Mercer Girls

By: Libbie Hawker

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

It's 1864 in downtrodden Lowell, Massachusetts. The Civil War has taken its toll on the town - leaving the economy in ruin and its women in dire straits. That is, until Asa Mercer arrives on a peculiar, but providential, errand: he seeks high-minded women who can exert an elevating influence in Seattle, where there are ten men for every woman. Mail-order brides, yes, but of a certain caliber.

Schoolmarmish Josephine, tough-as-nails Dovey, and pious perfectionist Sophronia see their chance to exchange their bleak prospects for new lives. But the very troubles that sent them running from Lowell follow them to the muddy streets of Seattle, and the friendships forged on the cross-country trek are tested at every turn.

Just when the journey seems to lead only to ruin, an encounter with a famous suffragist could be their salvation. But to survive both an untamed new landscape and their pasts, they'll need all their strength - and one another.

©2016 Libbie Hawker (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Enjoyable and educational

The narrator did an excellent reading. I really liked all 3 of the main characters. They were clearly differentiated. Having Susan Anthony enter the book was wonderful. I hope to find more Merced Girl books

So good!

Very interesting story and the last chapter with the author's notes on the book and characters tied it all up in a bow.

True heroes

Loved the story of these pioneer women, and the history of the women's movement & the settlement of Seattle.

Wonderful and enlightening

Yes! I really loved this book! I thought that it was hard for women to have freedoms equal to those of men in the 1950's and 60's but it was pretty horrible for women in Sudan B. Anthony's day. I think everyone should read this book.

History

I am from the northwest and loved hearing how some of us got here. Good read.

great historical undertaking

I love the premise of this book. the capturing of a piece of history. the story became a little bit tedious however. The characters stereotypical and overall a little bit more dramatic than necessary. Was certainly interesting but I would not say it was great literature.

A Step into Lesser Know History

A step into Civil War time, without focus on the war. We are transported briefly to a small Massachusetts town and meet women who are willing to risk much to have a chance at a better life in a very rustic Seattle where we learn about the development of this future large city.
Many aspects of how women were treated and viewed at this point in history are very foreign to our modern society. When merely walking down the street alone after a certain hour placed your reputation in jeopardy. An unmarried woman could not have her own property, it belonged to her Father and when she married that property transferred to her Husband.
We follow three very different women who represent very different points of view during this turning point in our history. Each have very different reasons for making this journey, and their strange friendship and bonding despite their difference is joyful to listen to.
I was completely engrossed with this book and didn't want to stop listening.

Terrific page-turner, feel-good book!

Any additional comments?

This book was offered to me as an Audio Daily Deal, which was a real steal. I would have paid normal price for it. I loved everything about this book--Amy McFadden is very talented and made the characters come alive. The story is engrossing, the writing superb and the author's note at the end explains the history behind the story and what she fictionalized. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It's one of the best listens I've enjoyed in a long time.

Love her voice

Not only is this a good book but the narrators voice is easy to listen to..... pleasant may I dare say. Often times the story of a book is great but I can't get over the narrators voice so I don't listen. But in the case of this audiobook, I've listened to it 3 times.

Mercer Girls

I never expected my first audio book to be such a delight both in its beautiful prose as well as its enactment. ThAnk you to author and actress.