Far Away Home

Aislynn's Story #1

by Susan Denning

In post-Civil War New York City, sixteen-year-old Aislynn Denehy cannot find a job, she has no place to live and no family to help her. Some might think this is a problem; Aislynn believes it s an opportunity, but she has a lot to learn. No formulaic romance, this love story depicts life as it truly was for the thousands of women who went west reaching for a new life. Aislynn s journey begins in a New York City tenement and leads her across the frontier to a Utah mining camp where she must cope with the conflicting intentions of three very different men. Life in the roughshod camp brings small joys and devastating losses. This novel races through authentic experiences involving historical events until it erupts in an unexpected ending. In today s troubled world, Far Away Home will make you believe no matter how many challenges fate sends your way, the human spirit can triumph.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Westerns, Mystery, Ebooks

Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2011

About the author

Following graduation from college, I worked in three different mayoral administrations for City of New York. My jobs primarily focused on equal rights and women’s issues. In 1979, I was instrumental in starting the nation’s first Sexual Harassment Prevention and Complaint Program. In the early 80s, I produced a radio show on women’s issues. When I left the City of New York, I counseled abused women and taught political science and history.

In 2011, I published the novel FAR AWAY HOME, about a young woman who left New York City in 1868 to start a new life in Utah. Up to that time, most of my writing focused on professional journals and texts. When I ventured into fiction, I wrote short stories. One received honorable mention in a NOW short story contest and was published in Creative Woman.

The novel began as a chapter for a history book. I conducted my research in the American west for three years; I even drove a covered wagon (check out the Youtube video at www.susandenningauthor.com). When the history book project dissolved, I used my research to form an historical novel.

As a self-published, unknown author, I never imagined anyone would read FAR AWAY HOME. But tens of thousands of readers did. Tantor Media notice its success and released the audiobook version in August 2015.

To my great surprise, many requested the next chapter of Aislynn's story. The sequel, EMBRACE THE WIND, debuted in March 2017. Both books are available at http://amzn.to/2dPQE9c

FAR AWAY HOME and the sequel, EMBRACE THE WIND, are popular book club reads. Book club questions are available on my webpage- www.susandenningauthor.com. I am also available to Zoom into book club meetings. Write to me at farawayhomenlp@gmail.com with your request.

Reviews

[Yvette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. The beginning was intriguing and I was immediately drawn to the main character and her world. I loved that it began in NYC and enjoyed the historical references. The early characters had depth and the plot was very rich. HOWEVER, somewhere in the middle-end the author's writing fell off. The characters were not as believable as they had been in the beginning and some of the cameo characters were unnecessary. Did the author run out of steam? Who knows? Seriously, it's almost as if two different people partook in the writing of this book; one very amazing writer and one not so much. At times there were characters that were introduced in such an odd manner that I didn't know who the heck they were. Also, there was one line in the book that was so confusing that I re-read it three times before I figured out that it must be an old saying. I then looked it up and I was correct.

This book could've been AMAZING. It's so sad that it just fell off. The ending sucked, unless she writes another book that picks up where this one left off, then I guess it wouldn't be so bad. I know that the ending was suppose to be profound, but the writing was so weak that it didn't have that effect, instead it felt unfinished.

[MIRANDA · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was initially drawn to this novel because it started off with the story of a young girl who wanted to venture westward on her own to follow after the man she loved. And parts of the novel were enjoyable. For instance, the main character, Aislynn, did have the independent mind and quick mouth that I love so much in women and young girls. However, I soon found that although she was quite an educated lass, she seemed overly naive and ignorant at times.

I had quite a few problems with the authorship. (1) Some of the conversations were confusing and unbelievable at times. (2) It could be difficult to understand who was speaking on occasion. (3) It was also unclear why some of the chapters ended and began where they did--a chapter might end in the middle of a conversation or at a quite abrupt spot, making the experience a little awkward for the reader. (4) The grammar could be awful at times, though I can't necessarily put the blame on the author, as I was reading from a Kindle. And all of us who read cheaper books on the Kindle know that the conversion text is often not flawless. (5) The introduction of characters could have been done in a better manner. For instance, in the beginning of the text, the individual named Brendan is supposed to be Aislynn's father. However, he is not introduced as such, at least not for a long while, if at all. I remained believing that Brendan and Aislynn's father were 2 separate characters for a long time.

Finally, the last problem I had with this book is that the author expects the audience to know certain facts that aren't presented in the novel and that aren't within reason for the audience to know. For example, she expects the reader to know the story of Ivanhoe when a man is saying this to to our main character, Aislynn: “By the way Rebecca, Ivanhoe ran home to Rowena the first chance he got.” When I came to this sentence, I was quite confused, as it seemed as if the speaker was addressing someone named Rebecca, but no one named Rebecca had been introduced into the novel yet, and the man who was speaking was addressing a girl named Aislynn. And who were these Ivanhoe and Rowena characters? Having looked up the story of Ivanhoe, I now understand the reference––the speaker of this quote is trying to tell Aislynn not to lie in wait for a man who does not love her but instead loves someone else. But I was left stunned and confused at the time I read this sentence. I puzzled over this sentence for many a minute. Had I missed something in the text? No, I hadn't. Very bad form.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like many other reviews, I enjoyed the first half of the book and found it to be very promising - however, by the middle and end I was tired of it and wishing the author had spent more time with it.
Also, it began, for me, to strongly resemble Gone with the Wind. I could just picture Moran as Rhett Butler and some of Asilyn's lines sounded like a feisty Scarlett O'Hara. Of course Tim is Ashley, the weak Emma (who we never meet) is Melanie and I guess that leaves Johnny as a combo of Frank and Charles.
Even the ending I found reminiscent of GWTW - Tim was free of Emma and in mourning and Asilyn just had to go to him, despite her relationship with Moran. I was just waiting for Moran to say "Frankly my dear I don't give a damn."
I am glad this book was only .99$, over all it dissappointed.

[Leslie Mitchell · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had potential up until the story ends right in the middle of the story line! Did the author just get tired of writing? Did the computer die? Did she get distracted by a screaming child and lost her train of thought? There has never been less of a conclusion or resolution to book. The imagery was great. The characters were ok. The ending is HORRIBLE! It's not even an ending... It's a period with nothing after it! Unless there is a 2nd book, this was a real disappointment.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Far Away Home by Susan Denning
2.5 of 5 stars

Did not like this book. Kept with it to the end. Not worth it.

The main character is do dependant on the people around her. Although she was written to be intelligent and sassy her dependence on pleasing all the men in her life just made her read as weak. It takes half the book for her to realize she doesn't love a character who is in love with someone else. Yes, you know I love a main character that pines for a man that is in love with someone else. Why do women write women to be so pathetic.

It only rates a two because it did make me cry and I did actually make it to the end of the book. However I wish I hadn't because the ending is horrible.

Amazon Description:

In post-Civil War New York City, sixteen-year-old Aislynn Denehy cannot find a job, she has no place to live and no family to help her. Some might think this is a problem; Aislynn believes it is an opportunity, but she has a lot to learn. No formulaic romance, this well-researched love story depicts life as it truly was for the thousands of women who went west reaching for a new life. Aislynn's journey begins in a New York City tenement and leads her across the frontier to a Utah mining camp where she must cope with the three very different men in her life: smart, solicitous Tim, good-natured, good-guy Johnny and the intense but intriguing Liam Moran. Life in the roughshod camp brings small joys and devastating losses. The novel races through authentic experiences involving historical events until it erupts in an unexpected ending. In today's troubled world, Far Away Home will make you believe no matter how many challenges fate sends your way, the human spirit can triumph.

[Julia Mccurdy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the type of book that you don't realize just how much you hate it until the moment you finish it. It was decent enough at the beginning to make me feel it worth sticking with. But there are moments and characters that are unforgivably ridiculous and offensive. The portrayal of the Native American, and the description of the protagonist's encounter with him really offended me. The preachy, absurd way in which the author depicts race relations, etc. were upsetting at the very least, and also completely unrealistic. And the ending, oh the ending. I don't want to use foul language, so I'll end my review the same way the book ends. Phhhllllbbbbppp.

Actually, I take it back. I've just noticed that this is listed as an "American Historical Novel." I don't believe that there is enough accuracy or insight to qualify as such.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great story, horrible ending! Really leaves you hanging with no closure.

[Karen Hogan · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 40%. Aislynn, a young orphaned girl leaves NYC to journey westward to Utah, to be with the man she loves. Some intriguing descriptions of the late 1800's, time and places, but this story mostly fell flat for me.

[India · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aislynn’s New York life comes to an end when tragedy strikes and she plans her escape West, following the man who has her heart. With Johnny at her side she braves the frontier and makes an epic journey across the wilderness but at sixteen she quickly realises that she has a lot to learn.

This coming of age novel has all my favourite subjects intertwined within a story that is both beautifully romantic and horribly sad. Aislynn is a strong female lead in a time when women were not appreciated for their strength. The historically accurate setting and the emotion that pours through Denning’s characters made this a riveting read.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts out in 1867 with a 16 year old girl named Aislynn who is left to take care of herself in New York when her Dad dies.She was going to live with her neighbor and his sons but the priest at her church put a stop to that saying it wouldn't be proper.There is a good friend named Johnny who wants to marry her but she is not interested in him.She is still in love with her neighbor Tim who took off to Ogden in the Utah Territory.Aislynn makes up her mind that she is going to go there no matter what.Johnny says he will go with her to make sure she gets there.Aislynn sells anything she can find in her parents house. Aislynn and Johnny combine there money and catch a train to take them as close as they can get to Utah.When the track runs out they buy a covered wagon and go on a wagon train with Mormons who are heading there.There is a lot of problems but they finally make it to where Tim is working in a mining camp.There is a lot happening in this book to Aislynn,Johnny,Tim and other characters and it made me want to hurry to see what was going to happen to all of them.This is a very good book and I can't wait to read part 2-Embrace The Wind.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is simply a love story - along with lots of drama along the way. Post Civil War, it's the story of a young Irish girl coping with all the things that face a beautiful girl in a "man's" world, trying to be herself, to find her way.

I really liked this book, an easy read, an enjoyable read.

[Bonnye Reed]

TheFussyLibrarian 99
First in a series, followed by Embrace the Wind

[Barbara Proctor · Rating 1 out of 5]

First half had potential, then it went down hill. I want characters to be believable & the time period to be more realistic.

[Susan Bissell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, the first in this series. I really like Aislynn who was born before her time, she was a woman libber when there was no such thing back in the 1800's. Aislynn is head-strong and very stubborn, she will not cave-in to any man no matter how young old and or rich. Aislynn is a born survivor, no matter what life dishes out to her she comes out fighting and finds a way to make things work for her. She lost both her parents, first her mother as a baby and second by her father who was killed by a horse where she was left an orphan at 16 years old. The Nolan family she was taking care of and living with there with her father were all single men. She could no longer live with them after her father died, and by an order made by a Catholic priest, she was forced to leave her home and people who loved her. She was determined to find the one man she has loved all her life, Tim Nolan and he has been named as her legal guardian. After her mother died, he raised her like his own child, but he has since gone out west to find a job and to make his fortune in gold. The only problem is how does a young single woman make her way out to the wild west by herself and no railroad train to take her there? In steps Johnny who has loved her since they were kids. He informs Aislynn he will her take to Tim Nolan. Here is where the adventure beings as they sell everything they own to a buy a wagon and mules and supplies nad head to the wild west. Along the way, they meet Orrin Sage, later in the next book he will become an important figure in her life. As they travel west you learn of the trials and tribulations of how hard it is living in a covered wagon, meeting interesting people along the way and walking mile after mile, watching and waiting for evil men to raid them and Indians out for revenge against the white man. If that doesn't kill you the Rattlers surely will. When they reach the camp that Tim Nolan is living at Aislynn and Johnny set up camp there and build a life. Aislynn find her calling with her cooking and opens a small restaurant to feed the miners and Johnny a smithy. The camp they are living in slowly becomes a town, and Aislynn is a wise business woman takes interest in the town Civics and planning. Her strongest opponent is the owner of the mine who is rich and powerful and who is determined to make her his, but Aislynn will have nothing to do with him, but he is a patient man who waits for certain unfortunate circumstances that will make Aislynn weak and lonely that leads her to make a mistake trusting him. this will make her run away from her life and start a new life in another town.
I found the second book more exciting, plus it has an interesting and stronger storyline at Aislynn build her new life where women are treated better and a town ahead of its time for the benefit of women.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far Away Home: An Historical Novel of the American West is by Susan Denning. This is the first of two books about Aislynn Denehy. It begins in New York City in 1867 and takes her to the silver mining fields of Utah and back to New York City. It is an outstanding book and I simply could not put it down until I finished. I went through a half a box of tissues as well. It is so realistic that you find yourself wanting to tell her what to do next or who to stay away from.
Aislynn’s Mother took Tim Nolan under her wing in the apartments they lived in in New York. The Nolans had five sons and their mother, Mary, worked constanty with housework and had little time for her youngest son. Katherine Nolan had no children and her husband was gone a lot so she had time to answer all of his questions and give him the attention he craved. When she had Aislynn, Tim felt she was his and began immediately taking care of her and protecting the young girl. Therefore, when Katherine died, he took on even more of her care. Aislynn adored Tim and as a young teen, thought she was in love with him. She took it very hard when Tim left to go to Utah with Mr. Moran. Aislynn’s Father wanted his daughter settled in case he died so agreed with the Mahers that their son Johnny and Aislynn would marry. Johnny knew she loved Tim but his love for her put him in a protective mode and he convinced Aislynn to become engaged to him so they could travel via train to Utah. They pretended to be married to travel with a wagon train for the last part of the journey. What would happen when they reached Tim? Would he want to marry Aislynn or would he believe she and Johnny should marry? Would Aislynn fulfill her desire to be free and independent and to get the right to vote?
All I can say about the book is WOW!

[Donna Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go West, young woman! I loved this book. I'm intrigued by stories about the wild west when it was really wild. This book is set post-Civil War and actually opens in 1867 New York City where 16-year-old Aislynn finds herself on her own after tragedy strikes. So she set out on a westward journey that included traveling by wagon train, rattlesnakes, and encounters with Indians. She eventually ended up in a rough and raw mining camp. I thought the history and descriptions of life were fascinating and appeared to be well researched

There's three men in her life. She thinks she loves one, but ends up loving another one who she didn't think she wanted. She also gets involved with a real Mr. Wrong and makes some poor choices. I know some reviewers complained about the way she managed her relationships, but she was a teenage girl with little experience, so I can forgive that. She learned some things the hard way, but I admired her efforts to make life livable and decent in the mining camp. She's got a fighting spirit, willingness to work hard and emerges as a advocate for women's rights in a rugged and unforgiving man's world.

Sadly, real heartbreak finds her as she suffers some tremendous losses, followed by a revelation that spurs her to leave the Utah territory she'd tried to make a life and home in. The ending is a cliff hanger as in what-the-heck? Had I not already known there was a sequel, I probably would have been ticked off! But I did know there was one and immediately downloaded it!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, entertaining book. Aislynn is the heroine of the story. She’s a young teenager when her parents die. The man she truly loves, Tim is her “guardian “. But this is 1867 in early America, in New York. Tim is going west to find work. Aislynn is almost like a super hero in the story. Without giving much of the story up, in her late teens she heads west to find Tim and seems to overcome lots of obstacles and problems. With her is Johnny Maher, the man her father promised her to. Aislynn is ahead of her time in her belief that women can do anything they set their mind to and several times she proves this point. She is 19-20 at the books end and has lived more of a life than many 50 year old women of the time. I enjoyed this book but am not sure if I will rush out to buy book two of the series. I will recommend this book to family and friends.

[Angela Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a few problems for me, but not enough to make me stop reading or give this book a poor review. I have read other reviews and I don't understand what people are talking about when they say the writer just "drops off" about halfway through the book... I thought the last part of the book was engaging and just as interesting as the rest of it... I look forward to reading the sequel, and thank heavens there is one. :) The book made laugh and it also made me cry and it addresses some things that don't get addressed realistically in other books I have read about cross-country wagon trips and the early days of settling. Throughout the book, I kept picturing characters from "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman."

[Cindy Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot wait to read the next one!

This is right up my alley with all the historic background and a woman being the main character. Author Susan Denning has created an enthralling story of a young woman from 19th century, post Civil War, New York who eventually pioneers to Utah. I devoured this book in a few hours and am currently downloading the next book of the series. The writing is very good with well developed characters and a strong plot. I cannot imagine being a woman...especially a pioneer...in that era. She has been raised by men from infancy, yet has strong opinions and is independent.
Highly recommend to readers, especially women.

[Meredith Dobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book very much. I realize it was a first effort and self-published, but I think she did a great job of developing the main character, Aislynn. She was a woman ahead of her time, yet lonely and frightened at a time when women were certainly not rewarded for being gutsy! She ran into one terrible thing after another while just trying to survive and stake her own claim. I could identify with many things in her journey particularly the loneliness and desperation. With each loss visited upon her the challenge for survival became more difficult yet she wanted to retain her sense of self rather than cave in to the traditional woman's role. I loved this book.

[L K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved this book. Such a great story, and I've read other novels and non-fiction about "going West" (1870s, for this one)... and the heroine decides to start a new life, leave NY where she sees no great opportunities for herself. As they head "West", I felt the hardships were very realistic. I would have even liked more chapters on the journey to Utah, but her reason for traveling was in Utah... I loved that the novel had some romance, but not too descriptive. It leaves some things to your imagination. I definitely will read the 2nd book , in the 2-book series. It does leave you "hanging" at the end, but that's understandable. A great first novel, (in my opinion).

[Marty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very realistic story about life in the 1800's

I loved the historical accuracy of the story. Starting in the less rich area of New York, on a street just around the corner from the slum tenements; a young lady grows up without a mother. The next door neighbor, a young boy, watched over her while her father worked. When he went west for work, she followed after her father's death. The man he father wanted her to marry to her west to Utah and Tim, her guardian. The trip was rough and describes the risks and trials that people went through just to start a new life out west. There's so much to this story. You'll rejoice for her, cry for her, get mad with her. Loved it!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey of an Irish American Woman during a Rugged era in our history.

My favorite books are historical fiction. Far Away Home is just that, history from New York to the American West. Aislynn grows from a little baby to a strong minded young woman. I laughed and cryed through her lifes journey. The story captured me and didn't let go. I am looking forward to continue with her story and to get answers to decisions she has made. Susan Denning keeps me on the edge of my seat writing about the harshness of the life in America during the late 1800's especially for women.

[Cheyenne Salley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly almost satisfying

I loved this read for so many reasons. It was true to life and youth; life is hard and painful but also full of joy and wonder, and youth is so often confidence that eventually gives way to the knowledge that you never really knew what you wanted after all! Every seeming satisfaction was met with a twist that tore at my heart strings and kept me reading long into the night for love of these characters and their plight. The best kind of book. Thank you!

[michael ciccarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far Away From Home, The American West.

I choose this rating, cause it was very good and couldn't put the book down. I looked the book , but kind of disliked that Aislynn's family dying as she was making a new life ahead of her future. Yes, I would recommend these books of the old west in how people really lived. Book readers really reads these amazing stories, I enjoyed the first Book 1, now going to read the Book 2. Can't wait to start this next adventure. Gloria. Ciccarella.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this book when I purchased it, but I did because I was taking a trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota and I wanted to read something that was historically related to the early west. It was a very enjoyable book and can't wait to read the sequel! Aislynn was a very strong woman but at the same time felt she needed to stick to the traditions women were meant to follow in those days. I don't like love stories but this had just enough gushy stuff to keep it intriguing. Susan Denning, keep it up, your a great author!

[Brenda D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical read

Far away from home stays true to factual historical events while adding an emotional story line, with multiple main characters.
The author used dialogue to keep the pace moving, along with ongoing tension between characters.
It was additionally interesting to me as I am currently writing a historical novel around the same time frame, focused on the poor farms set up to help poor and homeless, and various types of discrimination.
Brenda Drexler

[Cbpax · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings - as many others have expressed. I liked the strong female character and the historical context. That was well done but I had mixed feeling about the male characters who just seemed to hang around Aislynn waiting and waiting and waiting. And then the ending was indeed horrible. I see that there is a sequel but not sure I even want to read it. I do want to know the "ending" though.

[Joanne Reinhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not like many other historical fiction I've read

I've never not known how it would end. Most identity the couple who will end up together early on and it's just a matter of how they get there. I honestly didn't know how it would end! Well done Susan! Excellent character development and story development. I'm really excited to begin the second book! Keep writing Susan, I loved it!!!!!

[Kristy Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner with more twists and surprises than imaginable in one novel. While details are not described as well as they could have been, the characters are well developed and the plot easy to follow. Most novels are pretty predictable. None of my predictions panned out. So many twists and turns to the story, yet everything ties together well.

However, it is a cliffhanger and not what I'd consider a stand alone novel. With that, it's 3 a.m. and I'm downloading the next book in the series!!