Becoming Lucy
by Martha Rogers
ISBN: 978-1-59979-912-4
Publisher: Realms a Strang Company
About Becoming LucyLucinda Bishop (Lucy) has lain both of her parents to rest and now must move West to family members in Oklahoma. But 1896 Oklahoma ranch life is far removed from the culture and society of Boston. Her aunt and uncle do their best to acclimate Lucy to her new life, though Lucy struggles with new found feelings for ranch hand Jake Starnes and longings for her former reality. Between Jake's past and Lucy's future, will she ever be able to live this new life?
My ReviewBecoming Lucy is the first novel I've ready by Martha Rogers. I found it to be a sweet book. Her characters were very likable and I enjoyed getting to know them. Lucy is uprooted from the city life she's known after her parents die and goes to live with her aunt and uncle in Oklahoma. Not one to just throw her hands up in the air, she dives into country life.
Of course country life always involves a cowboy. A cowboy with a past no less. Jake has something to hide and when sparks fly between Lucy and himself, he knows he could be in even more trouble!
Personally for me, I have such a hard time handling the thought of a 17 yr old being in the role of getting married. Lucy wasn't, but I could sense that was the direction the author might go in and it kind of tainted the story for me. This is all a personal opinion mind you. I kept telling myself that this was how it was done way back when. Having an 18 yr old daughter might taint my view on it...just a little.
Another issue I have in stories is when the 2 main characters fall in love immediately. There's no build up. In this story it seemed like there was an attempt at a build up, but you could tell that the characters were "fighting" their attraction immediately. Again, it alters my view of the story and when that happens very early on, it's hard for me to keep my perspective.
And lastly, there were definitely some cliches in the story and when they happened it kind of threw me off. One of the biggest examples is when Lucy meets Luke, the "other guy". After talking to him for a few seconds, she's analyzing the fact that there weren't sparks. I was thinking, "yeah? and?"
I realize that some of these are personal preferences in a story. I understand that readers might love the fact that the main characters find each other so early in the story. That or a girl in the 1800's is marriage material. No, she doesn't get married and she turns 18 in the story. Again, I'm the mom of an 18 yr old, and even though we don't live in the 1800's it tweaks me out.
Now, on to the good stuff. There is a strong faith that runs throughout the story. Aunt Mellie and Uncle Ben are kind to the Indian family that lives by them when many in the community are rude. They turn the other cheek when they're accused of bad things. I also love that Mellie and Ben take their role as guardian of Lucy seriously. They want to protect her heart and remind Lucy that Jake isn't a believer so there can't be a relationship. They are concerned for her heart and you can see their outpouring of love to her and their children.
I would definitely read book 2 in the Winds Across the Prairie series. It was easy to like these characters. And besides, I'm a sucker for life on a ranch!
Would you like to win
Becoming Lucy?
Tell me how you'd feel if your 18 yr old child came to you and told you they wanted to get married. *grin* I think at first I'd probably flip my lid! I would rant and rave and go on & on. Then after I let off that insanity, I'd probably laugh hysterically. There is NO WAY I'd let my kid get married at 18. Yah, Yah, Yah, they're "adults". They can't even legally drink, why in the world would I want them to enter into a life long commitment? hahahaha Good thing we're not in the 1800's. I'd ship my kid off on the next train. =)
Giveaway is open to US Residents at least 18 yrs old. Must have an email/profile contact to be entered to win. No email/contact = No entry! Giveaway ends 3/10, 10pm CST. Void where prohibited. Winner has one week to respond to the giveaway or a new winner will be chosen.
About the AuthorMartha Rogers placed her faith in Jesus Christ 65 years ago. He has seen her through her step-father's sexually abusive behavior toward her sister and brother, her own breast cancer, two mastectomies, two miscarriages, her husband's heart attack, her grandson's cystic fibrosis, and the deaths of her parents. She holds a Master's degree in education and enjoyed a 36-year teaching career. To say she's an inspiration to those of us trying to walk a faithful path is a gross understatement.
I'd like to thank Rebeca at Glass Road Public Relations for my review copy of
Becoming Lucy. As always, the opinions are specifically mine and your experience may differ.
*I have an update!! So, as part of the giveaway I stated that I would have a hard time with my 18 yr old daughter marrying...no she's not getting married, that's not even funny! A good friend came over today and her daughter, who graduated with mine started dating a boy last June. He proposed on Valentines Day!!! I nearly fell over and immediately thought of this post!! She's 19 and he's 24. He asked her parents permission and they gave it. I guess it still happens today! He proposed to her at the front of the church because he said that's where he fell in love with the Lord! How awesome is that?
"Lean to the left, Lean to the right; Stand up, Sit down; Fight fight fight"
Can I plop in a rant here while I'm at it? Has anyone noticed the Americans never sing the National Anthem? If any have, I've missed it. They take their hats of and stare at the flag as it's raised to honor the gold medal winner. When the US wins the gold medal they stand there mute. Am I that old that this disappoints me? Where's our national pride? Have you seen the Canadians? They sing with so much spirit, "O! Canada". Us, staring at the flag.
Rugby will catch anything, including snowballs!
