My sister in law told me for months that I should read These is My Words, and I only finally did because it was my book club book for June. I don’t know why I was hesitant – I think maybe the title had something to do with it. But I just finished it and I’m ready to turn back to page 1 and read it again.
The main male and female characters are two of my all time favorites. Sarah Prine is the strongest woman I have ever met and Jack Elliot? What a man! More than the story line, it’s these characters that make this book so incredible.
The time period is the late 1800s in the Territories and Sarah is strong and independent without even the tiniest chip on her shoulder. I think strength and independence in women now means they don’t want any man doing anything for them that they can do for themselves, and Sarah is not like that at all. She does what she has to, endures so much hardship, works her fingers to the bone, prides herself on her independence and strength, but is not threatened by her husband. She needs him around to do “man things” and that doesn’t take away from her independence in the least.
Jack Elliot should be People magazine’s SEXIEST MAN EVER. So sweet and tough and gentle and ornery and handsome. What a dream…
The first little bit is very sad and somewhat disturbing, but keep reading because all the horrible things that Sarah endures are balanced out by equally glorious and happy times. And that’s just life – Bad things happen but you have to keep moving.
If you haven’t read this yet, do it now! Buy it too so you can mark all your favorite parts to reread later… Thank you Nancy Turner for this book. It is a treasure for sure.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I read this book a couple of years ago for my book club and LOVED it. In fact I’ve been searching for my book for a few months so I could read it again and decided to check it out of the library and saw that it was offered on CD so checked those out. It has been fun to listen to it in her voice. the 2nd and 3rd books are good too but the 1st one will always be my favorite.
I love this book.. Such a great book to read
Hmmm. Thanks! Will check it out. Lately all I’ve been reading are things like Harry Potter, maybe this will be the book I’m not too embarrassed to take out of the house!
Thanks for sharing…my eyes are looking out for this one.
I did love this book, and I’m a sucker for romance (which you know.) I was really worried about husband #1 and how Jack would fit into the picture again, but it worked out bea-u-ti-fully. This is definitely something I would read again.
I loved this book. I read it in the hospital and it was such a great escape. I’m too afraid to read the sequels….
Missy, I felt the same way. I didn’t think it would end up happening like it did, but I was glad! And Bethany, I don’t think I’ll read the others either. I just love this book and don’t want to be disappointed!
Thanks for the book review. I’ve heard about this book, but I think I misunderstood the plot line. Like you the title of the book has put me off….now I’m going to add it to my ‘to read” list.
Looking for a book to read – I think I will search our local library website and see if it is available. Sarah sounds like a good role model.
Oh, I’m adding this to my book list!! Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for recommending this book. I just finished it last night and loved it. I was so pleased to discover there are 2 sequels and am waiting for the next book from the library.