What do you think?
Rate this book
Faithful #1
Faithful
Sixteen-year-old Maggie Bennet's life is in tatters. Her mother has disappeared, and is presumed dead. The next thing she knows, her father has dragged Maggie away from their elegant Newport home, off on some mad excursion to Yellowstone in Montana. Torn from the only life she's ever known, away from her friends, from society, and verging on no prospects, Maggie is furious and devastated by her father's betrayal. But when she arrives, she finds herself drawn to the frustratingly stubborn, handsome Tom Rowland, the son of a park geologist, and to the wild romantic beauty of Yellowstone itself. And as Tom and the promise of freedom capture Maggie's heart, Maggie is forced to choose between who she is and who she wants to be.
325 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2010
26 people are currently reading
2718 people want to read
About the author
Janet Fox
28 books260 followersAuthor of award-winning fiction and non-fiction for young readers. (NOT Janet Kaye Fox)
Published books:
"Get Organized Without Losing It" (middle grade, Free Spirit Publishing, 2017, new edition)
"Faithful" (young adult, Penguin/Speak, 2010)
"Forgiven" (young adult, Speak, 2011)
"Sirens" - (young adult, Speak 2012)
"The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle" - (middle grade, Viking, 2016)
"Volcano Dreams" - picture book, Web of Life Books, September 2018
"The Artifact Hunters" - middle grade, Viking 2020
"Carry Me Home" - middle grade, Simon & Schuster 2021
"Wintergarden" - picture book, Neal Porter, 2023
Published books:
"Get Organized Without Losing It" (middle grade, Free Spirit Publishing, 2017, new edition)
"Faithful" (young adult, Penguin/Speak, 2010)
"Forgiven" (young adult, Speak, 2011)
"Sirens" - (young adult, Speak 2012)
"The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle" - (middle grade, Viking, 2016)
"Volcano Dreams" - picture book, Web of Life Books, September 2018
"The Artifact Hunters" - middle grade, Viking 2020
"Carry Me Home" - middle grade, Simon & Schuster 2021
"Wintergarden" - picture book, Neal Porter, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
April 8, 2010
When I first read the blurb for Faithful, I had no idea it was set in the beginning of the 20th century. Nor did the cover really illuminate this fact, as the dress's design was just ambiguous enough to be considered 'popular' now. I like it better for the fact its set in 1904 and not in the last two decades. For what I think Fox was trying to convey in the book, it needed to be set during a time when parts of the country were still more rugged pioneer then refined city-slick.
Maggie was, for all her tactless comments and sometimes 'snobbish' behavior, she was very relate-able. She grew up in the affluent and 'rich' neighborhood of Newport; she was given every privilege, every luxury, but what she wanted most was a stable family life. Some small eccentricities could be overlooked--her family's money and prestige allowed that much--but her mother went beyond the pale with her behavior, her manner. This gave Maggie a strange dichotomy of growing up. On the one hand she loved her mother, loved her spirit, but she also felt the censure of what it meant. She tried to repress anything that even remotely resembled her mother's behavior and the few times she acted out ended disastrously. She was scared, uncertain and confused.
Even as her thoughts seemed to vacillate between praying she could have that perfect debut and finding her mother, foremost in her mind was always a need for her mother. She needed her, needed closure and the fantasy that if they found her it would all be perfect if she wished for it hard enough. I felt so bad for her in those moments. She wanted so hard to believe that everything would worked out if they found her mother even while also knowing that more problems could arise because of it.
It was hard for me to judge her father adequately. He was obviously not a man who was malicious, or hurtful, or purposely sought to 'wreck' his daughter's future. On the same token he didn't understand what she really needed. He was scared that if he gave her too much freedom, she would be just like her mother. Just as uncontrollable, just as heart-breaking. Even when he tries to give her what she tells him she wants most--a triumphant return to Newport society with a respectable husband--he still doesn't quite get it. He was weak. He was a very weak man, so frightened of losing something, of wanting something best left in the past, that he was deaf to rational thought.
The friendship between Tom and Maggie was unexpected in its development. Through him Maggie grows and understands her mother better as well as herself. Because he's never lived in the society limelight with the society pressures she's always had to fight against, he understands far better what a person needs the most. He's awkward, and together they make a lot of missteps, but their understanding of each other grows steadily.
I adored Mrs. Gale, a widow professional photographer who introduces Maggie both to the artistic beauty Maggie's mother gave to her, but also the fact that an accomplished woman can be a wife and professional. Mr. Greybull was one of the most repugnant men I have ever had the misfortune to read about. As a foil to Maggie's growing uncertainty about what she wants in the future, he worked well. Kula...I'm still not certain of her motivations or behaviors. I understand why she felt the way she did, but I don't understand the maliciousness and vindictiveness she felt towards Maggie. Its one thing to envy someone's seeming better fortune, its entirely another to completely hate a person for it.
Fox does an excellent job conveying the landscape of both Newport and Yellowstone. The wonder and the excitement of the geysers, grizzleys and bison, as well as the difference between the variety of people represented in Yellowstone. Bandits, tourists, geologists, hunters (grrr Mr. Greybull), officers and servants.
The end result was both satisfying and fitting to the story. Maggie got the answers she was searching for and was able to move forward. The novel is a heart warming story of finding redemption, faith (not the religious kind) and learning to accept that knowledge can come with a price.
Maggie was, for all her tactless comments and sometimes 'snobbish' behavior, she was very relate-able. She grew up in the affluent and 'rich' neighborhood of Newport; she was given every privilege, every luxury, but what she wanted most was a stable family life. Some small eccentricities could be overlooked--her family's money and prestige allowed that much--but her mother went beyond the pale with her behavior, her manner. This gave Maggie a strange dichotomy of growing up. On the one hand she loved her mother, loved her spirit, but she also felt the censure of what it meant. She tried to repress anything that even remotely resembled her mother's behavior and the few times she acted out ended disastrously. She was scared, uncertain and confused.
Even as her thoughts seemed to vacillate between praying she could have that perfect debut and finding her mother, foremost in her mind was always a need for her mother. She needed her, needed closure and the fantasy that if they found her it would all be perfect if she wished for it hard enough. I felt so bad for her in those moments. She wanted so hard to believe that everything would worked out if they found her mother even while also knowing that more problems could arise because of it.
It was hard for me to judge her father adequately. He was obviously not a man who was malicious, or hurtful, or purposely sought to 'wreck' his daughter's future. On the same token he didn't understand what she really needed. He was scared that if he gave her too much freedom, she would be just like her mother. Just as uncontrollable, just as heart-breaking. Even when he tries to give her what she tells him she wants most--a triumphant return to Newport society with a respectable husband--he still doesn't quite get it. He was weak. He was a very weak man, so frightened of losing something, of wanting something best left in the past, that he was deaf to rational thought.
The friendship between Tom and Maggie was unexpected in its development. Through him Maggie grows and understands her mother better as well as herself. Because he's never lived in the society limelight with the society pressures she's always had to fight against, he understands far better what a person needs the most. He's awkward, and together they make a lot of missteps, but their understanding of each other grows steadily.
I adored Mrs. Gale, a widow professional photographer who introduces Maggie both to the artistic beauty Maggie's mother gave to her, but also the fact that an accomplished woman can be a wife and professional. Mr. Greybull was one of the most repugnant men I have ever had the misfortune to read about. As a foil to Maggie's growing uncertainty about what she wants in the future, he worked well. Kula...I'm still not certain of her motivations or behaviors. I understand why she felt the way she did, but I don't understand the maliciousness and vindictiveness she felt towards Maggie. Its one thing to envy someone's seeming better fortune, its entirely another to completely hate a person for it.
Fox does an excellent job conveying the landscape of both Newport and Yellowstone. The wonder and the excitement of the geysers, grizzleys and bison, as well as the difference between the variety of people represented in Yellowstone. Bandits, tourists, geologists, hunters (grrr Mr. Greybull), officers and servants.
The end result was both satisfying and fitting to the story. Maggie got the answers she was searching for and was able to move forward. The novel is a heart warming story of finding redemption, faith (not the religious kind) and learning to accept that knowledge can come with a price.
August 5, 2024
I’d say for about 80% of this book I had it in my mind that I’d rate this book 3 stars. It’s not that the writing wasn’t up to par, or that I didn’t like the story, but several chapters are very sad and depressing! I felt so frustrated with Maggie’s Pa! I will say that this takes place in Yellowstone National park which is one of my favorite places on earth! But with the dangers of Yellowstone comes animal death. I don’t care for it in books, especially if it talks about them “screaming” or how their eyes look. BUT… the ending was amazing and actually caught me off guard, I didn’t predict the ending at all and that was so refreshing!! So this does (surprisingly) get four stars! In the end I was loving every moment and the setting was so good! It’s actually a beautiful coming of age story and a story about believing in yourself, not just doing what society deems acceptable!(physical book)
July 16, 2010
Margaret "Maggie" Bennet has an elegant life amongst the elite families in Newport, Rhode Island. But when Maggie's father tricks her into going on an excursion to the wilds of Yellowstone Park to look for her mother, Maggie realizes that they are in Montana for an entirely different reason. A reason, that Maggie is desperate to find out. Alone and isolated in a dangerous wilderness, Maggie must discover what she wants most: freedom or a life she's always known. Fox's debut novel, Faithful, is a thrilling and heartwarming story of love, discovery, and of course, faithfulness.
The first time I laid eyes on Faithful's book cover, I immediately thought: majestic fear of the unknown. That's exactly how Maggie feels when she first arrives in Yellowstone, uncertain with a desire to conquer the mysteries surrounding the park and her mother's disappearance. Faithful is a great book; not only because it was written quite nicely, but because of the sense of adventure within the pages. The image of Yellowstone is very dominate throughout the story–as it should be–and Maggie's devastation and anger can be felt on a very personal level. I couldn't help but cheer Maggie on as she battled for freedom as the men around her continually tried to control her. When you start this book, you must understand, back then (even in 1904), a woman's future was deeply nestled in the will of a man's. Maggie is at their mercy; sometimes she had to make sacrifices that a 21st century girl would never dream of doing. Even though Faithful is in fact a historical fiction, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone who doesn't normally read that genre. Faithful is not all about the time period (even though it is important), it's about knowing what you want and standing up for it. Overall, I absolutely loved Maggie, the adventure, Yellowstone (which I almost got a chance to see a few years back), and the discoveries Maggie made along the journey. I am whole heartedly looking forward to seeing more fiction by Fox.
Recommendation: I highly recommend. Buying it would even be a good idea–especially if you are certain you would enjoy this book. Ages 12+.
This Book is For: Teens (or even adults) who enjoy adventure, mystery, and a little romance.
This Book is Not For: Teens who absolutely dot not like anything with a historical background; but I still think you would enjoy it :)
Content: A bit of sensuality and a few kisses. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. (PG)
The Last Straw: I turned. The bubbling hot springs were just as she'd depicted them. The vapors. The striking colors, the white that I'd thought was ash. One view after the other, I recognized them all. Mama had been here. - (pg. 99)
|Pages: 322|Published: May 2010|Publisher: Speak/Penguin|
|Genre: Historical fiction, teen romance, adventure|
|Content: Age appropriate (PG)|Age Group: YA, ages 12+|
|Enjoyed It: 5/5|Content: 5/5|Cover: 5/5|
|Overall: 5/5|
Courtesy of booksandliteratureforteens.blogspot.com
The first time I laid eyes on Faithful's book cover, I immediately thought: majestic fear of the unknown. That's exactly how Maggie feels when she first arrives in Yellowstone, uncertain with a desire to conquer the mysteries surrounding the park and her mother's disappearance. Faithful is a great book; not only because it was written quite nicely, but because of the sense of adventure within the pages. The image of Yellowstone is very dominate throughout the story–as it should be–and Maggie's devastation and anger can be felt on a very personal level. I couldn't help but cheer Maggie on as she battled for freedom as the men around her continually tried to control her. When you start this book, you must understand, back then (even in 1904), a woman's future was deeply nestled in the will of a man's. Maggie is at their mercy; sometimes she had to make sacrifices that a 21st century girl would never dream of doing. Even though Faithful is in fact a historical fiction, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone who doesn't normally read that genre. Faithful is not all about the time period (even though it is important), it's about knowing what you want and standing up for it. Overall, I absolutely loved Maggie, the adventure, Yellowstone (which I almost got a chance to see a few years back), and the discoveries Maggie made along the journey. I am whole heartedly looking forward to seeing more fiction by Fox.
Recommendation: I highly recommend. Buying it would even be a good idea–especially if you are certain you would enjoy this book. Ages 12+.
This Book is For: Teens (or even adults) who enjoy adventure, mystery, and a little romance.
This Book is Not For: Teens who absolutely dot not like anything with a historical background; but I still think you would enjoy it :)
Content: A bit of sensuality and a few kisses. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. (PG)
The Last Straw: I turned. The bubbling hot springs were just as she'd depicted them. The vapors. The striking colors, the white that I'd thought was ash. One view after the other, I recognized them all. Mama had been here. - (pg. 99)
|Pages: 322|Published: May 2010|Publisher: Speak/Penguin|
|Genre: Historical fiction, teen romance, adventure|
|Content: Age appropriate (PG)|Age Group: YA, ages 12+|
|Enjoyed It: 5/5|Content: 5/5|Cover: 5/5|
|Overall: 5/5|
Courtesy of booksandliteratureforteens.blogspot.com
June 29, 2010
Faithful by Janet Fox tells of Maggie’s story as she travels halfway across the country to find her mother. A mother that disappeared one day that left both her father and her different. She is taken out of her comfort zone despite many of the townspeople not liking her mother therefore not her as well because she was not like the others—impulsive or somewhat sane. But Maggie wants to change all that with her debut, which is why she needs to find her mother and be back by August.
However Maggie is in her a surprise because she may not be leaving Yellowstone after all. Her father’s business is in ruins and her grandparents have pretty much cut him off so he hopes to make a new life here. Maggie doesn’t want and the only way she can leave to return home is to marry her way out. Or will she make a name of herself by herself? And Tom—a man really who captured Maggie’s attention since the first time.
Faithful was a book that took me quite a while to finish. Never a good sign. My main problem was Maggie, the novel’s protagonist and focal point. Another bad sign. She reminded me of someone I knew; constantly whining, moaning, or groaning about something or another. I typically am the listener to these “pity” stories and it just grates on your nerves sometime. Maggie or this person did not know what they truly wanted. If they did then they would have not complained about not having something and then complaining about it when they do eventually get it. There is no win-win situation for these types of personalities. Did Maggie mature? Some might say, ‘sure’. To me, it’s pushing it. Give anyone a big enough scare and they are bound to change.
Even then the majority of the other characters have no substance as well. They run on two different temperatures: hot or cold. Mean or nice. Not even Tom, the male lead whom I suppose was going to swept me off my feet, was much of an asset to the novel. I did, however, like one or two characters, but they were secondary characters so I did not see them as often as I would have liked.
The setting and the imagery were lush and vivid, but it was not enough by itself. Give me a bouquet of flowers and I will admire its beauty, but that is all. Give me a story behind the flowers and I will love it even after it wilts.
However Maggie is in her a surprise because she may not be leaving Yellowstone after all. Her father’s business is in ruins and her grandparents have pretty much cut him off so he hopes to make a new life here. Maggie doesn’t want and the only way she can leave to return home is to marry her way out. Or will she make a name of herself by herself? And Tom—a man really who captured Maggie’s attention since the first time.
Faithful was a book that took me quite a while to finish. Never a good sign. My main problem was Maggie, the novel’s protagonist and focal point. Another bad sign. She reminded me of someone I knew; constantly whining, moaning, or groaning about something or another. I typically am the listener to these “pity” stories and it just grates on your nerves sometime. Maggie or this person did not know what they truly wanted. If they did then they would have not complained about not having something and then complaining about it when they do eventually get it. There is no win-win situation for these types of personalities. Did Maggie mature? Some might say, ‘sure’. To me, it’s pushing it. Give anyone a big enough scare and they are bound to change.
Even then the majority of the other characters have no substance as well. They run on two different temperatures: hot or cold. Mean or nice. Not even Tom, the male lead whom I suppose was going to swept me off my feet, was much of an asset to the novel. I did, however, like one or two characters, but they were secondary characters so I did not see them as often as I would have liked.
The setting and the imagery were lush and vivid, but it was not enough by itself. Give me a bouquet of flowers and I will admire its beauty, but that is all. Give me a story behind the flowers and I will love it even after it wilts.
May 26, 2010
One of these days, I will stop listening to the blurbs in catalogs, because they always let me down. I ordered this one specifically because the publisher's blurb compared it to Eva Ibbotson, who I completely and wholeheartedly adore. And not a lot of authors or books get compared to her (at least by the publisher, all of whom are desperately trying to convince you that this book is the next Twilight, and you should buy it RIGHT NOW), so I couldn't resist.
It was a good book. But that's it: good. Maggie was whiny, her father was lame, Tom was nice, and Graybull was mostly annoying. Maggie's reaction to Yellowstone was interesting, I guess, but I remain immune to the allure of the West (real or metaphorical), and I would have much rather watched Ken Burns' documentary on the National Parks.
The big secret about her mother (which I won't reveal, because I am a nice person, so forgive me for my awkward vagueness coming right up) would have made a fantastic book, rather than half a chapter. I find it incredibly hard to believe something that juicy happened to a member of Maggie's social circle and she never heard about it, even years later, daughter of the woman in question or no. That is the best gossip ever, and I refuse to buy that Maggie lived her entire life with the same small group of socialites and not one of them let anything slip. Shenanigans!
It wasn't entirely fair of me to pick up Fox's debut and expect Ibbotson, but life isn't fair. Take it up with your publisher, Janet.
It was a good book. But that's it: good. Maggie was whiny, her father was lame, Tom was nice, and Graybull was mostly annoying. Maggie's reaction to Yellowstone was interesting, I guess, but I remain immune to the allure of the West (real or metaphorical), and I would have much rather watched Ken Burns' documentary on the National Parks.
The big secret about her mother (which I won't reveal, because I am a nice person, so forgive me for my awkward vagueness coming right up) would have made a fantastic book, rather than half a chapter. I find it incredibly hard to believe something that juicy happened to a member of Maggie's social circle and she never heard about it, even years later, daughter of the woman in question or no. That is the best gossip ever, and I refuse to buy that Maggie lived her entire life with the same small group of socialites and not one of them let anything slip. Shenanigans!
It wasn't entirely fair of me to pick up Fox's debut and expect Ibbotson, but life isn't fair. Take it up with your publisher, Janet.
September 7, 2010
So this is one of those books that had some things I REALLY liked . . . but enough I didn't like for it to get only three stars.
It was too dramatic. A lot of it was predictable. Too heavy handed in places. But Maggie was exactly the kind of protagonist I've been longing for in historical fiction. She doesn't start off fighting against her position. She likes her place in society. I loved seeing that kind of character. Obviously, I'm very glad to live in an era and country where I have a lot of freedom as a woman, but that's a modern attitude and it took a lot of struggle to get there. It's not something that all women 100 years ago would automatically think about. And too many historical fiction fight against their society in a way that, to me, doesn't feel grounded. That doesn't seem to have been inspired by anything in particular. So I really appreciated seeing a character who had her mind opened up, who found new possibilities she hadn't even considered. She learned to fight for what she wanted. And the "other way," the easy, traditional way was presented in a realistic light. A tempting light. That's another thing I think some historical fiction misses out on. It's just easier to go along with what society wants. That doesn't make it right, but it's a more tempting option than most fiction acknowledges.
Also, it's set in Yellowstone and I just love Yellowstone.
Oh, and Maggie's mother has a really interesting backstory. Maybe more interesting than this one. I'd be interested in reading a story about that.
It was too dramatic. A lot of it was predictable. Too heavy handed in places. But Maggie was exactly the kind of protagonist I've been longing for in historical fiction. She doesn't start off fighting against her position. She likes her place in society. I loved seeing that kind of character. Obviously, I'm very glad to live in an era and country where I have a lot of freedom as a woman, but that's a modern attitude and it took a lot of struggle to get there. It's not something that all women 100 years ago would automatically think about. And too many historical fiction fight against their society in a way that, to me, doesn't feel grounded. That doesn't seem to have been inspired by anything in particular. So I really appreciated seeing a character who had her mind opened up, who found new possibilities she hadn't even considered. She learned to fight for what she wanted. And the "other way," the easy, traditional way was presented in a realistic light. A tempting light. That's another thing I think some historical fiction misses out on. It's just easier to go along with what society wants. That doesn't make it right, but it's a more tempting option than most fiction acknowledges.
Also, it's set in Yellowstone and I just love Yellowstone.
Oh, and Maggie's mother has a really interesting backstory. Maybe more interesting than this one. I'd be interested in reading a story about that.
October 20, 2024
Long story short, if you were in the middle of the woods would you rather run into a man or a bear…
May 20, 2010
I wanted to like FAITHFUL, with its gorgeous cover and promising tale of self-discovery in Yellowstone Park. I’m not a historical fiction fan, but I do love me the inspirational beauty of nature. Unfortunately, lackluster writing, plot, and characters drag this book down until it is very difficult to like.
Nearly all of the characters in FAITHFUL are either unbelievable or unlikable. For lack of better words, Maggie is, simply put, a pain in the ass, a spineless, spoiled, and petulant girl forever waffling between her childish desires of admittance into the gossipy, fashionable worlds of New England society and her goal of being a young woman mature enough to be included in her family’s decision-making process. News flash, sister: you won’t be treated as an adult if you keep on being so self-centered.
Tom, the love interest, is introduced to us as a tall, good-looking, light-eyed young man with an enigmatic smile, who immediately makes our heroine feel clumsy and unworthy. Excuse me for a moment while I chuck something across the room. And pardon me when I don’t believe the supposed attraction between the two. If any guy as perfect as Tom is purported to be falls for someone as inconsiderate and selfish as Maggie, then, well, he’s really as far from perfect as can get.
Equally frustrating is the slow, flashback-laden plot. The flashbacks are meant for us to see what Maggie’s mother was like, and why Maggie feels so conflicted about her as she does. But in the present time, there is little that moves the story along. A story of self-development needs to find the right balance between the past and the present, and this one was bogged down with too much of the past to work effectively.
FAITHFUL wasn’t the book for me because it combined the parts I like least about YA lit into a single book, but fans of historical fiction might have more patience with Maggie’s story. You might be better able than me to appreciate the intricacies of societal rules of the time, as well as drink in the luscious idea of the setting.
Nearly all of the characters in FAITHFUL are either unbelievable or unlikable. For lack of better words, Maggie is, simply put, a pain in the ass, a spineless, spoiled, and petulant girl forever waffling between her childish desires of admittance into the gossipy, fashionable worlds of New England society and her goal of being a young woman mature enough to be included in her family’s decision-making process. News flash, sister: you won’t be treated as an adult if you keep on being so self-centered.
Tom, the love interest, is introduced to us as a tall, good-looking, light-eyed young man with an enigmatic smile, who immediately makes our heroine feel clumsy and unworthy. Excuse me for a moment while I chuck something across the room. And pardon me when I don’t believe the supposed attraction between the two. If any guy as perfect as Tom is purported to be falls for someone as inconsiderate and selfish as Maggie, then, well, he’s really as far from perfect as can get.
Equally frustrating is the slow, flashback-laden plot. The flashbacks are meant for us to see what Maggie’s mother was like, and why Maggie feels so conflicted about her as she does. But in the present time, there is little that moves the story along. A story of self-development needs to find the right balance between the past and the present, and this one was bogged down with too much of the past to work effectively.
FAITHFUL wasn’t the book for me because it combined the parts I like least about YA lit into a single book, but fans of historical fiction might have more patience with Maggie’s story. You might be better able than me to appreciate the intricacies of societal rules of the time, as well as drink in the luscious idea of the setting.
December 11, 2010
The first thing that grabbed my attention with this book was the cover. It’s gorgeous and it fits with the story and it’s exactly how I pictured Yellowstone and the wilds of Montana to look like.
Out of all the characters none of them really stood out for me and I thought that they were all very one dimensional. The main character Maggie annoyed me from the beginning. Her father takes her to Yellowstone and she finds herself in a difficult situation where her options are limited. She constantly whines and complains yet doesn’t so anything that might help her get out of this mess. A lot of times I wanted her to speak up or do something instead of meekly complying to whatever she was told to do. Even Tom who I thought I would sweep Maggie off her feet didn’t add much to the story.
The pace of the story was especially slow. There was a bit of mystery in the beginning that intrigued me but it took too long to develop and the interest I had in it faded.
From reading the book I can tell that the author did a lot of research on Montana and Yellowstone Park in that time period as her descriptions were detailed and seem very accurate. She paints a vivid landscape of the Park and its both majestic but can be deadly and dangerous.
Out of all the characters none of them really stood out for me and I thought that they were all very one dimensional. The main character Maggie annoyed me from the beginning. Her father takes her to Yellowstone and she finds herself in a difficult situation where her options are limited. She constantly whines and complains yet doesn’t so anything that might help her get out of this mess. A lot of times I wanted her to speak up or do something instead of meekly complying to whatever she was told to do. Even Tom who I thought I would sweep Maggie off her feet didn’t add much to the story.
The pace of the story was especially slow. There was a bit of mystery in the beginning that intrigued me but it took too long to develop and the interest I had in it faded.
From reading the book I can tell that the author did a lot of research on Montana and Yellowstone Park in that time period as her descriptions were detailed and seem very accurate. She paints a vivid landscape of the Park and its both majestic but can be deadly and dangerous.
September 16, 2011
You can find this kind of book many places. Where a girl's life is torn apart, she absolutely hates it as she moves away from her home. She is taken to a completely different place, in this case from Newport to Yellowstone. Then everything turns out fantastically, she meets the boy of her dreams, and never thinks of going back. So you know what is going to happen in the end. But I feel like this book really shows how Maggie changes from just any ordinary Newport girl who will spend the rest of her life looking at materials for new dresses, into someone who really has potential. When I read how she felt that her mother was going crazy, as she watched her paint scenes of smoke, fire, and bubbling messes, I felt a pang for sympathy for her. When Maggie talked about the feeling of not trying to do anything to keep her mother from leaving them, I imagined her walking out towards the ocean, never looking back. I could easily relate to this book, whether I could clearly imagine it in my mind, or if it had happened to me. A lot of people could learn some things from this book.
May 25, 2010
I was really disappointed in this. I thought I was getting a historical novel that would explore the magic and beauty of West Yellowstone, but except for when the grizzly bears made their appearances, I didn't enjoy it much.
Here's why: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...
Here's why: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...
January 16, 2025
4.5! had a slow start but after that it was amazing!
February 16, 2013
It was the cover that attracted me to this book in the first place. It is so pretty. I really like how it sums up the book: Maggie with the beauty of Yellowstone. So yeah, I really enjoyed Faithful. I didn’t know that it was a historical fiction so imagine my surprise when I found out. I love historical fictions.
Anyway, let’s start with the setting: Yellowstone, Montana. Wow. It was described wonderfully. I could totally imagine the geysers and the river, everything! Yellowstone is now on my travel list. If the descriptions of Yellowstone could easily take my breathe away, then imagine what the real thing could do to me.
Now for the characters, our main character: Maggie may not be likable at first with her snobbish attitude and how she had treated her mother badly. It’s set in the 19th century so I understand that marriage and being acceptable in society is very important for young girls so Maggie’s character is very well portrayed. As the story progresses, we can see Maggie’s character change with her struggle to be herself and her decision to follow her heart. And once she really knew her mother’s secret, she finally understood her mother and it created a bittersweet moment. I shed a few tears for her and her mother.
As for the other characters, Tom Rowland was so dreamy with his cowboy appearance and out going personality. I really liked him. Graybull, Maggie’s ‘suitor’ is dislikable, he is just so creepy. I really like Mrs. Gale, Maggie’s photographer friend. As for Kula, I have mixed feelings about her. I understand what she’s going through but she doesn’t have to always be rude and bitter. Maggie’s father was a very interesting character. His desire to find Maggie’s mother’s secret was clouding his judgments but at the end, he found closure.
As for the plot, I was engrossed from the beginning to the end. I really wanted to what Maggie’s mother was hiding and how Maggie is dealing with everything that is going on. The romance part was a bit off though. Maggie and Tom always fight about the same thing every time: how Maggie is being snobbish. It gets annoying very quickly.
Overall, I really enjoyed Faithful. It was an enjoyable historical fiction to read during the summer.
Anyway, let’s start with the setting: Yellowstone, Montana. Wow. It was described wonderfully. I could totally imagine the geysers and the river, everything! Yellowstone is now on my travel list. If the descriptions of Yellowstone could easily take my breathe away, then imagine what the real thing could do to me.
Now for the characters, our main character: Maggie may not be likable at first with her snobbish attitude and how she had treated her mother badly. It’s set in the 19th century so I understand that marriage and being acceptable in society is very important for young girls so Maggie’s character is very well portrayed. As the story progresses, we can see Maggie’s character change with her struggle to be herself and her decision to follow her heart. And once she really knew her mother’s secret, she finally understood her mother and it created a bittersweet moment. I shed a few tears for her and her mother.
As for the other characters, Tom Rowland was so dreamy with his cowboy appearance and out going personality. I really liked him. Graybull, Maggie’s ‘suitor’ is dislikable, he is just so creepy. I really like Mrs. Gale, Maggie’s photographer friend. As for Kula, I have mixed feelings about her. I understand what she’s going through but she doesn’t have to always be rude and bitter. Maggie’s father was a very interesting character. His desire to find Maggie’s mother’s secret was clouding his judgments but at the end, he found closure.
As for the plot, I was engrossed from the beginning to the end. I really wanted to what Maggie’s mother was hiding and how Maggie is dealing with everything that is going on. The romance part was a bit off though. Maggie and Tom always fight about the same thing every time: how Maggie is being snobbish. It gets annoying very quickly.
Overall, I really enjoyed Faithful. It was an enjoyable historical fiction to read during the summer.
June 29, 2010
I have to admit, I wasn’t to excited to read this book. I was actually scared to do so. Because I had read so many reviews that talked about how this book was… less than amazing. But I have to disagree.
Maggie was a good protagonist. She annoyed me at times and, yes, she was stuck-up, just like Tom had said time and time again. But she narrated the story well and her personality is one that is cool to read and easy to relate to at times. The other characters in the book were a lot more likeable, however. Her family and friends and even enemies were exciting to read and all had personalities that shined whenever you read about them.
The writing in this book was fantastic. This is Fox’s debut and she obviously has great talent. Once you get adjusted into it, the writing style is easy to read and had few problems. I was never lost or confused, I always had a clear idea of what was going on. She was so descriptive and I could envision both Newportand Yellowstone perfectly.
The story, though hard to get into, was really enjoyable to read. After I got into it, I rarely wanted to put it down. I could scarcely imagine what Maggie was going through and it was very interesting to read it. The story really picks up when they get to Yellowstone and the little action that is in this book starts happening. I think you have to have been to Yellowstone to fully understand this book, which I have been. The love and family connections had me reading anxiously, trying to uncover the next juicy detail.
Though you may be cautious, I really advise giving Faithful a chance. With it’s likeable characters with awesome personalities, beautiful writing that is surprisingly good for a debut, and intriguing story with twists and turns all along the bumpy road, Faithful is a great book that historical fanatics, as well as the average book lover will enjoy. I cannot wait to see where the story goes in the next book, Forgiven, even though I am happy with Faithful’s ending.
Maggie was a good protagonist. She annoyed me at times and, yes, she was stuck-up, just like Tom had said time and time again. But she narrated the story well and her personality is one that is cool to read and easy to relate to at times. The other characters in the book were a lot more likeable, however. Her family and friends and even enemies were exciting to read and all had personalities that shined whenever you read about them.
The writing in this book was fantastic. This is Fox’s debut and she obviously has great talent. Once you get adjusted into it, the writing style is easy to read and had few problems. I was never lost or confused, I always had a clear idea of what was going on. She was so descriptive and I could envision both Newportand Yellowstone perfectly.
The story, though hard to get into, was really enjoyable to read. After I got into it, I rarely wanted to put it down. I could scarcely imagine what Maggie was going through and it was very interesting to read it. The story really picks up when they get to Yellowstone and the little action that is in this book starts happening. I think you have to have been to Yellowstone to fully understand this book, which I have been. The love and family connections had me reading anxiously, trying to uncover the next juicy detail.
Though you may be cautious, I really advise giving Faithful a chance. With it’s likeable characters with awesome personalities, beautiful writing that is surprisingly good for a debut, and intriguing story with twists and turns all along the bumpy road, Faithful is a great book that historical fanatics, as well as the average book lover will enjoy. I cannot wait to see where the story goes in the next book, Forgiven, even though I am happy with Faithful’s ending.
February 8, 2014
Margaret Bennet looks forward to the summer of 1904 with anticipation and excitement for her upcoming debut into Newport society until her mother's shocking disappearance changes Maggie's world forever. Her mother was always prone to "madness" and was never like other Newport ladies of their class and Maggie has always resented her mother's odd behavior. When Maggie's father drags her off out west to Yellowstone National Park to look for her mother, Yellowstone is both beautiful and frightening for Maggie and she is anxious to find her mother and return to the life she's always known. New friends, including the geologist's handsome son Tom, and long withheld family secrets cause Maggie to question her beliefs and help her grow from a girl into a young woman. Maggie has many of the same feelings that teenage girls do today: she wants to be normal and fit in. She wants to have a good time with her friends and find a young man who loves her. Maggie whines, complains and acts spoiled and selfish for much of the book, but what makes her a sympathetic character is that she grows as a result of her experiences. The secondary characters are mostly stereotypical but I especially liked the lady photographer. This book is well-researched and the descriptions of Yellowstone are incredible and make the reader feel like they are right there in the park. The plot kept me breathless, wondering what would happen next and Maggie's journey of self-discovery is mostly good. The plot is a bit forced in places, especially when Maggie is prodded into having moments of self-discovery and the big mystery is a little hard to believe. The book is good for young teen girls but older readers may find Maggie annoying and the message a little too obvious. I liked the book though and hope Fox writes more historical fiction.
July 20, 2011
I'm a complete sucker for books like this: historical fictions where the female protagonist feels she's trapped by men and society and struggling to overcome it. I think it's mostly because I want to kick the crap out of these controlling men. I wouldn't take it from anyone if they wanted to tell me who to marry. I'm too "impulsive" for that, as they kept referring to Maggie in the book. Apparently, they didn't know "headstrong" and "stubborn" were actually the better words to describe her.
Maggie has everything she wants in Newport, Rhode Island, where she's about to make her debut into society. Then her father tells her they need to leave for the West almost immediately because they've found evidence that her missing mother may be out there. Anxious to find her, Maggie agrees, but she's upset that they have to do it so close to her debut. When she arrives in Montana, she meets the frustrating yet adorable Tom Rowland, who makes her heart beat funny. The more time she spends in Montana, the more she struggles between what she wants and who she wants to be.
I adored Maggie. She has some issues, a few fears, that make her less than perfect. But who's perfect? None of us. They made her endearing because she struggled. I loved that mix of old-fashioned ideals (debuts, marriage to a wealthy boy, fancy dresses that are totally to die for) and modern ideas (women's rights, animal protection, etc.). She pretty much embodied me...if I had been born 100 years before I actually was.
And the mysteries! They were driving me nuts! You can tell when something smells fishy, but you don't find the answers out for quite some time at times. I just wanted to figure things out as badly as she did.
Maggie has everything she wants in Newport, Rhode Island, where she's about to make her debut into society. Then her father tells her they need to leave for the West almost immediately because they've found evidence that her missing mother may be out there. Anxious to find her, Maggie agrees, but she's upset that they have to do it so close to her debut. When she arrives in Montana, she meets the frustrating yet adorable Tom Rowland, who makes her heart beat funny. The more time she spends in Montana, the more she struggles between what she wants and who she wants to be.
I adored Maggie. She has some issues, a few fears, that make her less than perfect. But who's perfect? None of us. They made her endearing because she struggled. I loved that mix of old-fashioned ideals (debuts, marriage to a wealthy boy, fancy dresses that are totally to die for) and modern ideas (women's rights, animal protection, etc.). She pretty much embodied me...if I had been born 100 years before I actually was.
And the mysteries! They were driving me nuts! You can tell when something smells fishy, but you don't find the answers out for quite some time at times. I just wanted to figure things out as badly as she did.
June 13, 2012
Billed as a romance, there's a lot more going on in FAITHFUL. Sixteen-year-old Maggie Bennet's largest preoccupation is not Tom Rowland, nor her fiance George Greybull. Instead, she is trying to decide the course of her life after her mother's death and her move to Yellowstone. While Yellowstone still has class divisions, it is much less stratified than Newport, where Maggie was raised. She's beginning to realize that she may have more options than she thought.
Historical fiction is not my favorite, but I wanted to read Janet Fox's YA debut since she's frequented my blog. (Two years later and I'm still excited that people actually read this thing.) I do like how Fox uses the setting of 1904 Montana. She does bring in historical society as well as sensory details.
Maggie makes important connections to other women. Her mother never fit into society, and Maggie was partially isolated by the gossip. But now she's working with Mrs. Gale, a widowed photographer, and trying to be friends with Kula, a servant. She's discovering hidden parts of herself that she likes and others that she's less thrilled by.
I enjoyed Maggie's voice. FAITHFUL starts slowly, as Maggie accepts other's words at face value and allows her father to control her life. But it works, as things begin to move faster once Maggie discovers the pleasure in asserting herself. She's a strong female character even if she couldn't win a fistfight.
History and animal lovers will probably enjoy FAITHFUL. Those sold on the romance between Maggie and Tom might be somewhat disappointed by the percentage of the book devoted to the relationship, but should still be satisfied because it is sweet.
Historical fiction is not my favorite, but I wanted to read Janet Fox's YA debut since she's frequented my blog. (Two years later and I'm still excited that people actually read this thing.) I do like how Fox uses the setting of 1904 Montana. She does bring in historical society as well as sensory details.
Maggie makes important connections to other women. Her mother never fit into society, and Maggie was partially isolated by the gossip. But now she's working with Mrs. Gale, a widowed photographer, and trying to be friends with Kula, a servant. She's discovering hidden parts of herself that she likes and others that she's less thrilled by.
I enjoyed Maggie's voice. FAITHFUL starts slowly, as Maggie accepts other's words at face value and allows her father to control her life. But it works, as things begin to move faster once Maggie discovers the pleasure in asserting herself. She's a strong female character even if she couldn't win a fistfight.
History and animal lovers will probably enjoy FAITHFUL. Those sold on the romance between Maggie and Tom might be somewhat disappointed by the percentage of the book devoted to the relationship, but should still be satisfied because it is sweet.
August 10, 2010
What a good story. Historical fiction is so much fun. Especially when it takes place somewhere that I've been. I was just in Yellowstone last summer and it made me want to A) go back and experience all the stuff Maggie did that I didn't get a chance to and B) look at all the pictures of I took in the park.
Sixteen-year-old Maggie was born and raised in the society of Newport, Rhode Island. Weeks before she is set to have her debut ball, Maggie's father takes her on a journey to Yellowstone National Park on a chance that her mother might have gone there instead of falling into the ocean like it was thought she did. Not long after they arrive Maggie's father tells her the truth of their journey--they are massively in debt, he's sold most everything and they are there to stay. Maggie is conflicted by her feelings of wanting to return to society and everything it can give her--status, wealth, privilege (and how it can pigeon hole her into being a wife and hostess without true love) and her new-found feelings for the desolate beauty that is Yellowstone (and young geologist and wildlife expert, Tom) and all that living in the west can offer (falling in love and being herself--and the opportunity to find out what that is).
I really enjoyed the story of Maggie and how she came to realize what she wanted out of life. I noticed that this is Faithful #1 so I'm wondering what the series entails--I couldn't fine much info on the author's website but hopefully I can read more about these people and this place.
Sixteen-year-old Maggie was born and raised in the society of Newport, Rhode Island. Weeks before she is set to have her debut ball, Maggie's father takes her on a journey to Yellowstone National Park on a chance that her mother might have gone there instead of falling into the ocean like it was thought she did. Not long after they arrive Maggie's father tells her the truth of their journey--they are massively in debt, he's sold most everything and they are there to stay. Maggie is conflicted by her feelings of wanting to return to society and everything it can give her--status, wealth, privilege (and how it can pigeon hole her into being a wife and hostess without true love) and her new-found feelings for the desolate beauty that is Yellowstone (and young geologist and wildlife expert, Tom) and all that living in the west can offer (falling in love and being herself--and the opportunity to find out what that is).
I really enjoyed the story of Maggie and how she came to realize what she wanted out of life. I noticed that this is Faithful #1 so I'm wondering what the series entails--I couldn't fine much info on the author's website but hopefully I can read more about these people and this place.
April 15, 2014
To be honest, I picked up this book because of the cover. I mean just look at it. This cover screams, “LOOK AT ME!” So wondrous yet beautiful. It’s like a picture that I can stare at for hours and wondering what is beyond the trees. Because I judged a book by the cover (GASP) I had no idea what this book was about till I actually started reading it.
Plot: I have not read a book based in the older times. You know, cowboys on horses days. It was very interesting and held me quickly. I love historical romance, so this was indeed the perfect book for me. After reading the first book I just knew I had to keep in reading. The plot had lots of drama as well as bread pieces for me to kept following. It leads to more plot twists and a read that left me giddy.
Love: Since this book is based back in the older days, romance was a bit different. I REALLY like it. Call me old fashion but I love the whole idea of actually getting to know the person vs now and days where people skip that part and go straight to be bedroom. I love the dinners, parties, and of course the time period alone.
Ending: This book carried itself beautifully. I adore the way it ended and became excited when I found out there is a second book. I really love how beautifully every word was written and how well it came together.
This is a great historical read! I have discovered another author whom I’m excited to read more books from. Faithful is a fantastic yet thrilling read. Filled with love and loss, Faithful is great.
Plot: I have not read a book based in the older times. You know, cowboys on horses days. It was very interesting and held me quickly. I love historical romance, so this was indeed the perfect book for me. After reading the first book I just knew I had to keep in reading. The plot had lots of drama as well as bread pieces for me to kept following. It leads to more plot twists and a read that left me giddy.
Love: Since this book is based back in the older days, romance was a bit different. I REALLY like it. Call me old fashion but I love the whole idea of actually getting to know the person vs now and days where people skip that part and go straight to be bedroom. I love the dinners, parties, and of course the time period alone.
Ending: This book carried itself beautifully. I adore the way it ended and became excited when I found out there is a second book. I really love how beautifully every word was written and how well it came together.
This is a great historical read! I have discovered another author whom I’m excited to read more books from. Faithful is a fantastic yet thrilling read. Filled with love and loss, Faithful is great.
May 21, 2011
I suppose one of the best things I like about books is to see good role models in strong, independent women who know what they want but are not afraid to admit that they don't when they don't. That really makes a book about women interesting to read. But reading Faithful was like standing on the very edge of Cliff Walk during the storm that washed Maggie's mother to the depths of the sea. Simply witnessing the transformation from a superficial, wavering girl into a freedom-loving, courageous woman was compelling and riveting enough to keep me rooted to the edge of the cliff despite the tumult below. And the fact that Maggie remains faithful to the people she loves and to who she wants to become helped me to see what I want to be: faithful and true to my friends, family, God, and the people who might need my time, my affection, my help, my support. The choices that meet Maggie head-on, the fearful, trembling moments that tip her off-balance and the bubbly ones where we get to watch her relationship with her passion for art (and with Tom, of course) develop, and the courage that it takes for her to pursue freedom are all packed up by Janet Fox's raw, powerful writing to shape a beautiful, core-deep story about a journey all of us girls must face someday in order to become the women we want to be.
April 19, 2011
Faithful is a eloquent, thoughtfully written historical novel set in Yellowstone National Park in it's developing years, when it was just beginning to be bulit up into a tourist-centered area. Janet Fox manages to capture Yellowstone's beauty and natural ruggedness while weaving in a graceful story of a girl stuck in the web of high society and it's many prejudices. Maggie, in the beginning is a frustratingly worldly young woman whose only thoughts are about finding the right sort of man to marry and how others perceive her. But as she leaves her home in Newport and ventures into the West she changes in ways she never could have imagined. She learns a great deal about her mother and the people in her life who made her who she was.
Romance, mystery, self-discovery-- all are presented flawlessly in Faithful. Maggie goes from a snobbish, high-society rich girl to a independant young woman who sees with new eyes that love isn't something that can be bought or sold: it must be earned. A definite must- read for history and romance fans, Faithful is a novel that will have you sighing at the last page, wishing for a chance to see Yellowstone in person, and have adventures as wild and enchanting as Maggie's.
Romance, mystery, self-discovery-- all are presented flawlessly in Faithful. Maggie goes from a snobbish, high-society rich girl to a independant young woman who sees with new eyes that love isn't something that can be bought or sold: it must be earned. A definite must- read for history and romance fans, Faithful is a novel that will have you sighing at the last page, wishing for a chance to see Yellowstone in person, and have adventures as wild and enchanting as Maggie's.
September 28, 2011
I wonder if the last few chapters would have been so fantastic if the first twenty hadn't been so tedious since they mostly consist of Maggie repeating the same things over and over...whine whine whine, where's my mama, I want go home, I'm spoiled but don't call me spoiled, I'm confused, no one tells me anything. Each chapter reminded me of the first few chapters of a babysitters club book where the whole beginning is rehashed. The plot was excellent, but developed so slow that I began to think she was just as stupid as Kula thought she was. The side characters all seemed so interesting I wanted more time spent on their background and less on Maggie's broken record of inner thoughts. If the author's writing improves a bit I'd be interested in reading books on the bandit, Maggie's mom, Kula's upbringing and why she was so nasty, or even Mrs. Gale and how she got to be so independent. The best parts were about Yellowstone with the exception of the incident with the deer...I didn't see that coming.
I'd give it 5 stars if it wasn't for the fact that I despise the main character, what does Tom see in her anyway? Though I wonder if I moved to Yellowstone could I find someone like Tom?
I'd give it 5 stars if it wasn't for the fact that I despise the main character, what does Tom see in her anyway? Though I wonder if I moved to Yellowstone could I find someone like Tom?
May 30, 2010
I live in Idaho and even though Yellowstone is not far, I've only actually been to the park once. But, that once was enough to immediately draw me to this title. I was also able to understand Maggie's draw towards the great outdoors and to the park itself. I can't imagine what the Yellowstone must have been like in the early 1900's, especially when I know how wild parts of it still are. I like Maggie. She was struggling to maintain her proper decorum while wrestling with who she could see herself becoming. There are a lot of truths that Maggie discovers along the way (about herself, her family, her mother, and even her status in society). It's amazing that she absolutely didn't crack under all she learned. I did find it a tad repetitive, but since I read an ARC it's possible the book underwent further editing before publication. It was also very predictable for me. I had almost everything pinned down before it happened (only one event truly surpised me). I still really enjoyed the story though. I was enchantment by location and circumstance. I will be looking forward to the author's future works!
April 21, 2012
This book deserves a solid 3.5 rating. I enjoyed it so much more than the companion novel Forgiven. As I read this book, it became clear why this book was better. In this novel, the author succeeded in bringing her characters to life. (I think I know some of them!) I believed their experiences and cared about what happened to them.
Why didn’t the companion novel give me the same feelings of satisfaction? In Forgiven I feel that the author had too much going on to give depth to her characters and their circumstances. The conclusions were rushed and lacked emotion. For all the twists, turns and subject matter the story needed to be longer.
However, in Faithful this was not the case. The novel was the perfect length for the story. I felt completely satisfied by the conclusions even though they were predictable. I felt the growth in the main character, and was happy to see her become a likeable human being. There were moments when I cringed, when I rolled my eyes and a few when I became teary. I am really glad that I gave the author a second chance.
Why didn’t the companion novel give me the same feelings of satisfaction? In Forgiven I feel that the author had too much going on to give depth to her characters and their circumstances. The conclusions were rushed and lacked emotion. For all the twists, turns and subject matter the story needed to be longer.
However, in Faithful this was not the case. The novel was the perfect length for the story. I felt completely satisfied by the conclusions even though they were predictable. I felt the growth in the main character, and was happy to see her become a likeable human being. There were moments when I cringed, when I rolled my eyes and a few when I became teary. I am really glad that I gave the author a second chance.
June 20, 2012
Maggie lost her mother.
To death. Or insanity. Or the waves.
Maggie isn’t sure.
And then her father suggests Yellowstone.
Which might seem illogical, except for that cryptic conversation her mother refused to have about traveling west. And for the note she left only Maggie. And for the messages from Pinkerton’s Detective Agency.
So when Papa suggests the trip out west, Maggie goes.
Even though it means risking her debut in society, her chance at seeing Edward, and possibly her future.
She goes to find her mother. Her family.
And to discover whether or not she, herself, will go insane.
Faithful is a YA historical novel set in 1904, between the strict morays of Newport high society and the early beauty of Yellowstone National Park. I enjoyed the western setting and Maggie’s various brushes with the natural dangers of Yellowstone, as she battled the equally hazardous constrictions of her own, her father’s, and society’s expectations.
To death. Or insanity. Or the waves.
Maggie isn’t sure.
And then her father suggests Yellowstone.
Which might seem illogical, except for that cryptic conversation her mother refused to have about traveling west. And for the note she left only Maggie. And for the messages from Pinkerton’s Detective Agency.
So when Papa suggests the trip out west, Maggie goes.
Even though it means risking her debut in society, her chance at seeing Edward, and possibly her future.
She goes to find her mother. Her family.
And to discover whether or not she, herself, will go insane.
Faithful is a YA historical novel set in 1904, between the strict morays of Newport high society and the early beauty of Yellowstone National Park. I enjoyed the western setting and Maggie’s various brushes with the natural dangers of Yellowstone, as she battled the equally hazardous constrictions of her own, her father’s, and society’s expectations.
September 26, 2010
This book was great! I cant say this is my favorite book, because it's not. This is a very good book though! At the beginning this book was hard to get into. Then I really got into it. This book was written in 1904 and I usually don't read books from that time period.
In this book they talked about being in the right class and marrying into an upper class to get somewhere in life. In this time women weren't really allowed to work outside of the house, and when Maggie figured out tat she wants to be a photographer her dad and the man she is ingaged to marry do not like this. She chooses to follow her heart and dreams and thats why this book is so good!
Janet Fox is an amazing author who knows how to keep you guessing. I have never read any of her books until this one and now I believe i will reall many of her books!
In this book they talked about being in the right class and marrying into an upper class to get somewhere in life. In this time women weren't really allowed to work outside of the house, and when Maggie figured out tat she wants to be a photographer her dad and the man she is ingaged to marry do not like this. She chooses to follow her heart and dreams and thats why this book is so good!
Janet Fox is an amazing author who knows how to keep you guessing. I have never read any of her books until this one and now I believe i will reall many of her books!
August 15, 2022
More like 1.9 stars. I'm so confused about this book. On one hand, the writing style is really good and the author's description of Yellowstone makes you feel like you're there (having been there myself, it brought back memories!). However, on the other hand, the main character, Margaret is absolutely despicable and I hated her through 98% of the book. She's vapid, dumb, and the main reason I don't read a lot of YA because the characters, especially young women are just written so poorly and one dimensional! This book could have definitely been a lot shorter, the mystery surrounding Margaret's mother solved earlier, and the romance picked up. But the writing style and descriptions are utterly fantastic.
July 8, 2013
I could not put this book down! Perhaps because I once lived near Yellowstone and wrote stories about this grand place, perhaps because I love (and miss Montana)... but also because the story line is so engaging! Janet Fox weaves a tapestry of family -- of love, dedication, betrayal, and forgiveness. No family is perfect and the story setting, in the midst of a beautiful yet dangerous landscape, adds to the complexity and conflict. Yet, there is redemption, something all of us yearn for. Though touted for young adults, those who enjoy historical romance will be delighted by what they discover in the pages of this book! Hats of to a wonderful Montana author!
December 28, 2016
I would give this book more like a three and a half, I think. I really enjoyed it. There were bits and pieces that could have been improved upon but overall I liked the elegant atmosphere blended with the wildly beautiful one. I suppose the reason I liked this book so much was because it had a little of all my favorite things: a girl my age as the protagonist, a love story for the hopeless romantic, a character who cared wildly about nature, mystery, elaborate images, an earlier time frame. Frankly, this book was a good read I would recommend.
April 22, 2014
16-year-old Maggie's priviledged life in Newport, in 1904, is in a free-fall, and the "why's" are a mystery to her. Everything she values and everything she believes is about to change. Terrific insight into the sensibilities of the time for young women - their debut in society and finding a wealthy husband. Today's teen girls may breathe a sigh of relief. The details of the period and of Yellowstone Park are specific and gorgeous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews