Author: Jess Montgomery
Genre: Historical Fiction
Type: Trade Paperback
Pages: 324
Source: TLC Book Tours
Publisher: Minotaur Books
First Published: January 8, 2019
Opening Lines: "September 20, 1924 -- A hawk soars over Devils' Backbone. Her sharp eyes peer through the softening light of dusk down to the old Rossville Cemetery, closed a decade past, when the dead had filled every apportioned spot."
Book Description from GoodReads: Hours after his funeral, a stranger appears at her door. Marvena Whitcomb, a coal miner’s widow, is unaware that Daniel has died, and begs to speak with him about her missing daughter.
From miles away but worlds apart, Lily and Marvena’s lives collide as they realize that Daniel was not the man that either of them believed him to be—and that his murder is far more complex than either of them could have imagined.
Inspired by the true story of Ohio’s first female sheriff, this is a powerful debut about two women’s search for justice as they take on the corruption at the heart of their community.
My Rating: 4 stars
My Review: This Historical Fiction novel sets itself apart from others in this popular genre by focusing on the lives and points of view of two women in a small, coal mining town in Ohio during the 1920's. Coal mining, especially in the early 20th century, was a dangerous business and in this book, two women, with a complicated bond, find themselves in the middle of a controversy as some townspeople want to organize a union while others will do anything to stop it.
Inspired by true events, the story follows Lily, the first female sheriff in Ohio, and Marvena, a coal miner's widow. These women are determined single mothers who take on the greed and corruption that has taken over their small town. There are many characters added into the story (sometimes making it hard to remember who is who) but if readers are patient, their connections to the story and main characters will be revealed. The characters are varied and show the different groups of people living in this small town. From the poor townspeople that rely on bootlegging to get by, to the rich mine owners and Pinkertons who aim to control the small town and its residents by any means possible.
While there is a mystery at the heart of the book, I found my focus to be more on the historical aspects rather than the mystery surrounding the death of Lily's husband and Marvena's missing daughter. With rich descriptions, Montgomery brings readers to a historical time and place that many (including myself) may not know much about.
Overall, this is a well-researched historical read set during a tumultuous time. I enjoyed seeing the story through the eyes of women and witnessing the difficult stereotypes they faced during a time when men dominated business and the law. This is the first book in a new series, and I think readers will look forward to getting to know Lily and Marvena better in future books.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Minotaur Books and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Giveaway!
The wonderful people at Minotaur Books and TLC Book Tours have given me one copy of The Widows to give away to one of my lucky readers! (open to Canadian and US only)
There are THREE ways to enter:
1. Enter via Instagram. You can find me at bakingbookworm
- Follow my IG account.
- Like my IG post and leave a comment tagging two friends telling me the title of your favourite book of 2018! (details are in the post)
- Follow me on Facebook
- Tag two friends who you think would like to win too!
- Follow me on Twitter
- Retweet my review of The Widows
A winner will be randomly selected.
Giveaway ends Wednesday January 23, 2019 at 7pm.
Book will be mailed to the winner by the publisher.
Heather -- It was, once again, a great experience.
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