Kicker's Journey

by Lois Cloarec Hart

In 1899 two women from very different backgrounds are about to embark on a journey together - one that will take them from the Old World to the New, from the 19th century into the 20th, and from the comfort and familiarity of England to the rigours of Western Canada, where challenges await at every turn. The journey begins simply for Kicker Stuart when she leaves her home village to take employment as hostler and farrier at Grindleshire Academy for Young Ladies. But when Kicker falls in love with a teacher, Madelyn Bristow, it radically alters the course of her tranquil life. Together, the lovers flee the brutality of Madelyn's father and the prejudices of upper crust England in search of freedom to live, and love, as they choose. A journey as much of the heart and soul as of the body, it will find the lovers struggling against the expectations of gender, the oppression of class, and even, at times, each other. What they find at the end of their journey is not a new Eden, but a land of hope and opportunity that offers them the chance to live out their most cherished dream - a life together.

Genres: Historical, Romance, Historical Fiction, Lesbian, Audiobook, Queer, LGBT

Audiobook

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

From the publisher's website: Born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, Lois Cloarec Hart grew up as an avid reader but didn’t begin writing until much later in life. Several years after joining the Canadian Armed Forces, she received a degree in Honours History from Royal Military College and on graduation switched occupations from air traffic control to military intelligence. Having married a CAF fighter pilot while in college, Lois went on to spend another five years as an Intelligence Officer before leaving the military to care for her husband, who was ill with chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis and passed away in 2001. She began writing while caring for her husband in his final years and had her first book, Coming Home, published in 2001. It was through that initial publishing process that Lois met the woman she would marry in April 2007. She now commutes annually between her northern home in Calgary and her wife’s southern home in Atlanta.

Lois is the author of four novels, Coming Home, Broken Faith, Kicker’s Journey, Walking the Labyrinth, and a collection of short stories, Assorted Flavours. Her novel Kicker’s Journey won the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Award bronze medal, 2010 Golden Crown Literary Awards, 2010 Rainbow Romance Writer’s Award for Excellence, and 2009 Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Award for historical fiction. Broken Faith (revised second edition) will be published in print and e-formats in winter 2013 and Coming Home (revised third edition) in spring 2014.

Reviews

[Guerunche · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my third experience with a Lois Cloarec Hart book and, my goodness, I have become such a fan! It's 1899 when Kicker Stuart, a hostler and farrier for Grindleshire Academy for Young Ladies in England meets new teacher Madelyn Bristow, a woman who awakens feelings in Kicker that she has never experienced before. Women from completely different experiences and walks of life, they fall in love and are determined to find a way to share their lives together. Madelyn asks Kicker to resettle in western Canada with her, where she envisions them being able to build a life together and have a home of their own. But the harsh conditions of Canada are challenging for Madelyn, who is used to a much different, comfortable life in England. Did she make a mistake uprooting Kicker, leaving their jobs and families, or will they find a way to make it work and have the life they both crave?
This historical romance is comparable to Jae's Backwards to Oregon, which I waited entirely too long to read because I didn't think it would be my cup of tea. I was so very wrong. It's a lengthy listen at 17 hours, but the story is so engrossing that it's worth every moment.
I loved both MCs. Madelyn is a beautiful, educated idealist with means, who often dives in with both feet without thinking things all the way through. Kicker is a non-traditional laborer who has a gift for working with horses. She prefers to dress in trousers and is one who proves herself to be just as capable as men in the work that she does. Her gift is being able to adapt to situations because of her intelligence, creativity and work ethic. There are also a good many memorable, strong secondary characters that add much to the story.
This audiobook introduced me to narrator Amy Landon, who is fantastic! There are a good many accents in this piece and she performs each beautifully. Every time she would voice Maddy calling Kicker "Dearest" I would swoon a little. I listened to this on Hoopla free through my library but loved it enough to purchase on Audible. Give it a shot if this sounds appealing to you! :-)

[Netgyrl (Laura) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars - a journey from England to the Canadian frontier for two ladies looking to be free

I enjoyed this book quite a bit and the ending made me cry. I would recommend for fans of Backwards to Oregon and Heart of Gold. It's not nearly as adventurous but still a good read when you are in the mood for a "western" historical romance.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres. I’ve always loved reading about history, historical characters, and the way folks lived in the past. Add in a lovely Sapphic romance, and I’m hooked. That’s why I was so pleased to get my hands on Kicker’s Journey by Lois Cloarec Hart.

This novel takes place in the late 1800’s into the early 1900’s and takes us from England into the wild and mostly untamed lands of Western Canada. It tells us about the love story of two very different women, Kicker Stuart and Madelyn Bristow. The two meet at a Grindleshire Academy for Young Ladies in England. Kicker is a farrier and hostler in the school’s stables and Madelyn works as a teacher. The two meet, fall in love, and end up traveling over the ocean and into Western Canada in search of a place to live where they can be together.

I truly enjoyed this story. It is an older book, written several years ago. In fact, it was originally written as fan fiction which may have something to do with the length, though I am not complaining about that at all. The setting is everything I look for in a tale like this. The characters are written realistically for their time period and circumstances. I especially connected with Kicker in the story.
If you are looking for a great historical fiction/romance tale set in both England and Canada, then try this book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for an honest review

[AnnMaree Of Oz · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 50% and 4 hours sunk already in. I just couldn't bare another 4 hours of this.

My biggest issue is the protagonist 'Kicker' is so naïve and sheltered, that the relationship with the older far more learned Madelyn seems almost coercive and definitely not equal, despite her trying to say they are as such. Kicker just goes along with whatever Maddie says and wants, barely even thinking for herself.

The fact that Madelyn runs hot and cold with her along the way, as she tries to change her to fit her more upper class lifestyle, also doesn't bode well.

There's heaps of drama surrounding Madelyn and she has this way of being responsible for it yet playing the victim and never owning any of it, and acting like it's never her fault and there's nothing to be done - everyone else just gets left behind in her wake to pick up the pieces. It's tedious and irritating.

The way in which the author makes Kicker speak is very poor and uneducated, in contrast to Madelyn who speaks incredibly well and often utilizes words and language with flourish that confuse the doltish Kicker. Madelyn even admonishes her a few times for her language, and again tries to 'better' her despite saying she loves her just the way she is.

If I could be sure the book would end with Kicker finding herself, kicking Madelyn to the curb and becoming her own person and finding someone who values her for who she is - I'd be all for it. But it's clear that ain't going to happen - so I can't keep reading this trainwreck of anxiety and expect there to be another outcome.

Ultimately I felt it wasn't well written, a lot of minutia rubbish, sex but without emotion or detail (not that I really care, it was an odd situation) stagnated conversations, no real emotion or personality and just really unlikable love interest in the terribly problematic Madelyn. Do Not Recommend.

[Della B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the way it was written to the story itself, I was all in from the first page. Lois Cloarec Hart brought me into western Canada at the turn of the century in 1900. Maybe it is because I am Canadian or have seen the foothills of Alberta where the majority of the novel takes place that I easily saw this story unfold in my minds eye.
Kicker and Madelyn leave a repressed Victorian England to try to build a life together without adherence to class rules. Kicker being a non conventional woman worked in her father’s smith works. Madelyn comes from a very upper class and well to do family and works as a teacher. Their story is a romance encased in a grand adventure.
Brava Ms Lois Cloarec Hart.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The writing wasn't spectacular, but the love story was. The characters were. I found it quite enjoyable.

[chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was such a wonderful surprise

It was written as a historical fiction with subtle, sweet, and complex characters, but the constantly forward-moving plot is what made it an excellent read.

The main plot focused on two female characters—Kicker and Madelyn—who begin a forbidden romantic relationship with each other. The way the author so delicately told the story never felt heavy handed or obvious, and their lovemaking (there was a LOT of it) was consistently erotic without being explicit…something I don’t think I have ever seen so deftly accomplished in any other lesfic.

5 stars

[Dee]

I tried and failed. The narrative simply didn't work for me...at all.
To quote Kicker - "Don' e'en ask."

This is one of those books, I strongly suggest reading the sample before purchasing.

This is also the first book published by Ylva Publishing that I haven't been able to finish ;(

[Ulla · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Kicker's Journey" is a wonderful, romantic adventure! I'd love to read more about Kicker and her friends!

[Terry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kicker Stuart has always been different. A bit of a square peg in a round hole. She prefers to wear men’s clothes and do manual work rather than to wear dresses and find a beau. Kicker begins her epic journey when she leaves her home village and begins employment as a hostler and farrier at Grindleshire Academy for Young Ladies. It’s here, six years later, that Kicker meets and falls in love with teacher Madelyn Bristow. The peaceful life Kicker has been enjoying, is about to change forever. Madelyn is a woman who knows exactly what she wants and that is Kicker. So, she comes up with an elaborate plan to make it happen.

In 1899, these two women from very different backgrounds, embark on their journey together. They leave their familiar surroundings in England for the wilds of Western Canada, they have no idea of what they will find or the hardships they will be facing.

They feel anything would be preferable to facing the wrath and the brutality of Madelyn’s father should he ever find out their true relationship status. Upper crust England, being full of prejudices, would never allow them the freedom to live and love one another. Even for a man and a woman from their different backgrounds, the social class divide would impede them, let alone two women together.

The two soul mates find their journey is as much about the heart as it is the soul. They find themselves struggling against gender expectations, the class divide and also themselves. At their journeys end is hope and the chance to live their dream of a life of love together. Even then, there are those they have to watch out for.

This book is a well written blockbuster, A wonderful story of an epic heartfelt journey through the lives of Kicker and Madelyn against all the odds.

This story begins in rural England with Kicker as a young girl and ends in Galbraith Crossing in the wilds of Western Canada. This is a story that gripped me right from the first page and held me right through to the last page. We are treated to a glimpse into the lives of what it must have been like for these two women and other early settlers in an untamed country. A blow by blow account of the hardships and the fight for survival suffered by so many in the wilds of Western Canada.

All the characters play a significant part in the progression of the story. Whether nice characters or loathsome. They are all fully developed and multidimensional.

The historical facts have obviously been very well researched. It’s hard to separate the facts from fiction as it’s all so cleverly and intricately woven together. The story is full of twists and turns throughout. I could feel the call of the wild and actually lost myself in this story. Although this is a long book, it still wasn’t long enough for me. I wanted more.

If you like stories of the old wild west set in America, I think you’ll be delighted with this book. There are similarities between the two different countries and it makes for spellbinding reading. Definitely a book to re-read.

[lauraღ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This played a lot of hits, and at times I could really feel it getting close to something extremely special, but somehow it didn't quite get there. I'm always a sucker for historical sapphic romances, and this also involved a long journey sort of adventure/pioneer vibes with a lot of hardships that our heroines had to work through.

Kicker and Madelyn come from the opposite ends of English society, and when they quickly fall in love, they decide to emigrate to Canada and make a new life together at the turn of the 20th century. One thing that would have definitely upped my enjoyment is if this had been a bit more slow burn. Their courtship and romance takes place relatively quickly, and even though the book is nice and long, I still wanted to linger over all of their first times. It isn't that I didn't feel the romance and connection between them, because over the course of the story, I really did. But I still don't think the actual relationship got as much page time as I wanted. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the journey to get to Canada, all of the problems of homesteading and setting up in the small town. The villains are a bit cartoonish, and some of their suffering felt a bit forced, and some of their miscommunication reeeeally did not appeal to me.

IDK, I kept vacillating between really enjoying the story and being just a bit frustrated with it, because it wasn't giving me 100 percent. It's hard to put my frustrations into words. It's also kind of hard to put what I liked about it into words. As aforementioned, I have the hugest soft spot for historical f/f romance. It's all about the risk, and the sacrifice; it always feels so meaningful.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Amy Landon, who I usually like quite a bit, but I don't think her performance here really did it for me. Her English accents weren't the best and weren't very consistent in my opinion. Still, I got through it. And I'm going to continue with this author's works, because all of her books just leave me feeling like I could really eventually adore her writing.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of an old school epic film from the 50s that would've starred someone like Elizabeth Taylor or Debra Kerr. But would've had some boring man be the romantic hero. Which is so not what I'm here for. Lucky for me Hart wrote Kicker a FMC with such personality that I'd die if they made th8s into a movie.

Aside from all that gushing, I did have to read this sweeping story over 3 days because if I didn't I would've never left my house. Its just that good.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for providing an eARC for a honest review.

[Carolyn McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kicker’s Journey is a classic ‘love can triumph’ everything tale, but with a twist. Two women from different classes, and positions in life meet…we’ve read it before, right? Not quite like this you haven’t. Kicker is different than other women of her time, and with some serious useable skills to boot. (To this day female-smiths are exceedingly rare) Maddie is a schoolteacher who also stands out. Together they embark on a brave and crazy journey that I’m not sure I would have had the courage to take in that day and age. There is a supporting cast of characters every bit as loveable, unique, honorable and in a couple of cases repulsive, and I’d love to learn more about Wynn.
Overall, fans of historical fiction and underdog tales will love this book.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I want to go read this one all over again.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was actually looking for a different book on my reader when I opened this, and I couldn’t put it down. This is a long book, but it kept me engrossed for hours at a time. Kicker is an unusual woman for her time, but she earned the acceptance and love of the people around her. She refused to wear dresses or do feminine tasks, instead preferring male garb and occupations, at least before her venture with Maddie.

Their first meeting was when Kicker is assigned to pick up the new teacher at the train station. Maddie is initially curious about the unusual woman, Kicker, and that curiosity becomes a friendship and then a romance. They have very unequal statuses in society. Kicker is basically a peasant and Maddie an aristocrat, although they may not have referred to folks by those terms in this time period.

While Maddie has a large role, and the secondary characters are well developed, this novel really is Kicker’s journey, from her childhood to moving away with Maddie, first to London and then to Canada. She learns new behaviors and accepts new ideas. She’s kind of innocent in a way, but realistic and grounded, and she’s also strong and willing to adapt. Kicker attracts people to her who accept her for who she is, but also dangerous enemies and gossips (who don’t like the strange woman in men’s clothes). Yes, Kicker made mistakes, but so did Maddie.

In the end, it’s Kicker who remains strong and true to herself. I wondered how it would end when Maddie wanted to return to England. I had to keep reading just to find out how this would end.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous historical fiction.

[Tempe Luvs Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting for this historical fiction was the late 19th century England. Kicker Stuart was a sweet and gentle young lady, a commoner, skilled with horses who worked as a hostler at the Grindleshine Academy For Young Ladies. Madelyn Bristow, highly educated, from an affluent family, joined the school as a teacher. Kicker taught the new teacher how to ride a horse and Madelyn taught Kicker how to read. They became friends, frequently riding together and eventually fell in love.

Because of the social restrictions and their social differences, Madelyn knew she and Kicker could never have a life together if they stayed there. She convinced Kicker to join her on a journey to Canada where they could be free and reinvent themselves in a new life together, exploring the many opportunities that her good friend had written to her about her own life since she had moved to Canada. They posed as cousins, as part of a well thought-out ruse.

Life in Canada wasn’t as simple as Madelyn believed it would be. There were joys, but the struggles were many. The book had a lot of depth as I enjoyed the many experiences and facets of their life, many wonderful secondary characters, some endearing and some foes who were threats to their safety. Their love was strong but they had to face brutal winters, threats of fires and their own disagreements over decisions about whether they should stay or give up and return to England.

I also listened to the audiobook. Even though it’s 17 hours long, I devoured it, not wanting it to end. It was an emotional adventure that led me, someone who never cries, to tears of sadness and tears of joy. The story is so compelling and the incredible narrator, Amy Landon, doubled my enjoyment of the book with her soft, sweet voices. I simply melted whenever I heard Maddie’s softly-spoken endearment of Kicker, “dearest,” and Kicker’s sweet reply of, “aye.”

I more than heartily loved this book and thank Ylva-Publishers and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

[M the avid reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic adventure romance, aptly named (4.5 stars)
I'd been curious about this book for years and hadn't gotten around to reading it until now. I'm glad I waited.
It took me a little while to get used to the author's writing style and the character voices, some of whom dropped letters in the words of their dialogue due to their social class and the local accent, but once I was acclimated I was totally sucked into the story, cheering for Kicker, feeling for her as her life undergoes massive upheavals in a short period of time. She's a charming main character and easy to care about. I rooted for her happiness more than any other character's even though there were plenty of other characters to get attached to and invested in. The book is long and the arc of the story is epic and at times has a cinematic feel to it, easy to imagine right down to the music soundtrack playing in the background for certain scenes. I chuckled frequently while reading and got teared up a few times but when a part of the story made me outright bawl it caught me by surprise to realize how invested in Kicker and the other characters I had become. Chapters are long but many have scene breaks within them if you need to stop reading before the chapter end. There was one plot thread whose resolution I guessed ahead of time but loads of others where I had no idea where the story would go or ultimately end up. It kept me interested throughout and, while a few very minor questions lingered in my mind after I finished (that could have been addressed in an epilogue chapter), overall, I was satisfied with the way the story ended and happy to have gone on this adventure with these characters. Now I am curious to read more by this author to see what other stories have been put to print.
I loved the feel of the story, clearly well researched but written in an easy to read way rather than a slew of historical facts strung together in narration or dialogue. I also appreciated reading an older story absent of emojis and text messages but with characters who have communication issues all the same, at the turn of the century, and mostly set outside of the usual big city locale choices for many wlw stories. There's humor, romance, drama and horses seasoning the wealthy city mouse/poor country mouse dynamic of main characters Madelyn and Kicker; of the two Kicker was always my favorite and Madelyn had her likable moments but some less than stellar ones as well.
If you're wanting to read a sweeping adventure romance partly set in small-town Alberta Canada that does not sugarcoat the difficulty of unaccompanied (by men) women travelling to and settling in a new country in 1900 era, and taking a break from modern technology give this one a read. Be aware of the long chapters and if you're likely to get pulled into the story as I was (unexpectedly) then have a box of tissues handy in case there are tears while reading and also set a timer so you're not up late at night reading having completely lost track of time (especially on a school/work night).

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two women from vastly different social classes meet and fall instantly in love. From then on, the upper-class woman (Madelyn) calls the shots, while the uneducated and ignorant Kicker just follows along. Before their love is even declared (and I'm not spoiling anything because this happens right away), Madelyn unilaterally makes the momentous decision that they will immigrate to a new life in Canada, and goes ahead and buys two tickets for the journey before even checking in with Kicker.

As GR reviewer AnnMaree of Oz put it:

"Kicker is so naïve and sheltered that the relationship with the older far more learned Madelyn seems almost coercive and definitely not equal, despite her trying to say they are as such. Kicker just goes along with whatever Maddie says and wants, barely even thinking for herself."

The writing is pedantic and stilted. We are told, not shown, and it's unconvincing.

On a technical level, from the outset I was struck by the sheer volume of misplaced modifiers. I've decided that misplaced modifiers are a useful red flag for poor writing. One or two, okay. No big deal. But when a book is riddled with them? It shows not only that the author has not mastered the basics of writing, but that they didn't have competent copy editors, either.

I debated giving a star rating at all because I DNF. But if those of us who abandon a book for reasons of content or quality never leave ratings, it creates a situation where ratings are artificially inflated and as such are unreliable. With its average rating of 4.17, Kicker's Journey is a perfect example.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It captivating and unique, with the added bonus of being decently historically accurate. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about reading a book. The plot was engaging all the way through. It was brilliantly written and drew me in from the very beginning. However, the main characters' friendship developed quite rapidly, going from the encounter at the train station to a secret courtship in just a “few” pages. I think this might have made it harder for readers to form a deep emotional bond with their relationship. In my opinion, a more thoughtful approach that explored their shared interests and took the time to develop their connection gradually would have left a stronger and more lasting impact on readers.

The problems that the two main characters encounter are ones that have been proven timeless. Today, there are still those that have to hide their relationships for their own safety or feel unworthy of certain situations because of their fiscal status. There is a trope within the LGBQ community that sapphic stories, in particular, don’t have happy endings. Sometimes, this is a true reflection of the world we live in. Not all trials and tribulations are overcome just because we love someone. Sometimes, relationships crumble under such scrutinies. Fortunately, this relationship overcame those hurdles and gave us a very rare happy ending. I would have appreciated a well rounded epilogue! Overall, it was still a fantastic read! I could not recommend it more.

[Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful from the beginning to the end. Although there is some angst (alot/alittle). This is my fourth read written by Lois Cloarec Hart and it will not be my last. What a lovely and heartfelt love story/romance. Kicker Stuart, hostler and farrier for the Grindleshire Academy for Young Ladies located in England. Madelyn Bristow, teacher from a well-to-do family. When Kicker and Madelyn meet it is such a nice meet cute. You teach me to ride horses and I will teach you to read (ahhhhh). There lies my pull to the story, they help, encourage and support each other. As the story unfolds, Madelyn asks Kicker to move and settle in western Canada. A very long way from both of their homes. A move like that is possible for the one you love and they have fallen in love. Keeping in mind that Madelyn and Kicker are different from each other: socioeconomically and life experiences. Kicker demonstrates a strength of character that is to be admired and applauded. Yet, she was able to maintain who she was inside.

It is easy to like both Kicker and Madelyn as well as Wren, Shamus, Pug, John, Lilly and the animals.

I must add that listening to the audiobook, the narrator Amy Landon was awesome particularly as she engaged various accents and I absolutely loved when she said "aye" and "dearest".

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. I initially downloaded it because I loved the cover. Then I read the synopsis and internally groaned, I am not usually a fan of historical fiction. The fact the novel was a lesbian story coerced me read it. The book was well written and you can't help but fall in love with Kicker and her ethics immediately. While I was reading it, I thought about it often and could hardly wait until the next block of time I had carved out to be able to read again. The characters were well developed, and this helps draw me in as a reader especially if I can relate to them, but I felt as if I personally knew them. The setting was described in enough detail to understand the hardships and the environment but not so much that it was boring. I would recommend this book, although in my mind it is a romance at it's heart not so much a historical fiction. Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook on Scribd. I never would have thought a 17 hour audiobook could be too short, but this one was! I want more of Maddie and Kicker’s story. I feel there is so much more to be told. I love historical fiction, but for some reason I feel the genre has fallen flat in lesbian romance. The handful that I have read (and there aren’t many) have mostly been either historically accurate, but dry; or entertaining enough, but hopelessly historically inaccurate. Lois Cloarec Hart managed to write a novel here that was the perfect blend. I honestly felt like it could have kept going and I would have happily remained just as invested in these two women and their journey. If Lois Cloarec Hart ever writes a sequel, I’ll snatch it up right away. Hands down one of the best wlw audiobooks I’ve listened to this year.

[Marta Minder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to the characters of Kicker and Madelyn in the Christmas anthology. I wanted to know more so I bought the book. This is a great story. Historically, women are seen as pioneers or immigrants but they must strive to make a place for themselves. The journey is two specific things. The journey of falling in love and finding ones true self and the journey to another country to start a life. Kicker is lovely and wise beyond her years and lacking formal education. Madelyn is the more worldly of the two but is she really. The author does not sugar coat the relationship or the implications what it would take to travel as single women in the early parts of the 20th century and late 19th. I recommend taking the journey with Kicker and Madelyn.

[Donna Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine losing your teaching job because you attended a couple of Suffrage meetings. This historical fiction 1898 brings Victorian times to the front. The seventeen hours not only takes you through the loving lives of Kicker and Madeline but also pulls in the times. London , not only a penny farthing but a woman wearing trousers to ride it. I wouldn't want the hours to be any less because then some details would be omitted. The 10 pound encouragment for new settlers to travel by ship to Canada, the story of 2 " cousins " being together, the hardships of new relationships in a new country. This is my first Lois Cloarec Hart book and won't be my last. I also appreciated getting lost in Amy Landon's voices for all the characters. The class distinction was so real. Thankyou

[Vibeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. I rarely listen to historical romance audiobooks but since I have loved all other audiobooks from Lois Cloarec Hart. So I decided to give it a try. And what a great idea!
Lois write detailed and long audiobooks and while listening to the story you really gets to know the main characters and soon you love them!!!
Give it a go - Lois is a great storyteller!!!

I LOVED the narration by Amy Landon. She did a 5 star job too!!!

[L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read. Really enjoyed the plot and specially the main character, Kicker. The book also counts with a wonderful cast of supporting characters-Seamus, Weeny, John Blue Wolf, Lil, Maddie’s Mom and so many others.
At times the pacing was a little slow, which is why this is not a five star for me. But overall a great read, with wonderful characters and very engaging plot.
Id recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, throughly researched and well thought out historical fiction.

[Novels and Nummies · Rating 2 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I personally am not a fan of books where the main pairing has a really large maturity/emotional age gap. I felt like the relationship between the two women was always very one-sided and I was not a fan.

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the time I didn’t think well enough of the book to record it. But I wrote it down in a notebook I was looking at. I wrote that I couldn’t stop listening and I do remember it some from a year ago so think I should record it.

[L E · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful stories of life, trepidations, ups and downs of the challenges love brought and the perseverance that will make you stronger. I really enjoyed all the characters and highly recommend this book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful journey!

An absolutely wonderful journey! A story that takes you across highs and lows, makes you laugh out loud and cry. Wonderfully written.