A Sweetness to the Soul (Dreamcatcher Series #1) Paperback – September 16, 2008

It was part of a gift to my wife at Christmas, all the books by Jane Kirkpatrick

This is a page-turner of a book that you won’t put down. Years ago, a friend took me to Sherar’s Bridge in Central Oregon — a bit of dramatic scenery that I returned to over and over again. When I was only a few pages into this book, I realized it was about this magical place. I love the book, the characters and the story. Can’t wait to make the drive back to Sherar’s Bridge and pay homage to the people who made the area so significant in Oregon’s history.

I have read A Sweetness to the Soul three times. The only other novels I have read more than three times is Mrs. Mike and Follow the River. Yes I love historical novels, how people settled this wonderful country. As I was reading this book for the third time I tried imagining this made into a movie-it would be as grand as dances with wolves. I know I am suppose to give a review about A Sweetness to the Soul, but everyone of Jane Kirkpatricks series are wonderful. The last three books I read during Christmas break(I am a librarian)was the Kinship, Courage and Faith series-WOW!!! Now this would truly make a heck of a movie. I am reading these three books again for the second time. The way Jane Kirkpatrick writes a story you feel you are a there, her writing is so descriptive you smell the sage, feel the sand and the heat of the sun.

This book is fiction but based on true historical figures in the early days of the state of Oregon and seems to be an accurate picture of life in those days, including arranged marriages. It also pictures Indian life and the impact of early settlers on the Indian way of life. The central figure is Jane and her story of life on the frontier from preadolescence to a middle-aged woman, her love for her spouse, Joseph and her close Indian friends. The growth of her relationship with her husband and his love for her is quite poignant.

This is a beautifully written and insightful book about the pioneers and Indian tribes who helped build a the bridges and roads in the Deshutes area in Oregon. The story is woven into the fabric of the countryside and a young women grappling with the loss of her siblings and a cold hearted mother.She accidentally meets a man who is attracted to her sassyness and falls in love with her. Based on a true story this couple work tirelessly together with the Native Americans of the area to create their dreams and visions. A heart warming tale of love, acceptance,creativity and endurance despite difficult circumstances. I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction, romance or anyone who enjoys a story of hope and courage with a dash of sass.

This book was lovely. I was afraid now and again that some horrific tragedy was right around the corner. I was pleasantly surprised that although the story recalled some sad times, there was a happy ending.The only thing that really bothered was the fact that we "Americans" decided that Native Americans should be required to attend special boarding schools, to cut their hair, and we're prohibited from speaking their own languages....among other things. They were there first!

Jane Kirkpatrick writes with great description and anticipation for the next line. She has written fiction from true characters that existed and tells of the documentation at the of the book. Such beautiful insights woven into the tapestry of the story. And being from Oregon I looked up the places on the map that still exist and really want to go to the museum to see some of what is there from these settlers. It's an honest book about how settlers plowed through the land in the name of progress.

This one gives a good background for her second book but seems to move kind of slow. The second one held more interest for me.

a good read about a young girl who marries a much older man . living life and not easy living either. lots of problems from health to money , family disputes. who set out and with hard work and determination bulid bridges and a hotel, but they started with nothing but a couple of mules.made me realise how hard people had it in the past.