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The Roads We Take
The year is 1885, and what Clara Thomas desires most is a life beyond the ordinary. As one of Canada’s first female physicians, she yearns to start her own medical practice. Unfortunately, her parents view her goals as an idle preoccupation, encouraging her instead to settle down with a man of their choosing and give up her dreams.
Fleeing this conventional life, Clara marries a handsome stranger in haste and journeys to British Columbia to start a life she wants to live. Unfortunately, she shortly discovers that her husband has a crippling addiction and a tendency towards laziness and anger. She could escape to Ontario, but this would also mean giving up her clinic and the relationships she’s made in her new home.
In an age where a woman’s worth, rights, and choices are determined by her husband’s whims, will Clara be forced to bow to convention, or will she throw caution to the wind and follow her heart? A heart-rending historical fiction about finding your way, The Roads We Take brings to life the struggles of women in late nineteenth-century Canada.
Fleeing this conventional life, Clara marries a handsome stranger in haste and journeys to British Columbia to start a life she wants to live. Unfortunately, she shortly discovers that her husband has a crippling addiction and a tendency towards laziness and anger. She could escape to Ontario, but this would also mean giving up her clinic and the relationships she’s made in her new home.
In an age where a woman’s worth, rights, and choices are determined by her husband’s whims, will Clara be forced to bow to convention, or will she throw caution to the wind and follow her heart? A heart-rending historical fiction about finding your way, The Roads We Take brings to life the struggles of women in late nineteenth-century Canada.
382 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
5 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Christy K. Lee
2 books30 followersChristy K Lee is a lifetime writer and storyteller. She is obsessed with stories of women who break all the rules, and is sometimes a bit of a rule breaker herself. When she's not writing, she can be found spending time in her classroom, in the local library digging through historical archives, or having a bevvie with a friend.
Christy lives in the Pacific Northwest with her three daughters. The Roads We Take is her first novel. Her second, a Canadian historical fiction set during the fur trade, will be releasing Fall 2025 with Rising Action.
Christy lives in the Pacific Northwest with her three daughters. The Roads We Take is her first novel. Her second, a Canadian historical fiction set during the fur trade, will be releasing Fall 2025 with Rising Action.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 29, 2023
Happy Publication Day!
Clara is one of the first female physicians in Canada. Her parents had agreed to her education under one condition - she would marry a man of their choosing afterwards. Clara cannot imagine a life her mother had planned for her and despite the agreement with her parents, elopes with a man she barely knows.
I could not put it down, the writing was exquisite and the characters beautifully crafted. For most part I also enjoyed the story.
Every single character in this book has had a difficult past or a complicated family situation or, in most cases both. I would have preferred a little less struggle and misfortune to balance things out.
Clara was a pampered daughter of a wealthy family, so you’d think her the one who’s had it easiest, but that’s not exactly the case. She was a woman very much ahead of her times and finding a man who would understand and respect her was not easy. But she was not one to bend to anyone’s will; she was determined to live her life on her own terms and find happiness even if it meant breaking the rules.
I liked Clara’s spirit and how unstoppable she was in chasing her dreams. It’s truly inspiring if you consider her times, and heartbreaking when you realize that women still fight similar battles nowadays.
I did not like the last ~30%. There was way too much heartbreak and drama. Some of it didn’t add anything to the story and I don’t understand why did the author decide to include it.
The ending was satisfying so all in all solid four stars from me.
CW: loss of a loved one, attempted sexual assault, stillbirth, miscarriage, domestic violence, detailed descriptions of medical procedures
Thank you Rising Action Publishing Co. and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Clara is one of the first female physicians in Canada. Her parents had agreed to her education under one condition - she would marry a man of their choosing afterwards. Clara cannot imagine a life her mother had planned for her and despite the agreement with her parents, elopes with a man she barely knows.
I could not put it down, the writing was exquisite and the characters beautifully crafted. For most part I also enjoyed the story.
Every single character in this book has had a difficult past or a complicated family situation or, in most cases both. I would have preferred a little less struggle and misfortune to balance things out.
Clara was a pampered daughter of a wealthy family, so you’d think her the one who’s had it easiest, but that’s not exactly the case. She was a woman very much ahead of her times and finding a man who would understand and respect her was not easy. But she was not one to bend to anyone’s will; she was determined to live her life on her own terms and find happiness even if it meant breaking the rules.
I liked Clara’s spirit and how unstoppable she was in chasing her dreams. It’s truly inspiring if you consider her times, and heartbreaking when you realize that women still fight similar battles nowadays.
I did not like the last ~30%. There was way too much heartbreak and drama. Some of it didn’t add anything to the story and I don’t understand why did the author decide to include it.
The ending was satisfying so all in all solid four stars from me.
CW: loss of a loved one, attempted sexual assault, stillbirth, miscarriage, domestic violence, detailed descriptions of medical procedures
Thank you Rising Action Publishing Co. and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
did-not-finish
January 3, 2024I have to DNF this for the time being.
This had an extremely episodic writing style and I found the FMC to be a perfectly perfect Mary Sue type, and yet made terrible choices for herself. She didn’t seem intelligent even though she was presented that way. Mostly, I dnf’d because this was so depressing and every move this character made was frustrating. I’m not rating it at the moment, maybe I can pick it up another time, I’ve just read too many debut novels with unestablished and choppy writing styles lately that I can’t handle another. This author is not without talent and has an interesting viewpoint but I would need to go back on my meds to finish this one because it’s sucking the serotonin out of my brain.
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.
This had an extremely episodic writing style and I found the FMC to be a perfectly perfect Mary Sue type, and yet made terrible choices for herself. She didn’t seem intelligent even though she was presented that way. Mostly, I dnf’d because this was so depressing and every move this character made was frustrating. I’m not rating it at the moment, maybe I can pick it up another time, I’ve just read too many debut novels with unestablished and choppy writing styles lately that I can’t handle another. This author is not without talent and has an interesting viewpoint but I would need to go back on my meds to finish this one because it’s sucking the serotonin out of my brain.
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.
July 10, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Clara Thomas journeyed many roads in her life, yet the one she travelled which fully captures the essence of this amazing woman is the one that lead to becoming one of the first female physicians in Canada. Arguably, her refusal to conform to society’s expectations of her made her a woman ahead of her time. I think what endeared me to this strong female was that she still acknowledged that she was out of her comfort zone despite her abilities, accomplishments, overwhelming courage and steadfastness. She lived in a time (1885) when women weren’t given a voice and she struggled to get more out of life than domesticity.
The theme of escape is tightly woven throughout this historical romance and leaves readers on the edge of the seat wondering if Clara can manipulate her present to follow her dreams. Lee examines our basic needs for connection and acceptance and spotlights our desire to find ‘our person’ - the one who recognizes our passion and wants to share our dream.
I loved recognizing many of the locations and mile markers in history. The Grade 10 Social Studies program in B.C., Canada highlights many of the paths Clara trod. The focus on our own provincial heritage was wonderful.
For those who love fictional historical romances, especially ones set in the pioneer era and with open-door scenes, and don’t mind reading about detailed medical procedures, attempted sexual assault, stillbirth, miscarriage and mild domestic violence, this one’s for you.
I was gifted this copy by Rising Action Publishing Co. and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Clara Thomas journeyed many roads in her life, yet the one she travelled which fully captures the essence of this amazing woman is the one that lead to becoming one of the first female physicians in Canada. Arguably, her refusal to conform to society’s expectations of her made her a woman ahead of her time. I think what endeared me to this strong female was that she still acknowledged that she was out of her comfort zone despite her abilities, accomplishments, overwhelming courage and steadfastness. She lived in a time (1885) when women weren’t given a voice and she struggled to get more out of life than domesticity.
The theme of escape is tightly woven throughout this historical romance and leaves readers on the edge of the seat wondering if Clara can manipulate her present to follow her dreams. Lee examines our basic needs for connection and acceptance and spotlights our desire to find ‘our person’ - the one who recognizes our passion and wants to share our dream.
I loved recognizing many of the locations and mile markers in history. The Grade 10 Social Studies program in B.C., Canada highlights many of the paths Clara trod. The focus on our own provincial heritage was wonderful.
For those who love fictional historical romances, especially ones set in the pioneer era and with open-door scenes, and don’t mind reading about detailed medical procedures, attempted sexual assault, stillbirth, miscarriage and mild domestic violence, this one’s for you.
I was gifted this copy by Rising Action Publishing Co. and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 16, 2023
I was able to read an early copy of this beautiful debut work by a Canadian author. The plot is well paced, the characters are fully formed and easy to root for and the writing is superb. It was fascinating to read about daily life and struggles of women living in the early days of my hometown. 100% recommend!
December 17, 2024
This book needs some massive trigger warnings. TW: death, stillbirth, domestic abuse, gun violence, cheating, alcohol abuse, medical procedures
The one star is for the historial aspect; it’s set in British Columbia which is pretty cool.
I’m actually surprised this book has so many high ratings. I was initially intrigued by the book and the first couple chapters were so promising. But then Brandon became the bad guy and it just became all-too-predictable. The plot itself felt like it dragged on too long, and the characters were obviously good or obviously bad (I.e. John being the villain RIGHT from the start) - there wasn’t much complexity in character.
Would’ve given this book one more star if not for the ending unrealistic judge scene.
The one star is for the historial aspect; it’s set in British Columbia which is pretty cool.
I’m actually surprised this book has so many high ratings. I was initially intrigued by the book and the first couple chapters were so promising. But then Brandon became the bad guy and it just became all-too-predictable. The plot itself felt like it dragged on too long, and the characters were obviously good or obviously bad (I.e. John being the villain RIGHT from the start) - there wasn’t much complexity in character.
Would’ve given this book one more star if not for the ending unrealistic judge scene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2023
I wanted to like this book, but the drama of repetitive romantic swooning, and unrealistic behavior from some of the characters just left me disappointed and kind of hoping for it to end. I thought this would be an interesting story of a young female doctor and the struggles with that role when it was nearly impossible… but that was short lived, and quickly taken over by romantic struggles and behavior that seems a bit out of touch for that time, and more in line with current year behaviors. The judges behavior later in the book about did me in, with eye rolling. For being grown adults, some of the actions felt so juvenile.
November 20, 2023
I am super impressed with this book! I was excited to read something that was written locally and also takes place locally. This was a great historical fiction read. I liked that it took place in Canada and during a time period that’s not often written about. The writing style was really advanced and mirrored some well known historical fiction authors I’ve read. I look forward to future books by this author!
September 15, 2025
I finished this in two days!! Another five stars for this author!
Set in 1880s British Columbia, this story pulls you right into the rugged life of early farmers and settlers. It follows a woman determined to carve her own path in a world stacked against her—facing injustice, corruption, backbreaking work, and villains so vile you can’t help but keep turning pages to see if they’ll finally get what’s coming to them.
What I loved most: Christy K. Lee writes women who are strong, persistent, intelligent, and absolutely unforgettable. The friendships, the found family, and the women supporting women were some of my favorite parts. And the love interest? Everything you’d hope for in a historical romance—you just can’t wait to see if they’ll find their way to each other.
Themes/Tropes I loved:
• Found family
• Women supporting women
• Strong female leads
• Villains you love to hate
• Motherhood & friendship
• Women doctors in the 1880s
• Romance & longing
If you love Canadian historical fiction with grit, heart, and characters you’ll root for, this one’s a must-read.
Set in 1880s British Columbia, this story pulls you right into the rugged life of early farmers and settlers. It follows a woman determined to carve her own path in a world stacked against her—facing injustice, corruption, backbreaking work, and villains so vile you can’t help but keep turning pages to see if they’ll finally get what’s coming to them.
What I loved most: Christy K. Lee writes women who are strong, persistent, intelligent, and absolutely unforgettable. The friendships, the found family, and the women supporting women were some of my favorite parts. And the love interest? Everything you’d hope for in a historical romance—you just can’t wait to see if they’ll find their way to each other.
Themes/Tropes I loved:
• Found family
• Women supporting women
• Strong female leads
• Villains you love to hate
• Motherhood & friendship
• Women doctors in the 1880s
• Romance & longing
If you love Canadian historical fiction with grit, heart, and characters you’ll root for, this one’s a must-read.
January 9, 2024
Very enjoyable. Couldn’t stop until it was finished.
December 14, 2023
I loved this book. It was one of my favorites I read this year! I devoured it in only a couple of days. The story is beautiful and I enjoyed every page. I hope to see more from this author and would love to see a follow up book with these characters!
October 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! The Roads We Take has it all, adventure, history, romance and drama. It’s immensely well written with honesty and understanding in a way that makes the characters fully accessible. Christy K. Lee is an amazing writer who dives deep into her characters lives, transporting the reader to another time and place. There’s lot of historical information in this book that adds to the already enjoyable plot line. I can’t wait to read what happens next in Clara’s life and am eagerly awaiting a sequel.
December 4, 2023
I won a signed copy by the author. The main reason that I wanted to read the book is because it is partly set in my province. Part way through the book, the main characters settle in my hometown, which I thought was really cool.
I only have one negative point: the main characters engaging in a bit of lovey dovey dialogue during stressful scenes. This seemed a bit unrealistic to me, but otherwise I really enjoyed the diverse characters and the storyline.
I would warn other readers that the novel does contain violence against women.
I only have one negative point: the main characters engaging in a bit of lovey dovey dialogue during stressful scenes. This seemed a bit unrealistic to me, but otherwise I really enjoyed the diverse characters and the storyline.
I would warn other readers that the novel does contain violence against women.
October 30, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The plot was easy to follow and the ending was what made it spectacular! I love historical fiction and the familar landscape of a local place was a treat to read. The characters are easy to love (&hate!) and I am looking forward to the sequel.
April 30, 2025
Throughly enjoyed this read & the writing
(Based in Canada which was a nice touch)
(Based in Canada which was a nice touch)
January 27, 2024
Historical Romance has a special place in my heart. I was very excited to have this sent to me and couldn’t wait to dive in.
This story takes place in the late 1800’s at a time where women were frowned upon and judged for working. Our main female character, Clara, is a doctor. She wants nothing more than to help people and start a clinic. Her parents have other plans for her and set up her engagement. Clara quickly discovers that her fiancé is hateful and she wouldn’t be able to have the life she wants for herself if she marries him. She meets another man during this time and she has to decide if running away with him is going to give her the life she’s dreamt for herself.
Trigger warnings need to be read before beginning this story. This story talks about:
Sexual assault, domestic violence, racism and death.
I thought the plot line of the story was great and really showed us what life for women was like in that time.
I felt like at times some scenes were rushed and could of done with more dialogue and more emotion from the characters.
I enjoyed Clara’s story and overall gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️.
This story takes place in the late 1800’s at a time where women were frowned upon and judged for working. Our main female character, Clara, is a doctor. She wants nothing more than to help people and start a clinic. Her parents have other plans for her and set up her engagement. Clara quickly discovers that her fiancé is hateful and she wouldn’t be able to have the life she wants for herself if she marries him. She meets another man during this time and she has to decide if running away with him is going to give her the life she’s dreamt for herself.
Trigger warnings need to be read before beginning this story. This story talks about:
Sexual assault, domestic violence, racism and death.
I thought the plot line of the story was great and really showed us what life for women was like in that time.
I felt like at times some scenes were rushed and could of done with more dialogue and more emotion from the characters.
I enjoyed Clara’s story and overall gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️.
January 17, 2024
What an incredible book! Strong characters and the storyline is exquisite!
The time is the late nineteenth century…and it’s a story of a group of people who first came together during the Canadian revolution….where military camps were set up, migrants came to the camps looking for work, and the wounded waited desperately to be attended to by a doctor. Clara was one of those doctors…when it was unheard of for a woman to practice medicine. The story introduces you to the people she met, her family, friends and loves met along the way, …on the journey to Western Canada. As a very strong-willed woman, Clara faces challenges and adversity with grit and grace!
This historical fiction contains Clara’s story with just a teeny, tiny bit of spice! A wonderful story!!! Don’t overlook this epic romance!
The time is the late nineteenth century…and it’s a story of a group of people who first came together during the Canadian revolution….where military camps were set up, migrants came to the camps looking for work, and the wounded waited desperately to be attended to by a doctor. Clara was one of those doctors…when it was unheard of for a woman to practice medicine. The story introduces you to the people she met, her family, friends and loves met along the way, …on the journey to Western Canada. As a very strong-willed woman, Clara faces challenges and adversity with grit and grace!
This historical fiction contains Clara’s story with just a teeny, tiny bit of spice! A wonderful story!!! Don’t overlook this epic romance!
May 31, 2023
I liked the cover design, and from the description, this sounded like something that I might enjoy.
This was a very good historical novel, and it was heartwarming without anything being overly sentimental or sugar-coated. From the start, I liked the protagonist and was interested in her. There were also some other characters that I took an interest in, and I became very emotionally involved, hoping for the most desirable outcome for these characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
This was a very good historical novel, and it was heartwarming without anything being overly sentimental or sugar-coated. From the start, I liked the protagonist and was interested in her. There were also some other characters that I took an interest in, and I became very emotionally involved, hoping for the most desirable outcome for these characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
August 16, 2023
I love a good historical fiction and this one did not disappoint! Packed with Canadian history about settling the west, including my beloved hometown of Langley, this story follows a female doctor working in an army camp before escaping west for adventure and to avoid a boring society life in Ontario.
Filled with the rugged difficulties of settling the west as well as the beauty of community, this heart wrenching story of longing and true love captivated me. The author included a diversity of characters, not just the white settlers, and showed beautifully complex relationships.
I highly recommend this read and can't wait for the second book!
Filled with the rugged difficulties of settling the west as well as the beauty of community, this heart wrenching story of longing and true love captivated me. The author included a diversity of characters, not just the white settlers, and showed beautifully complex relationships.
I highly recommend this read and can't wait for the second book!
June 23, 2023
Clara is one of the first female physicians in Canada.
You follow her story and the start of her career. I could not put this down. I absolutely loved the writing style and story. The characters were all well written and I found myself rooting for Clara through the story.
I had the chance to beta read this story from the author. I'm absolutely so grateful to support a local indie author get her start!
Christy is a fantastic writer and I can't wait for more books from her!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your book!
You follow her story and the start of her career. I could not put this down. I absolutely loved the writing style and story. The characters were all well written and I found myself rooting for Clara through the story.
I had the chance to beta read this story from the author. I'm absolutely so grateful to support a local indie author get her start!
Christy is a fantastic writer and I can't wait for more books from her!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your book!
May 5, 2025
I read this so fast. It felt like an 1800’s Canadian telenovela. I wish that the characters were a little bit more complex, they seemed a little too black and white. It was so fun getting to see cities in my province name dropped, I can’t wait to see what this author does next!
October 31, 2023
First things first. This cover… *chefs kiss*. Perfection. It’s beautiful and caught my eye immediately so good job to the artist and author on this one. Love it.
Though the cover drew my eye the story sounded very different from what I normally read, but I was in the mood for something out of the norm so I requested it and took it as a sign when I was approved, so thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this one. I was very pleasantly surprised.
This one is a solid 4 stars for me. I loved almost all of it.
The character building was well done and the story line was great. So much adventure and drama. I loved it! It was so well written it felt like I was watching a movie or even there in the pages.
Clara, though good at making bad choices, was an interesting FMC. I have read some books where I would have despised her for her rash decision making and lack of ability to do what’s best for herself and tell other’s no. But she was well balanced with her positive attributes so I still was all in and rooting for her happy ending. I loved her ambition and her strength when it came to being a trailblazer for women in her field of expertise. She wasn’t afraid to fight for her goals and dreams when it came to her career. I just wish she would have had the same guts when it came to ending relationships that needed ending. However, that wouldn’t have made an interesting story I guess.
The pioneer historical romance theme was very new for me and I loved it. I’m excited to read more and can’t wait to see specifically what Christy K. Lee does next.
Though the cover drew my eye the story sounded very different from what I normally read, but I was in the mood for something out of the norm so I requested it and took it as a sign when I was approved, so thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this one. I was very pleasantly surprised.
This one is a solid 4 stars for me. I loved almost all of it.
The character building was well done and the story line was great. So much adventure and drama. I loved it! It was so well written it felt like I was watching a movie or even there in the pages.
Clara, though good at making bad choices, was an interesting FMC. I have read some books where I would have despised her for her rash decision making and lack of ability to do what’s best for herself and tell other’s no. But she was well balanced with her positive attributes so I still was all in and rooting for her happy ending. I loved her ambition and her strength when it came to being a trailblazer for women in her field of expertise. She wasn’t afraid to fight for her goals and dreams when it came to her career. I just wish she would have had the same guts when it came to ending relationships that needed ending. However, that wouldn’t have made an interesting story I guess.
The pioneer historical romance theme was very new for me and I loved it. I’m excited to read more and can’t wait to see specifically what Christy K. Lee does next.
September 11, 2023
Story about Clara, a doctor in 1885. She is one of the first women to graduate from medical school in Canada and wants to open her own practice. Her parents, however, want her to live a more traditional life. She marries a man she hasn’t known long as he is moving to British Columbia. They settle in the Langley area and she tries to set up a practice and make her marriage work. Her husband and her are not very similar though and she develops a close friendship with their neighbour, a fellow doctor.
I loved the setting of this book. I am always thrilled to find historical novels set in Canada, and the author includes lots of details about the journey west and day to day living in that era. I was fascinated by the information on medicine and medical procedures used at that time. I also liked the accurate portrayal of how dangerous childbirth was before modern times.
I really liked Clara and seeing her become a stronger person throughout the book. I also appreciated the realism of the author’s portrayal of a bad marriage and her husband’s struggle with alcohol addiction.
The book has more than one “found family” elements in it and I liked them all. I especially liked Clara and Jo’s connection and Clara and Rebecca’s relationship.
My only complaint about the book is the last section where someone from the beginning of the book returns. I didn’t think the added drama was needed. Other than that though, I really enjoyed the story and highly recommend it.
I loved the setting of this book. I am always thrilled to find historical novels set in Canada, and the author includes lots of details about the journey west and day to day living in that era. I was fascinated by the information on medicine and medical procedures used at that time. I also liked the accurate portrayal of how dangerous childbirth was before modern times.
I really liked Clara and seeing her become a stronger person throughout the book. I also appreciated the realism of the author’s portrayal of a bad marriage and her husband’s struggle with alcohol addiction.
The book has more than one “found family” elements in it and I liked them all. I especially liked Clara and Jo’s connection and Clara and Rebecca’s relationship.
My only complaint about the book is the last section where someone from the beginning of the book returns. I didn’t think the added drama was needed. Other than that though, I really enjoyed the story and highly recommend it.
June 24, 2024
Following Clara Thomas, one of the few female physicians in Canada, across the western part of the country, Lee brings readers to late nineteenth century Canadian frontiers. Heavily tied to relationships and the struggles of female autonomy and independence, Clara experiences a host of struggles with her fiance and her husband, both of whom have serious issues in their personal behavior and their attitudes towards women. However, Clara manages to find camaraderie with Jo, her assistant, and Rebecca, her sister-in-law, as well as a source of comfort and affection with her neighbor Joaquin and his children. Of course, not every road is easy to drive on, and Clara faces her share of struggles and challenges throughout the novel. Lee’s characters drive the story forward, and Lee has created a host of characters with dynamic expressions and interactions, to say nothing of the spectrum of emotions and behaviors her characters go through. Setting does play a part in the novel, which is set in southwestern Canada, yet it is the structures themselves (homes, the clinic, etc.) that play significant roles in the characters’ stories and experiences. Trigger warnings abound in this story, and Lee’s characters run the gamut from heroes to truly despicable villains.
Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for the advance copy.
December 3, 2023
Interesting with a good amount of plot twists/turns. Feels a bit predictable at times, but the characters are enjoyable overall & you are rooting for Clara to get her happy ending despite everything the entire time. Enjoyed reading about women in medicine in 19th century! Definitely a story I overall enjoyed.
October 14, 2023
3.5⭐️
I’m always extra interested in books that are set in a location I am familiar with, and this one had extra appeal as it spoke of homesteading in BC’s Fraser Valley (Langley) it the late 1800s which is what my great grandpa did 💗. I enjoyed the mix of characters, and although I did find a few things frustrating, I found the author did a great job keeping the historic atmosphere consistent. If you enjoyed Little House on the Prairie but are ready for a more adult version of life on the homestead with all the characters who people were scared of or gossiped about, then you might enjoy this book!
Thanks to Netgalley and Rising Action Publishing for the opportunity to read & review a digital ARC of this book.
I’m always extra interested in books that are set in a location I am familiar with, and this one had extra appeal as it spoke of homesteading in BC’s Fraser Valley (Langley) it the late 1800s which is what my great grandpa did 💗. I enjoyed the mix of characters, and although I did find a few things frustrating, I found the author did a great job keeping the historic atmosphere consistent. If you enjoyed Little House on the Prairie but are ready for a more adult version of life on the homestead with all the characters who people were scared of or gossiped about, then you might enjoy this book!
Thanks to Netgalley and Rising Action Publishing for the opportunity to read & review a digital ARC of this book.
March 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and the characters. So well written and to the point. Lots of plots which kept me wanting more.
A love story but also touching upon some serious issues in the past and bringing awareness to misogyny.
A love story but also touching upon some serious issues in the past and bringing awareness to misogyny.
November 27, 2025
Set in the late 1800's this is a historical romance featuring an independent young doctor who finds herself limited by her family and society's expectations for what they deem a young woman should be doing with her life.
The story was slow to start for me but gained traction two-thirds of the way in. I loved the western Canada setting and Clara was a main character who was easy to get behind. We witness her hesitancy about her life choices and her feelings of being overwhelmed while trying to get her medical practice off the ground and dealing with a husband who is not what she expected.
The story lost some of its luster for me when romance becomes the main focus and many of the serious issues of the time felt glossed over with not enough tension or gravitas. A light hand was used while exploring issues, for example the ease at which a young Chinese woman was accepted into the small community during an era when racist attitudes against Chinese people were strong and rampant.
Overall, this was an interesting, if a bit overly dramatic, debut. Its serendipitous connections and bad guys you'll love to hate helped to propel the plot, but I wish there was more depth to the story and its characters. That said, I loved the author's more current book - The Fort - which gripped me from start to finish.
Disclaimer: Thanks to the author for sending me a complimentary copy of this book, given in exchange for my honest review.
The story was slow to start for me but gained traction two-thirds of the way in. I loved the western Canada setting and Clara was a main character who was easy to get behind. We witness her hesitancy about her life choices and her feelings of being overwhelmed while trying to get her medical practice off the ground and dealing with a husband who is not what she expected.
The story lost some of its luster for me when romance becomes the main focus and many of the serious issues of the time felt glossed over with not enough tension or gravitas. A light hand was used while exploring issues, for example the ease at which a young Chinese woman was accepted into the small community during an era when racist attitudes against Chinese people were strong and rampant.
Overall, this was an interesting, if a bit overly dramatic, debut. Its serendipitous connections and bad guys you'll love to hate helped to propel the plot, but I wish there was more depth to the story and its characters. That said, I loved the author's more current book - The Fort - which gripped me from start to finish.
Disclaimer: Thanks to the author for sending me a complimentary copy of this book, given in exchange for my honest review.
October 2, 2023
Clara is one of the first female doctors in Canada. She hates the socialite life and wants to feel useful. When she enlists to help at war, her father make her promise that when it ends, he will get to choose a husband for her, no questions ask. She agrees thinking that she will convince her father to forget about the deal after she comes back... but she can't. His father enforces marriage on her right before the war ends... and that leaves her with a choice, a dreadful one: marry the man his father choose for her, a childhood friend that is with her on the battlefield... even if he likes to take women by force, or run away with the cute irish, she doesn't know anything about him... except that he says he loves her.
Please, read the book to know how this story ends up and take into account the trigger warnings.
Please, read the book to know how this story ends up and take into account the trigger warnings.
May 19, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action.
In this historical fiction Clara Thomas, our main character, tries to find her way in life as a physicist, a difficult thing to do at the end of the 19th century, and also as a woman.
For a first novel, I was impressed by the easy flow of the plot and the characterization of the characters, making you empathize with some and not so much with others.
I have read the novel practically in one sitting and I will certainly keep Christy K. Lee in my focus, waiting for new novels of hers.
Clearly recommended for lovers of the historical and romantic genre.
In this historical fiction Clara Thomas, our main character, tries to find her way in life as a physicist, a difficult thing to do at the end of the 19th century, and also as a woman.
For a first novel, I was impressed by the easy flow of the plot and the characterization of the characters, making you empathize with some and not so much with others.
I have read the novel practically in one sitting and I will certainly keep Christy K. Lee in my focus, waiting for new novels of hers.
Clearly recommended for lovers of the historical and romantic genre.
November 24, 2023
Most women throughout history have had few life options in a world dominated by men. It's not been that long, ladies, since we in the most advanced countries have had the right to be educated, to vote, to own property, to have professional careers, to be allowed birth control, and even to have the right to be safe from abuse from fathers and/or husbands. Bravo to historical fiction authors whose research and writing bring alive the struggles and strengths of brave souls like Clara, Rebecca and Jo. Read. Learn. Know. Never forget.
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