THE LADY’S MINE by FRANCINE RIVERS

Publication date 8/2/22

THE LADY’S MINE by FRANCINE RIVERS is an historical romance novel with a really good Christian message of redemption. Although there are serious themes running through it, there is a great deal of lighthearted humour which is most enjoyable. The characters are so well portrayed that we can literally feel what they are feeling, and the harsh conditions in the small mining town of Calvada in the Sierra Nevada Mountains make a great backdrop for the story.

In 1875 Kathryn Walsh’s stepfather gives her a one way ticket to go to Calvada and take up the inheritance her uncle, Casey Teague (City) Walsh, has left her.

Nether her stepfather nor her mother can take what they see as her rebellion any longer. This rejection has not in any way tamed her fiery spirit nor her determination to see justice done, especially as far women are concerned.

She causes quite a stir when she arrives in the filthy mining town and of course many men want to marry her, including the incumbent mayor and owner of the Madera mine, Morgan Sanders. She takes over her uncle’s newspaper and writes articles in the Voice whch is considered an unladylike thing to do, especially as she is very like her uncle, who she has never met, and who some believe was murdered for his straight talking. It seems true that “Trouble always comes to those who fight to do what’s right”, and Kathryn is always in trouble. She will not allow anything to stop her and even reopens City’s mine.

I like to see Matthias Beck’s determination to keep her safe, the teasing way he calls her “your ladyship” and the way she makes fun of him and calls him “Bacchus” in her articles. I also like to see the effect she has on this strong man, who was rejected by his minister father and has srayed far from God, and the effect she has on the town and the hope she gives to the downtrodden.

There is a great deal more to the story, which is both exciting and inspirational, but I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling the read for you.

I cannot recommend The Lady’s Mine highly enough.

I was gven an ARC copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.