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Doors to the Past #9
Laura's Shadow
Family Secrets Spill One Conversation at a Time
Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.
De Smet, South Dakota—1890
Young women growing up in De Smet live by two rules: don’t go out in a snowstorm and don’t give your heart to Cap Garland. Young Mariah Patterson only managed to obey one. Orphaned and having devoted her youth to scrapping out a life with her brother Charles, Mariah finds herself with no option but to marry the devoted—but dull—Merrill Gowan. Throwing caution to the wind, she seizes an opportunity to lay her feelings at Cap’s feet, even though she knows Cap sees the world through the torch he carries for Laura Ingalls. Mariah is certain her love for Cap will be strong enough to break both bonds, and she’s willing to risk everything to prove it.
De Smet, South Dakota—1974
Trixie Gowan is the fourth generation of living Gowan women residing in the sprawling farmhouse on the outskirts of De Smet. Well, former resident. She’s recently acquired her own bachelor girl apartment in Minneapolis, where she works writing ads for a neighborhood paper. She might live and work in the city, but her co-workers still call her Prairie Girl. Thus the inspiration for her comic strip—"Lost Laura"—in which a bespectacled girl in a calico dress tries to make her way in the city. The name is a quiet rebellion having grown up in a household where she’d been forbidden to mention the name, Laura. But when her great-grandmother Mariah’s declining health brings Trixie home for a visit, two things might just keep her there: the bedside manner of Dr. Campbell Carter and the family secret that seems to be spilling from GG’s lips one conversation at a time.
Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.
De Smet, South Dakota—1890
Young women growing up in De Smet live by two rules: don’t go out in a snowstorm and don’t give your heart to Cap Garland. Young Mariah Patterson only managed to obey one. Orphaned and having devoted her youth to scrapping out a life with her brother Charles, Mariah finds herself with no option but to marry the devoted—but dull—Merrill Gowan. Throwing caution to the wind, she seizes an opportunity to lay her feelings at Cap’s feet, even though she knows Cap sees the world through the torch he carries for Laura Ingalls. Mariah is certain her love for Cap will be strong enough to break both bonds, and she’s willing to risk everything to prove it.
De Smet, South Dakota—1974
Trixie Gowan is the fourth generation of living Gowan women residing in the sprawling farmhouse on the outskirts of De Smet. Well, former resident. She’s recently acquired her own bachelor girl apartment in Minneapolis, where she works writing ads for a neighborhood paper. She might live and work in the city, but her co-workers still call her Prairie Girl. Thus the inspiration for her comic strip—"Lost Laura"—in which a bespectacled girl in a calico dress tries to make her way in the city. The name is a quiet rebellion having grown up in a household where she’d been forbidden to mention the name, Laura. But when her great-grandmother Mariah’s declining health brings Trixie home for a visit, two things might just keep her there: the bedside manner of Dr. Campbell Carter and the family secret that seems to be spilling from GG’s lips one conversation at a time.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
12 people are currently reading
1597 people want to read
About the author
Allison Pittman
32 books655 followersAllison Pittman is the author of For Time and Eternity, Stealing Home, the Crossroads of Grace series, and her nonfiction debut, Saturdays With Stella. A high-school English teacher, she serves as director of the theater arts group at her church. She is also the co-president of a dynamic Christian writers group in the San Antonio, Texas area, where she makes her home with her husband and their three boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
August 5, 2022
Pretty perfect
My thanks to the author, Allison Pittman, the publisher and to Goodreads Giveaways for my ebook of this wonderful story. Two timelines come together at the end with charm and warmth. There's a link to Little House on the Prairie for those fans. The best parts, though, are two stories of love, one happy and one sad, that warmed my heart. The characters have depth and are likeable. Very enjoyable!
My thanks to the author, Allison Pittman, the publisher and to Goodreads Giveaways for my ebook of this wonderful story. Two timelines come together at the end with charm and warmth. There's a link to Little House on the Prairie for those fans. The best parts, though, are two stories of love, one happy and one sad, that warmed my heart. The characters have depth and are likeable. Very enjoyable!
Read
April 14, 2022Allison Pittman is one of those rare authors who shines with equal brilliance no matter the time period she writes. Laura’s Shadow is the perfect showcase for the gritty nineteenth-century historical on the South Dakota prairie, and the 1970s Twin Cities tale of an utterly lovable newspaper cartoonist on a quest to unlock her great-grandmother’s secrets. Pittman breathes life and love, hope and heartache into a minor character first penned by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and then surrounds her with her own world, complete with generations to round her out. I couldn’t read this absorbing story fast enough.
June 25, 2022
3 ⭐️
While there were some aspects of Laura's Shadow that I did appreciate, one of them being the author's writing style and character development and another being the pacing of the story (especially considering this book is about 70-100 pages shorter than full-length novels, the pacing of events was very well done). However, this read wasn't for me, honestly.
There was one scene that kept me from giving this book a higher rating, and I feel it's important to share this content warning. About halfway into the story, one of the main characters has sex outside of marriage with a man who already told her he doesn't love her nor would he marry her and ends up getting pregnant. The girl (Mariah) is doing this as a way to fill the sudden loneliness of her brother being married. Of course, if I were in Mariah's shoes, without parents and my only brother getting married, I, too, would have felt loneliness and struggled with that sudden change. However, in Christian fiction, I wish authors wouldn't include "fade-to-black scenes" when it comes to sex. Although the author kept this "clean" (only describing the moments leading up to it, Mariah needing Oscar's help unbuttoning her dress, and a few brief descriptions of words Oscar told her that night and how they held each other), I wish this had been handled differently. I believe that even in fiction, it's *so* important for authors to set good examples. I'm by no means saying having perfect characters who make perfect decisions because that's not realistic at all. What I'm saying is that I would have given this book a higher rating if Mariah had been tempted to spend a night in her bedroom with Oscar but not gone through with it.
As I stated above, this scene didn't have explicit content, so if fade-to-black scenes don't bother you, then you'd probably give this book a higher rating and enjoy it more than I did! For me, personally, it just made me a bit uncomfortable reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of Laura's Shadow. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.
While there were some aspects of Laura's Shadow that I did appreciate, one of them being the author's writing style and character development and another being the pacing of the story (especially considering this book is about 70-100 pages shorter than full-length novels, the pacing of events was very well done). However, this read wasn't for me, honestly.
There was one scene that kept me from giving this book a higher rating, and I feel it's important to share this content warning. About halfway into the story, one of the main characters has sex outside of marriage with a man who already told her he doesn't love her nor would he marry her and ends up getting pregnant. The girl (Mariah) is doing this as a way to fill the sudden loneliness of her brother being married. Of course, if I were in Mariah's shoes, without parents and my only brother getting married, I, too, would have felt loneliness and struggled with that sudden change. However, in Christian fiction, I wish authors wouldn't include "fade-to-black scenes" when it comes to sex. Although the author kept this "clean" (only describing the moments leading up to it, Mariah needing Oscar's help unbuttoning her dress, and a few brief descriptions of words Oscar told her that night and how they held each other), I wish this had been handled differently. I believe that even in fiction, it's *so* important for authors to set good examples. I'm by no means saying having perfect characters who make perfect decisions because that's not realistic at all. What I'm saying is that I would have given this book a higher rating if Mariah had been tempted to spend a night in her bedroom with Oscar but not gone through with it.
As I stated above, this scene didn't have explicit content, so if fade-to-black scenes don't bother you, then you'd probably give this book a higher rating and enjoy it more than I did! For me, personally, it just made me a bit uncomfortable reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of Laura's Shadow. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.
June 30, 2023
Laura’s Shadow is a split timeline from 1891 to 1974. Mariah is an orphan, living with her newly engaged brother.
Trixie, a great daughter to Mariah, is a cartoonist with her “Lost Laura” cartoon.
Ever since Laura Ingalls Wilder was briefly Mariah's teacher, Mariah Patterson has harbored resentment towards the woman. That resentment has grown over the years because the man Mariah is in love with secret pines for Laura, I really had a hard time liking Mariah, the story. THE PLOT: Not everyone loved Laura Ingalls Wilder.
There was hardly a faith message in this story, I cannot classify it as a Christian fiction that Barbour Publishing is known to publish.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Trixie, a great daughter to Mariah, is a cartoonist with her “Lost Laura” cartoon.
Ever since Laura Ingalls Wilder was briefly Mariah's teacher, Mariah Patterson has harbored resentment towards the woman. That resentment has grown over the years because the man Mariah is in love with secret pines for Laura, I really had a hard time liking Mariah, the story. THE PLOT: Not everyone loved Laura Ingalls Wilder.
There was hardly a faith message in this story, I cannot classify it as a Christian fiction that Barbour Publishing is known to publish.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
April 8, 2022
Pittman’s novels have the ability to immerse and transport readers to the past, and her latest, Laura’s Shadow, is no exception. Rich prose, lush descriptions, and astute characterizations combine to weave a story wrought from minor characters in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved books, as well as a more modern counterpart. A nostalgic tale told with heart and insight.
August 9, 2022
Ms. Pittman cleverly chose characters from a Laura Ingalls Wilder book to base this story on. She gave a different perspective on the story and life in S. Dakota in 1891. What I was uncomfortable with was the depiction of loose morals by more than one character and I thought the bedroom scene could have stopped a little shorter. That said, those circumstances were the basis for the rest of the story.
I enjoyed the modern timeline with the use of humor between the generations of women.Tixie, with her cat, House, who came with her apartment, was a breath of fresh air. The comic strip that she wrote was cute and reminiscent of Laura Ingalls. Modern day hero Ron: “was unmissable, a burly, giant of a man who looked like he would be a safe bet in an ax-throwing competition and a nightmare in a bar fight but was actually a kind and gentle spirit stretched over six feet and encased in 250 pounds.” He was perfect for Trixie.
The author has a way with descriptive prose: “I opened my eyes to a violet sky, the color that comes when there is not a trace of sunlight left but darkness has not yet settled its blanket.”
This was not my favorite book by this author but I am enjoying this series of Doors to the Past.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour as part of their Review Crew. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.”
I enjoyed the modern timeline with the use of humor between the generations of women.Tixie, with her cat, House, who came with her apartment, was a breath of fresh air. The comic strip that she wrote was cute and reminiscent of Laura Ingalls. Modern day hero Ron: “was unmissable, a burly, giant of a man who looked like he would be a safe bet in an ax-throwing competition and a nightmare in a bar fight but was actually a kind and gentle spirit stretched over six feet and encased in 250 pounds.” He was perfect for Trixie.
The author has a way with descriptive prose: “I opened my eyes to a violet sky, the color that comes when there is not a trace of sunlight left but darkness has not yet settled its blanket.”
This was not my favorite book by this author but I am enjoying this series of Doors to the Past.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour as part of their Review Crew. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.”
September 18, 2022
1891 & 1974 South Dakota
This time slip novels shine a fresh light on Laura Ingalls Wilder. The focus is on Mariah, a student in Laura's school. Mariah is jealous of Laura due to a love triangle for another student..Cap Garland. I was fully engaged in this 1891 story line and the details were revealed expertly. In the more current timeline, Mariah (GG) has a lot of spunk which I loved, but I didn't completely understand how things played out. Perhaps it was the author's intent to have readers fill in the blanks.
Loved the period details in the 1974 thread! So fun. GG's great granddaughter's story was a good one.
My gratitude to the publisher Barbour and CelebrateLit for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
This time slip novels shine a fresh light on Laura Ingalls Wilder. The focus is on Mariah, a student in Laura's school. Mariah is jealous of Laura due to a love triangle for another student..Cap Garland. I was fully engaged in this 1891 story line and the details were revealed expertly. In the more current timeline, Mariah (GG) has a lot of spunk which I loved, but I didn't completely understand how things played out. Perhaps it was the author's intent to have readers fill in the blanks.
Loved the period details in the 1974 thread! So fun. GG's great granddaughter's story was a good one.
My gratitude to the publisher Barbour and CelebrateLit for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
September 19, 2022
Growing up, I LOVED Little House on the Prairie. My babysitter said I could be dead asleep and as soon as those first notes started the show I sprung up like a spring to watch. I can pretty much tell you what episode it is just by the title, or the first few seconds of the show. Old episodes, or new, I love them. I lived just south of Burr Oak for a couple of years and took my girls to Little House Days and they enjoyed it, though I can barely get them to watch an episode.
This story went right to my heart. The story of GG and her history with Laura Ingalls. How Cap Garland in the book was the object of both their affection, only he had it for Laura. In present day, Trixie learns little until the end why GG had such an angst for Laura. With her comic strip Little Laura, Trixie brings Laura into modern day and makes something so simple in the 1800's so complex in modern times. The dynamic of Trixie, her mother, grandmother, and GG is one of strong women.
If you can't tell, I enjoyed this story very much. One thing that I found interesting was that Ron said he hadn't heard of Laura Ingalls while growing up in Wisconsin, considering that is where she was born. And were answering machines all that popular in 1974? Other than those, I enjoyed the story past and present equally.
This story went right to my heart. The story of GG and her history with Laura Ingalls. How Cap Garland in the book was the object of both their affection, only he had it for Laura. In present day, Trixie learns little until the end why GG had such an angst for Laura. With her comic strip Little Laura, Trixie brings Laura into modern day and makes something so simple in the 1800's so complex in modern times. The dynamic of Trixie, her mother, grandmother, and GG is one of strong women.
If you can't tell, I enjoyed this story very much. One thing that I found interesting was that Ron said he hadn't heard of Laura Ingalls while growing up in Wisconsin, considering that is where she was born. And were answering machines all that popular in 1974? Other than those, I enjoyed the story past and present equally.
July 9, 2022
I don't care a HANG about anything Wilder but I care EVERYTHING about Allison Pittman
August 1, 2022
This was a very slow read. There was a lot of promise of great mysteries to be revealed but everything was discovered on a gradual pace.
I also did not really caught on to why the name Laura was such a bad thing for Mariah. She made her choices knowing facts so I did not believe that what happened was a cause for such a severe reaction.
There was a lot of mistakes made and opportunities for great redemption stories which I missed.
I also would have like to have a bit more insight in Mariah and Merill’s marriage.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
I also did not really caught on to why the name Laura was such a bad thing for Mariah. She made her choices knowing facts so I did not believe that what happened was a cause for such a severe reaction.
There was a lot of mistakes made and opportunities for great redemption stories which I missed.
I also would have like to have a bit more insight in Mariah and Merill’s marriage.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
March 15, 2023
This was an enjoyable read. The entire series has been so fun.
If you love all things Little House on the Prairie, you'll like this story. Laura makes a small appearance early in the story, but then is mostly just referred to. In the "current" (1974) time period Laura's stories are referred to as well as the tv show.
We meet Mariah who lives with her brother, Charles. Their relationship is really special as they've had to rely on only each other for most of their lives. During the story both of their lives begin to change as they begin to notice people outside of their little bubble. I really struggled with how Charles treated Mariah as his life changed more quickly than hers. I would've said that it's just because of my own life experiences and how I see the world, but as I thought about it, I think most readers will take issue with that thread. hahahaha I really enjoyed Mariah. She was a tough young lady who knew her mind, but liked (mostly) how their lives were going.
Then there's Trixie. It was fun to live the 70s again through her eyes. when she's called home because her Gigi is apparently near death, she learns more about her Gigi and her family history. I liked reading about how their family had a connection to Laura Ingalls and why Mariah wasn't a fan of her back in the day. Also, you know how you typically lean more strongly towards one of the men who comes into the main character's life? I struggled with this one. I don't even know the last time when I couldn't decide who I wanted the MC to end up with!
*I received this book for a book tour and wasn't asked to write a review. This is my personal opinion.
If you love all things Little House on the Prairie, you'll like this story. Laura makes a small appearance early in the story, but then is mostly just referred to. In the "current" (1974) time period Laura's stories are referred to as well as the tv show.
We meet Mariah who lives with her brother, Charles. Their relationship is really special as they've had to rely on only each other for most of their lives. During the story both of their lives begin to change as they begin to notice people outside of their little bubble. I really struggled with how Charles treated Mariah as his life changed more quickly than hers. I would've said that it's just because of my own life experiences and how I see the world, but as I thought about it, I think most readers will take issue with that thread. hahahaha I really enjoyed Mariah. She was a tough young lady who knew her mind, but liked (mostly) how their lives were going.
Then there's Trixie. It was fun to live the 70s again through her eyes. when she's called home because her Gigi is apparently near death, she learns more about her Gigi and her family history. I liked reading about how their family had a connection to Laura Ingalls and why Mariah wasn't a fan of her back in the day. Also, you know how you typically lean more strongly towards one of the men who comes into the main character's life? I struggled with this one. I don't even know the last time when I couldn't decide who I wanted the MC to end up with!
*I received this book for a book tour and wasn't asked to write a review. This is my personal opinion.
August 31, 2022
I am enjoying reading through the Doors to the Past series and when I saw this one has a backstory focus of Laura Ingalls Wilder I was all in. Growing up of course I've read the Little House on the Prairie books.
The duel time line just flows effortlessly and is about Mariah, a student of Laura Ingalls in the historical time frame and we then see Mariah again in the later time frame of the 1970's as a woman over 100 years old requesting her great granddaughter Trixie Gowan visit her. The more Mariah tells Trixie the more secrets we hear revealed about her life.
Interesting read. This one will hold your attention from the first page through the last.
Pub Date 01 Aug 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The duel time line just flows effortlessly and is about Mariah, a student of Laura Ingalls in the historical time frame and we then see Mariah again in the later time frame of the 1970's as a woman over 100 years old requesting her great granddaughter Trixie Gowan visit her. The more Mariah tells Trixie the more secrets we hear revealed about her life.
Interesting read. This one will hold your attention from the first page through the last.
Pub Date 01 Aug 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
July 1, 2022
This book is not what I was expecting and surprised me both ways positively and negatively
I was expecting a re write of Laura or a sort of fictional biography and it wasn’t
Well written well edited nevertheless parts are boring and too long descriptions of daily tasks dual POV is not for me but well done
3 stars
I just reviewed Laura's Shadow by Allison Pittman. #LaurasShadow #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL] Edit
I was expecting a re write of Laura or a sort of fictional biography and it wasn’t
Well written well edited nevertheless parts are boring and too long descriptions of daily tasks dual POV is not for me but well done
3 stars
I just reviewed Laura's Shadow by Allison Pittman. #LaurasShadow #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL] Edit
August 5, 2022
Another split time read in the Doors to the Past series. This story focused on Trixie Gowan and her great grandmother, Mariah. It is set in DeMet, South Dakota. Mariah grew up in small town DeMet with Laura Ingalls who became her teacher in a one room school house. Laura was a beauty and pursued by the young man that Mariah had a crush on. Mariah made some mistakes in her life and found herself in a loveless marriage. Now Mariah at 102 has some last wishes only Trixie can fill. Meanwhile, Trixie is wondering if she will ever find the love of her life.
I enjoyed the plot of this book, but the first part seemed to develop rather slowly. Also the first third of the book I had difficulty keeping the women straight with mom, grandmother, and great grandmother. Overall, a nice read and I enjoyed the use of the Little House books, but not among my favorites in this series.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
I enjoyed the plot of this book, but the first part seemed to develop rather slowly. Also the first third of the book I had difficulty keeping the women straight with mom, grandmother, and great grandmother. Overall, a nice read and I enjoyed the use of the Little House books, but not among my favorites in this series.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
July 7, 2022
Laura’s Shadow is Allison Pittman’s take on what could’ve happened with Marthe(who has been renamed Mariah) and Charles Patterson.
Mariah doesn’t like Laura Ingalls Wilder. This is the premise that Mariah was in love with Cap, who was, in turn, in love with Laura but he had nothing to offer Mariah.
This is a dual-time story with Mariah’s great-granddaughter, Trixie’s story is in the other timeline.
I didn’t connect with either Mariah or Trixie. I thought I wouldn’t be able to follow because I haven’t read Laura Ingalls Wilder but that wasn’t the case. It was just Mariah who had had a hard life and wasn’t a fan of Ms. Wilder.
This was a case of cover love for me and that’s what initially got me hooked into wanting to read this. It just did not end up what I was hoping for or where I wanted it to go either.
My gratitude to NetGalley and Barbour Books. All opinions expressed are mine. 2.5 stars
Mariah doesn’t like Laura Ingalls Wilder. This is the premise that Mariah was in love with Cap, who was, in turn, in love with Laura but he had nothing to offer Mariah.
This is a dual-time story with Mariah’s great-granddaughter, Trixie’s story is in the other timeline.
I didn’t connect with either Mariah or Trixie. I thought I wouldn’t be able to follow because I haven’t read Laura Ingalls Wilder but that wasn’t the case. It was just Mariah who had had a hard life and wasn’t a fan of Ms. Wilder.
This was a case of cover love for me and that’s what initially got me hooked into wanting to read this. It just did not end up what I was hoping for or where I wanted it to go either.
My gratitude to NetGalley and Barbour Books. All opinions expressed are mine. 2.5 stars
August 13, 2022
Laura's Shadow was not a book for me. I found myself bored while reading it and the characters were not favorites. I was surprised by certain content and that the characters didn't seem repentant of their actions.
All in all, I just didn't like it. I'm not a fan of Laura Ingalls, so that aspect didn't really connect with me either.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
All in all, I just didn't like it. I'm not a fan of Laura Ingalls, so that aspect didn't really connect with me either.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
August 21, 2022
My blurb …
Setting: De Smet, South Dakota 1890 & 1974.
Remember Cap Garland, a friend of Almanzo Wilder, husband of Laura Ingalls Wilder? A novel based on Cap & a young Mariah (she was Martha in These Happy Golden Years).
And in 1974, a young woman, Trixie Gowan, who is on the staff of the newspaper. She creates advertising art *and* a comic strip–“Lost Laura” loosely based on guess who? There is a connection between the women in the 1890 and the 1974 stories.
My review …
Okay. I was hooked from the first phrase of "A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR" that begins Laura’s Shadow for the simple reason — she read Little House on the Prairie. I remember getting my first “Little House” book, Little House in the Big Woods, and read all of them as soon as I could. I’ve reread them since.
So, if you enjoyed the “Little House” books, I can pretty much guarantee you’ll like this book.
The books in the series, Doors to the Past, are all by different authors. Each book deals with a historic American landmark. In this case, it’s the town of De Smet, South Dakota.
What if you aren’t a “Little House” fan?
-- If you like a light mystery with a little romance …
-- If you like a story with a touch of “real life” characters …
-- Then Laura’s Shadow will be just right for you.
I do believe “Little House” readers will enjoy the book a bit more, especially the 1890 segments.
What else makes Laura’s Shadow special?
Swapping eras (1890 to 1974) is not always handled well. The swap is hard to follow; sometimes you don’t know which period you are in. Not so for Laura’s Shadow. No awkwardness. No feeling of what? Am I in 1890 or 1974?
[Inserted -- picture of The Real Cap Garland]
I’d love to tell you more about how the girl in 1974, Trixie Gowan, is connected to the Mariah in 1890. But that would spoil one of the key elements of the plot. As does answering the question of where Cap Garland fits into Mariah’s story.
Yes, I recommend this book — whether you loved Laura Ingalls Wilder or not.
I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of Laura's Shadow via NetGalley from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
#LaurasShadow #NetGalley #AllisonPittman<
The image of Cap Garland is from the site "Laura Ingalls Wilder, Frontier Girl", along with a short bio.
Series Doors to the Past #9
Genre Historical Fiction
Pub. Date 1 Aug 2022
Pages 257
Publisher Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction
Cover Love these "from behind" book covers.
NOTE: My review on my blog (https://lyndapbookreviews.com/lauras-...) has an image of the "real" Cap Garland.
Setting: De Smet, South Dakota 1890 & 1974.
Remember Cap Garland, a friend of Almanzo Wilder, husband of Laura Ingalls Wilder? A novel based on Cap & a young Mariah (she was Martha in These Happy Golden Years).
And in 1974, a young woman, Trixie Gowan, who is on the staff of the newspaper. She creates advertising art *and* a comic strip–“Lost Laura” loosely based on guess who? There is a connection between the women in the 1890 and the 1974 stories.
My review …
Okay. I was hooked from the first phrase of "A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR" that begins Laura’s Shadow for the simple reason — she read Little House on the Prairie. I remember getting my first “Little House” book, Little House in the Big Woods, and read all of them as soon as I could. I’ve reread them since.
So, if you enjoyed the “Little House” books, I can pretty much guarantee you’ll like this book.
The books in the series, Doors to the Past, are all by different authors. Each book deals with a historic American landmark. In this case, it’s the town of De Smet, South Dakota.
What if you aren’t a “Little House” fan?
-- If you like a light mystery with a little romance …
-- If you like a story with a touch of “real life” characters …
-- Then Laura’s Shadow will be just right for you.
I do believe “Little House” readers will enjoy the book a bit more, especially the 1890 segments.
What else makes Laura’s Shadow special?
Swapping eras (1890 to 1974) is not always handled well. The swap is hard to follow; sometimes you don’t know which period you are in. Not so for Laura’s Shadow. No awkwardness. No feeling of what? Am I in 1890 or 1974?
[Inserted -- picture of The Real Cap Garland]
I’d love to tell you more about how the girl in 1974, Trixie Gowan, is connected to the Mariah in 1890. But that would spoil one of the key elements of the plot. As does answering the question of where Cap Garland fits into Mariah’s story.
Yes, I recommend this book — whether you loved Laura Ingalls Wilder or not.
I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of Laura's Shadow via NetGalley from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
#LaurasShadow #NetGalley #AllisonPittman<
The image of Cap Garland is from the site "Laura Ingalls Wilder, Frontier Girl", along with a short bio.
Series Doors to the Past #9
Genre Historical Fiction
Pub. Date 1 Aug 2022
Pages 257
Publisher Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction
Cover Love these "from behind" book covers.
NOTE: My review on my blog (https://lyndapbookreviews.com/lauras-...) has an image of the "real" Cap Garland.
August 29, 2022
3.5 stars
"I wish I could say I developed an affection for him."
Mariah Patterson knew her brother's machinations were well intended, but suffering through Thursday evening meals with a well established local bachelor held absolutely no appeal. Yes, she needed to think about her future; yes, her beloved brother was moving ahead with his own happily-ever-after; yes, there was one man who made her heart sing . . . . but unfortunately, to Cap Garland she was just another skirt. . . . for it seemed that he would forever pine after Laura Ingalls.
As the sunset of her life draws near, Mariah's finagles a way to summon her great granddaughter Trixie Gowan home. Assuming that her beloved "GG" is at death's door, imagine Trixie's surprise when she realizes that her crafty great-grand has actually staged the entire situation in order to share a tightly held secret without actually saying the words. As it turns out, the trip might even allow Trixie to discover the kind of love than her beloved "GG" had simply dreamed about.
What a curious story. Its brilliance is in the actual idea; pulling what could have been, or might have been, away from the texture of a much beloved set of children's stories that have survived for decades. Sure, there are some carefully crafted "warm fuzzies" in this story, but it's also a reminder that life isn't always fair and that "sometimes first love exists as a foundation for new love".
"I wish I could say I developed an affection for him."
Mariah Patterson knew her brother's machinations were well intended, but suffering through Thursday evening meals with a well established local bachelor held absolutely no appeal. Yes, she needed to think about her future; yes, her beloved brother was moving ahead with his own happily-ever-after; yes, there was one man who made her heart sing . . . . but unfortunately, to Cap Garland she was just another skirt. . . . for it seemed that he would forever pine after Laura Ingalls.
As the sunset of her life draws near, Mariah's finagles a way to summon her great granddaughter Trixie Gowan home. Assuming that her beloved "GG" is at death's door, imagine Trixie's surprise when she realizes that her crafty great-grand has actually staged the entire situation in order to share a tightly held secret without actually saying the words. As it turns out, the trip might even allow Trixie to discover the kind of love than her beloved "GG" had simply dreamed about.
What a curious story. Its brilliance is in the actual idea; pulling what could have been, or might have been, away from the texture of a much beloved set of children's stories that have survived for decades. Sure, there are some carefully crafted "warm fuzzies" in this story, but it's also a reminder that life isn't always fair and that "sometimes first love exists as a foundation for new love".
July 21, 2022
Laura’s Shadow is a split timeline from 1891 to 1974. Mariah had Laura Ingalls Wilder as a teacher. Trixie, a great daughter to Mariah, is a cartoonist with her “Lost Laura” cartoon and creative ads for a newspaper. I could picture Trixie’s drawings with the descriptive words about her character. The story was slow in places and not what I thought it would be in regards to Laura Ingalls Wilder. There was hardly a faith message in this story, thus I cannot classify it as a Christian fiction that Barbour Publishing is known to publish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own thoughts.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own thoughts.
August 27, 2025
2.5 ⭐
I wanted to love it but I didn't. It started out promising but by the end I was very disappointed.
The actual writing is excellent, and normally I love the books I've read by this author. But this one is lacking in character depth, in plot, and in overall development. Furthermore, it does not earn its title of Christian fiction. I've read secular novels with stronger Christian worldviews than this one.
I wanted to love it but I didn't. It started out promising but by the end I was very disappointed.
The actual writing is excellent, and normally I love the books I've read by this author. But this one is lacking in character depth, in plot, and in overall development. Furthermore, it does not earn its title of Christian fiction. I've read secular novels with stronger Christian worldviews than this one.
August 6, 2022
I grew up reading The Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, so I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this book.
Creating a dual-time story with one of Laura's characters was a fabulous idea. Allison Pittman has built an intriguing tale about unrequited love. Mariah, one of Laura Ingall's students, loves Oscar Garland (Cap). Unfortunately, Cap loves Laura, and Laura loves Almanzo Wilder. What a pickle!
In the future timeline, we meet Trixie Gowan. Mariah's great-granddaughter. She was a likeable character with a love of all things Little House. Unfortunately, she was forbidden to mention the name of Laura Ingalls in the house where her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother lived. The question always on my mind was why? Why did Mariah hate Laura so much? It couldn't be as simple as unrequited love after everyone was dead, could it? This was the question on Trixie's mind, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it before her great-grandmother died.
Unfortunately, we never really get a satisfying answer. The relationship between Laura and Mariah was non-existent. The relationship between Mariah and Cap was equally non-existent. So right away, the story begins to falter. And I really wanted to like this story. But several things had me on edge. This book dealt with premarital sex and its consequences. The seduction scene (while mild) was not something I expected in a Christian book. While the writing was good and the characters were intriguing, there was also a lack of faith content. The author tried to include God, but it seemed more of an afterthought to the story.
Mariah, the main character, lacked growth of any kind. She was perpetually stuck in the past. She was consumed with an unreasonable (almost twisted) love for Cap even at 104 years of age! I might have believed the love story if the author had spent time developing a relationship between Mariah and Cap. But that never happened. I was expecting more on the last page, but it just ended, and that was that.
The only upstanding character in this book was Merrill Gowan. I felt sorry for Merrill and his treatment by Mariah. His story should have been explored more. His chivalry and love for Mariah (also unrequited) needed more development. Especially when it was suggested that her feelings for him changed. I don't want to give anything away. But his relationship with Mariah should have been explored after Cap was out of the picture. There was so much more room for themes of redemption and the everlasting love God has for us. Instead, this book was about a woman who loved one despicable man so much that she was filled with hate for the woman he loved, even though both were long dead.
While I usually enjoy Allison Pittman's books, this one had me wanting more. If you enjoy dual-time fiction, however, you may like it.
I received a review copy from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
Creating a dual-time story with one of Laura's characters was a fabulous idea. Allison Pittman has built an intriguing tale about unrequited love. Mariah, one of Laura Ingall's students, loves Oscar Garland (Cap). Unfortunately, Cap loves Laura, and Laura loves Almanzo Wilder. What a pickle!
In the future timeline, we meet Trixie Gowan. Mariah's great-granddaughter. She was a likeable character with a love of all things Little House. Unfortunately, she was forbidden to mention the name of Laura Ingalls in the house where her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother lived. The question always on my mind was why? Why did Mariah hate Laura so much? It couldn't be as simple as unrequited love after everyone was dead, could it? This was the question on Trixie's mind, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it before her great-grandmother died.
Unfortunately, we never really get a satisfying answer. The relationship between Laura and Mariah was non-existent. The relationship between Mariah and Cap was equally non-existent. So right away, the story begins to falter. And I really wanted to like this story. But several things had me on edge. This book dealt with premarital sex and its consequences. The seduction scene (while mild) was not something I expected in a Christian book. While the writing was good and the characters were intriguing, there was also a lack of faith content. The author tried to include God, but it seemed more of an afterthought to the story.
Mariah, the main character, lacked growth of any kind. She was perpetually stuck in the past. She was consumed with an unreasonable (almost twisted) love for Cap even at 104 years of age! I might have believed the love story if the author had spent time developing a relationship between Mariah and Cap. But that never happened. I was expecting more on the last page, but it just ended, and that was that.
The only upstanding character in this book was Merrill Gowan. I felt sorry for Merrill and his treatment by Mariah. His story should have been explored more. His chivalry and love for Mariah (also unrequited) needed more development. Especially when it was suggested that her feelings for him changed. I don't want to give anything away. But his relationship with Mariah should have been explored after Cap was out of the picture. There was so much more room for themes of redemption and the everlasting love God has for us. Instead, this book was about a woman who loved one despicable man so much that she was filled with hate for the woman he loved, even though both were long dead.
While I usually enjoy Allison Pittman's books, this one had me wanting more. If you enjoy dual-time fiction, however, you may like it.
I received a review copy from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
July 14, 2022
Unfortunately I struggled getting into this dual timeline novel. It seemed to be a little slower paced than I typically prefer. I did enjoy the mentions of Laura Ingalls Wilder and it brought back sweet memories from my childhood when reading the Little House books.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
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November 6, 2022I have never found a novel by Allison Pittman to be lacking. She consistently writes compelling, masterfully written stories. I will read anything she writes. Anything.
October 15, 2022
Set in the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder, this dual timeline story draws in a few minor characters from the Little House world and tells a bittersweet tale that touches four generations of women. I loved the Little House books as a child and have recently picked them up again as an adult so I was excited to see a new to me author setting her tale of unrequited love, secrets, and a later generation romance in that world.
Laura’s Shadow is part of the Doors to the Past collection of standalone stories written by various authors who each set their historical fiction in a famous living or fictional character’s world.
In 1974, Trixie Gowan lives in Minneapolis and works for a small newspaper as an ad artist and part time comic strip artist with her ‘Lost Laura’ comic about country girl living in the big city. She’s happy and content with her life just as it is, but then she gets a call from a big syndicate paper about Lost Laura and a call from back home in De Smet, SD. Her great grandmother has taken a turn for the worst. GG has been proper and reserved, but adamant that there is no mention of Laura Ingalls Wilder in her hearing all Trixie’s life, but Trixie learns that GG has kept secrets and now, at the end, she unfolds this little by little.
In 1890, Mariah Patterson lives with her brother Charles and holds a secret torch for handsome, fun Cap Garland. Oscar ‘Cap’ Garland whose mother ran the boarding house where they stayed for a bit, who comes to their small town to play baseball with his De Smet team, and who is kind, but has eyes for another young woman, Laura Ingalls. Laura is part of the social set and a pretty, vivacious girl while Mariah is tongue-tied and a wallflower. Oh course Cap doesn’t return her love. Instead only good, kind Merrill Gowan waits in the wings wanting a woman who doesn’t want him.
Laura’s Shadow tells a bittersweet story for Mariah and shows Trixie that she can have something more than contentment if she looks around and takes notice. All along, I felt sorry for Mariah because she refused to give a different man a chance and I suspected she was mixing up infatuation with love because she didn’t really understand love and had never felt it since her mother died when she was young and her pa was an alcoholic who also died while she was a teen though she is close with her brother.
The big secret was not that hard to work out though there are some details to fill in that gave nuances to the story. I liked seeing how going home and learning Mariah’s story started to make a difference in Trixie’s life. She, unlike her GG, had the high school sweetheart ready to hand and suddenly notices the comfortable and close relationship with Ron back in the city. I don’t enjoy love triangles, but I never really felt that there was a competition for Trixie once she gave it some thought. It was funny to see her quirky grandmother and mother trying to manage Trixie’s affairs.
The four generations of women portrayed in this one along with the two different types of romances in the time frames were wonderful character and relationship developments.
As to the setting of the classic children’s story and the real historical place, it was obvious the author did her homework and brought it all to life nicely. The author portrayed the people who were often minor characters of the stories, but also the real life people they were in their activities and connections.
All in all, I was glad to have come across this one. It sits within several genres because of the dual time line- historical fiction, women’s fiction, inspirational fiction, and even romance so it will likely have appeal to a wider range of readers who want more in the world of Laura.
I rec’d an eARC through NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Oct 2nd.
Laura’s Shadow is part of the Doors to the Past collection of standalone stories written by various authors who each set their historical fiction in a famous living or fictional character’s world.
In 1974, Trixie Gowan lives in Minneapolis and works for a small newspaper as an ad artist and part time comic strip artist with her ‘Lost Laura’ comic about country girl living in the big city. She’s happy and content with her life just as it is, but then she gets a call from a big syndicate paper about Lost Laura and a call from back home in De Smet, SD. Her great grandmother has taken a turn for the worst. GG has been proper and reserved, but adamant that there is no mention of Laura Ingalls Wilder in her hearing all Trixie’s life, but Trixie learns that GG has kept secrets and now, at the end, she unfolds this little by little.
In 1890, Mariah Patterson lives with her brother Charles and holds a secret torch for handsome, fun Cap Garland. Oscar ‘Cap’ Garland whose mother ran the boarding house where they stayed for a bit, who comes to their small town to play baseball with his De Smet team, and who is kind, but has eyes for another young woman, Laura Ingalls. Laura is part of the social set and a pretty, vivacious girl while Mariah is tongue-tied and a wallflower. Oh course Cap doesn’t return her love. Instead only good, kind Merrill Gowan waits in the wings wanting a woman who doesn’t want him.
Laura’s Shadow tells a bittersweet story for Mariah and shows Trixie that she can have something more than contentment if she looks around and takes notice. All along, I felt sorry for Mariah because she refused to give a different man a chance and I suspected she was mixing up infatuation with love because she didn’t really understand love and had never felt it since her mother died when she was young and her pa was an alcoholic who also died while she was a teen though she is close with her brother.
The big secret was not that hard to work out though there are some details to fill in that gave nuances to the story. I liked seeing how going home and learning Mariah’s story started to make a difference in Trixie’s life. She, unlike her GG, had the high school sweetheart ready to hand and suddenly notices the comfortable and close relationship with Ron back in the city. I don’t enjoy love triangles, but I never really felt that there was a competition for Trixie once she gave it some thought. It was funny to see her quirky grandmother and mother trying to manage Trixie’s affairs.
The four generations of women portrayed in this one along with the two different types of romances in the time frames were wonderful character and relationship developments.
As to the setting of the classic children’s story and the real historical place, it was obvious the author did her homework and brought it all to life nicely. The author portrayed the people who were often minor characters of the stories, but also the real life people they were in their activities and connections.
All in all, I was glad to have come across this one. It sits within several genres because of the dual time line- historical fiction, women’s fiction, inspirational fiction, and even romance so it will likely have appeal to a wider range of readers who want more in the world of Laura.
I rec’d an eARC through NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Oct 2nd.
July 15, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
I've read every book in the _Doors to the Past_ series (and really enjoyed them). This one is no exception!
Pittman is a talented author, quite skilled at crafting believable, interesting dual-time novels. I wasn't immediately sold on the 1891 storyline, but appreciated it by the end. (I also entirely overlooked the Laura Ingalls Wilder connection when requesting the book at NetGalley, so that discovery defo added another layer of interest; I did, after all, grow up during the 80s/90s, and caught reruns of the TV series at my cousins' house!)
I haven't read much fiction set in the 1970s, and thought it was great. How things have changed since then, lol--even since the 80s! (And yet, sometimes, nothing has changed, amirite?) This book really brought the decade to life for me, and its South Dakota setting reminded me not only of Wilder's books--which I need to reread now--but also Willa Cather's. I listened to _My Antonia_ earlier this year and have a newfound + deeper appreciation for Midwest settlers and their experiences.
The epilogue in particular stood out to me as a highlight of this read. The fangirling over Michael Landon made me literally LOL (because again, child of the 80s/90s ... and female at that. What female hasn't swooned over him at least once?)
I will note, there is a fade-to-black romantic scene in _Laura's Shadow_. Thankfully it is a one-off both in the "Doors to the Past" series and Pittman's books...I was glad it didn't go further than it did, but felt it could have been handled...better? Differently? Not sure. It was disappointing, though, and a bit jarring/unexpected. The only reason this gets 3.5 stars and not a full 4.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I've read every book in the _Doors to the Past_ series (and really enjoyed them). This one is no exception!
Pittman is a talented author, quite skilled at crafting believable, interesting dual-time novels. I wasn't immediately sold on the 1891 storyline, but appreciated it by the end. (I also entirely overlooked the Laura Ingalls Wilder connection when requesting the book at NetGalley, so that discovery defo added another layer of interest; I did, after all, grow up during the 80s/90s, and caught reruns of the TV series at my cousins' house!)
I haven't read much fiction set in the 1970s, and thought it was great. How things have changed since then, lol--even since the 80s! (And yet, sometimes, nothing has changed, amirite?) This book really brought the decade to life for me, and its South Dakota setting reminded me not only of Wilder's books--which I need to reread now--but also Willa Cather's. I listened to _My Antonia_ earlier this year and have a newfound + deeper appreciation for Midwest settlers and their experiences.
The epilogue in particular stood out to me as a highlight of this read. The fangirling over Michael Landon made me literally LOL (because again, child of the 80s/90s ... and female at that. What female hasn't swooned over him at least once?)
I will note, there is a fade-to-black romantic scene in _Laura's Shadow_. Thankfully it is a one-off both in the "Doors to the Past" series and Pittman's books...I was glad it didn't go further than it did, but felt it could have been handled...better? Differently? Not sure. It was disappointing, though, and a bit jarring/unexpected. The only reason this gets 3.5 stars and not a full 4.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 24, 2022
I enjoyed this dual time book very well, especially because one of the characters lived in both time periods! Pretty cool how that was done. I loved the impact of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who's books were a big part of my Minnesota upbringing. I found it interesting that Mariah had certain feelings about Laura as they knew each other in early life and that meshed so well into the story of her life as time went on. The book has happy and sad times in the life of the main character as well as real-life experiences that changed the path of her life. Well worth the time to read this one!
This book was very well developed. Enjoyed it so much!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
This book was very well developed. Enjoyed it so much!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
July 15, 2022
At times I can read a book for pure enjoyment. I'm not immersed in facts, historically or otherwise. I simply find a compelling story and I sink into it. Laura's Shadow is that kind of book for me. I didn't read any of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books until I was in my early twenties so I didn't have the childlike devotion to the wonderful stories others have had including Trixie Gowan.
I don't care for dual timeline stories but I cared for the two main characters, Mariah and Trixie so much that that dislike melted away as I journeyed back and forth with their stories. I won't delve into them, I'd say, read the book!
This, to me, is one of the best what if storylines I have ever read and I love that the author let herself go there. What if Almanzo Wilder's friend and fellow hero, Oscar "Cap" Garland, was also in love with Laura Ingalls? What if one of her students, close in age, saw her very differently than her later years readers did? What if that girl, Mariah was drawn to Oscar? Oh the what if's are great in the story, right down to Mariah's great granddaughter. Trixie has surprises in store when she travels home to her 104 year old GG's bedside. The book is well written with such an interesting take. I don't want to give any spoilers. The book is that good for my imagination and I want other readers to make their own discoveries.
I thank the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy. This is my own personal opinion. I rarely read a book twice because there are so many out there but, I can see myself reading this one again.
I don't care for dual timeline stories but I cared for the two main characters, Mariah and Trixie so much that that dislike melted away as I journeyed back and forth with their stories. I won't delve into them, I'd say, read the book!
This, to me, is one of the best what if storylines I have ever read and I love that the author let herself go there. What if Almanzo Wilder's friend and fellow hero, Oscar "Cap" Garland, was also in love with Laura Ingalls? What if one of her students, close in age, saw her very differently than her later years readers did? What if that girl, Mariah was drawn to Oscar? Oh the what if's are great in the story, right down to Mariah's great granddaughter. Trixie has surprises in store when she travels home to her 104 year old GG's bedside. The book is well written with such an interesting take. I don't want to give any spoilers. The book is that good for my imagination and I want other readers to make their own discoveries.
I thank the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy. This is my own personal opinion. I rarely read a book twice because there are so many out there but, I can see myself reading this one again.
March 27, 2024
Doors to the Past has become one of my favorite series of all time, and I've loved every title in this multi author series, with the exception of one. The only one I didn't end up enjoying was Allison Pittman's first contribution, The Lady in Residence. I was a little hesitant to pick this one up, but I honestly wanted to be able to say that I've read all the books in the series, and I was intrigued by the Laura Ingalls Wilder connection. I dove right into it, hoping for a much more positive experience. Unfortunately, I really didn't end up enjoying this, and I think I've come to the conclusion that this author just isn't for me.
It took me almost two full weeks to finish this one, and that's almost unheard of for me, especially considering it's a well under 300 page novel. The plot is lackluster and not developed very well, the story lags in the middle for quite a bit, and I couldn't stand either of the main characters. The content was atrocious for a title labeled as Christian fiction, and I was very turned off by that fact. Certain situations go against what I would have expected to be included in a title in this series, and even worse, none of the characters seem to show any remorse for their actions. Not one of the female characters is likeable, and I couldn't root for any of them. I felt like I was a reading a title that largely promoted feminism in a non Biblical manner, and certain passages really gave me a terrible impression.
Lastly, the reason I picked this one up in the first place was because I was intrigued by the connection to one of my favorite childhood series. Unfortunately, all I felt happened in this title connected to that was that beloved literary characters were portrayed in a horrible light, for reasons that didn't truly even make sense.
The only reason this title is getting two stars from me instead of the one I initially planned to rate it is the fact that I did appreciate the amount of research the author put into the story, and I did learn a few new to me tidbits along the way.
All in all, I did not enjoy this one in the slightest, and I won't be personally recommending it.
Final Rating: 2/5.
Thanks so much for reading guys! Have a great rest of your day :)
It took me almost two full weeks to finish this one, and that's almost unheard of for me, especially considering it's a well under 300 page novel. The plot is lackluster and not developed very well, the story lags in the middle for quite a bit, and I couldn't stand either of the main characters. The content was atrocious for a title labeled as Christian fiction, and I was very turned off by that fact. Certain situations go against what I would have expected to be included in a title in this series, and even worse, none of the characters seem to show any remorse for their actions. Not one of the female characters is likeable, and I couldn't root for any of them. I felt like I was a reading a title that largely promoted feminism in a non Biblical manner, and certain passages really gave me a terrible impression.
Lastly, the reason I picked this one up in the first place was because I was intrigued by the connection to one of my favorite childhood series. Unfortunately, all I felt happened in this title connected to that was that beloved literary characters were portrayed in a horrible light, for reasons that didn't truly even make sense.
The only reason this title is getting two stars from me instead of the one I initially planned to rate it is the fact that I did appreciate the amount of research the author put into the story, and I did learn a few new to me tidbits along the way.
All in all, I did not enjoy this one in the slightest, and I won't be personally recommending it.
Final Rating: 2/5.
Thanks so much for reading guys! Have a great rest of your day :)
August 1, 2022
I have enjoyed Barbour Publishing's Doors to the Past series, but this particular addition to the series fell a little flat. I didn't dislike it, but neither did I ever feel fully engaged with the story or the characters. I had been excited by the author's note at the beginning of the book explaining how the book was inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie books, thinking it would make the perfect gift for our daughter-in-law. After reading Laura's Shadow I no longer anticipate that she, a great fan of Ingall's books, would be delighted with this book. I also want to mention that I would classify the book more as clean fiction rather than Christian fiction. It is a dual-timeline tale.
I do remain grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Laura's Shadow from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I do remain grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Laura's Shadow from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
September 13, 2022
Her life will no longer be in Laura's Shadow...
Since Little House In The Big Woods the world has been fascinated by the life and fictionalized adventures of Laura Ingalls Wilder. We've read the books, watched the TV show, made our own cornhusk dolls and snow candy...but what if there was a girl who, by circumstance and by choice, was lost in Laura's Shadow? What would it be like to always be eclipsed by your young schoolteacher even long after she were dead...
Like millions of little girls before me in the last 90 years I grew up on the Little House books. My mom read them to me when I must have been 5 or 6 and it wasn't long before I read them all for myself. When I discovered that Doors To The Past series that I've been enjoying since book one would have a story set in Laura's world, well, I was excited and intrigued. What I got from Allison Pittman was much more interesting than I could have ever anticipated...
Laura's Shadow untangles the lives and choices of 4 generations of women, from 1880s pioneer life on the prairie to the women's lib era of the 1970s. These women have loved, they have lost, and they have endured together as a family. I will date myself just a smidge by saying that I really liked Allison Pittman's daring change-up from the Doors To The Past series norm by setting her story in two separate historical eras – the late 1800s and the mid 1970s. It was different and it was fun to read.
There are many things I could say about Laura's Shadow but I think this is one you are just better reading it for yourself. Allison Pittman's take on the story is not a light and fluffy historical romance which I felt lent some real authenticity to it. Life isn't always easy and the choices we make are not always the right ones but, like Mariah, and even Trixie, we still do the best we can with what we are given. So, if you are looking for a book with some real poignant moments and some great song references may I recommend this ninth Doors To The Past novel...
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Since Little House In The Big Woods the world has been fascinated by the life and fictionalized adventures of Laura Ingalls Wilder. We've read the books, watched the TV show, made our own cornhusk dolls and snow candy...but what if there was a girl who, by circumstance and by choice, was lost in Laura's Shadow? What would it be like to always be eclipsed by your young schoolteacher even long after she were dead...
Like millions of little girls before me in the last 90 years I grew up on the Little House books. My mom read them to me when I must have been 5 or 6 and it wasn't long before I read them all for myself. When I discovered that Doors To The Past series that I've been enjoying since book one would have a story set in Laura's world, well, I was excited and intrigued. What I got from Allison Pittman was much more interesting than I could have ever anticipated...
Laura's Shadow untangles the lives and choices of 4 generations of women, from 1880s pioneer life on the prairie to the women's lib era of the 1970s. These women have loved, they have lost, and they have endured together as a family. I will date myself just a smidge by saying that I really liked Allison Pittman's daring change-up from the Doors To The Past series norm by setting her story in two separate historical eras – the late 1800s and the mid 1970s. It was different and it was fun to read.
There are many things I could say about Laura's Shadow but I think this is one you are just better reading it for yourself. Allison Pittman's take on the story is not a light and fluffy historical romance which I felt lent some real authenticity to it. Life isn't always easy and the choices we make are not always the right ones but, like Mariah, and even Trixie, we still do the best we can with what we are given. So, if you are looking for a book with some real poignant moments and some great song references may I recommend this ninth Doors To The Past novel...
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
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