Mercer Girls by
Libbie Hawker is a fictionalized story about a little known events of our
history. In 1864, Asa Mercer traveled to the East Coast, recruiting single
women to come to the Washington Territory. The story focuses on three woman:
Josephine Carey, Doreen “Dovey” Mason and Sophronia Brandt. All three woman
have their secrets and reasons for joining Mr. Mercer on the trip to
Washington.
The story opens in March 1864, the city of Lowell, Massachusetts
has been hit hard by the Civil War. Josephine Carey is on a race against time
to see Mr. Mercer. She is determined to join the group of women. Dovey Mason
joins the group as a runaway from home. Her father is forcing her to marry in
order to restore the family’s wealth. Josephine first meets Dovey, she knows
there is something more than the young girl is saying but doesn’t pry. Instead,
she takes her under her wing. Sophronia joins the group as a missionary to
bring God to the lawless town of Seattle. The women set off to New York City
where they board a ship which will sail to Panama. From Panama, they will sail
again to San Francisco before continuing on to Seattle. Once they arrive in
Seattle, the women settle into their new lives with new jobs and possibly new
beaus. But the lives they left behind seem to follow them and threaten to undo
the new lives they have built.
I loved Mercer Girls
as it is a great story with drama and adventure. It is a piece of history that
I knew nothing about and I loved to read about the pioneering women who left
all they knew for an unknown life in a new territory. I also enjoyed the
chapter on the author’s notes and remarks about the book. Ms. Hawker wrote that
many descendants of the Mercer Girls still live in Seattle and protect their
memories and legacy very closely. I feel that Ms. Hawker gave the Mercer girls
a worthy story of their brave resolve to find new and better lives. If I were
in their position, I don’t know if I would have the some bravery and courage to
head into the unknown like they did. Then again, maybe I would. I highly recommend
Mercer Girls.
Mercer Girls
is available in
paperback for $14.95
free with
KindleUnilimited
and on Audiobook for
$14.99
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