The Path Beneath Her Feet

After reading The Path Beneath Her Feet, I had two initial thoughts. First, there really needs to be more fiction with powerful women protagonists who aren't barely adults. And second, the author has grown substantially in her craft from debut novel to sequel. Considering how much I had already enjoyed the first journey with Dr. Eliza Edwards, a marked improvement is commendable!

The doctor might be facing new challenges such as the Great Depression, the World War II, and grandmotherhood, but her determination to succeed, especially as a woman in the medical field, didn't change. Like The Unlocked Path, I learned from this piece of historical fiction, a testament to how well researched both titles are. The weaving of true people and events in with the fictional was just as compelling as the first time around.

There's a smattering of typos, but the writing and readability overall is largely very solid. The only major thing keeping me from giving The Path Beneath Her Feet a higher rating stemmed from how I felt Dr. Edwards' growth was honored from book to book. Sequels often fall prey to dialing back or resetting parts of character arcs to create conflict again in the new story. That happens a little here while a new complication felt more rushed. Expanding on it would have only benefitted the larger story.

Those who enjoy historical fiction, particularly with a slant toward empowerment of women, should read The Path Beneath Her Feet. Like the first novel in the duology, the characters come alive from the page.