A couple of months ago, Hailey announced that she was re-publishing her debut novel under her real name instead of the pen name it originally bore. When she asked for bloggers to hype up the re-release, I jumped at the chance! … and then proceeded to forget the deadline and read it several weeks later than I was supposed to. But! I have read it now, and will now proceed to never shut up about this beautiful story because everyone needs to read it.
So, I say thank you to Hailey for sending me a copy, and now, we get into the review.
The Old River Road
Author: Hailey Rose
Genre: Historical Fiction
Content: None
Main Character: Clara Boutwell McDonald
Synopsis:
When seventeen-year-old Clara Boutwell married her dashing coworker, William McDonald, she was convinced her life was nearly perfect. For newlyweds in the great city of Chicago, the journey ahead was exciting and promising. When a frightening disease takes William in its grip, the young couple is forced to the clean air of the western frontier in a desperate attempt to save his life. On the eastern Washington prairies, the McDonalds face hardships and trials in a new world where everything is tested, from physical endurance to emotional strength—down to their relationship and faith in the Lord.
This novel tells the incredible true story of Clara and William, the great-great grandparents of the author, in a sweet narrative full of laughter, tears, and the struggles of an early pioneering family. Prepare yourself to share in their experience as you read this account of a pioneer family in Washington state, and see their lasting legacy that has endured into the fifth generation.
Add on Goodreads ~ Purchase on Amazon
What I Thought:
I spent most of this book reading it through the tears in my eyes. Both sad ones and happy ones. Because wow, this was an emotional rollercoaster.
Clara and William's story was one I wanted to stay in forever. It was so comfortable, like just listening to someone tell their life story (which it was, in a way, I suppose). It felt familiar, kind of reminiscent of Little House or Anne of Green Gables, just a sweet story with God's fingerprints all over it.
I loved Clara and William. They reminded me of some of the senior adult couples I love at church, with crazy incredible stories that seem so far-fetched that they have to be true. I hadn't really read the synopsis before I dove in, just knowing it was about Hailey's family and not really needing much else to be intrigued. So when I found a beautiful story about love, family, and God's faithfulness... I was very pleased. But seriously, Clara and William are couple goals and the cutest and I love them. And so are their kids.
Overall, I just kept watching the percentage number at the bottom of the page get closer to 100 and felt sad every time I noticed. I never wanted it to end. So yes, I highly recommend it if you're a fan of historical fiction, cute couples that turn into adorable families, and stories that make you feel all the things.
Overall Rating: 4.5 loaves of bread out of 5
About the Author:
Hailey is a young novelist with a passion to create beautiful fiction. Armed with a desire to make scenarios readers can easily relate to, she writes in many genres about ordinary individuals faced with extraordinary choices. Two of her novels have been independently published. As a chronic illness warrior, Hailey eagerly encourages others to find joy no matter what the circumstances. In her free time, she loves dancing, playing music, or enjoying various outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest.
Connect with Hailey: Her website ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Definitely go follow Hailey, she's such an amazing, inspiring person and I can't wait to see what God continues to do in her life.
Do you have a favorite historical fiction? Do you love listening to people tell their stories? Let me know in a comment below!
~ Abby
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