Emma of Aurora

The Synopsis:

A Clearing in the Wild

“When Emma's outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the beloved leader of her 1850s Bethel, Missouri, colony, she finds new opportunities to pursue her dreams of independence. But as she clears a pathway West to her truest and deepest self, she discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community.”

A Tendering in the Storm

“Determined to raise her children on her own terms, Emma suddenly finds herself alone and pregnant with her third child, struggling to keep her family secure in the remote coastal forest of the Washington Territory. As clouds of despair close in, she must decide whether to continue in her own waning strength or to humble herself and accept help help from the very people she once so eagerly left behind.”

A Mending at the Edge

“As a mother, daughter, sister, and estranged wife, Emma struggles to find her place inside–and outside–the confines of her religion community. Emma reaches out to others on the fringe, searching for healing and purpose. By blending her unique talents with service to others, she creates renewed hope as she weaves together the threads of family friends, and faith.”

My Review:

First, I have to say, that when I requested this book, I didn't realize that it was a volume, so it is the entire Change and Cherish Trilogy (giving it over 1000 pages!). I say that to say that I haven't yet finished it yet. I'm not even close to finishing, it is just too overwhelming.

But, I am nearly finished with part one of the first book, so I am going to go ahead and write a review (so I don't go crazy!). It is written in first person, which I really enjoy, and the detail is amazing. I also admire the character's personalities, which are very believable and realistic. I also like the time period the story takes place in.

I am going to say that this story does line up with some of the Bible studies I have been doing. The tribe that Emma lives in believes that they must remain hidden in the wilderness to keep their faith alive and that anyone who is not a part of them is wicked and worldly. However, Emma believes that you should be in the world, but not of the world, as Jesus tells us Christians to do, and tries to bring everyone else into that understanding. It is a very inspirational story and I look forward to finishing the book, but because it is so large, I am just taking it easy;-)


“I received this book from Water Brook Multnomah for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”