The Measure of Katie Calloway, Book review

Book description:

The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway's Georgia home, conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a north woods lumber camp. The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love.

With grace and skill, Serena Miller brings to life a bygone era. From the ethereal, snowy forest and the rowdy shanty boys to the warm cookstove and mouth-watering apple pie, every detail is perfectly rendered, transporting you to a time of danger and romance.

My review:

Should the above description not entice you yet enough, read the following recommendations of 2 authors whose research and writing skills I always appreciate!

"With fascinating historical detail and heartfelt characters, The Measure of Katie Calloway captivated me from the very first line. Great storytelling, coupled with a unique north woods setting, will carry your heart from one vivid scene to the next. Miller writes the kind of rich historical fiction I love--with a plethora of romantic twists and turns to keep you reading far into the night. Not to be missed!"--Laura Frantz, author of The Colonel's Lady

"Serena Miller's charming characters leap off the pages and straight into your heart, and her setting feels so real you'll wonder why you don't hear trees falling in the forest and bacon sizzling on the woodstove."--Emilie Richards, author of Sunset Bridge

The Measure of Katie Calloway is certain to grab you from the first! If like me you seek adventure (and a touch of romance) whilst just sitting by the fire with a cuppa, you are sure to enjoy this historical fiction!

Serena B. Miller is an amazing storyteller and her story is so realistic in its intricate details, you will smell the aroma of her heroine's meatpies and the wonderful scent of the pine boughs slipped under her trestle bed! 

Not unlike Serena I have many times over witnessed startling photos of logging on the nearby peninsula. This is afterall Washington State and logging has been a vital part of the economy. It is not unusual to see on the walls of shoppes, ferry docks or even the postal service's, photos of time gone by with logging camps, stern shanty boys faces, sometime a camp follower be it woman or children near a cabin hastily erected for the season.

These men (and women) lived in often primitive conditions to earn a decent wage, returning to their family's holdings with enough money to hang on until the next season, only to come back once again for the next harvest. Some however as Serena describes so well spend it all in a matter of a few weeks!

'The measure of Katie Calloway' is a fascinating tale of one woman's courage in the face of adversity, the men who logged and lived in the wild of Michigan in the 1800's and their endurance when pitted against Mother Nature and harsh working conditions!

Rich with historical details and certain to transport any reader in a by gone era, this superbly written Christian novel will captivate any romantic soul! Each chapter starts with a portion of shanty songs long forgotten I wager, yet revealing much about a life by any standards rough and often unforgiving. For a special touch you will even discover shanty boys have a language of their own!

The measure of Katie Calloway is a heartfelt story you will enjoy reading as you discover the true measure of its heroine and the shanty boys that becomes part of her life!

I give this one 5 stars!

About the author:

Serena B. Miller is the author of Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio, as well as numerous articles for periodicals such as Woman's World, Guideposts, Reader's Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and more. 

To read more about this author check out her website (here)

I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.