In 1893, on the eve of the great race for land, Benjamin
David prays for God to guide him to his 'Promised Land'. Finding
property and preaching to the lost are his only ways of honoring
his deceased fiancée, but he didn't count on Elmer (Elsie) Smith
claiming the same plot and refusing to leave. Not only is she a
burr in his side, but she is full of the homesteading know-how he
sadly lacks.
Obtaining a claim in the Cherokee Strip Land Run is Elsie Smith's
only hope for survival, but not just any plot will do. She has a
specific one in mind. The plot's not only a way to honor her pa and
his life, but also to provide a livelihood for herself. Elsie's
willing to do whatever it takes to get that piece of property, and
she's determined to keep it, but she wasn't planning on a kind,
handsome preacher standing in her way.
Her bitterness is what protects her, and she has no intentions of
allowing that preacher to lay claim to her land . . . or her
heart.
Competition should be relegated to the male species. Proper young ladies should avoid a situation which permits rivalry, particularly involving the male species. If unavoidable, allow the gentleman to win. Be above reproach in this manner.
Mrs. Wigglesworth’s Essential Guide to Proper Etiquette and Manners of Refined Society
September 15, 1893, Kiowa, Kansas—Border of the Cherokee Strip
“Elmer Smith?”
For once in all of her days, Elsie welcomed the name Pa had insisted on when her life began and Ma’s had ended.
“Is that you, son?”
“Ain’t your son.” Ain’t no one’s son. Elsie shifted her Stetson lower to ward off the man’s scrutiny.
“There’s no need to get your prickles up. Do you testify you’re at least twenty-one years of age and head of your household?”
Elsie nodded and bit back a retort.
“Then sign here.” The man shoved a paper across the makeshift desk. Beads of moisture dotted his upper lip.
She scrawled her name on the line. The page crinkled when she folded and shoved it into her shirt pocket, along with the copy of The Homestead Laws and Pa’s hand-drawn map.
“Get out of the way, kid.” A scraggly looking fellow jabbed into her shoulder.
Elsie stepped out of line, glaring at him. He ignored her and turned his attention to the clerk.
She elbowed through a crowd of men. How had her small town swelled to so many folks? Thankfully there were few she recognized, or, more so, who could recognize her. The less who knew her gender, the better. She certainly didn’t need no man to help her get the land she and Pa had dreamed about.
Elsie scooted her hat up and swiped at the sweat on her forehead before dropping it back into place, scrunching the thick braid she’d pinned up three days prior. Hefting her saddlebags to her opposite shoulder, she hiked the short distance to the livery and retrieved Buster. A short ride would clear her head and prepare her for what lay ahead.
Dust swirled and nearly choked Elsie as she rode in the opposite direction of the throngs, to see the old farm one last time.
Acrid smoke filled her lungs. Nearby fires, to deter Sooners from entering the strip before the race began, burned in the west, but not out of control.
Elsie urged Buster, careful not to tire him. Everything hinged on finding the land tomorrow.
Everything.
REVIEWS
* Fans of Mary Connealy will enjoy this romantic romp set during the Oklahoma Land Rush. Elsie Smith is dead-set on getting the land her Pa had spied out for them, even though he's no longer by her side. Benjamin David is looking for his "Promised Land." Neither ever imagines that they'll stake claim to the same acres. Neither ever imagines that they'll be attracted to the other. As different as toast from toads, their adventures - and misadventures - will warm the hearts of readers from teenage to, ahem, let's call it post-mature.
~ I finished Jodie Wolfe’s To Claim Her Heart in two sittings and loved every word. The protagonists, Elsie and Benjamin are complex, relatable characters with realistic dreams, issues, and struggles. Elsie was a delightful mixture of rough-n-ready and femininity she didn’t realized she possessed. I fell in love with Benjamin because of his gentle strength, integrity, and faith. Minor characters were well-developed and likable (except those I wasn’t supposed to!). The threat of outlaws added tension and intrigue which I enjoyed. As with all of Ms. Wolfe’s books, I learned information about the life and events in the Old West without being lectured to, creating a desire to know more and do my own further research (which as a history geek, I love). Plot twists and turns added depth and kept the story moving. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. Highly recommended.
* Wolfe’s latest is based on the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893. It’s a sweet romantic historical tale with a steady pace and well-developed characters and dialogue. The characters are crafted in a way that they hold the readers’ attention. Benjamin is persistent, but not pushy, and Elsie is independent and determined, making them easy to connect with and root for. The snippets from Mrs. Wigglesworth’s Etiquette Guide to Proper Etiquette and Manners of Refined Society at the beginning of each chapter add to the enjoyment. Wolfe has a flair with words that accurately portray the challenges faced for the period, and her characters demonstrate the importance of trusting God, especially during trials and hardships. If you’re a fan of historical novels, this is one to add to your TBR pile.
~ This is my first novel by a Jodie Wolfe and I throughly enjoyed her attention to detail and the humor she brought to the table. I found myself smiling most of the time, as Elmer and her stubbornness caused herself more trouble. The Preacher was a great character and watching them grow as they learned to farm their plot of land was interesting. I enjoyed the storyline and how they helped their neighbors and friendships blossomed was captivating.
The faith element was present and added depth to the characters as
they grew and put into practice what God was showing them. Add a
cantankerous aunt and outlaws and you have the makings of a great
story to curl up with on a rainy day. If you enjoy realistic
historical fiction with a touch of suspense, humor, and horses then
don’t miss putting this on your wish list.