That Dickinson Girl

by Joan Bouza Koster

She’s going to be the greatest orator of the Civil War!

Eighteen-year-old Anna Dickinson is nothing like the women around her, and she knows it. Gifted with a powerful voice, a razor-sharp wit, and unbounded energy, the diminutive curlyhead sets out to surpass the men of her day as she rails against slavery and pushes for women’s rights. There are only two things that can bring her downfall—the entangling love she has for her devoted companion, Julia, and an assassin’s bullet.

Forced to accompany the fiery young orator on her speaking tour of New England, Julia Pennington fights her growing attraction to the ever more popular celebrity. When a traitor sets out to assassinate Anna, Julia must risk her life to save her.
Loosely based on the life of forgotten orator, feminist, and lesbian, Anna Dickinson, That Dickinson Girl is the story of one woman’s rise to fame and fortune at the expense of love during the political and social turmoil of the American Civil War.

Genres: Historical Fiction

345 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2022

About the author

When she is not writing in her studio by the sea, Joan Koster lives an 1860s farmhouse stacked to the ceiling with books. In a life full of adventures, she has scaled mountains, chased sheep, and been abandoned on an island for longer than she wants to remember.

An ethnographer, educator, and award-winning author who loves mentoring writers, Joan blends her love of history, and romance into eye-opening historical novels about women who shouldn’t be forgotten and into romantic thrillers under the pen name, Zara West. She is the author of the award-winning romantic suspense series The Skin Quartet and the top-selling Write for Success series. She offers numerous writing workshops every year.

Joan Bouza Koster blogs about forgotten women at JoanKoster.com, about everyday life during the Civil War at AmericanCivilWarVoice.org, about romance at ZaraWestRomance.com, and about writing at Zara West’s Journal -zarawest.me.

Reviews

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you heard of Anna Dickenson? Like many women in history, she’s not taught in schools, but should be. Thanks to this author, I learned so much about Anna and how much of an impact she made during the American Civil War.

The narration of this book was historically accurate and very descriptive. It read like a movie or mini-series. I only had to read the first chapter before I was hooked.

The characters were so realistic and engaging, I couldn’t help but care for them. Each character had their own backstory, personality, and voice. I connected with each character but in different ways.

The plot moved nice and easy, like most historical fiction, and it captivated my imagination. What impressed me most was how historically accurate it was.

What makes this a must-read book is this is a fictionalized account of a real woman who sparked change in the mid to late 19th century. Anna lived an exceptional life, and this book needs to be read by all.

Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Sam

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Well written, it gives a flavor of the socio-political landscape during the Civil War, with a biographical snapshot of Anna Dickinson’s romantic relationships - although Julia is a fictional representation in this story.

Read full review in the 2023 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Dawn (noladawnreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THAT DICKINSON GIRL: BOOK 1 IN THE FORGOTTEN WOMEN SERIES
Jᴏᴀɴ Kᴏsᴛᴇʀ
Nᴏᴠᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 1, 2022

🎙️THOUGHTS
I love historical fiction because I’m always learning something new. As someone who shares a birthday with Susan B Anthony (so I always thought we had that ✨connection, ya know) I thought I knew more than most about the women of this time period but boy was I wrong. I didn’t even know Anna Dickinson existed. To be such a strong woman, speaking out against the injustices of slavery at such a time is incredible. She was a renowned orator. And therefore she is ripe for the picking where assassins come to play.

Julia Pennington (fictionalized for this story) became her companion, not of her free will, but in the end they fell in love. But as Anna is a Quaker and Julia comes from an irreputable family the balance is always slightly off.

There is a plot line with a reporter that only listening to the audio I didn’t quite follow but that’s a me problem. This is why I usually read in immersion.

I’m interested to see where the series goes! Book 2 is CENSORED ANGEL about Ida Craddock, a Victorian sex counselor ‼️

👩‍❤️‍👩RIYL
Historical fiction
Badass women
Sapphic stories
Civil war social justice

3.5 rounded up for GR


Thank you to @bookandwinelovers #tidalwaterspress and @joankosterauthor for including me on this tour and for the Audible review copy.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictional biography of a prominent female abolitionist

Julia’s allowed herself to become bitter with her lot, which is commented on at the beginning by Anna:
‘My tongue may be glib, but hers is a pruning knife that shreds hearts.’

Even with today’s struggles for women and people of color, we cannot fathom what is was live “back in the day”. We owe the Quakers and other reformists for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Following up with ‘What Answer?’ by Anna Elizabeth Dickinson herself (her most controversial work, per Wiki).

I definitely want to read more in this ‘Forgotten Women’ series.

[Jeneane Vanderhoof · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The world, in reasonable fashion, demands of a woman that she do twice as much as a man to prove she can equal him", a direct quote from Anna E. Dickinson, one of the many brought forth in the wonderous fictional account by Joan Koster called That Dickinson Girl. Dickinson was a woman who during the Civil War, was a public figure who spoke against injustices at that time. Many are now calling writing like this "fiction based on truth" and Koster has created a story that readers will want to continue on, after the book has ended. The positive is this is the first in a series called The Forgotten Women. It is a strong start, leaving readers excited for who and what will come next. Joan Koster presents women in history whom we should never forget. Never let the memory of them die. That Dickinson Girl is the first, I hope, in many soon to come from this writer.

This fictional story includes many aspects to keep the reader engaged: romance, (multiple love stories, in fact), adventure, action, and issues that, while part of our past still play a part in our world, now and in the future. While some of the things in our country, today, situations that are still dangerous...during the Civil War, could get a person killed. In That Dickinson Girl, we see Anna and her companion, Julia, in danger from many people who do not like what she says and, in the end, she has become so popular with the people of the United States, and the government, that when she goes to Washington DC to give a speech in front of Congress, an attempt is made on her life (we also must remember that Koster took liberties with history, for her story). In attendance is the President, Abraham Lincoln. One of Anna's enemies vows not to let her attend and, if she does, promises to end this woman's defeat of the terrible ideals supported by the people of the South. Dickinson's weapon was not only her words but her presentation of herself to others, to the world at large, the zeal and determination she has for the world to be a better place for all.

Despite all Anna Dickinson's good, she is not as likable as one would think, at least, to me. Maybe it was her youth that made her so likable to many, yet unlikeable at the same time. Only in her early twenties, she was a woman who did and said whatever she wanted without fear of anything, especially, consequences. That is usual when one has the ignorance of youth and a good, sturdy, upbringing, before the reality of what life is really like, is learned. On the other hand, it is that same ignorance that made her so appealing to others, charming, giving her the ability to inspire the masses along without having fear of the consequences or what could happen after, with regards to the things she said and did. A woman I can honestly say fulfills the statement, "you will love to hate". More so, for me, than anyone ever has before.

At the time Dickinson was alive, there were women who were fighting solely for women’s right to vote. Dickinson was not one of them, though she supported the movement, and she connected with women like Anthony and other leaders. Anna Dickinson fought for the men who were in the War, for the South to end slavery, and for all people to be equal. Anna’s fight for justice was more for everyone, she was more relatable, I think, than others with what she chose to fight for. And, Koster gives us something that usually, I think, many writers might choose not to display. that Dickinson was not solely motivated to speak as she did, do the “work” that she had a calling for, if it did not also bring her financial success and fame. I get a sense that if there was none of that, if people were to barely know the girl, Dickinson would have walked away to do something else that she could be
successful at. And, had she not been able to support her family, for that matter, Anna might have had to give up and come home from her profession, as a public speaker, to take care of her ailing mother. Koster did a very good job creating a family portrait in this book, that made me have mixed feelings over some of the ways, actions and things said by the Dickinson family to each other.

My favorite of the story is the character Julia Pennington who is the one who provides the life for the storyline of the book. First on her own, with her sister and then, her life with Anna Dickinson. Julia is very much the “every woman” facing issues that many did during that time. And I like the fact that the writer, Koster, decided to tell the story, not from the viewpoint of Dickinson, but Julia, who is more relatable and, more interesting, really, in the end. Pennington is a “sort of Quaker” who lives in the shadow of a crime her father had done, essentially, paying for his sins with the failure of her own life. Why I say, “sort of Quaker”, is because Julia’s father had done his Meeting wrong. And sadly, we find, the group does not turn the other cheek, forgive easily as they do with all else, as their religion commands, when the crime occurs from within. That the Quakers punish the child for the sins of the father, is very foul indeed. And really turned me off, when it came to how I felt about the Quakers in the book. Hypocrites like the rest of the world, telling others to forgive and forget but being unable to do so themselves.

As Anna inspires Julia, that is how the two meet. Because Julia did not like Anna at their first meeting, nor the second, it is only after many times do the two women connect. When they do it is so Julia can find her little sister, the one thing that means the most of anything to her. Julia agrees to become Anna’s companion. Traveling together, Julia and Anna fall in love. Even then, after the girls are lovers, Julia remains Anna’s subordinate. Anna always comes first. Knowing that everyone has their own life, and Julia has always had plans to get to her sister and take care of her, readers know that, eventually, something must happen for Julia to put her needs first over the woman she loves. It is only a matter of when, and then, how Anna will react. If Julia is to leave Anna, will that be seen as a betrayal to the young, headstrong and selfish woman? And, will the girls’ love last forever or will one, or both, in the end, submit to love and life with a man?

At that period in time, I believe it would be hard, for women who wanted rights, to be able to give these rights up and love a man. Because in giving yourself over a relationship which would turn into marriage, the woman must then give herself wholly over to him, becoming his, akin to property. How hard that must have been to do. While some of them might not have minded, I believe many of those who fought for equal rights had a hard time with romance with a man. After all, at that period in time they did not even believe that romance between women was possible, at least, not like the relations men could have with one another. As I write this, I almost laugh at the thoughts people once had and that they, thinking women were not capable of so many things, overlooked them completely for a period in time, of being capable of making love to one another. And though I think romance, physical, emotional, every type of romance is possible between women, when you have a society that tells girls that when they marry they will be the property of their husband, depending on what that girl thinks about husbands in general, along with how they feel about being property, well, it may be hard for a little girl, who, for instance, saw her mother
beat by her husband, unable to do anything, go and marry then, herself. Be property of men when they fear the sex, as a whole, because of prior evidence seen.

For readers, that is why reading this book is important. Because we want to keep the memory of women who fought for the rights of others alive, in history, in our people, in our memory. I knew nothing of Anna Dickinson when I read this book. And, while people could write memoirs of historical persons, sometimes, for people to be kept in memories, all that is needed is to include them in a story. Because, when it comes to the truth of things, memories, or anything, how much of the truth is in things we really ever remember? And there is never a more true statement (even more than the statement made about Anna) that the truth is stranger than fiction. I have read true stories that curdle the blood worse than anything that a writer has invented. It's sad that the human mind can create horrors in reality much worse than the ones that are invented, never really happened except on paper.

Recently having read The Book Spy by Alan Hlad, there were scenes in the book he created to help keep moments in history that happened, alive. On February 22, 1943 there was a plane called the Yankee Clipper (Pan Am) that crashed in Lisbon’s Tagus River. There were thirty nine people aboard, twenty four of whom died. Such a little incident, so long ago, was probably all but forgotten even by those who had anyone they personally knew who was involved in the crash, because it happened so long ago. In doing research for his book, Hlad discovered this crash and included it in the events of the book, to help keep the memory of those involved, especially those who lost their lives, alive.

And, in writing That Dickinson Girl, Koster did much of the same, choosing points in time to keep alive for readers, adding story points to the book, to keep it moving for readers, But, in writing this story, in bringing Anna to these pages from long ago, she introduces readers like me and you to a person who was very much a part of our history and someone, you, like me, probably knew nothing about. While this is a fictional book, there are parts that are a part of real history, real paintings that remain of many of the characters and speeches, quotes that came from Anna, from the speeches she gave, events from her speaking engagements, so long ago.

When it comes right down to it, after I have lived and learned I realize that, even the truth as people know it to be, is never the truth as it really was. We only have to read And There Was Light, by Jon Meacham, about President Lincoln and what we thought we knew about the history of this President, what he really thought about the issue of slavery, to see that what we learn about the world, what we learn about the past, is never as true as reality, as really living it. If only I could find and confront my old History teachers, wish they were more “well read”. But then there is the issue if parents even want their children to learn the truth as most would probably want to sugar-coat history anyway. Shame on those parents.

To keep the memories of the people alive who tried to make the world we live in a better place I strongly recommend this great book about a woman, until now, I never had heard anything about.
Oddly enough, as a young woman I cared more about the rights of women but, as I got older, began to care more about the rights of all, with less of a focus on the sex in which I am a part of. That is why That Dickinson Girl was such an important read for me. Because Anna herself focused on the rights of many more than just women. She saw that there was a bigger issue, at the time, in our country, that needed to be taken care of over and above the rights of women. With soldiers dying in the war, men at work in mines with poor labor conditions, so many poor, there was more that needed to be spoken about than voting rights. Anna filled a need the country had, at that time. She was a voice that came straight out of left field, the young, little woman, girl that she was. And, there were other people, other women, at work on suffrage, at the time. Anna saw the need for a young woman, a strong, bright, boisterous woman, speaking up to the country about the need for all to have the same rights.

This great little twenty-some year-old girl, who got frightfully sick each time before she spoke, paved her way with her large voice, broke barriers many never thought capable of one so young. Determined as the girl was, there is even a scene in the book where Anna stands up to men who want her to stop speaking out against the desires of the South and she stands firm, stands with her words, and breaks them down. Koster manages to take the parts of the history she can find about Anna Dickinson, fill them in, and make one of the best reads I have come across in women’s literature in a long time. Reminding me of the All American Girl books for young readers that began to be popular when I was young, this is the All American Woman version of the stories. That Dickinson Girl chisels out a space in this genre (women’s literature and history) on the shelf, for this work, as all necessary books readers need to cherish. A great read, highly recommended and necessary for women who want to know about those who came before them, as well as men who think that we all have a place together, in this world.

Happy Reading!

[Sudeshna Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

That Dickinson Girl’, penned by Joan Koster, chronicles the compelling journey of Anna Dickinson, a stalwart champion for abolition. Once a household name across the nation, Anna’s legacy now lingers in the shadows of history. Her identity as a lesbian lends an additional layer of complexity to her narrative. While the story is a work of fiction, it weaves a captivating tale of Anna’s meteoric ascent alongside Julia, a woman grappling with her father’s legacy and fighting to prevent her sister and herself from destitution.

This narrative is a rich tapestry of elements designed to captivate readers: intertwined romances, thrilling adventures, gripping action, and echoes of historical issues that resonate into our present and future. Today, certain perils echo those from the Civil War era—times when the wrong stance could be lethal. “That Dickinson Girl” portrays Anna and her ally, Julia, navigating a labyrinth of hostility due to Anna’s outspoken views. Her renown swells to such heights that during a pivotal speech in Washington D.C., an assassination attempt threatens her life. Joan Koster, while taking creative liberties with history, paints a vivid scene with President Abraham Lincoln in attendance. Amidst this, an adversary of Anna’s swears to thwart her appearance before Congress, determined to silence her challenge to the South’s oppressive ideologies. Yet, Anna wields more than mere words; her self-presentation, fervor, and unwavering commitment to societal betterment are her true arsenal.

I appreciated the thorough research underpinning the book, complemented by the author’s vivid descriptions that effectively immerse the reader. The concluding reflections by several characters, pondering the roots of Dickinson’s fervor and her audacity to address the intricacies of marriage and the experiences of African Americans despite not sharing those identities, added a thought-provoking dimension to the narrative. I will highly recommend this book to all history and historical fiction lovers. Grab your copy today and don’t miss this masterpiece.

[Devon · Rating 3 out of 5]

That Dickinson Girl by Joan Koster follows the life of Anna Dickinson, a fierce advocate for abolition and a woman who was known the country over and who now seems to be consigned to the cobwebs of history. She also was a lesbian, which adds another intriguing facet to her life. This is a fictional look at her, however, and entwines her dazzling rise in public with that of a poor woman named Julia, burdened with the sins of her father and struggling to keep her sister and herself off the street.

This book is a curious one. Most of the characters don't really come off that well at all. Julia is frustrating in the beginning, rampantly rude and rebuffing Anna's kindness at every turn, and then in the end of the book it is Anna who is awful, seeming to be more charmed by the high life than actually doing any physical, thoughtful work to achieve equality beyond speaking. Susan B Anthony makes an appearance, and she is after money and driven by desire for Anna (she and the real Anna really did have a romantic relationship). Most of the men are ruled by lust and are willing to do anything they can to satiate it.

There was a running plot line with a reporter that was unpleasant; I can see that he was meant to show how papers could make or break a career, and that men love to use and ruin women, but he turned up at every corner and the end of his plot point worked to strain at my credulity.

I liked the research that went into the book, and the author employs such nice descriptions that help to ground the reader. I also enjoyed at the end when a few characters mused over what exactly prompted Dickinson's drive and how she could presume to speak on conditions of marriage and that of the lives of black people when she was neither married nor black.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[☼ anne ☼ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

“That Dickinson Girl” is a historical novel set during the American Civil War, imagining the life of lesbian, feminist orator Anna Dickinson. We follow her on a tour of New England, advocating for the abolition of slavery and women’s rights, with her companion Julia. Julia is haunted by her own past and must now confront her desires for her mistress. Will she succeed in protecting her love or will it bring her downfall?

I liked this book. I don’t have any major issues with it but it didn’t overwhelm me. I love historical fiction and I think this one is gorgeously written and you can tell that Koster did her research thoroughly.

Sadly, Julia didn’t get much of a personality besides obedience, loyalty and demureness. Maybe devotion to Anna. This was slightly disappointing as I often find romance unconvincing when one or both characters do not have fully developed personalities. Anna’s fiery personality –love it or hate it– was portrayed well. I liked how she stood up for herself, although later in the book she became incredibly selfish and I wondered what Julia still saw in her.

Besides the messy romantic plot, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I found the plot often jumping between scenes and points of view quite confusing. I liked the structure with several parts taking place in years which were clearly labelled, but at some points I wondered if my copy had missing chapters – which it did not.

As the author explains in the afterword, some characters are based on real acquaintances of Anna, some characters, like her companion Julia and the journalist Floyd are fictional but based on what journalists/Anna’s companion would have been like. I really enjoyed this element of truth the story had and I learned a lot about Anna Dickinson. I’m glad that I picked this up and learned about an American feminist of the 19th century who I had not heard of before.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for fiction about strong feminists of the 19th century or if you love historical fiction. I personally would not read this only for (sapphic) romance as I was not satisfied by the development of their romantic relationship and would not categorise its main genre as romance. Overall a good reading experience, I would recommend.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title is quite fitting to this storyline and Anna Dickinson herself. What a characters she was, and well before her time. Often going against convention and being quite young to gain the following in politics that she did during this time. Having become one of the greatest orator of her time, she often spoke openly and outwardly about the Civil War and slavery often putting her life in danger with her thoughts. She led quite an interesting life in that she survived on the speaking engagements she could obtain and also supported her family who often were against Anna and did not quite understand her being different when at that time a woman should find a husband and be more seen but unheard. I thought this was a very well written story and she was a brave woman for all she had went up against while on these speaking circuits. I had not known about her until I read this novel and am glad I did, as she was very interesting. Although similar to Emily Dickinson, there is no found close relation of the two. Thank you to Book and Wine Lovers for the tour invite and to the author for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am partial to historical fiction, so when I was offered to read and review this book, I was looking forward to starting it. I have to say, I am not knowledgeable about the American Civil War at all. So I knew I would learn something from this.
Joan Koster has clearly done extensive research to write this novel. I couldn't tell where the facts ended and the fiction began. The first book in the Forgotten Women book series, That Dickinson Girl, brings Anna Dickinson into the spotlight. A woman who fought against slavery during the American Civil War.
I did thoroughly appreciate and enjoy my time spent in the past with the characters that the author has created so vividly. Every facet of Anna's life was laid bare as the story unfolded, and I found myself invested so much.
It is a great story that brings American history to life so easily.
Thanks to Book and Wine Lovers Marketing and the author for my gifted ebook in exchange for a honest review.

[Marcia Vida · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Julia and Gracie Pennington who were waiting for Lincoln's speech. Despite the cold weather, Gracie was determined to be there to hear the speech in person despite her sister's pleas. Julia loved her sister the most in the world and would sacrifice herself for her well-being. Life wasn't a sea of roses for them. Their dad abandoned them when their mom was sick, so they had to survive on their own. Therefore, Julia quit school to begin working in a mill while Gracie continued her studies. 

In accordance with her mother's wishes, Gracie would apply to the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania, but she had other plans for her future. Unfortunately, she didn't realize the obstacles preventing her from making her choice until she met Anna Dickinson, an activist for women's rights.

A brilliant and satisfying read. I really enjoyed this book. Anna Dickinson is a source of inspiration even today. Through her powerful oratory, she made it clear to all that she was against slavery and in favor of women. As a matter of fact, I highly recommend it.

[Emily Ostrander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this as an audiobook which may have swayed my opinion of the book.

Overall, the story was interesting, telling us about the history of a woman who lectured for women's rights in the Civil War era. Her messy love affairs with various women in her life created drama but also seemed unrealistic. I never connected with anyone's "love" in the story. The way the story was read (and/or written) made it hard to follow, particularly the men in the story, which added to the challenge of enjoying the book. Also, Susan B Anthony is brought into the story for a very short period of time and, in my opinion, was a very intolerable person, which I struggle to cope with feeling.

Overall, I wanted to like the book and I did in parts, but it really was just okay.

[Red Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

That Dickinson Girl was a historical fiction novel that was set during the American Civil War about the greatest orator of the Civil War. This book was written well and the author did a great job with the research for the book. The only thing for me was I did not like some of the characters in this book but besides that I did enjoy this book. I would recommend this book to other readers who love historical fiction. Thank you to bookandwinelovers for the tour and for this historical fiction book.

[Nanette Fandino-Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna Dickinson was an American orator and lecturer. She was an abolitionist , a Civil War activist and an women's rights activist. She was also the first woman to give a political address before the United States Congress. The author creates a window into what the personal life of Anna Dickinson might have been like during her lifetime.

The book is a quick read. I was impressed with the depiction of the lives of people from different socio-economic backgrounds. All of the characters were relatable regardless of whether they were likable or not.

[Max Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich in historical detail with a provocative edge

As an author of historical fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed this insight to an aspect of the Civil War of which I was unaware. The author is expert in providing vivid imagery which immerses the reader in another era. I appreciate the extent of her research that brings solid credibility to the settings of the various chapters. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in American history.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me knows I love historical fiction. That Dickinson Girl was one of the best I’ve read in awhile.

This is the story of Anna Dickinson and Julia Pennington. Two young women who grew up at the time of the Civil War and when the Women’s Suffragette Movement.

This book read as though it was a series on TV. It was very real, and so descriptive (which I love). I loved the historical elements and how well everything flowed together.

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible story about a real heroine of the fight against slavery. I had never heard of her before, but she deserved to have her story told. The fictional characters were well developed, and added to the ambiance of that era. I was given an ARC, but am voluntarily giving an unbiased review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting characters that try to make it through a very difficult time in history during the Civil war. Love is complex and this is no different. The characters have to work through issues to be together. They will defend each other to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is based on the life of an actual person living during the Civil War era. A young woman breaks from the norm and supports women's rights while speaking against slavery. A romance is affected by her stand. The writing did not engage me. There were a few times when I couldn't put the story down, but the rest of the time the story dragged. I made myself read the book.

[enjoyingbooksagain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about a fascinating, historical fiction that delves into the life of Anna Dickinson, an extraordinary woman during the American Civil War era.
If you like reading about strong women in our past this is a great book to read and perfect for our celebration of women this month

[Kathryn]

Having received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers I was immediately immersed in the heart breaking struggle of the female protagonists. Thoroughly enjoyable read

[Kindlelover 1220 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming of age story about a strong, feisty, and witty main character. Set in the Civil War era. The story is inspired by Anna Elizabeth Dickinson. The author gives us a glimpse of a person that many may not be aware of. Wonderful storytelling.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
I received a free copy of the steamy historical Philadelphia-based novel That Dickinson Girl: A Novel of the Civil War: The Forgotten Women Series Book 1 by Joan Koster and this review was given freely.
Beginning with a poignant story of sacrifice, this novel chronicles the political rise and liaison of the self-serving and fame-focused feminist, the liberal Philadelphia-born Quaker Anna Dickinson, and her rocky love affair with her companion, the former impoverished Philadelphia mill worker Julia Pennington, whose tragic past bleeds into a future filled with challenges.
Set in a pivotal, poignant, and unstable point of American history, this novel contains family drama, features some of the baser parts of life and society, contains some coarse language, and features a disillusioned couple who find love despite multiple challenges.