Coming of age literary fiction at its best.
—Midwest Book Review
An engaging slice of history.
—Blue Ink
A compelling story.
—Reedsy Discovery
Couldn’t put it down.
—GoodReads
“The scenes and writing including imagery, place, and dialogue were also great, really wonderful in places. Congratulations.”
—Carolyn Evans Campbell, author of Fireweed, a Woman’s Saga in Gold Rush America
Falling Forward
A Woman’s Journey West
by Pat Benedict Jurgens
2021 Colorado Authors’ League Award WINNER: Historical Fiction
How Far Will She Follow Her Dreams?
Ohio farm country, 1897. Louisa, the spirited eldest daughter of Herzig and Clara Steinbacher, has her whole life ahead of her. She is seventeen, and dreams of the “outside world” beyond her doorstep. But when Clara dies in childbirth, Louisa is suddenly thrust into adulthood—with the burden of her mother’s responsibilities…and the care of her younger siblings. The only world she has ever known closes around her.
Then Herzig, an elder in their strict Mennonite community, hires young, handsome Thomas to help on the farm. Thomas is hardworking, honest…and not of the Faith. But Louisa can’t hide her growing feelings for him. Her choices set in motion a transformation she never expected. But at what cost?
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Five-Star Amazon Reviews
I loved this book so much, I sent each of my best friends a copy!
I couldn’t put this book down!! … Highly recommend!
…Wonderful writing! I felt like I was part of the story …
The author’s style of writing really drew me in …
Great book club choice.
One of those rare finds.
Leaves you wanting more.