It's been awhile since I've had the privilege of reading a Francine Rivers novel.
This is a historical fiction, set in the gold rush days, in California.
Kathryn Walsh is evicted from her Boston home, and sent to claim the inheritance left her by her uncle upon his death.
Arriving in Calvada, she discovers a small mining town that was not at all what she was expecting.
The town folk soon realize that Kathryn is not who they would expect a spoiled rich girl to be, either.
This story has lots going for it, and a lot of action.
I enjoyed it, but it is not Francine Rivers' best work.
Parts of the story felt a bit draggy, and then some other parts everything happened almost too quickly.


In conclusion, if you enjoy historical fiction, then I recommend you read it.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

LOVE love this author, love this book!!

Travel back to 1875, a young lady banished to a mining town will enthrall you.
I immediately became immersed in this book, I could not stop reading!

I want more of this author, more of these characters!!

First sentence: Bleary-eyed and aching, Kathryn braced herself again as the stagecoach rattled over a stretch of rough road.

Francine Rivers' newest novel is a historical romance novel set in the mining boomtown of Calvada, California. Kathryn Walsh, our heroine, is new to town--just stepped off the stagecoach NEW to town. She's recently inherited the property--what there is of it--of her uncle City (C.T?) Walsh. That property includes a newspaper and a mine. (The newspaper office has a few private rooms she can stay in. And of course she's all about starting the newspaper back up as soon as possible.) But City was murdered. And perhaps just perhaps the newspaper (or rather something he printed or was about to print) or mine (or both) might be the why. As she settles into this wild-west town that is more lawless than lawful, she sets out to rectify just about everything...all on her own...and in her own way...on her own time.

Matthias Beck, our hero, sees that Kathryn is a bit reckless. The way he sees it is she's from a big, big city (Boston) and from a privileged socialite background. What does she know about the dangers of day to day life in the wild west. Dangers from men, yes, drunk or not. But also dangers from the elements and surroundings. And Kathryn, well, it isn't just that she won't listen to Matthias, she has a specific disliking to his advice but she's open to the advice of others, she doesn't want to listen to anybody. Men. Women. Old. Young. No matter the experience or background, Kathryn doesn't need ANY help, ANY advice, ANY interference.

Fortunately for Kathryn, she's the star of a Francine Rivers novel and not a Mary Connealy one. I can only imagine that Mary Connealy would pack in 900 close-call near-death melodramatic experiences in this one. Kathryn wouldn't stand a chance. Now, she would probably remain just as fiercely independent and stubborn and feisty. But she'd prove on every single page that she NEEDS a man to rescue her.

Both Matthias and Kathryn want the absolute best for Calvada. And both realize that would mean a complete transformation and reformation. It would be WORK, WORK, WORK, WORK, and more work. It would be an uphill task. Most people wouldn't even consider it. But they almost challenge each other out of pure spite and stubbornness to hold onto the vision that most people can't believe in.

I predicted a huge, major plot twist early on...like within the first chapter or two. I just *knew* how one element would play out. I even told my Mom. I was right. It did take the majority of the novel to get there. And at times I doubted my instincts. Maybe I was reading too much into it. I don't know if other readers will be quick to predict this plot twist or not.

There were moments this book drove me crazy. Kathryn's recklessness was irritating. Part of me was like, everybody needs help now and then. You don't know just how much you don't know. And you're really risking your life by being so stubborn. But none of her "risks" turned out to be all that risky in the great scheme of things. (Again, Connealy would have been a whole other story).

I definitely started to enjoy and appreciate this book more in the second half. By the end, I was swept up in the story. It did take me a while to warm up to the characters...

A highly anticipated read. Francine Rivers is my favorite Christian author. This book was a bit on longer sids but transported me to old west California and I really enjoyed it. I like the protagonist and appreciated her independent spirit. Thanks NetGallery!!!

I love Francine Rivers and the way she writes such compelling stories and this one is no exception. I was thrilled to see she had a new novel out. If you loved her other books, you will love this one

I love reading Francine River's books and this one was a breeze to read through. It help my attention from the beginning.

I loved Kathryn. She was impetuous and determined and willing to give people a chance. She also was determined to tell it like it is and would willingly walk into disastrous situations with boldness, though fear was present at times.

Of course, there was a hero too, and at first glimpse, he seems an unlikely hero. He's a bit cocky, over confident and free with his words and actions, but there was redemption in his story as well.

If you put these two personalities together, you can imagine the fights that resulted. It made for interesting reading even if it didn't feel too terribly realistic. I raced through the book, reading it in about four days, but it was one of those books I would pick up and read again.

The book was fairly predictable and the ending was pretty much exactly what you expected, but it the action and conversations along the way were fun to read.

I received this book from Tyndale via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed were my own.

Francine Rivers is one of the most talented writers I’ve come across. I loved that she made Katherine a strong woman with a heart to do the right thing, no matter the cost. I thoroughly enjoyed this love story!!

The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers

Miss Kathryn Walsh from Boston lands in Calvada, a rough and tumble mining town. She is there to collect her uncle’s inheritance. Even though this town is not what she thought she was coming to find, she decides to stay. Mattias Beck, a saloon owner and leading citizen somehow feels responsible for her. They butt heads on many occasions. Kathryn insists on doing what she sees as right while Mattias tries to protect her. Only time will tell if Kathryn will live long enough to make a difference in the town that is both fascinated and aggravated by her.
Francine Rivers creates some remarkable characters. I found myself surprised by their actions and never being quite sure what they would do next. The plot, though a bit predictable, kept me reading. The setting, a western mining town, was interesting to read about. It made me think what life would be like in such a place at such a time.
Westerns or romances are not my preferred genre, but I enjoyed this book. Francine Rivers’ fans will find much to enjoy. I am grateful to the publisher for a copy to read in exchange for this, my honest review.

It’s been a while since I have read a book written by Francine Rivers so I was delighted when I got the opportunity to read and review The Lady’s Mine. Her descriptions of the scenery and characters are entertaining and enjoyable because you never know what is going to happen next. The book contains humor, some romance and a twist that I never imagined and will also keep your attention.

I found this book to be well written and I recommend it. I was also given a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest opinion and review.

I was so excited when Francine River's newest book came out. I put it on my Kindle as soon as possible. But I found myself putting off reading it. While I have loved each and every book that she has written they usually contain serious and even heavy emotional material.

I don't know about you, but at our house it's been a long two years and I just wasn't in the frame of mind to read something heavy. Then one day I read a blog post by Francine Rivers about The Lady's Mine. In the post she talks about all of us coming out of a heavy season and her desire to write something lighter that we could all find enjoyment in.

With that information I decided to take a chance and give it a read. I'm so glad I did. It was a delightful story about a rugged man and a feisty woman who find themselves at odds about most things but also drawn together about the important things. The title is a clever double meaning and it was just the escape that I needed. If you enjoy a good historical romance give this one a shot.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

I am a huge fan of Redeeming Love so naturally I was excited for this title to be released. I enjoyed it. I felt like it didn't hit me as much as her other titles, it was a little bit like a Hallmark movie for me. I had a hard time wanting to go back to it and finish, sort of boring and too predictable. But fans will love it!

I have been wanting to read The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers since I heard it was coming out. I have to admit, I was a little nervous because this time period is not my favorite, but I shouldn’t have been because, well, it’s Francine Rivers! Lol. I ended up really enjoying this story and I highly recommend it.

I loved Matthias. He was so charming and the perfect partner for Kathryn. While I have to admit that Kathryn was a bit stubborn at times, I still really liked her because she had such a heart to help people and she stood up for what was right. I loved all of the secondary characters in this story and would love to see one or two get their own story.

Francine Rivers is definitely one of my favorite authors. All of her books are on my keeper shelf. I just wish she’d write faster!

Exiled by her stepfather to Calvada, California, Kathryn Walsh, Boston born and bred, has to decide if she is going to flee the odorous, lawless, male-dominated mining town or embrace whatever God has for her there. An outspoken advocate for justice and women's rights, that being what brought about her exile, seeing a man punched, dumped into a horse trough, and then shoved up and down in the water moments after she arrived may have spoken to her sense of justice and contributed to Kathryn's decision to stay. Matthias Beck, saloon and hotel owner as well as the man meting out the punches and dunking, is inspired by Kathryn's spunk as she takes over her deceased uncle's newspaper, but worries about her as she also takes on the town's richest resident, some local merchants, and a group of disgruntled minors.

In The Lady's Mine Francine Rivers explores the themes of making a difference in one's community, something as relevant today as it was in an 1870s silver mining community. Related themes of putting others first, and following one's conscience are also still quite relevant to today's society, and something we should embrace. I really enjoyed Kathryn and Matthias' story and the way that the author explored these deep themes. I highly recommend The Lady's Mine to fans of historical fiction as well as this author who never disappoints.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This novel reminds me of a TV series titled, “When the Heart Calls” it too takes place in a mining town, you get to know the people and see how the town grows, how they deal with loss and how they get the courage to rebuild. These are all the elements in this novel and much more.

I was immediately drawn to Kathryn Walsh and her situation in 1875. She was banished to Calvada mining town by her stepfather. Her mother and father didn’t know what to do with her outspoken, unladylike ways. She was there to claim her inheritance, which turned out to not be much of anything.

When the stagecoach pulls into town, she draws a lot of attention. There weren’t many ladies in this mining town. The local saloon/hotel owner Matthias Beck makes a point to introduce himself to her as he was a close friend of her uncle C.T. Walsh. Kathryn reminded him of his friend, a redhead, feisty and not afraid of doing the right thing, no matter the cost.

I enjoyed walking along with Kathryn as she learns about her uncle, deals with busy bodies, and makes her own way in this mining town. I enjoyed this story, the characters, and their grapple with allowing the Lord to have a say in their lives.

This book is a delightful read, it’s fun, humorous, different, lighthearted, has a mystery to solve, with quirky and loveable characters I enjoyed hanging out with. I missed the author’s usual deep spiritual thread that is natural and not preachy. But you don’t want to miss this novel, it’s a great escape into days gone by. It makes you appreciate the time we are living in.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Francine Rivers has created a wonderfully crafted story of a young women exiled from her Bostonian family to the wilds of California mining country. Her stepfather seeks to be rid of her by sending her to claim an inheritance from an Uncle she never met. When Katherine steps off the stage she is determined to make things work even though she has no idea what she has gotten herself into. Her spunk and upright backbone gets her noticed by the local saloon owner as soon as she arrives. This town had never seen a lady or ever expected one to come live there. The game's afoot so to speak and the story is a beautiful interwoven Christian tale of perseverance, stubbornness, hardships, respect and love. The story is delightful and the reader will laugh, cry and get frustrated with the characters blindness and stubbornness and grit and courage and passions. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It would be enjoyed by those who like love stories, westerns, women's rights and friendship stories. This was a fabulous read!!!

Banished from Boston by her wealthy stepfather, Kathryn Walsh travels to Calvada in the Sierras to claim an inheritance from the uncle she never knew: a defunct newspaper office on the main street overflowing with brothels and saloons, and a seemingly worthless mine. Moved by the oppression of the local miners and their families, Kathryn decides to relaunch her uncle's newspaper. She intends to publish--whatever she pleases, especially when she knows she's right. Matthias Beck, the owner of a local saloon and hotel, has a special interest in the new lady in town. He instantly recognizes C. T. Walsh's same tenacity in the beautiful and outspoken redhead--and knows all too well how dangerous that family trait can be.

This was a fun read! Kathryn Walsh is an interesting character. Like other women of her time, she was branded a troublemaker for seeking better rights for women and not fitting into the "stereotypical good girl" role. The likeable small-town characters delivered on the comedy and plot progression, which makes the novel "un-put-downable". While it is slightly different from Rivers' typical style, it does still deliver on comedy and twists. If you are in the mood for an old-fashioned, realistic and light-hearted read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this new novel from Rivers. For anyone expecting deep theological truths, this is probably not the book for you. But if you enjoy historical romance, it's a well-plotted fun romp through the west.

This enemies-to-lovers romance set in a California mining town is the sweet little gold rush love story I've been craving since reading "Redeeming Love." It will satisfy your craving for more Francine Rivers soulmate drama and sexual tension.

While it doesn't quite reach the epic brilliance of "Redeeming Love," the story of how Matthias and Katherine fall in love with each other and change their community is an uplifting and engrossing read. It has heroes you love to root for, villains you hope can be redeemed and a richly populated wild west setting.

The ending seemed a little abrupt to me, like not a natural stopping point? It was a little rushed, I wasn't ready to let go yet with the town in shambles after a disaster. I wanted to stay for the cleanup. You do get a quick epilogue with bare facts about the character's futures.

Not sure what else to say, if you like Francine Rivers other books or sweet western romances, this is right up your alley. Thanks to Netgalley & Tyndale House for the lovely ARC.

Francine Rivers has returned to her earlier historical romances, and this book did not disappoint. If I could have given it higher than a 5, I would have.

Kathryn is a woman from a wealthy Bostonian family but ahead of her time and speaks her own mind. After being kicked out of 3 boarding schools and speaking out as a suffragette, her stepfather has had enough. He gives her a train ticket and some money and sends her out to California to settle her uncle's estate. Little does she know that the mining town of Calvata will change her life forever.
Matthias Beck, owner of one of Calvata's saloons as well as a hotel, knows he's in trouble the minute that Kathryn steps off the stage in her fancy clothes and amazing beauty.

This book was so well written with a hint of mystery, a touch of humor, and sparkling with a one-sided romance that ends with a bet. Both Matthias and Kathryn were wonderful, realistic characters full of wit and flaws. Kathryn's grit and determination to hold her own place in life as well as better the town of Calvatta along with Matthias' desire to improve the town that would only die if the mines played out made them a perfect team. Throw in Morgan Smith a much needed villain in an old west romance novel, along with hard-done-by mining widows, a few ladies of the night and the cast was marvelous.

Another well done historical romance by Francine Rivers.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

It is very hard to impress me with Christian fiction now, but Francine Rivers did not disappoint. I loved this story. The characters are well developed, and the mystery and history are excellent. The best part is how she cultivated the themes of women's suffrage, independence and other social justice issues very carefully and in doing so they make an impact in the story. This is excellent and I highly recommend it.