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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 !
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 .
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.
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.
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.