In a lengthy presention of a thorough review, Rebecca, of The Rebecca Review.Com gives historical fiction, Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl Book One and Book Two an enthusiastic Five Star recommendation.
Little House in the Lone Star State, July 29, 2003
Reviewer: The Rebecca Review.com (see more about me) from the land where I wish God would talk to me too ;) Oh, I think he just did
“The sun was setting in a burst of deep oranges and reds behind the purple foothills, when Pa pulled their dusty wagon to a stop before the wooden porch steps of the ranch house. Inside, they both knew they would find Ma’s comforting arms, some warm food, and plenty of love waiting for them.”
Evelyn Horan is a native Texan who has spent many years as a teacher-counselor. Over 200 of her children’s articles have appeared in over 80 periodicals and publications.
This is the first book in a four book series set in the Texas frontier. It is a cute innocent tale of friendship and adventure. Through the characters’experiences, Evelyn shows us that life threatening events can make us stronger and that even when life isn’t going exactly as we planned, we can still trust God.
Twelve-year-old Jeannie is eager to experience the adventures in West Texas during the 1880s. She loves her horse, Diamond, and together they survive many tests out in the wild. Jeannie is a bit of a tomboy who would rather be out riding horses than doing chores at home. There is an adorable scene where Diamond is a bit naughty:
“Mister, if you ain’t the most ungrateful horse!” she shouted angrily, rubbing her sore nose. “I come all the way out here, bring you sugar, feed you , and … and ….” She ran out of breath. “Oh! You just wait. I’ll ride you yet!”
She prefers the outdoor life and is an impulsive, lively child. When Diamond is stolen, she is not about to stay home. She helps her father raid the Indian camp to find her horse. Her mother is not impressed and thinks she should try to be a bit more of a lady.
Jeannie’s mom is a great cook. I was getting rather hungry reading about the Christmas festivities with pecan pie and blackberry cobbler, not to mention a two layer chocolate cake.
This is not an easy life. The family members have to pick cotton, tend the livestock and do chores in the Texas heat. However, they seem happy. Everyone has a place in their little world and they are appreciated for their contributions.
Jeannie’s friend Helga has recently arrived from Germany and when they promise one another to remain best friends, they really mean it.
In this book you will find out:
1 What it feels like to meet a rattlesnake and a mountain lion.
2. How you survive a cyclone.
This is a book for children and adults who enjoy reading about the Texas Frontier and seeing the courageous pioneer spirit in action.
Evelyn makes a note at the start of the book about The Comanche Indians at the time. During the early frontier days, they roamed the grassy plains in Texas. She explains how they were encouraged to steal horses and raid settlers for food and horses. She also talks about how the Indians were given land and how the government now regrets how they treated the Indians during the early years of expansion. At the time of this story, settlers still feared the Comanche tribes and the author explains this fully before the story begins.
There is a West Texas Map from the 1800s and this shows where Jeannie and Helga live. The locations of the Church, school, creek and Trading post are all on the map.
In book 2 Jeannie wants her own horse ranch. She and Helga become teenagers and follow their dreams for a wonderful future. Their lives are filled with puppies and a new colt to train. Helga and Jeannie learn to cook, sew and are on their way to becoming young ladies.
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