A Bend in the Straight and Narrow: A Woman's Journey into the Heart of the Florida Frontier

by Sarah A. Younger

The bravest fighters are often not soldiers. Based on a true story of Civil War era passion and sacrifice, this novel follows the life of Sally Ann Marsh. Born to a poor, but close-knit family, Sally is married off in 1859, at the age of 15, to a wealthy man twice her age. She is distraught, but determined to make the best of her life. She falls in love with her husband and they create a blissful home together with their growing family. Their lives are upended when Sherman marches through Georgia. Sally is forced to evacuate and leads a small group of women, children and her elderly father-in-law to the Florida frontier. As their men are off fighting, the refugees rebuild their lives amidst the sweltering heat, mosquitoes and gnats, alligators and poisonous snakes. But it is the two-legged varmints who threaten the most harm. Sally manages to establish a community for her friends and family, while they wait for the men, some of whom might never return.

302 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2015

Reviews

[Tracey Shadday · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read set in 19th century that chronicles the life of a family who ranches in Post Civil War Florida. I appreciate that the author used information from her family's experience in writing the book.

[Rebecca Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read, especially since it is set in the general area where I live now. The story focused more on the family dynamics and less on the surroundings, though (I was thinking it would be like "A Land Remembered"-not so). The story moved quickly and is an easy read.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good easy read.

I enjoyed this book. Before I started it, I had read 2 very long, intense novels. I needed a book with less intensity - kind like taking a vacation after lots of tension and stress! Ha!

This is the story of a very young girl and her life - small farm girl, early marriage, moving away from family, starting a new life and all the happy and bad times that followed. And right in the middle of the War Between the States. So many sad times but also good times.

Sally was a very honest and bold woman. She would be a good friend to have.

My favorite character was Elizabeth. Sadly, she left the story too soon but she loved deeply. She just couldn’t outlive her ghosts.

Good read that I would recommend.

[Karen Covey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading a civil war book from a woman’s perspective. This book was chosen by me to fill a spot in my book club’s “a book by a local author”. I just moved to Vero Beach and Sarah Younger, the author, lives in Melbourne. I especially enjoyed the time period of the book. I admired Sally’s love for her family, her bravery and the love she had for her friends. The Florida frontier had to have been difficult.

[Gerri Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heroine of this book has one of the strongest voices I've had the pleasure to read. At first, I thought this was a memoir based on the remembrances of the author's ancestor. Only after I finished, did I realize it was historical fiction based on those memories. That explains my occasional susprise at how freely the narrator sometimes speaks about private matters. Yet who knows what women discussed among themselves in that era? Far more than they left behind in public sources, I'm sure. I came away from this book feeling I knew the heroine and had just had a long conversation with her.

[Irma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick good read. I love pioneering stories of early Florida, especially central Florida.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this and would have given it more than 3 stars but didn’t think it is for everyone.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. I was both tragic and happy. I read it in two days so I think that should tell you something.

[Gloria M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story

I didn't want to put it down.Makes you feel like you are living the story. Every page keeps you captivated.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story

What a beautiful written story!!! I couldn’t put it down!! Can’t wait to read the sequel! I love a book that captures and keeps me reading!! Thank you❤️

[Donna Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Sarah Henry's life from a poor farm girl in Tennessee, to a wealthy man's wife in Georgia,to her journey to Florida during the last years of the War Between the States, and her role in settling the Florida plains is particularly interesting to me because of my own family's role in settling Florida. That this book is based on family stories makes it much more than just another story.

The character of Sarah Henry (Sally) reminds me of the women in my family. They endured many sorrows, but they also experienced so much joy. And they did it with strength--physical and emotional. Sally is plain-spoken, willing to work, and has common sense. However, Ms. Younger also captures the insecurity of an inadequate education and the embarrassment of feeling not up to some vague standard. Sally's perseverance which helps her come to love herself and her life is just one of the victories she attains in A Bend in the Straight and Narrow: A Woman's Journey into the Heart of the Florida Frontier

The Florida geography is very familiar to me, and I think Ms. Younger captures just what a wild physical frontier Florida was to those first settlers in North Central Florida. And she captures the beauty of Florida that is not often seen or understood by those who only think of Florida's beaches and theme parks. Of course, this part of Florida is mostly developed and those large cattle ranches are all but gone, but many of us remember before the development started.

I give Ms. Younger a "thank you" for capturing a story that many of us multi-generational Floridians are able to relate to.

[Beverly Hanners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trials and Tribulations

I fell in love with this book. A WONDERFUL read about family and their ups and downs. Keeps you turning pages to see what's next. Miss Younger is a very good writer.

[Patsy Birdwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Reading!

I could not put it down. From start to finish I was gripping the book and couldn't read fast enough. The family, trials and tribulations that Sally faces and conquers is .....said enough.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction, life of families during the hardships of the Civil War. Good, quick read