The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers has a different feel to it than her other books. It is more light-hearted and fun but still covers some more serious topics. I loved the story of Kathryn’s independent nature and how she stuck to her principles and beliefs. She was a strong heroine and met her match in Matthias. The secondary characters in this book are well-developed and add a lot to the story. Fun read!

Kathryn has been sent away from Boston by her stepfather for the crime of being a suffragist. Her mother, occupied with her new life, signs over a small inheritance from Kathryn's late uncle, whom Kathryn has never met. She ends up inheriting a newspaper office and a printing press in a rough western mining town. She also becomes the owner of her uncle's mine, which is said to be worthless. Upon arrival, she is shocked to discover that her uncle was murdered, and eventually begins to try and unravel that mystery.

Oh, what a well-woven story by Francine Rivers! The Lady's Mine has it all. It's a historical romantic mystery with wonderfully complex characters and a plot that catches you from the beginning and does not let you go. Rivers does an amazing job of showing the reader the imperfections of the town, which has no order of law, but plenty of saloons and a brothel. There is a definite theme of not judging others by first appearance, or by what society may think about them. This is an enjoyable and captivating novel, as I have come to expect from this author.

I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

I’m a huge fan of Francine Rivers and I was so excited to read this one. The story takes place in a small mining town in the year 1870. A fiery redhead seeks her inheritance and meets her match with the saloon owner! A great historical romance that had likable characters and a strong heroine. I saw people with faith and many who didn’t. I really enjoyed this and can’t imagine living during this time as a women. They had so few choices and or rights. I loved Matthias and how he pursued Kate. Francine Rivers continues to write wonderful inspirational stories that always center on our God.
Thanks Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley.

Great historical romance. Katherine is a woman after my own heart. Not sure if that’s a good thing or bad thing lol! I thought it was beautifully written, like all Rivers’ books. After reading this I have a new appreciation for the women in the 1800’s. I don’t know how they do it! Also love Matthias.

Francine Rivers has to be one of my all time favorite authors and she has knocked it out of the park with this latest book The Lady's Mine. The characters of Kathryn and Matthias are fun, quirky and well rounded. I felt like I was back in the tiny mining town of Calvada, where the book is set.

Kathryn shows up in Calvada having been asked to leave Boston by her step-father. She inherits an old mine and printing press, and is determined to make a new life for herself. When she arrives, Kathryn immediately makes waves and catches the attention of every bachelor in town, especially the two most powerful men.

When Kathryn decides to start up the newspaper again, she uncovers some secrets that could mean trouble. This is a great story of determination, love and redemption that ultimately shapes the future of Calvada.

I highly recommend The Lady's Mine. It was entertaining and captivating from beginning to end.

This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.

“Courage could be reckless, and recklessness brought consequences.”

I just went and saw the movie adaptation for Francine River’s most famous book, Redeeming Love. It was fitting then to see this book coming out this year as it also takes place in California’s gold country in the late 1800s.

The setting is the same, but this story is much different. It is a much more lighthearted tale.

This aptly and cleverly titled historical fiction/romance novel follows Kathryn Walsh, sent away from her wealthy stepfather and mother for ‘disturbing their peace’ to make a living in California with the inheritance she received from her uncle. Walsh, adamant about never getting married, gets to her destination of Calvada and meets Matthias Beck who quickly becomes determined to marry her… same as every other mining bachelor in the town.

‘The lady’s mine,’ he tells another suitor.

The second plot thread woven into this title is the aforementioned inheritance which includes a claim to a mine everyone in town assumes is worthless. Kathryn hopes there is more to the mine than meets the eye and that she can use it to help boost the economy and living conditions in the town.

This book has a lot going on!

There is Walsh’s adventure in finding a marketable trade and determination to revamp the newspaper her uncle had run and all the dangers that come with printing unpopular truths.

There is Walsh’s courage and fire in promoting women’s rights and her attempts to help the other women in Calvada in a variety of circumstances, from miner’s widows to brothel workers to abused wives to young single women just arriving in town.

There are the murders of two men in the town— one of which was her uncle from whom she received the inheritance— and what had led to the crimes. Why would someone kill her uncle? Are the two murders connected?

There is the community aspect of what goes into making a mining boom-town prosper and survive during this harsh and unpredictable time period and location. It’s about how one person can impact an entire community for the better or the worse.

And of course, there is the romance that develops between Kathryn and Matthias as he strives to win her obstinate heart and keep her safe as her courage takes her into reckless territory!

Honestly, I feel like this would make a good TV series. I’ve never seen When Calls the Heart, so this could be completely off-base, but it seems like it might be in a similar vein. Unless that show doesn’t have murders, in which case this would be more intense and mysterious.

Knowing the first-wave feminists fought for the right to vote to also promote prohibition, it was interesting to see where Rivers was going to go with Walsh’s strong beliefs in a town that was so centered around saloons and how that affected the women and families of the miners who frequented them.

Kathryn refused to marry because she had seen so many women lose their rights, their property, their voice when they became someone’s wife. I thought Rivers did a good job of promoting proper women’s rights while still maintaining the benefits and goodness of marriage and upholding the high value the Bible attributes to women.

Rivers includes a portion that talks about mishandled Scriptures involving women’s submission and their role in the church and the home. I liked how Kathryn did her own answer searching in the Bible and discovered what is true. There was definitely more to be considered in this discussion but a novel isn’t really the place for that. What was included felt sufficient.

One observation I’ll make here is that in both this and Redeeming Love there is a man who is determined to marry the woman. And I could see some thinking, ‘Uh, they’re a little pushy, leave the gal alone!’

But with Redeeming Love she is depicting the relentless pursuit of God for us when we push him away believing ourselves to be worthless and too unclean for him to love us.

In The Lady’s Mine Matthias is a bit pushy, but Kathryn has feelings for him that she’s trying to deny and he can tell. There are definitely some other pushy males in the book but they’re sketch and we are right to tell them to back off! Matthias is the type of man that would be a husband who would help his wife thrive, not try to suppress or control her. So we root for them.

I’ve said this before— romance is not my typical go-to genre, but I enjoyed this book. I liked the historical setting. I felt invested and engaged in the story and was able to visualize the world Rivers created. I also thought the Christian romance aspect of it was tastefully done and not too cheesy.

Rivers is good at depicting hard realities and passion without being graphic or using swear words. I’m glad for that.

If you’ve already read Francine Rivers and like her other books, I think you’ll like this.

If you’ve never read Francine Rivers but enjoy historical fiction and/or romance novels, I think you should give it a try!

[Sidenote: I guess if I had a criticism for this book it would be that she kept using ‘fillip’ when she said things like Kathryn’s heart did a ‘fillip.’ The actual definition of this word is appropriate for how she used it but I feel like she should have just said ‘flip.’ I felt like I was hiccuping when I read it in my head.]

**Received an ARC via NetGalley**

Synopsis: “You mustn’t become so passionate over things that will never change, my darling.” When C. T. Walsh passes away leaving his family all that he owns, Kathryn Walsh’s stepfather finds the perfect excuse to get rid of the passionate young woman who doesn’t fit in societal norms. Now the owner of a tiny home, a small press, and a practically abandoned mine, Kathryn finds herself alone in Calvada, California with every eligible bachelor seeing her as his future wife—including the two most powerful men in town, Morgan Sanders and Matthias Beck. Determined not to marry, Kathryn sets out to make a living by reviving the newspaper her uncle wrote and improving the life in the little mining town. With similar goals for town life, Mr. Beck finds himself on the same side as Miss Walsh. But unlike Kathryn, Matthias recognizes the trouble she’ll soon bring on herself for simply telling the truth. Perhaps love can save her after all.

Analysis: Francine Rivers is one of my all-time favorite authors, but I felt this book was a really different style than she typically writes. While still a great read, I felt this book lacked the deep emotions and intense romance that I absolutely adore. The plot felt a little all over the place, but I did love the main characters. Matthias is absolutely swoon-worthy (calling all old-fashioned romance lovers), and Kathryn had such a fun, spunky personality (hence the red hair). If you’re up for adventure, The Lady’s Mine brings you a strong female lead, light-hearted romance, and a little bit of mystery all wrapped up in one.
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Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If Francine Rivers name is on it, I will read it without question // she is my favorite and her books are just phenomenal

This book takes place in the 1860’s during the California gold rush // Kathryn Walsh is out spoken, determined, passionate, and believes the best in all people // Matthias Beck is a no nonsense saloon and hotel owner who takes it upon himself to watch out for the lady the moment she steps off the stage (whether she likes it or not)

This story is about standing up for truth // not judging a book by its cover // and of course the sweetest love story // it deals with issues of injustice and loss, but also speaks to the power of community and never giving up // ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Francine Rivers, @tyndalehouse and netgalley for allowing me to read this early copy // all thoughts in this review are my own

Author: Francine Rivers
Release Date: February 8, 2022

Francine Rivers is a master at crafting a compelling story. She's done it again with her latest release, The Lady's Mine. I love the glimpse into California's history, specific the mining towns of the 1870's. Kathryn and her backstory as a disowned suffragette from Boston brings a certain level of spunk to the story and I am here for it! Matthias Beck and his emotional wounds from the battlefield as well as his difficult relationship with his father made him a likeable, swoon-worthy hero and in my opinion an ideal match for Kathryn. There are plenty of fantastic plot twists, witty dialog and beautifully written scenes. The stakes are high, the message of redemption is clear and the romantic tension is delightful. Historical romance fans will thoroughly enjoy The Lady's Mine. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

As a long-time fan of Francine Rivers, I was so excited to read her new book "The Lady's Mine".
This story follows Kathryn and her life, exiled to Calvada by her stepfather. Kathryn is not your typical woman in 1875. She believes that women should have more to life than marriage and being a mother. As her new life starts in a miner's town, Kathryn unfolds the life of her uncle and the condition of the lives of the residents of Calvada. As life continues and secrets are revealed, Kathryn is always in the face of danger. In comes, Matthias, and all bets are off. Matthias is everything Kathryn does not want but can't help but trust him.
I loved this story. Unlike the rest of River's books, this one was funny and less heavy in its content. Still drama-filled, eloquently researched and written! I loved Kathryn as a female lead. She was hard-headed but knew what she wanted and went for it. There was a happy ending for Kathryn and the town. All in all, I loved this book and cannot wait for more!

The Sierra Nevada mining town of Calvada doesn’t quite know what to make of Kathryn Walsh as she steps off the stagecoach in 1875. A brief encounter with handsome saloon keeper, Matthias Beck, as he introduces an unwanted guest to the wet part of a horse trough, arouses uninvited feelings in Kathryn, as she admonishes his version of justice. Love isn’t what she came for, however, and there’s no going back to Boston (her stepfather made that abundantly clear), so she takes possession of the meagre belongings left to her in her deceased uncle, City (C.T.) Walsh’s will: a two-room shack, a printing press, and a mine claim. Despite coming from money, she must support herself now, so she convinces her uncle’s young apprentice to help relaunch City’s newspaper, the Voice, against strenuous objections from Matthias. Kathryn’s forthright honesty on the page makes her a target for violence, and her refusal of an offer of marriage from a wealthy mine owner, Matthias’s business and political rival, aggravates the ill feeling.

The author has thoroughly captured the feel, taste and smell of the Old West in this dialogue-driven story, such that I felt immersed in the late 1800s. Just the right amount of sexual tension sizzles between the feisty Kathryn and the charismatic Matthias to create an intoxicating romance, as well as a mystery. When Kathryn learns that City refused to sell his mine claim and that he was murdered, she digs deeper, endangering herself and pulling Matthias’s protective presence closer than ever. The novel sheds light on the enterprising men and women who built the foundations of the American West after the mines were tapped out. Highly romantic and full of the author’s joie-de-vivre in the writing of it.

This was a very interesting story about survival in a gold mining boomtown where lawlessness abounds. Calvada has plenty of saloons, dance halls, fighting, brothels, and chaos in general. Living conditions for the mining employees and their families are deplorable. The arrival of Kathryn Walsh is about to make a difference. Her efforts to lift the plight of women in Boston are not appreciated by her family and they jump at the opportunity to send her West when an inheritance from an uncle surfaces. She is an instant sensation in a town starved for single woman. As she attempts to survive on her own she also finds herself shocked at the condition of the town and sets out to make changes using her inheritance. Several men in town would love to have a well cultured wife but she is not about to consider the restrictions of marriage. Who will win out in the end?

This is not the usual Francine Rivers novel. It is a lot lighter in tone but still reflects the need for goodness and forgiveness in life. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The H and h struggle with how they were treated by their families in the past and need to learn how to work through those feelings with God and their faith in Him.

I received an advanced copy of this book electronically but was in no way obligated to give a good review.

Francine Rivers rates as one of my favorite authors and I’ve anticipated reading The Lady’s Mine since I first heard of it. I don’t consider this stand-alone, historical romance lighthearted, but it felt less broody than other novels by this author. With Matthias’ flirtations, Kathryn’s quick rebuttals, and a handful of squirrely side characters, the book had plenty of mild humor.

In the author’s notes of The Lady’s Mine, Francine Rivers explains that she explored the question, “Can one person impact an entire community?” Being set in Calvada, California, an 1870’s mining town replete with greed, lust, and lawlessness, the novel probes the many ways an individual affects his or her community.

Equally strong throughout The Lady’s Mine, a study on gender equality plays out. Kathryn and Matthias, the lead characters, clash often as Kathryn refuses to wilt under blatant gender discrimination and boldly pursues her God-given purpose. Avoiding overly feministic rhetoric, the narrative follows the characters as they learn the necessity and benefits of mutual respect. Frequent swirls of attraction add a delicious layer of romance to their relationship.

In conclusion, The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers will likely appeal to Christian fiction readers who enjoy gritty historical settings, a strong heroine, and a satisfying romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Francine Rivers is a favorite author and her newest novel didn’t disappoint. The author takes the reader back in time when a young nation is recovering from the devastation of the Civil War sending many people West to embark on a new life. The main theme of this story revolves around the love story of the headstrong and displaced young socialite, Kathryn and a determined and disillusioned saloon owner, Matthias. Although this story touched on many of the difficult and gritty aspects of life in a California mining town it did it with authenticity without gratuitous details. I particularly enjoyed how Kathryn stood firm in her convictions and visions for the town and her neighbors and in doing so helped bring about community. The story was well written, engaging and there were many turns and twists I wasn’t expecting. Although I thought the last two chapters of the book were anticlimactic.

This story swept me away to the wild west, and I went willingly along. Francine Rivers' characters were so memorable, I adore a strong female heroine, Kathryn Walsh was exactly that. She was able to adeptly put her mark on the Sierra Mountain small town of Calvada, and perhaps win the approval of a fellow townsperson.

It was a wonderful story and quick read, I'd highly recommend it.

I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to post nor write a review.

I looked forward to reading this newest offering by a favorite author, and I wasn’t disappointed!

Although maybe not quite the book that Redeeming Love has come to be, this book held my interest and I learned new things! In the 1870’s, Kathryn Walsh is a newcomer from Boston to the mining town of Calvada, CA, where she’s been sent by her stepfather after being told she’s to go there to claim her mother’s inheritance. What she finds is a crude town filled with crude men, dilapidated buildings, numerous saloons and thriving prostitution. She finds that her inheritance from her uncle C.T. Walsh seems to be a printing press.

Matthias Beck, a hotel and saloon owner, sets his sights on Kathryn and soon becomes town mayor. She gives her word that she’ll marry him after he completes an extensive list of town improvements. Kathryn becomes a newspaper editor and is not shy about making her strong views known

We’ll-developed characters and tense situations make the book one you’ll want to keep reading!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. 4-1/2 stars!

The Lady's Mine
by Francine Rivers
Pub Date: February 8, 2022
Tyndale House Publishers

A delightful new western romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to the California frontier in this sweeping, romantic tale of a displaced New England suffragette, a former Union soldier disinherited by his Southern family, and the town they join forces to save.
Warnings: You’re reading a book about the Wild West. You will read about drinking, drunkenness, prostitution, gambling, and cursing. I assure you, no actual curse words are typed out only referenced. For example Matthias cursed under his breath. Wiley cursed.
Alcoholic beverages are mentioned and consumed by characters. A brothel is part of the town. (Again, think “Gunsmoke”) The only sexual act in the book that was described (in very slight detail, nothing graphic) is between a married man and his wife.
Did any of this make me want to close the book, pause from reading or think poorly of the author? ABSOLUTELY NOT. This book is inspiring and fun! I am happy to recommend it. 5 stars

"A displaced Boston suffragette and a disinherited Union soldier meet in a remote California mining town."
When Kathryn Walsh is banished to the west from her upscale Boston home she is determined make a life for herself with whatever her uncle left as an inheritance even if it is in the center of a mining town.
Matthias Beck is a saloon and hotel owner in the heart of Calvada. He is well aware his town is not much more than a mining-camp but where else is he supposed to go? He's not welcomed back home, his preacher father doesn't want anything to do with him after his decision to fight for the north.
One of my favorite stories is Francine River's Redeeming Love. When I heard those who enjoyed RL would like The Lady's Mine I knew I had to read it. Rivers did not disappoint! This story is well developed, intriguing, sophisticated, and funny. I enjoyed how she created Kathryn Walsh, a lady who isn't bound or limited by societal rules. Kathryn is who she is and will do whatever needs to be done - she doesn't care what part of town she has trek to make it happen. She's a lady but she's not cut from the standard mold. From the first moment Matthias Beck lays eyes on her you can almost sense his hair turning gray as her antics seem to age him. As much as he'd like to wash his hands of her he just wouldn't be able to live with himself if something happened to her and he could have prevented it.
I love how Rivers brings these characters together and unfolds each of their stories. I really enjoyed watching Matthais discover and appreciate Kathryn's idiosyncries even if he needed a little help to see somethings and their true value.
I really enjoyed this story and all it's wonder. I enjoyed watching the friendships grow and the town rally. I liked seeing faith be rediscovered, blosom, and grow.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

What a different kind of story from Francine Rivers!
It was light hearted and funny but still touched on important topics such as women’s rights and workers’ rights. It was fun!
I would recommend it to anyone who’s a fan of historical romance 😊

Francine Rivers knocks it out of the park with this one. I loved the double meaning of the title. An outspoken young lady receives her uncle's inheritance (and is banished from Boston by her stepfather) in gold country in California. Life in California as a single woman is not all it's cracked up to be, especially when she is not afraid to go outside of cultural norms for the time. Francine Rivers's writing draws you in and you can picture the town of Calvada through her writing. A great story about perseverance and love.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.