Monday, February 14, 2011

Book Review: These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner


These is My Words subtitled “The Diary of Sarah Anges Prine 1881 - 1901, Arizona Territories,” by Nancy E. Turner, was inspired by the Arizona author’s original family members. The novel is rich with authentic details about the early settlers of Arizona Territory.

As a sixteen year-old girl traveling to the southwest with her family, Sarah sees and endures enough harrowing action to last a lifetime, but it’s only the beginning of Sarah Prine’s amazing life. She loses beloved family members on the trail and by the time they reach their destination, exhausted, the diminished family struggles to carve out a life.

Sarah marries a neighboring homesteader and has a child, but is soon widowed. Army Captain Jack Elliott, who led the wagon train, occasionally weaves into their lives. Sarah, busy with a horse ranch her late husband started, is often overwhelmed with caring for her child, never-ending work and loneliness.

At first resisted, an enduring love eventually develops and Sarah’s life changes, though her responsibilities increase. A woman of true grit, humor and fierce determination, Sarah faces life challenges in surprising and creative ways.

The book is in the form of a journal and is a vivid historic account of Arizona pioneer life. It is the first of a three-book series and is followed by Sarah’s Quilt and The Star Garden. These is My Words, Winner in the Arizona Author Award and Finalist in the Willa Cather Literary Award, is an exceptional read.

8 comments:

Irene Bennett Brown said...

Loved,loved, loved These Is My Words. My autographed copy will be on my keeper shelf for good.
For anyone who hasn't read this book, don't miss it. Nancy's book's are excellent.

Kathleen Ernst said...

Thanks for spotlighting a winner!

Heidiwriter said...

This does sound like a series I need to add to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing, Mary.

Jean Henry Mead said...

Thanks for bringing Nancy's book to my attention, Mary. It's certianly on my to-read lsit.

Arletta Dawdy said...

Nancy's book is a winner in many ways, especially for the heart and grit she shows in her lead character.

Terri McIntyre said...

Thanks, Mary, for the recommendation of what looks to be a fine read. I just downloaded it to my Kindle and plan to start reading it this weekend.

Eunice Boeve said...

I love these books of Nancy Turner's. I've read all three.

Terri McIntyre said...

Adding here that I finished reading These Is My Words by Turner and it's now among my favorites. What a story; what a writer! I'm an Arizonan since 1957 and loved reading about places I know so well, but most of all I love the main character. I feel changed for the better after reading this wonderful story.