Prairie River #1: A Journey Of Faith

A Journey of Faith is, like my title, a book to remember. I just loved it. It's a very unique blend of a girl striving to survive and to seem older than her fourteen years, but also can't let go of her childhood. It's about a determined, but not headstrong orphan girl named Vanessa/Nessa, and she is running away from marrying a bland old preacher, Pastor McDuff. She settles in Prairie River, somewhere out west (this is 1865, ya know, after the Civil War and Lincoln's assasination) and meets rivals and friends, is blamed and rewarded, and the contrasting doesn't make you confused, mind you. You read this book. Promise? (I sound like a grandma, but read it anyway. You'll be glad you listened to me if you do.)

I love this book so much i have also read number 2 and loved it as much and i am goning to 3 and 4 very so i can't this seiris is so touching and heart warming i have cryed every time i red it.

The year is 1865. The Civil War is just ending, President Abraham Lincoln has just been assassinated, and orphan Vanessa (Nessa) Clemens is just about to celebrate her 14th bithday. Meaning that she will be forced to leave the orphanage that has been her home for so many years, albeit, not the best home, and marry Reverend McDuff. Reverend McDuff is a kind enough man, but is so much older than Nessa, not to mention that he's extremely boring, and he has no desire for children, as Nessa does. So, as opposed to marrying Reverend McDuff, like she is supposed to, she plans to escape from Missouri, and head for Prairie River, Kansas, a fairly new town where Nessa is hoping to finally start over. Once there, Nessa is unsure of whether she made the right decision or not. She is broke, has nowhere to stay, has no friends or family, and is treated unkindly by many of the townspeople, as they don't trust a newcomer with no family. Nessa is now finding that she must rely on herself, her courage, and her faith, or she will never be able to survive in this new land.Kristiana Gregory has done an amazing job with this new historical fiction series. Nessa is a spirited character, who is head-strong, brave, and kind to all, even those who are unkind to her. She gives the reader the strength and determination to achieve anything they set their mind too, whether a feat big or small. Her story is inspiring, and should be well-received by anyone who has enjoyed the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and the MANDIE book series by Lois Gladys Leppard, as PRAIRIE RIVER features many Christian undertones. I look forward to reading A GRATEFUL HARVEST, which is the next installment in this wonderful new series. Don't miss this book, as it is sure to capture the hearts of all, young and old.Erika Sorocco

First of all I just want to say that I loved this book and so did my 11 year old daughter. Nessa the main character is absolutely loveable......this is a book everyone in your family can feel comfortable reading! The story is action packed...you never know whats around the next corner for Nessa. Its historically accurate and its actually a complex plot with intricate relationships. I can't wait for the next Prairie River book!

This was a wonderful book about frontier and pioneer life. It kept me reading and I finished it in one day. But then again, Kristiana Gregory is a wonderful author and that's what I expected from this book. I noticed the other reviewer gave it 4 stars because it leaves you hanging. Well, there is a sequel so don't miss that. It's called A Greatful Harvest.