A Sparrow Alone

by Mim Eichmann

"Hannah's story is not only a wonderful historical coming-of-age tale,but also a novel about overcoming hardships, finding friendship, and female empowerment." ~ Deanna Frances Windy City Reviews1890s. Colorado. Following her mother's sudden death, thirteen-year-old Hannah Owens is hired as domestic help by a wealthy doctor's family in Colorado Springs. When the doctor declares bankruptcy and abandons his family to finance his mistress Pearl DeVere's brothel, Hannah is thrown into a world of gold mining bonanzas and busts, rampant prostitution and the economic, political and cultural upheavals of the era. Two of Cripple Creek's most colorful historic characters, Winfield Scott Stratton, eccentric owner of the richest gold mine in Cripple Creek, and Pearl DeVere, the beautifulmadam of The Old Homestead come to life as this old-fashioned, coming-of-age saga unfolds, a tribute to the women who set the stage for women's rights.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

311 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2020

About the author

A graduate from the Jordan College of Music at Butler University, in Indianapolis, IN, Chicago-based author Mim Eichmann has found that her creative journey has taken her down many exciting, interwoven pathways as an award-winning published lyricist, short story author and songwriter, professional folk musician, choreographer, by-lined journalist, and now, bestselling historical fiction author. Her debut historical fiction novel, “A Sparrow Alone”, published by Living Springs Publishers in April 2020, has met with extremely enthusiastic reviews and was a semi-finalist in the 2020 Illinois Library Association's Soon-to-be-Famous Project. Its much-anticipated sequel, “Muskrat Ramble” was published by LSP in March 2021 and has garnered equally enthusiastic high ratings. Both novels are bestsellers. www.mimeichmann.com

Reviews

[Marialyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrown adrift after the death of he mother, thirteen year old Hannah Owens knows that her bible spewing father is useless and certainly can't or won't parent her. Poor Hannah hires on with Mrs and Dr Hughes. Hannah's life is one that is sad although on the outside Mrs Hughes seems kind, she beats and cajoles Hannah making her life miserable.

However, Dr Hughes is about to spring a surprise on the missus when he abandons his family for his mistress Pearl DeVere, thus resulting in poor Hannah and the cook Zuma to be thrown out of the Hughes household. By chance both ladies end up working in a brothel, where Hannah and Zuma do the washing and on two occasions Hannah sings. The brothel owned by Dr Hughes and run by Pearl is what was termed as a high class brothel.

After Zuma is put in jail for a crime she didn't commit, Hannah's life once again is thrown into turmoil. Rescued by a man named Winfield Scott, Hannah's life once again takes a turn but is it one for the better?

Certainly there were many interesting characters and I liked the way the author presented both the good and the bad of both the men and the women. This was a book of times past, the late 19th century in Colorado where times were rough and growing up for many was a difficult thing. You can't help but root for Hannah as she faces the challenges of her young life and preservers. This is a coming of age story and one where it is evident that the author did research into the times and lives of those she depicts.

Hannah's story will continue in the next installment of this story.
Thank you to Mim Eichmann for sending me a copy of this book. It is well worth the read.

[Teddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1890’s Colorado, 13 year old Hannah Owens mother has just died. Her father is useless and just spews scripture, as always. So Mrs. Hughes takes her home with her to learn to be a servant for herself and wealthy doctor husband. It seems kind of Mrs. Hughes at the time but she is not a kind woman as the welts and scars on Hannah can attest to.

After Dr. Hughes abandons his family for his mistress, Pearl DeVere, Mrs. Hughes throws Hannah and the cook, Zuma out. They end up living on the high class brothel finances by Dr. Hughes and run by Pearl. They take in the brothel’s laundry and darning to be able to live. Hannah is also hired twice to sing on special occasions at the brothel. However, that life falls apart too and Zuma is sent to jail for something she did not do. Hannah is now completely alone. Enter Winfield Scott to save her or does he just want a piece of her?

Hannah is thrown from the frying pan and into the fire many times throughout this novel. How will she survive? It is clear that Mim Eichmann did her research. She captured the period and place well. Her characters popped off the page and kidnapped me into their world. Even though I finished reading, they still have me and won’t let go. I just can’t get them out of my head. Luckily, I found out at the end that there is a sequel coming next year. The wait will be excruciating. I highly recommend ‘A Sparrow Alone’ to historical fiction lovers and give it 5 stars.

[(Ellie) ReadtoRamble · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

I read this book for a blog tour, so thank you very much to the blog tour organiser and the author for letting me take part in this tour and for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Overall, this was an interesting historical fiction novel that took me by surprise a little bit. I was expecting to love it, and unfortunately, I think my expectations were a little bit high. The characters and the plot came across as a little bit dull for me, and the part of the book that matched up with the promise from the blurb kind of came to an abrupt halt.

The writing style was really good though and despite a slower pacing and a plot and cast that I struggled with a little bit, I did enjoy this book. I know that in this instance, it's just my expectations that were a little bit high and I was envisioning something else from this book, but I think that if you like the sound of the blurb, you should pick it up because it could surprise you.

I gave this book 3.5 stars, again, it just was a case of not being what I was hoping for and the interesting bits (for me) only happened right at the end, I would have liked it to continue and maybe cut off the first third instead, but I would definitely recommend to historical fiction and history lovers, because I think you would enjoy it! And I am actually going to try to pick up more books by this author because I did really enjoy her writing style.

Trigger Warnings: death, murder, rape, abuse, attempted rape, child death, fire.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann is a highly entertaining historical fiction novel.

Taking place in the 1890s world of Colorado mining, we learn the story of young Hannah Owens. After the death of her mother, she is sent to live and work with a wealthy family. Her life continues to be one disaster after another. But, this beautiful sparrow works to rise above everything life throws at her. From false accusations, beatings, rape, and more, this songbird keeps her steadfast loyalty and finds the bits that make life worth living.

Through the richly described setting, we are carried away to the rough and tumble mining towns. We can almost taste the desperation of miners hoping for a big strike. We feel buried by the despair of many characters. Yet, the good-heartedness of so many people rises to the top under challenging times.

The author tackles the subjects of racism, prejudice, poverty, and prostitution in a straight-forward manner without it becoming the focus of the story.

I feel like I made this sound like a rather depressing book, and that is far from the truth. A Sparrow Alone is an entertaining fictional novel that is truly not to be missed. It’s incredibly well-written. Hannah’s story will stay in your heart & thoughts for a long time.

A Sparrow Alone has a beautiful cover that should entice you to pick this book up, and then you will be swept away by the words between the covers.

[Ken Fredette · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a personal favor I read Mim Eichmann's book "A Sparrow Alone" which was published April 15, 2020. It's not what I usually read but you can't always read Scandinavian Crime Books. I liked what she describes in her synopsis of the story the world of gold mining in Colorado in the 1890's, with rampant prostitution, economic and cultural upheavals in the era. She describes the same time as another author which is Mark Twain with the likes of "Tom Sawyer", and she uses her ability to use the first person talking in many of the situations. We have the heroine Hanna Owens, Pearl DeVere, Win Stratton, John Barrington, Zuma, Alice and Emma and the other characters which make up Mim's book. Lives that deal with all the trouble of the 1890's which will intrigue you. Hanna goes through a pretty rough childhood and teenage years, which when she's 16 she falls in love with a millionaire called Win Stratton. Mim fills all the story extras in and creates a wonderful illusion of the time period with a no wholes barred type of action. Something that I enjoy. She's also written another book with Hanna Owens Barrington called "Muskrat Ramble" which I am sure to read. I've given Mim's book 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend it as a book to read and enjoy.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m generally a big fan of historical fiction and particularly ones with strong female leads so when the write reads asked me if I wanted to be part of a book tour for A Sparrow Alone I jumped at it.

A Sparrow Alone is the story of Hannah Owens, a young girl who learns just how tough life can be in late 19th century Colorado when at an early age the death of her mother leaves her with just her useless bible thumping father as her lone parent. To escape him she works as a servant fro Mrs. Hughes, something Hannah thinks would be a step in the right direction at the time, but turns out to be the opposite and she soon finds herself out on the streets. Perhaps the rich and handsome Winfield Scott will finally change her fortunes??

MIm Eichmann’s writing is really top notch throughout. And it is clear she took great time and care over the historical research for this. Something which I greatly appreciate. There is nothing I hate more than when authors don’t do their homework. It immediately destroys my sense of immersion.

Highly recommended!

[Page Grey (Editor) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

If I have to rank all genres from my most favorite down to least ones, historical would be in the bottom three. I’m really not a fan of the genre but I do make myself read, or watch, one once in a while. It’s been a while since I read historical fiction so this blog tour is a blessing.

A Sparrow Alone is about 13-year-old Hannah Owens, who after losing her mother, learns how to be an adult in a time period that is not easy for a young woman to be alone. I am not that familiar with this part of the history but still, it is obvious to me that the author has done the research to make her novel more realistic. So for that alone, I applaud this novel already.

I didn’t connect with Hannah right away. I felt like the first half is a bit dull and too slow for setting the stage of the story. I found the second, more specifically, the last quarter much more interesting to read. It is where all the great bits really happened. When I say great bits, I meant the things that I expected based on reading the blurb. Still, I didn’t find Hannah dull. She’s a fairly-written character that I’ve grown to like and root for eventually. The things she’s gone through have made her tough and given her character more depth. Also, her character is obviously still open to growth and that’s why I’m happy to know that there’s a sequel. I definitely want to follow her journey.

The other characters are fine? I really wouldn’t call them memorable but they’re not entirely dull. I found some of them flat but there are some that also managed to make the plot more interesting and moving, such as Pearl DeVere and Winfield Scott Stratton.

I just wish that the pacing is a bit faster in the beginning and that the delivery of some plot points is more imaginative. Also, I think this novel would be even more interesting to those who are familiar with the era it is set in or to those who are interested to learn more about the time period. Still, I’m not either of the two and yet I fairly enjoyed reading this.

Finally, I highly recommend this novel especially if you like Historical Fiction, you’ll love this book. I have few issues but overall, I think this is a very well-written novel.

[Julie Failla Earhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the story opens, thirteen-year-old Hannah Owens sits quietly staring at her mother’s face with her two younger siblings. Their dead mother’s face. I was never sure exactly what killed Mother, but it seemed a sort of wasting disease; I’m thinking cancer of some type. Their father is a psalm-singer (very strict Puritan), constantly spewing psalms and working on occasion. He also seemed insane to me.

Author Eichmann sets readers down in 1890s Colorado, where the Owens family lives in horrible, horrible poverty. The family hasn’t eaten much in several days. The doctor’s wife, Mrs. Hughes, arrives, demanding to know what has happened. She rolls up her sleeves and takes charge, making sure Mother is promptly buried.

Mrs. Hughes convinces Pa that he cannot take care of the three children. She takes Hannah with the intention of training her as a house maid. While that seems like a generous thing to do, Mrs. Hughes isn’t the person she appears to be. Soon, she is whipping Hannah, leaving scars that resemble slaves’ backs after beatings.

When Dr. Hughes decides to abandon his wife, Mrs. Hughes throws Hannah and Zuma, the cook, out. The women follow Dr. Hughes to Cripple Creek, Colorado. The doctor is investing heavily in his mistress’s new venture, one that becomes the most famous brothel in Cripple Creek.

Hannah’s life is one of such hardship that it seems that the young woman would not be able to overcome. But Hannah is a fighter, always picking herself up and going on. That is until multi-millionaire Winfield Scott takes a shine to her.

The story is well-researched and gives a truly extraordinary look into just how difficult life was in those days. Much of the story is written in dialect, which always threw me out of the story. One or two times are all a story needs of dialect, and most readers associate that with the character through the rest of the book.

The biggest issue for me, however, is the last chapter. It seemed to come out of left field. It seemed, to me, that Eichmann was tired of writing and wrapped it up neatly. But that can’t be the case because there is a sequel that I want to read. Surely poor Hannah’s life has to get better.

For the two reasons above, “A Sparrow Alone” receives 3 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

[TheBookDude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a good historicial fiction so when I was offered a chance to read A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann I of course said yes. A Sparrow Alone is a fantastic coming of age story set in 19th century Colorado about a young girl on the verge of womanhood who has to fight and struggle to survive in a harsh and cruel world.

Unfortunately for Hannah, the author puts her through hell. In truth I would say she and others in the book have a rougher time of it than anything I have read since Assasins Apprentice. Maybe that is indicative of the times in which it is set. Her mother dies early on, she gets raped, her father is one of these strict religious authoritarians and her road to escape all this is not exactly all ice cream and cupcakes either.

You know what I also liked? The name. Hannah truly is A Sparrow Alone, struggling to survive in this nasty and rough world that could crush her spirit so easily, yet never does. It's a book that leaves you just hoping she rises up flies away and succeeds. Maybe that will happen in the sequel Muskrat Ramble which I am quite looking forward to now.

I would give a fair warning that if subjects like rape, suicide, prostitution, racism etc trigger you you might want to steer clear of this. While the author handles them in a straightforward tell it as it is fashion, she doesn't pull any punches. So consider yourself warned.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review as part of a tour.

[Pat Camalliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a debut novel and readers will look forward with anticipation to more from talented writer Mim Eichmann. The story takes place in late 19th century Colorado, and features a coming-of-age young woman who escapes a poor family situation and finds herself alone to face a harsh world in the gold mining town of Cripple Creek. It is clear that the background was well-researched, with abundant examples of life in the period. Hannah is a likeable character, gutsy and practical-minded. What is especially refreshing about Mim’s well-drawn characters is that none are stereotypical. The men, good and bad, for the most part are sometimes helpful, other times untrustworthy, and therefore add a realism and unpredictability to the story. The bonds between the women she befriends, sometimes willingly and other times of necessity, speak to the special need for female dependency in this time and place in history. Once again, the women have both admirable characteristics and faults. There are surprises along the way, and you are left when the present story ends with a desire to know more about what happens to Hannah’s life, knowing it will be revealed in the next book. 5 stars April 2020.

[Debjani Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann is a somber tale of a girl finding her feet in the world.

Eichmann’s lucid prose brings the characters and the mining town of Cripple Creek to life vividly. She realistically portrays the harsh living conditions of the miners and equally harsh conditions for women in the 19th century. She also poignantly portrays the hatred and apathy of society towards the prostitutes. Her writing has a unique quality of evoking emotions from the reader. Consequently, I was gutted by a pivotal character’s death in the book.

A Sparrow Alone has an incredibly strong female cast who look out for each other in times of adversity. However, it was frustrating and sad to see them being belittled by society for situations over which they had no control. But, I guess, that was how the nineteenth-century society was.

I found all the characters to be three-dimensional. I could empathize with Hannah and rooted for her as she tumbled from one misfortune to another. Hannah’s naivete endears her to Winfield Stratton, the eccentric millionaire of Cripple Creek, but also makes her vulnerable to the onslaughts of selfish people including sexual abuse. However, she never sacrifices her good nature despite the hardships she endures.

Despite being slow-paced, I found this coming-of-age story of Hannah set in 1890s Colorado to be highly readable. I am looking forward to reading more about Hannah’s story in the sequel Muskrat Ramble.

A complimentary digital copy was provided to me by the publisher for review. It does not affect my opinion of the book.

[Amanda "Coffin Critiques" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a Goodreads Giveaway for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This piece was far more than I expected. I won this from Goodreads and am more than pleased once again. I found the story to be so intoxicating and compelling due to it’s purely outrageous plot and horrible occurrences but all the while maintaining your belief in it’s probability. It was full of horrible things involving the lives of predominantly women, during the late 1800′s and because of it it achieved a truly incredible story to follow. Some characters were loved, some hated but either way this author had an ability to create both in a way that could invoke passion. She took you on a sad, heartfelt journey touching many lives along the way but invoked a reality that many of us try not to imagine when these time periods become romanticized in our minds. Her realism being her more apparent ability, some others felt a little lacking. Hannah, the main character has a colder type of detachment from the story at times. She doesn’t seem to waste much time on the emotional tolls taken upon herself in this story but that also can partially be attributed to her being a very strong character. I think logistically it could have also been due to length. If it had actually be a little longer maybe we could have had more from the character in the sense of her deeper feelings and lasting effects. We instead only really had occasional glimpses of this vulnerability. There’s a thin line to tread especially when coupled with a period piece involving deeply hurtful traumas that I found had descriptions that came off rather curt at times. This isn’t a critique on the writing overall though. I believe this author did a wonderful job with enticing her readers throughout still. Scene descriptions were excellent, the builds of anticipation were incredible and again, her character creations were wonderfully executed still. She really did an amazing job sinking you into this time period as if you were reading a girl's diary and watching life through her eyes which I found to pay off very well still for other reasons.

[Mim Eichmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Not only was Eichmann's novel a compelling fictional story, but it was also historically interesting and vastly educational. While I have found that some writers of historical fiction tend to veer much farther towards the fiction side of the genre, Eichmann’s novel truly encompasses what life may have been like for a young woman living in the 1890s Colorado mining boom." review by Deanna Frances, Windy City Reviews

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann is the story of Hannah Owens, a child who, at the age of thirteen, is forced to become an adult after the death of her mother. Hannah's father makes the decision to keep his son and move his two daughters out of his home since, in his mind, they would not contribute substantively to his survival. Hannah is sent to live in servitude with Dr. Albert Hughes and Mrs. Margaret Hughes. This is where Hannah makes her rite of passage into the adult world of 1890s Colorado.

Eichmann has done an excellent job using historical records and the inclusion of two actual people from Cripple Creek, Colorado, and the surrounding towns to move Hannah’s story forward. The first historical person, Pearl DeVere, is introduced early in the story as a dressmaker from Colorado Springs. Hannah soon comes to realize that Mrs. DeVere and Dr. Hughes are romantically involved. Dr. Hughes eventually leaves his wife to support Mrs. DeVere and her new business, The Old Homestead House - the most famous brothel in Cripple Creek. Hughes leaving his wife sets the stage for future events that will shape the woman that Hannah becomes. Another key historical character is Winfred Scott Stratton, the eccentric millionaire and owner of the Independence mine. Eichmann positions Stratton as another key person who becomes a strong influence in Hannah’s life.

Eichmann weaves different narratives into Hannah’s story that are relatable, especially if readers are familiar with the struggles of the mining communities during the nineteenth century. As I read the story, the experiences faced by Hannah and other characters reminded me of the stories my dad, who was born in the Cripple Creek area in 1902, would share. Eichmann skillfully accomplishes capturing the essence of the culture in Colorado and the mining communities.

Hannah’s life as a young teen, considered a woman, is challenging. The trials and tribulations she has to overcome are relentless. To present readers with a whole picture of Hannah’s suffering, Eichmann introduces a rotating list of characters to develop the multiple events Hannah experiences throughout the novel. Due to this, it is easy for the reader to glaze over what seem to be minor storylines: skimming these can lead to missing surprising truths about Hannah’s life that are eventually revealed toward the end of the novel - so I would advise, no skimming.

Life for young girls at the end of the nineteenth century was hard because of the expectations placed on them by society and the communities of which they were a part. In Hannah’s case, she discovers at a very young age that she must care for herself by whatever means she can to survive. Although she is repeatedly abused and taken advantage of, she continues to move forward despite what is placed in her path that tests her strength and taxes her endurance.

Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds

[Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not particularly care for this one. It was interesting looking up information on the real people in the story, but that's about as much as I got out of this book. It just seemed like either bad or good things happened to the character, but she didn't seem to go through much character development, especially for a coming-of-age story. The pacing was also wild. Some of the book drags on over a few days but then Hannah gets "married", moves, has multiple pregnancies, John gets involved with the Pendergast machine, becomes a state senator, and gets killed in less than half a chapter? I also don't understand how Vanya blackmails Hannah into giving up her husband's assets for her and her kid because Vanya married him first, when the kid was the one who killed John. This doesn't seem realistic to me, especially considering the positions Hannah (state senator's wife) and Vanya (disabled former sex worker) hold in society, especially when Hannah has connections to the Pendergast machine. This was an absolutely unhinged ending. I also take some issue with some of the historical liberties the author took. I am assuming the author did more research on the real people in this story than I did, but just spending a few minutes searching on Google, there is not evidence I'm finding to suggest that Stratton's mother was at all Black. If there is such evidence, that's a cool thing to add. If not, that seems like a wild choice to add, especially in speculating that she fought for freedom and was a part of the Underground Railroad. To me, it seems shoehorned in, and I feel like there are better ways to address that historical issue than was done here. Honestly, I was planning to give this three stars until the last third or so of the book.

I received a free ARC from Goodreads Giveaways.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sparrow Alone is a timeless historical novel written by Mim Eichmann. Captivated from the first page, Eichmann’s tale of loss, poverty, the lack of love caught me right in the heart. This book is not a cuddly work of fiction, as the characters experience more pain than any book I’ve read in a long time.

Hannah Owens is a strong yet unconfident young lady. But she faces so much in her scant 16 years. Hannah suffers one tragedy after another, throughout the entire book. You can’t help but love her and feel every strike against her deep in your soul.

I felt strongly for the other ladies, but some characters were so dastardly that I wept. When bad things came along, it was one more hit to the women’s meager existence.

One thing that I especially loved about this novel is the ending. Even though this is the first book in a series, the end wrapped up well. The reader isn’t left wanting, and that was quite satisfying. The next book, Muskrat Ramble, is one I am most anxious to read. I want to know more about Hannah and hope that she gets her chance to be happy in her crappy world.

With the ending, you see the fight that is brewing with regard to women’s rights. I don’t want to give anything away, but I feel that Hannah will face even more trials but will fight on.

I award A Sparrow Alone a full 5 out of 5 stars. This novel will be with me for a long time, and I hope I never forget Hannah’s struggle. I will be first in line to read Muskrat Ramble. If you love historical novels that feature strong women, you will love A Sparrow Alone.

Many thanks to Dave at The Write Reads Blog Tours, Netgalley, Mim Eichmann, and Living Spring Publishers LLP for providing me with a digital copy of A Sparrow Alone in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sparrow Alone is a historical novel written by Mim Eichmann, it is not one that I would have picked up without this blog tour but oh how I would have been missing out! It is a tale full of loss and poverty but will tug at your heart strings with the lack of love that the book has. It is not your typical fiction book however it is one that is hard to put down.

One of the things I love about the book is the way that although at the age of 16 Hannah who has been through a ridiculous amount she is still an incredibly strong character. Despite the number of tragedies she has been through Hannah still manages to be a character you are able to connect and fall in love with. It is a great story of Strength and persistence despite the tragedy she has been through!

Although this book is the first of the series it does not leave you with too. many questions but it does in fact leave you wanting to read more in the series or at least for me it did anyway. As someone who does not normally read many historical novels but I will be very much reading more afterwards.

The ending is one that I have to admit I love as it shows the beginnings of the fight that Hannah faces with Women’s Rights. As always I do not want to give anything away but I will be giving the next book a read as soon as it is released.

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Book source ~ Tour

Set in the 1890s in Colorado, the tale follows 13-yr-old Hannah Owens and the horribly brutal life she leads because she had the misfortune of being born female into a family without money or privilege.

There’s Historical Romance that lets a reader peek in on the realities facing those who lived in the past while never really hammering them home and then there’s Historical Fiction that tosses you in the deep end and doesn’t care if you sink or swim. There’s no right or wrong to either, but be warned that this particular story is brutal in its portrayal of what life was like for women in this country when they had nothing and no one to protect them.

Some women were lucky. Even with everything Hannah goes through in this book, she’s one of the lucky ones. And I’m going to use that term loosely because her life is not easy. However compared to many women of the time she’s definitely been lucky in her acquaintances and circumstances. She makes the best of what comes her way and while the decisions she faces are unfathomable to most of us here in 2021, it’s chilling to realize that with sex trafficking running rampant we are still dealing with the same situations Hannah did in the 1890s.

Told from Hannah’s point of view she has a wonderful voice and it’s fascinating to watch her evolve from an ignorant girl to a world-weary woman. Her situation is enraging as well as heart breaking. My only complaint is how the story seems at times to drag and others to skip ahead. Plus, the ending is a bit rushed. Overall though, it’s a read that will definitely stick with you for a long time.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gilded Age began after the American Civil War and ended at the turn of the century. I have read a lot about this period but one thing I have shied away from, till now, was the gold mining that took place during this era.

I did consider population expansion and of course, had the thought of deforestation would change the habitat. I was aware miners were injured in explosions or may fall resulting in injury and also was aware of the dangers of contamination posed by them inhaling dust or mercury, lead, or arsenic poisoning. But I am not sure I had the forethought that an area may become a pleasure district or that clean drinkable water would be hard to find.

This story is set in 1890's Cripple Creek, Colorado. Cripple Creek is a former gold mining camp near the base of Pikes Peak.

Along with the gold rush was much lawlessness so it's interesting learning some of this historical context.

In this story, we see how this time has an effect on thirteen-year-old Hannah Owens. We learned of the conditions in the late 19th and early 20th century and meet the minings district's first millionaire.

Many coming-of-age stories talk about the journey to adulthood and included tales of love and loss and this one includes prosperity and tragedy.

[Joyce Tumea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madams, murder and marriage are but a few of the elements of Mim Eichmann’s debut novel, “A Sparrow Alone.” Readers learn of the trials and triumphs of fictional character Hannah Owens in 1890’s Colorado over several years, beginning when she is 13. Hannah’s story is set against the harsh background of gold and silver mining, with prostitution, despair, poverty and lawlessness all part of life in the real town of Cripple Creek. How Hannah not only survives, but matures and retains her humanity, makes for a very intense read. Eichmann’s research into the period is both impressive and extensive, especially regarding two real-life characters, the wealthy and eccentric Winfield Scott Stratton, and Pearl De Vere, the famous Madam of the most infamous brothel in town. Readers who appreciate characters with the stamina and will to keep going, to not give up despite the numerous challenges they face, will be inspired as well as entertained by this book.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Sparrow Alone” by Mim Eichmann is perfect for lovers of historical fiction. The story is set in the 1890s Colorado mining towns. Thirteen year old Hannah, who is already living in extreme poverty, is thrust out on her own after her mother’s death. I loved the setting and the time period.

The author did an excellent job of describing the hardships, prejudice, and attitudes of the period. As Hannah faces one disaster after another, she shows her strength by picking herself up and struggling on. However in the last part of the book, I was so wishing that she would show that she had learned from her previous mistakes of being too trusting.

I enjoyed reading this book and thank the author for the Kindle edition I received from Goodreads Giveaways.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember that feeling when you reach the end of a book, so glad to have read it, but also regretful you've reached the end? I loved "A Sparrow Alone." It really grabs you and I cherish a book that is difficult to put down. Since I've read it, the characters have stayed with me. It's an excellent piece of historical fiction with fascinating people in a storyline with exciting and sometimes shocking twists and turns. This book beautifully upholds the strength of women, even in the darkest of moments. In these unprecedented times we find ourselves in, the characters in this book demonstrate grit and perseverance which is encouraging and honest. This is not a tale ending in a wrapped up happily ever after, but leaves you refreshed, hopeful, and awaiting the next book. I can't wait for the sequel "Muskrat Ramble" in Spring 2021.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Source: Tour

I really enjoyed this one. I actually tend to be very cautious of indie historical fictions. They are so often filled with historical inaccuracies or modernisms and just so very rarely capture the feel of the time. It so often feels like the author is … for lack of a better term half assing it.

Luckily that is not the case with A Sparrow Alone. It really feels like you are there in the in 19th century with all the ugly that entails. Colorado in the late 19th century is not a pleasant place and our main character, Hannah, experiences much of the worst of it. I don't want to give away too much of the plot but I think if you like historical fiction with strong female leads then this will be your cup of tea

[Julia Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story, but I found it quite depressing to read. Unfortunately I couldn't seem to get a handle on the characters and I think it was because the story was written in the first person. Had it been written in the third person, I believe many of the characters would have been more rounded. As it was I'm not sure I liked any of the male characters in the story, as they were arrogant, selfish and violent. I'm guessing this was how it was in a mining town in the late nineteenth century. And because of this, the women seemed strong and determined.
I did like Hannah who had a lot to contend with and was brave and caring to all those around her.
I'm happy to give three stars for A Sparrow Alone.

[Karla Brandenburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written piece of Americana. The story revolves around Hannah, a young woman growing up at the turn of the 20th century in "the wild west" of the Colorado mining communities. When her mother dies, Hannah's father takes her brother to chase his chance at riches in the mines - along with every other misguided fortune seeker in Colorado - and abandons Hannah to the care of a family in town. Hannah finds herself shepherded by various patrons - respectable and not so much - as the author shows the reader how few options a girl/woman had at the turn of the century. The story is a vivid portrayal of life in the mining communities, as well as survival in harsh conditions and expectations of the day.

[Susan Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting historical fiction! As a history buff, I found this meticulously researched, well-plotted book fascinating. It paints an engaging word picture of living conditions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and especially focuses on how limited life choices were for women in that era. I was even further intrigued to find out that one of the characters was based on an actual historical figure, the lovely, infamous and tragic Pearl de Vere. This is no dry historical tome. I found it difficult to put the book aside and was sorry when it ended. Greatly looking forward to the next book!

[S. Salasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the period of Hannah Owens’ story is not ours, Eichmann creates a timeless novel of struggle and perseverance. We immediately dive into the meticulously researched Cripple Creek, learning and understanding the daily life and uniqueness of 1890’s. Characters truly breathe in this debut novel, and we love and fear them alongside Hannah. Yet most importantly, we want to stay with Hannah. Eichmann’s heroine shows the determination that only a young woman has, one that knows the boundaries her setting presents, yet establishes her way despite them. Join Hannah’s world. Feel Hannah’s story. Her losses and triumphs are also our own.

[Doug Lofstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sparrow Alone is a great novel! And considering it is the first novel published by Mim Eichmann, clear evidence of a tremendous emerging talent. Together with its sequel - Muskrat Ramble - A Sparrow Alone cuts a broad swath across 19th and 20th century America, showing us the Colorado silver rush, various financial crises, the birth of jazz and the ongoing struggle of women and women of color to establish themselves in a male-dominated and mostly disinterested culture. A Sparrow Alone highlights Hannah Owens' growth from an abandoned 13-year-old through endless adversities to a strong and independent woman, mother and teacher. An inspiring tale!

[James Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann is a gritty tour through the muddy mining towns of the gold rush era, told through the eyes of an uneducated and much abused young girl. Eichmann brings to life that hard scrabble time and place, as well as the Darwinian existence of the poor and powerless who inhabited it. This may be an apocryphal fable, but there is a prodigious amount of historical research behind it, which helps recreate a time and place that captivates as well as appalls. Well done. Five stars.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have nothing but praise for this well-written, powerful historical novel of a young girl in the harsh environs of Colorado of the 1890's. Obviously well-researched, It's a gritty, heart breaking and interesting story that tells a fascinating tale of endurance and survival. It also teaches us a lot of fascinating history about that era. And, it seems, that the story will be moving on to New Orleans in the next phase of this adventure.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.