Kathryn Walsh’s outspoken spirit proved a disappointment to her mother and a nuisance to her stepfather, earning her a one-way ticket west to claim an inheritance from an uncle she never knew. Arriving in the tiny mining town of Calvada, Kathryn discovers her inheritance is a rundown shack, a printing press, and a mine of dubious worth. With nowhere else to go, Kathryn determines to make a place for herself in the wild frontier town.

Matthias Beck, on the other hand, has everything all figured out—at least until Kathryn shows up and throws his life and the entire town into an uproar. Toss in a murder, a ruthless race for mayor, and a kidnapping—and you’ve got Francine Rivers’ latest tale.

A bit more light-hearted than some of Rivers’ other reads, The Lady’s Mine is an enjoyable and romantic escape into the wild west. I highly recommend this happily ever after.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Lady's Mine by Francine Rivers is a humorous lighthearted historical romance. It is set out west in a mining town called Calvada. I had so much fun reading this book. The heroine, Katherine is a redheaded suffragist who has passion for social justice and turns that town on its head. The hero, Mathias Beck is a saloon owner and does his best to keep Katherine out of trouble. The whole time I was reading this, I kept picturing Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne with the witty banter.

I have found during the pandemic that I have been reading more light hearted books and romantic comedies. I wasn't sure what this book was all about. I've read a handful of Rivers' works and they were pretty serious and gritty. (loved them) However, this book, while very humorous does have a deeper message and an inspiration that one person can make a difference. The epilogue tied everything up in a nice bow and it is a very Happy Ending. I loved it

The Lady’s Mine is a heartfelt story of second chances, standing up for what is right, and finding love along the way. Kathryn is fiery and strong-willed and finds herself with a one-way ticket to a town very few have ever heard of before. She creates waves from the moment she steps of the stagecoach. Kathryn will not be confined by anyone’s expectations, especially those who mean to confine her because she is a woman. She is moved by her faith and her convictions and will not back to down to anyone who dares stand up to her. Matthias has met his match and the small town of Calvada knows it. There a many poignant, humorous, and matches of wit throughout the story. People in the town knew plenty about hardships and there is heartache as well. I adored the tension between Kathyrn and Matthias all the way throughout the entire book. The back story provides depth, for many of the characters. As Francine Rivers so masterfully demonstrates, Love will prevail. It is not easy to get there, but the lessons learned along the way are meaningful and eternal. I am thrilled to recommend this to all lovers of clean historical fiction who are blessed by redemption, forgiveness, and love.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

1875. When Kathryn Walsh arrives in tiny Calvada, a mining town nestled in the Sierra Nevadas, falling in love is the farthest thing from her mind. Banished from Boston by her wealthy stepfather, she has come to claim an inheritance from the uncle she never knew: a defunct newspaper office on a 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—and then finds herself in the middle of a maelstrom, pitted against Calvada’s most powerful men. But Kathryn intends to continue to say—and publish—whatever she pleases, especially when she knows she’s right.
Matthias Beck, 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. While Kathryn may be right about Calvada’s problems, her righteousness could also get her killed. But when the handsome hotelier keeps finding himself on the same side of the issues as the opinionated Miss Walsh, Matthias’s restless search for purpose becomes all about answering the call of his heart. ~ from the publisher.
Fans of Francine Rivers and historical romance will bask in this latest offering from Francine Rivers. Strong female character Kathryn Walsh shows that even if one is pampered, if given adversity this character can rise to meet it. The mystery of who killer her uncle keeps the story going as well as the romantic interest from Matthias Beck. Those liking historical fiction, will see the beginnings of woman’s rights and the injustice of a woman being a man’s property. Highly recommended. Francine Rivers never seems to disappoint.
I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Tyndale House Publishers, in exchange for an honest review.

The Lady’s Mine
Written by: Francine Rivers
Christian Fiction

Oh my. What do I say? How do I even start this review?!
First off, I was given an eARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review.
So, honestly, in a word……INSPIRING!
I have always been a fan of the great Francine Rivers. This is her self-proclaimed pandemic book and wowzers what a book it is! I am not one to go excitedly into a “western”, that’s exactly what I thought this book was going to be like, but I love Francine Rivers so much, I knew I would like it. I didn’t expect to fall in love with it though and that is sooooo what I did!
Okay, so think “The Taming of the Shrew”, “Oklahoma”, “Gunsmoke” and “When Calls the Heart” all rolled up together into a beautiful, inspiring, heart wrenching, loving, humorous, tragic and bold story that you absolutely cannot put down and you tear up because you’ve finished and wanted it to last much, much longer. If this book was taken up and aired as a series on “Hallmark”, I’d follow every episode and record it all too, to watch again and again and again! Oh please “Hallmark” do that!
Can one headstrong, faith-filled, fearless person wanting good for a community, save that community from the demons that have plagued it for so long? Can grace and mercy redeem the entire town? Can love find it’s way into a stone cold heart that never wanted to be “owned” by a man?
The characters in this story were very relatable. The storyline and plot were amazing. The flow of this book is fabulous and such a page turner I finished this over 400 pager in a day and a half! A true redemption story.
I plan to buy this book and add it to my personal collection.
Run, don’t walk, to get your copy of this book!
Very well deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mrs. Rivers. You have absolutely done it again!

My “vanilla” radar rating: 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.

Francine Rivers, well-known Christian author and mastermind behind the upcoming "Redeeming Love" movie, has written another excellent novel, "The Lady's Mine." Set in the 1800's Western territories, Kathryn Walsh has inherited some property from an Uncle that she knows nothing about. Upon arriving in Calvada, California, Kathryn sees that this muddy, rough, and backwards town is very different from her silver spoon upbringing. One of the first people she meets is Matthias Beck, the hotelier and saloon owner who used to be friends with her Uncle. While opposed on a good many things, sparks fly between Kathryn and Matthias. And when she starts up her Uncle's defunct newspaper again, trouble comes her way. Will Matthias find a way to protect her while also not dampening her independent streak?

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

The lady’s Mine - Francine Rivers

Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors. There are many Christian authors but to me there are only a few that really capture faith and people well. When i read The Lady’s Mine a few times i was reminded of Redeeming Love and very much enjoyed the read.
This was beautifully written and had a good plot and character dynamics.
The relationship between Kathryn and Matthias was a fun read and some of Matthias comebacks to Kathryn especially pertaining to a woman’s place had me laughing out loud! It was all in fun! This was a excellent book and I highly recommend.
I was given an ARC copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions are completely my own.

I love all of Francine River's books. The Lady's Mine is historical fiuction set in 1875 California. Kathryn Walsh , the main character is a strong independent woman who inherits her uncle's mine and printing press. She is determined to make a life for herself but there are many twists ands turns along the way .
A very enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publ;isher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Like may others I have been anxiously awaiting a new book from Francine Rivers. She never disappoints and The Lady’s Mine is no exception. Good story, interesting historical setting and characters. I found myself rooting for Katherine from the start and I loved Matthias. It amazes me when I think of the real women who lived the hard life that was the old west. The story flows along at a good pace with some unexpected twists and turns. I don’t feel like the storyline is quite as complex as some of her other books but it was throughly enjoyable.

This is different from anything I've read by Francine Rivers. Yes it's set in a mining town, but it's its own. She writes in her author's note that after the pandemic she wanted to write something light and went back to her romance roots. As a big fan of historical romance I loved that. So it wasn't what I expected, but it was fun. Think The Taming of the Shrew in a California mining town. Kathryn's character is the best kind of strong female you can imagine. A suffragette, unpopular at the time, determined, and even a businesswoman. I could probably relate to her more than any of Francine's characters because of her strong desire to never marry, but also the fact that she is a Christian who acts like one the entire time. She's strong in her beliefs and opinions in Christianity and morals, not just women's rights. My kinda of heroine. I also love that Matthias is an equally strong character who is the one person who can stand up to her in all the Kiss Me Kate ways of Fred Graham/Petruchio. It's also got some similarities to Oklahoma, so musical theatre people...you'll enjoy.
It's fun one, just go in without expectations because this doesn't compare with her others..

I was a little apprehensive when the book started out with a cantankerous old man, a saloon fight, and a muddy mining town. These are all what I what would consider stereotypes from westerns and yet...I was instantly enthralled by the story. I'm not even sure how Francine Rivers did it. I was completely immersed from page one. Plot
~ Overall the plot was fairly loose (will Kathryn and Matthias get together and how will Kathryn make it in this mining town) but with every new development there's enough tension that you can'tstop reading. Who murdered Kathryn's uncle? What is Morgan Sanders going to do? Will Kathryn die because she stirred up too much trouble? All of this kept me turning pages!
I think the only part where I started to lose interest was near the end after the murderer is revealed. But that was a 10 page stretch and easy to get through.
Having said that, I loved the plot twists near the end. Didn't see them coming.
~Characters
Honestly, the main attraction of this book was the terrible situations Kathryn managed to get herself into. When Kathryn is disowned by her mother and stepfather and sent to a wild mining town, she's determined to bring about change. But...she's headstrong and abrasive and stirs up more trouble than good. Watching her character development was fantastic.
Ironically, my main complaints revolve around Matthias and Kathryn's romance with him.
I loved Matthias in the end, but I struggled with him until about 50%. He was a little too roguish, a little too "I, He-man, you, lady, can't do this." And, particularly in the first 30% his inappropriate behavior seemed a little strange and forced. The instant attraction felt a little awkward. This all resolved itself later, but I think this was definitely the main complaint I have about the book.
The secondary characters were perfect. They each had living, breathing, believable personalities. I liked that Kathryn wasn't able to win over all the men in the town. I thought this was much more realistic.
~Writing
Like I mentioned above, the book was instantly immersive. The writing was flawless.
The romance was….odd...but only in the beginning and near the end there were a few introspection scenes where I began to gloss over.
As far as writing style goes, this is my favorite Francine Rivers book to date!
~Content
Overall, the content was pretty clean. This is a western, situated in a mining town, so there's some drinking and dollhouses. There's one assault, but nothing graphic. Some romantic feelings and smooching between the characters that are probably best for an older teen to adult audience.
Would I Recommend?
I loved The Lady's Mine. Western romances are one of my least favorite genres (I read this because I'm a Francine Rivers fan) and I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this book. Definitely recommend.

3.5 Stars ⭐️

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I am disappointed! I had such high expectations for this since I love Francine Rivers, but it just didn’t live up to her typical story.

I am a bit of a sucker for a woman main character who’s powerful and ahead of her time, so I did love that! I also liked the romance because it gave me butterflies. It also was surprisingly heavy on sexual tension (and one sex mention between married people). That doesn’t bother me, but figured I’d mention in case it bothers someone else.

I think what bothered me the most was that the faith was not a prominent aspect of the story. When I read a Rivers book, I go into it expecting faith and for that to be a large portion of the plot, but it was more subtle in this than I would've preferred.

I also enjoyed the plot twists and mystery throughout the story. But by the end I felt it was redundant and ended up skimming it. Overall, not mad that I read it but I was hoping for better :/

Content: sexual tension, murder

I loved the title of this book, it plays in more than one way, with two men vying for her hand, and owning a mine!

This read is full of emotions, a young woman who was sent away from her home, a murdered Uncle! The list goes on, with our Kathryn ending up in Calvada CA, in 1875, used to the finery of Boston, and now in the middle of no where, and literally falling in the mud! Yes, there are some great chuckles here, but there are also some scary and serious situations.

One lesson the town learns is you don't tell Kathryn "no", she is a capable young woman, that often gets into scary situations, and you will be page turning for answers. I admired her faith, she didn't let anyone take her away from her God, and her inspiration sent others back to him.

A read you don't want to miss, only problem, it does end, but there is an epilogue!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.

4 stars from me for this book!

This is an easy read with a mystery to keep you interested with a bit of romance splashed in. In the note from the author at the end of the book, Rivers describes how the book explores how one person can impact an entire community - this is something I did enjoy about the book.

This read isn't as heavy as some of Francine's previous books, such as The Last Sin Eater or The Mark of the Lion Trilogy. But if you are a fan, I'd recommend you read and enjoy a sweet love story, a feminist protagonist and a couple of murders to be solved.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58389761-the-lady-s-mine

I wanted to like this book, but it is really just a historical romance. I expect so much more from Francine not two people that spend the entire story struggling with how attracted they are to each other. There are some good story threads throughout the story but the romance takes over the story completely.
The main male character refuses to allow the main female lead to do anything on her own. He refuses to respect her decisions. I was so frustrated by his lack of respect of anything and everything she did it drove me nuts. He only wanted to marry her and continued to push for that only for convenience to “save” her. As if marriage is the answer to all of women’s problems.
I hate to give a negative review as I respect Francine Rivers a great deal. I am also sure that others will love this book, I personally did not.

I grew up reading Francine Rivers’ books, my favorites being Redeeming Love and the Mark of the Lion series. So I freaked out when I saw she had a new book coming out.

I wasn’t disappointed. This western love story has a similar setting to Redeeming Love, an 1875 mining town. With two fiery main characters, rich description, and romantic tension, this story kept me wanting to read more.

Quick gist: Kathryn Walsh, a well-to-do Boston suffragette who’s not afraid to speak her mind, is banished from her life of luxury and sent to Calvada, a rough-and-tumble mining town full of brothels and bars. The uncle she never knew has died, and she’s been sent to claim the inheritance: a closed-down newspaper office and a worthless mine. There she meets Matthias Beck, a former Union soldier and now a saloon/hotel owner who respected Kathryn’s uncle. But it’s a man’s town, and a lawless one, and Matthias decides to try and keep Kathryn out of trouble.

Easier said than done. Kathryn’s fiery spirit matches that of her late uncle, and her efforts to improve the town, as well as her decision to start up the newspaper again, pit her against the town’s most powerful men, including Matthias. But even as Kathryn vows she’ll never hand over her freedom by marrying, she and Matthias discover they have more in common than they first thought.

Thoughts: I loved how Rivers makes two characters who dislike each other eventually fall in love. She does it in such a natural, realistic way. I didn’t think the last few chapters were necessary, but overall it was a great read. It’s categorized as Christian fiction because of who the author is, but it’s more of a sweet western romance, if anything. If you’re a Francine Rivers fan, don’t miss this one.

(Note: I've posted this on my blog but I'll add it to Instagram closer to the pub date.)

Francine Rivers new book about gold mining in California in the late 1800's peaked my interest. i enjoy her writing style. I did feel that the characters could have had more depth and follow-up on some secondary characters and situations (especially family related) could have been more developed to give us - the reader- more closure at the end of the story. Honestly, there are some scenes that made me uncomfortable and I wish they had been left out. The story was great, just wish she had changed the setting of a few conversations.

Thanks to #Netgalley for this ARC

3.5 stars

"The Lady's Mine" is a Christian romance set in 1875 in California. The historical details were woven into the story, creating a specific time and place. They brought the story alive in my imagination. The main characters were complex, realistic people. Kathryn didn't always think through the consequences of her actions, but she was willing to admit her mistakes and tried to not keep making the same mistakes. I cared about what happened to her because she wanted so much for the truth to be known and positive change to happen. Matthias wasn't an idealist. but he also wanted to make positive changes, would admit when he was wrong, and could take criticism. Despite some clashing of strong wills, they worked well together to bring about positive change. Suspense was created by physical danger threatened by those who don't like change or their secrets getting out.

Kathryn looked to God for help and transformation. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable historical.

The Lady’s mine
Release date February 8, 2022
Publisher Tyndale House

Picture this: It is Northern California, 1875
and a sophisticated young lady from the big city Boston, arrives in a little mining town in the Sierra Nevada’s where she has come to claim an inheritance from an uncle she has never met. She does not know what to expect. Mud, drunk men and brothels are among the first things that she encounters. Main character Katheryn Walsh finds her purpose to make a difference with a printing press here in this small town. She finds love as well. Which makes this story so much better. What a great book written by my favorite author. I loved everything about this historical fiction. Adventure, mystery and romance all wrapped up in one. It was a pleasure to read.

Took me a couple of chapters to get into it but once I did I couldn't wait to see what happens next. Francine Rivers's latest book will leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what kind of trouble will Kathryn find herself in next. And will Matthias be the lucky man to win the girl who never wants to get married? Thank you, Francine and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an arc of The Lady's Mine.