Laura's Shadow

This was a great dual timeline book with a background focus on Laura Ingalls Wilder. This book focuses on a minor character in one of the "Little House" books in both timelines. In the past timeline, she's of similar age to Laura and in the more modern timeline (1970's), she's the great-grandmother to the heroine. Like many dual timelines, this is a story about how decisions in one's past affect the generations going forward. I enjoyed the character development in both timelines and the story lines as well. As a fan of the "Little House" tv series but not necessarily the books, I didn't get the same level of "geeking out" that fans of the book series likely will, but it was still fun to harken back to my childhood fandom of all things Laura Ingalls and it was fun to see a different take on her story through Mariah.

Both stories have likable and relatable characters, a subtle romance thread, good character-driven story and good real-life scenarios. I enjoyed that the modern character had an occupation that I've not seen in story before (a newspaper comic artist and ad creator). I enjoyed the "little house on the prairie" tie-in, but even if you've not read the books or watched the show, I think you would still enjoy the book - just may not get all of the references. But the storyline can still be enjoyed without that knowledge. I really enjoy this author's writing style and enjoyed this book and both of its timelines, and would recommend this one to fans of dual timelines and historical novels. Special thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

I came away from reading this book with strong mixed emotions. The three women of three generations of the story all face their own trials and uncertainties. AsTrixie’s great grandmother, Mariah, is over 100 years old and ready to talk about her past with Trixie. She was a student of Laura Ingalls and believes the class was not favorably portrayed in the stories she wrote. As the story progresses we learn more about why she is not a big fan of Laura and how her life was affected. Choices Mariah made also affected future generations of Gowan family. Trixie gains a new understanding of love and relationships that nay change the course of her life.
I found the story to be emotionally draining at times and the characters quirky yet true to life. Mariah is especially loveable as she is nearing the endorsement of life and yet so full of life and wanting to share her truth with Trixie. Trixie is conflicted and very indecisive about taking risks. Will Mariah’s story entice her to take chances in her own life?
I give it 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is an intriguing novel…historical fiction and present time. I do not usually like the divided times, but this author has woven a story that keeps me wanting to know what happens next in each time period. I admit I get mixed up with some of the characters, but I like the story so much I can’t put it down. Some of my favorite books include The Little House Series…I read them frequently. This is another take on that story. The book was sent to me by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher. Curl up in a comfy chair, have a cup of steaming herbal tea with a scone…enjoy the journey.

This is a dual timeline novel that flowed beautifully. This is one of those books you curl up with and forget about life for a while. It holds your attention from the first page until the last. Loved it and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The story starts us off with Mariah and her brother Charles as teens, whose teacher for a short season is Laura Ingalls. Mariah and Charles have a tough life, just scraping by. Mariah’s long crush with Cap is overshadowed by his love for Laura. We meet Trixie in the 1970’s, the great granddaughter of Mariah. When she’s asked to come home to see her great grandmother, she gets a housesitter and takes off. We weave back and forth between Mariah’s 20’s and the present, learning more about Mariah and her brother Charles as well as meeting Katrina, Merrill and Cap. In the present we have Mariah, Eugenia, Alma, Trixie, Ron, Cam and Samantha. Enjoyable story overall.
A complimentary copy was provided By Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a great book! This is a historical fiction novel at its finest but also a dual timeline novel and part of the Doors to the Past series! Can it get much better than that? Well, add in Laura Ingalls and I’m hooked!

I grew up reading the Little House books (and watching the TV show) much like the author of this story. I longed to be more like Laura. Well, now I’m a grown woman with kids of my own and I actually find myself wanting to be more like Ma Ingalls now! Bring on all the preserving and mending and baking etc.

But really there is a resurgence right now in women who want to be like those of yesteryear. They’re romanticizing it. This story isn’t doing that. It’s actually bringing out the other side of the pioneer life. The hardship and the real of what life was like.

And yet, there is romance of course!
I loved this story and really hope you take the chance and give it a read. You’ll love the dual timeline aspect. It’s great and doesn’t leave you with whiplash as you go back and forth. The past and the present are connected over the years and will both capture you within their depths.

This book is part of the Doors to the Past series. I’ve read them all. I’ve loved them all. And I loved this one too. I am forever in the debt of who ever came up with the idea for this series because they have all captivated me and made me fall in love with dual timeline historical fiction novels.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.