Adventure, History, and Tradition: It was fun to read about Tillie's introduction to fishing. That kept me on the edge of my seat and made me think of my own childhood and how my own brothers dealt with sisters being underfoot and wanting to get in on the action. . . .I love reading about different cultures and how immigrants brought over their traditions from the old country. Such special times and memories! . . . I was sad when the last chapter was complete.
Wholesome, Delightful, and Engaging: What a delightful way to learn a piece of our history through the lives of this immigrant family.. . .the engagements with the children are what struck me most, how despite the century that separates us, the sibling rivalries, childhood dreams, and fierce maternal love felt startlingly familiar -- I could easily imagine myself among them, sharing their dinner table conversations and everyday challenges.
Tough Lives, but Rich Rewards: These Cradle of Coal stories are such an intimate snapshot of life for this family and how they navigate challenges together with faith and dedication to one another. . .The thread in the story that follows Wasyl, his dog, Prince, and the thief captivated my imagination. Being a dog lover, this part of the story really struck a chord, and confirmed that good dogs are worth their weight in gold. No spoilers here, though!
Stories and Historical Accounts of Family Values for All Ages: The author draws the reader into this historical time in America when coal mining was a main source of employment. Because of the hard times for families, the young boys were allowed to go into these dangerous conditions to labor as the men did. . . The stories and accounts of this book appeal to readers of all ages. the author has centered on some of the most important values of family life.
Not Just for Children: I so enjoy these books. They captivate me from beginning to end. I will definitely read them again and that quality is hard to find.
I NEED More!!!!! I'm always excited when a new book drops from the Rocked in the Cradle of Coal Series. Book Four did NOT disappoint. I'm thoroughly engaged in the characters' lives and am rooting for their success. . . There are many ups and downs as heavy topics are navigated. Through it all there is an abundance of joy, love, and faith. The topics covered open a dialogue for broader discussions and self-reflection. The uplifting tone and purposeful word choice make this a great read for any age. I hope the author is planning a Book 5 because I am too invested for this to be the end of their story.
A captivating must read! The Orphan Years captures the lonliness and emotional weight of being separated from the people who feel like home. And yet somehow it's full of quiet strength and moments that made me pause and feel. . . The characters, especially Mama, Tillie, Wasyl, and Ann are written with such heart. You feel their grief, their hope, and their courage in a time that offered so few guarantees. There's nothing sugar coated here, and that's what makes the story so powerful.