie enjoyed taking care of children and soon started taking in those of strangers who needed a mother's love. Always giving of herself.

Marie was given the burial of a saint in that she was buried in the walls of a St. Loius Catholic Church in Gervais, Oregon. This is reserved for very special people.

[IdahoGirl4ever · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and that it is written with Jane Kirkpatrick being in contact with Marie's descendants makes it all the more special. Living in Idaho and being fascinated with Native American history, especially tribes in Idaho, Washington, Montana and Oregon, I was drawn to this series and am saddened to reach the end. Having been to many of the areas mentioned in this book I feel a new connection and look forward to some near future road trips to see the commemorative signs and statues of Marie Dorion that are mentioned in the author's notes of this book. Another great Northwest historical trilogy by one of my favorite authors. Thank you Jane Kirkpatrick!

[Sadiepu1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last of Jane Kirkpatrick's "Tender Ties" series. Volume 3. It is the finish of the story of the life of Madame Dorian complete with genealogy dating to 1671. Each book has a suggested additional reading and several pages explaining the fact from the fiction. Because she is an Oregon author and writes of strong women I have always liked her books. It also doesn't settle all the questions raised in the first two volumes, but perhaps the historical record doesn't either,

[Lydia Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great end to the Tender ties series. I liked the relationship story between Marie’s daughters Marguerite and Marianne and I liked how their stories were told along with her other children and her husband’s. This series was based on the true story of Marie Dorion Venier Toupin.

[Chere J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all of this series. Watching Marie's faith develope though her life experiences was amazing.

[Bethel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written Oregon history. I think the only building left of what was French Prairie is the Catholic church.

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have enjoyed reading this series to experience how the settlers of this area coped in the new land, with the native people, and with each other.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 stars

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold Tight the Thread is the 3rd & last book in the Tender Ties Historical series by Jane Kirkpatrick who is a master storyteller that weaves fact with fiction to end up with a powerful ending to this trilogy. Hold Tight the Thread focuses on the last part of Marie Dorion's life from 1841-1850. It is an inspirational story of a woman's struggle against all odds at a time and place that made life for a woman very difficult, especially for one of a mixed race. Hold Tight the Thread is about lost sons, grandchildren, faith, death, conflicts, disease, the lives & loves of her children, daily life and so much more. It's a slow tale, meandering & stopping to remember the memories along the way; some good & some painful. The book allowed me to step along side of Marie and to really get to know her deepest thoughts. I highly recommend the Tender Ties series. It is some of the best historical fiction I've read. It was well researched & read true. I was deeply moved by it.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of Madam Dorion continues, don't be left out, read all in the series :)