Sally's dreams to study art in the city are ruined when a tornado hits the Missouri countryside. Her parents force her to marry the farmer whom she hid in the root cellar with. His name is Jeremiah and he is the definition of simple.She tries to adjust to married life only to face more disaster - the murder of a dear friend and the realization that no one in White Oaks is who they seem. As more truths are uncovered, something changes inside of Sally. She begins to think of herself as something more than her current station in life - and those who stand in her way will see the full capacity of her cruelty.
A skillful coming of age story with a brave heroine you root for from the beginning, set in a harsh 19th century America, when life was merciless with women, especially young ones.
I cheered for Mary along the way, felt said for her when she chose to sacrifice her educational plans to protect her little sister, and admired her. Mary’s character is true to her age and I do wish to see a follow up of her adventures, see how she developed after fulfilling her dream. I enjoyed the details that accompanied the mainstream of events, it gave the story a feel of the time and helped draw the reader in, and the Gothic elements added just the right amount of dark suspense.
The book is true to the western genre and lifestyle of the 1800s, the narrative is charming and I felt sad when it ended. A recommended read and an author to keep in mind.
I was not sure what to expect from this book as I don't normally read this genre. The plot kept me in suspense. Sally was an engaging character, and I loved the complexity of her relationship with Jeremy. Without giving anything away, I'll say that the ending was perfect for the characters. I would love to know what Sally does next.
Sara Kjeldsen's book Sally is a very well thought out book. It is very hectic (in a good way) and you are always on the edge of your seat reading it. Sally is very independent and knows what she wants in life. The book truly shows you a women that will never stop trying to pursue her own dreams. Sally is a great book for not knowing what is going to happen next! Sally has many battles a long the way but she always pushes through them. She does not let anyone stop her from doing anything. She learns many tactics to learn how to survive. Sally also wants to be an art student but no one believes or acknowledges her dream.
Sara's books always impress me and I always enjoy reading them.
Okay ladies and gentlemen... This book is arguably the best book I've read this year. From the beginning, you're enthralled with this twister of a story. A young dreamer heroine gets her life flipped COMPLETELY upside down following what most would consider to be an inconvenient natural disaster. But for Sally, that natural disaster sealed her fate - and the fate of many others surrounding her. In this gripping tale, you will never see what's coming next. Set in a small town in a time mostly forgotten, author Sara Flower Kjeldsen nails the coffin with her vivid imagery, accurate depictions of the views at the time, and complex characters. Normally, I would shy away from tales like this as it's not my preferred genre - but once I began reading I was unable to stop. The ending was wrapped up extremely well, leaving you on a cliffhanger that makes you beg for more. No page was wasted in the making of this story, you hang on to every word written. This is truly a masterpiece, and a novel that everyone should read. It will make you ponder about your own morality, make you understand vengeance in a whole new light, and show you the butterfly effect in its rawest form.
Sally is a western written by independent author Sara Flower Kjeldsen. It takes place in the fictional town of White Oaks during the nineteenth century, a place where things are not as they seem.
This story is primarily focused on Sally, a young creative girl who plans to attend university to study art. However, her life is uprooted when a tornado touches down near her home, shattering her dreams.
She finds herself married, barred off from the life she hoped for. As she struggles to find herself in her new life, the veil surrounding the town is lifted, revealing truths she’s ill equipped to deal with. This strains relation with her husband, family, and friends sending her deeper down the rabbit hole. In the end you’ll be left wondering how this will turn out.
Sally is a quick read that explores what happens when a creative soul is denied an outlet. The characters are fleshed out and feel real, and the situations may seem all too familiar to some. After reading the last page, you’ll be left yearning for more!
Another great book from Sara! I've really been enjoying this series of Western books and 'Sally' is another fantastic entry in the series! I highly recommend you check the series out!
I really got into the character of Sally - she's complex, sometimes immature and at times totally irrational! But I understood why she acted out like she did - her dreams were took away from her and she was trapped in a living nightmare! Forced into a marriage she didn't want and pressured into staying in a town she hated. Sally's determination to leave the town and her stubborn independence really makes you root for her.
Sally's father, Mr Thompson, is the reason for her predicament due to his murderous ways and chilling threats. Mr Thompson is a fantastic villain, purely because he is so hateable! He isn't a 'cool' villain or a villain you secretly root for, he is a truly horrible person and one that really does make your blood boil!
I love how this book interweaves with some of the events from another book in the series 'The Broken and the Foolish', it was great to see those same events from Sally's point of view this time around, giving us more of an understanding for her actions.
I like the character of Jeremy too, Sally's husband. Just as Sally had no interest in getting married, Jeremy didn't either! Forced into it due to circumstances and pressure from Mr Thompson and the town elders, they are both trapped in a marriage neither of them wanted. What I loved was how Sally grew on Jeremy over time, there were hints of romance between them before something always ruined the moment! It is a fantastically written love/hate relationship.
This book has an epic feel to it and the drama and action builds up brilliantly, with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing what the outcome may be! Overall, this may be my favourite entry in the 'Outlaw's Tale' series so far, with complex but loveable characters, a great villain and an unpredictable journey. Great job Sara! Can't wait for the next book!
This is the fourth book I read from this author and according to my opinion, her best one. Mixing romance, thriller, and drama, Sara Kjeldsen is leading readers on dangerous adventures. The book placed in the 19th century reveals patriarchal education and rules given by the church and deacons. If you don't respect it, you will be dead. The main character Sally is forced to marry farmer Jeremy and their connection is very interesting. With time the reader feels sparks between them, but Sally's character is childish and explosive. After the murder of the pastor, everything is getting worse. A young couple will feel differences in their perspectives and it will affect their relationship. Fight for justice and desire for revenge will affect Sally. She gave up on her college education because her father forced her to marry and it marked her destiny. The dynamic of the story is leading readers to read more and wonder what will happen next. A wild, dangerous ride.
Where to begin with this 10/10 book... Sally is a spitfire young soul who has been through a lot. Not only is her character memorable and in many ways relatable, but she makes you want to jump into the pages and fight these battles along with her. I think that's one of the best things about Sara's writing. She sets the scenes so well and draws you in all the way.
I LOVED book one in this series, The Broken and the Foolish, and Sally is easily a lovable sequel. I appreciated her backstory so much. This story is heavy, hooking, and worth reading. If you're into small towns with dark secrets and a writing style that feels classic and genuine, I highly recommend checking it out. You won't be disappointed!