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Pierce Family Saga #1

Cordelia's Journey

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In this coming-of-age story set in Kansas Territory, 1855, thirteen-year-old Cordelia puts up with her stepfather's abuse until she learns her ailing mother is pregnant again. Afraid her mother will die in childbirth, Cordelia runs away, heading for Westport, Missouri, and her aunt, the only person who might be able to save her mother. Disguising herself as a boy, she sets out on foot to make the 150-mile trip down the Kansas River. She hitches rides with a variety of travelers going east, facing setbacks along the way while learning lessons about the world and her place in it.

Cordelia's Journey is the first book in the Pierce Family Saga, a series of historical novels that follow Cordelia and her family through the latter half of the nineteenth century.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2015

433 people are currently reading
157 people want to read

About the author

Hazel Hart

45 books32 followers

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5 stars
672 (55%)
4 stars
397 (32%)
3 stars
114 (9%)
2 stars
17 (1%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
209 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2023
This has all the elements of good historical fiction. It’s realistic to the time, has lots of detail to paint a rich scene including an impressive description of the process involved in early photography. It deals with politics and society of the time period, giving insight and understanding to why things couldn’t just be “fixed”. There is no rich benefactor swooping in to make everything right, rather real family and friends doing what they could to help in hard situations. This is real. Well done.
Profile Image for Maryk Adams.
189 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2021
Amazing Story

Amazing Story “Cordelia’s Journey” this is the Pierce Family Saga, book 1. This story tells you of the family dynamics and just how unfair it is for the girls in the family, compared to the boys. Cordelia is only 13 years only and was expected to run the household just like the mother. At times I think the author goes into to much detail, but then I realize her meeting all those people is necessary because she may run into them again.
24 reviews
September 22, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I like to see how the people lived in the 1800's; how they survived this thing we call life. What made this a winner for me was that Cordelia refused to be a victim of a bully and pervert step father because of decisions made by her Mother. With little else than "gumption" and a desire to save her family went about reaching out and doing what she could to make changes. Very enjoyable read. Never a dull moment!
14 reviews
April 18, 2021
Nothing can stop a strong willed daughter.

This is a look into the closed minded ways of the past. Unforgiven daughters who get pregnant b4 marriage, the child never being enough, a father’s longing for sons and his blinded ways with only those sons in mind. Great book - can’t wait to start the next one in the series.
584 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2021
Cordelia's Journey

Cordelia's story was very interesting. Lifes journey of a girl becoming a teenager and traveling the country to get help for her mother. On her traveling to her Aunts she meets many different people along the way and learns a little more about life. Enjoyed the story very much.
Profile Image for JoLynn.
98 reviews
November 12, 2021
This book is very well written. It’s a great story and goes along very smoothly. I enjoyed the details and the characters. The only thing that I wasn’t thrilled with was the ending. It could have been a bit better, in my opinion, though I wasn’t completely surprised by some of the ending. It’s still a good read if only for the story and how they lived during that time period.
35 reviews
March 21, 2022
A story that is set in a time that was quite difficult and different.

This was a very sad story. It is sad to think that there were and are people like Hiram even today. It teaches me that everyone needs to be understanding and kind. You never know what anyone has had to endure.
229 reviews
August 2, 2022
This is a Great story!

I've always enjoyed the era in which this story takes place. The detail that Mrs. Hart uses to portray the events and especially the photography and process of developing it is so interesting to me as well as just the every day circumstances of the time period. Loved it!
200 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2023
Great Read

It's a story so compelling that I read later every day than I had intended. A story so well written its words just seemed to naturally fall into place. It is a story
with human endeavors and success, where there seemed no success could be gained.
It is a very good read that will enhance everyone's life whomever reads it.
614 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2021
Another wonderful story!

I have finished reading this book as I'm getting ready to go to sleep. I'm not so sure that's a good idea as the ending, while true to life, was a bit sad! Hazel Hart has done a great job of creating living characters in her book! I shall miss them.
Profile Image for teresa.
508 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2021
So Real

I loved the characters, I felt I was traveling right beside Cordelia. The fact this was located in Kansas territory just before the civil war was perfect. One of my favorite eras to read historical fiction. If you like historical fiction don't miss this one.
122 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2021
Confidence

I gave a four star rating. Very good story and a easy read for anyone. I enjoyed the description given of the different areas and the people. Makes you feel like your there. Enjoy.
110 reviews
January 29, 2021
Harsh life

Frontier life was harsh especially for women. Their courage to live in such conditions, risking their lives to give birth, having no rights when married if they married unwisely. Family took care of each other.
Profile Image for Loretta Gabriel.
833 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2021
A story full of action and intriguing.

The author has written a very heartwarming and suspenseful story of the hard and dangerous life in our country during the early years. A interesting and compassionate story which provides some enjoyable reading.
2 reviews
October 17, 2021
Just a wonderful book. Couldn't put it down.

The story reminded me so much about how things were when I was told by my mom about how life for my grandmother had been. Nowadays we women don't realize how easy we have it. I truly enjoyed every minute of it.
6 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2022
HISTORICAL FICTION

Easy to read and I enjoyed learning about the beginnings of photography. Interesting peek at early times in the woman's rights issue. In fact full of facts about life in the mid 1800's. Good plot and memorable characters. Hope that book 2 will be as good.
Profile Image for Diane Young.
76 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2022
Best book!

I really enjoyed this book! I read it all in one day. When I had to take a break I wanted to get back to reading it. It was suspenseful, sad, funny and loving. Don't hesitate to read !
Profile Image for Jackie Clapp.
5 reviews
January 2, 2023
Great Story

I loved the characters that Cordelia got to meet. The story of a young girl doing what she had to , to save herself from an abusive step father. Going bAck to help her mother and siblings .
25 reviews
January 23, 2023
A Perfect Story About Pioneer Life

I enjoyed this book tremendously. It was extremely well written and researched to the "T" about the pioneer life. I shall be following this writer.
Profile Image for Julie.
937 reviews8 followers
June 2, 2023
This plot had a good premise but was written so simplistically I couldn’t get into it. I enjoy a good well written literary historical fiction, but this one read like a middle school student wrote it. I have so many books lined up that I want to read, I decided to go on to the next in line.
24 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2024
Narrative of Cordelia journey

l liked the descriptions of all the people. The terrible living conditions they endured. Looking forward to next book, hoping life will be better for them.
311 reviews
March 2, 2018
On my Own!

This was a very touching book. I was very impressed with the quality of your writing skills.. I will be reading more of your work.
113 reviews
March 13, 2018
A Quick Easy Read.

It tells of the hard frontier life especially for females in that era and how some men thought of them.
Profile Image for Mershon Niesner.
Author 11 books2 followers
December 3, 2020
A Realistic Tale

The author does a good job of portraying what daily life was like in 1855. I like her strong women characters. Well done.
Profile Image for Pamela Wetmiller.
10 reviews
January 9, 2021
Loved it

This book was outstanding! I read it in 2 days, couldn't put it down. Cordelia journey was one of the best books I have read this year.
Profile Image for Victoria Barnett.
36 reviews
February 25, 2021
This was one of those books that I purchased and finished the same day. I really enjoyed it, especially how she was able to adapt to the different circumstances she found herself in so quickly.
163 reviews
March 27, 2021
Mother in Mind

A daughter leaves home in attempt to get help for her mother who is expecting.
She goes to the town her aunt lives in asking for help.
1 review1 follower
April 5, 2021
I lived in Westport for many years. I was intrested for history. It's okay nothing to write home about. I think more for younger readers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brandi.
542 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2021
Good book

I can’t wait to dive into the others. I really enjoyed the colorful characters in this book. I’ll be reading her others in this series.
374 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2021
Great story

I love this author's depiction of life in the prairies. What a complicated tale of a woman scorned and a daughter that tries to bring her relief.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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