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Sunday, May 6, 2012
The Shadow Catcher's Daughter by Carla Olson Gade
This book is a debut, but it reads like a literary journey by an experienced guide. Set in 1875 chronicling the Four Corners survey into the unspoiled territories of the American West, this historical romance depicts young love amid racial tensions and the rugged beauty of a wild time and place.
Yiska Wilcox is half Navajo, half white, torn between two worlds who don't fully accept him, until he meets John Van Horn and his lovely daughter Eliana. The Van Horns are preparing for an expedition to photograph the west when circumstances literally throw them together with Yiska. Eliana and the young man's friendship is immediate and genuine, and soon they realize their interests and talents compliment one another. As attraction builds between them, it seems that one obstacle after another stands in their way. Both have secrets, and societal prejudices to overcome.
Can she be taken seriously as a woman in a man-dominated world? Can her dreams of following her father's footsteps as a professional photographer ever be realized? Will a white society allow Yiska a place of respect, and acknowledge his upstanding character and God-given talents? Can love survive between people of two different backgrounds, or can faith and divine providence bridge the gap?
These story questions kept me turning the pages to find out how these lovely and worthy characters find their happily ever after. I enjoyed every minute spent in this historic setting, vivid with wonderful details and obviously well researched. Expect big things from this author!
In fact, Carla has a question for you. "What is your favorite period in history and why?" Leave a comment and you will be entered to win a copy of The Shadow Catcher's Daughter. US and Canada entrants only, please. Winner to be announced Friday, May 11 at 7 PM Eastern.
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Hey Carla and Kathy! Great review, my friend. Wow Carla that is a tough question. I'd have to say that the 1870's and 1880's are my favorite. Why? Well, I think because they were on the brink of a changing world, yet still had so much of the old ways still alive.
ReplyDeleteMmm, good answer, Debbie Lynne! It was an interesting time period then and on the cusp of so much new technology, industry, etc. as far as transportation, communication, expansion and all that. I don't think our country has been the same since. If I had to pick an period that was like a portal to the future of our country I think I might say that very time frame.
Deletegreat inteview.The Shadow Catcher's Daughter sounds wonderful.The 19th century.please enter me.thank you.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.
DeleteGreat minds think alike, Carla. ;o)
Deletea great inteview/posting...thanks for the chance to read this beautiful story...i enjoy reading historical fiction set in the 1800s.
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Hi Karen, Thank you for stopping by. The 19th century has so much fodder for great historical fiction. I hope you'll enjoy reading The Shadow Catcher's Daughter.
DeleteEnjoyed reading the comments
ReplyDeleteMy favorite time period was the opening of the West in America. I would have loved to go on the Lewis and Clarke expedition
JOYE
JWIsley@aol.com
What an exciting time that must have been, indeed!
DeleteWHOO-HOO, Carla, your debut at last -- I'm excited for you, girl!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite time period is 1916 through 1932, obviously, because that is the time period I picked for my Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series, and I simply fell in love with it.
Thanks for the peek at Carla's new book, Kathleen!
Hugs,
Julie
Thank you, Julie! That is a fascinating time period that you enjoy. Lots of change going on in our country then. I love Boston, grew up 30 mins. from there.
DeleteThanks everybody, for stopping by. I'll answer Carla's question, too. I am intrigued by the American Civil War, the whole chivalry thing, with belles and hoop skirts, carriages and horses. I dream of a generation that still reverenced the Bible and gave honest physical labor to provide for their families. People interacted face to face, and a man's word was his bond and seal.
ReplyDeleteKathy, I know you love the Civil War era. My Mom and I are going going to a Civil War period fashion show this Sat. in Hinkley, ME. Wish you could come. I'll be sure to take some pics!
DeleteThank you so much for having me on your blog, and to all of you visiting!
Deeply jealous, in a very good way. ;)
DeleteTake lots of pictures.
this post is for Doug, who tried to comment but it got lost in moderation. Sorry Doug!
ReplyDeleteI have always enjoyed the Colonial period up through the Civil War because of the cultural/political dynamics that fuels the events of those days. The contrasting and polarizing opinions alongside the endless interpersonal relationship possibilities creates a great landscape on which to weave a story.
Though my writing was set a century later, it was the events and attitudes of these earlier forefathers that set the tone for my tales.
Doug
tibiasivory@wideopenwest.com
Doug, I am enthralled with the Colonial period. And it is so true what you said about that period through the Civil War with all the contrasts and conflict. Makes great historical fiction and as a history buff I enjoy learning all that I can about the early days of our country.
DeleteThe 19th century would be my favorite to read about. I wonder how I would have made it then. It some ways life was much simpler, but in some ways it definitely wasn't.
ReplyDeleteLadette
ladettek[at]gmail[dot]com
That's so true, Ladette. We have this myth of nostalgia that things were so romantic then, and in some ways they were, but there were so many hardships that I don't think many of us would have the fortitude to endure if we took that step back into time. It would be fun to try! ;)
ReplyDeleteJust stopped in to say "Congrats" again on this new release, Carla. I do not need to be in the drawing because your lovely book arrived in my mailbox! Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteSuch interesting topics covered in this book. I'm intrigued. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for time periods...that is a hard question. It's really what I'm in the mood for, but if I have to give an answer I will say I do love Scottish Historicals.
katylee (at) katyleebooks (dot) com
This book sounds interesting. Congrats Carla on your debut!
ReplyDeleteAlthough stories that take place in the 1800's are my favorite reads I don't think I'd like to live during the time period. It was just too difficult. I'd prefer the early 1900's. There were conveniences but life was less complicated and moved more slowly.
www.bonnieleon.com
This book sounds wonderful. I love books based on the Civil War. Your review was wonderful! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNancee
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net
I think my favorite period in history is any time in the 1800's. Things seemed so pure and simple back then as well a values and morals of people who were so hard working most always agreeing on things with a simple hand shake. We have so much to learn from the past that should be passed on to others. I'd love a receive this gift of talent from you Carla, thank you so much for your gift of giving.
ReplyDeleteBobbe
oceanpearl@q.com
i love the late 1800's i love readong about how the people travel and make new lives.
ReplyDeletepat tippitt cowans
Enjoyed the review, I look forward to reading this book!
ReplyDeletePat Cochran
p-cochran@juno.com
Hello, everyone. Thank you all for sharing this special week as we celebrated Carla's debut book. I have drawn a winner through Random.org for The Shadow Catcher's Daughter, and congratulations go out to Ladette
ReplyDeleteladettek[at]gmail[dot]com.
You will be receiving an email shortly to notify you of your win.
Once again, thanks to all who came and commented. I appreciate all of you!
Thank you so much Kathleen!! I am really looking forward to reading this book. :)
ReplyDelete