In any case, I began to get rather bored with the story since I just read about the same thing in the other book. Maybe it wasn't verbatim, but is sure seemed like it. Right around this portion of the story I began to wonder if I was replaying a section of the Midwife's Revolt. I think the story began to get flat maybe 2/3rd's way through the story. I did enjoy seeing a softer side to Eliza than the one portrayed in the Midwife's Revolt.

Our old friends from the Midwife's Revolt were there and I enjoyed getting to know a different side of Eliza Boylston that we didn't really get to know in the Midwife's Revolt. The first half of the book was pretty good. Had promise but towards the end, it went south I honestly don't know how the book'll play out to non-Caucasians: White woman is ultra-friend to the slave classes, ultimately saves the day, where would we be without her strength? Still, I obviously found it to be totally engaging enough to rip me away from my beloved non-fiction for a couple of days.! Strong, strong, well-defined, fully fleshed-out women characters some intricate plot twists and political intrigue romance galore: what's not to love? it's all pretty tidy throughout the book). The ending is rather neat and pat, I would've preferred a bit more struggle, but there you go, that's what was chosen, and if you're into the sweet stuff, you won't be disappointed (I hope that wasn't a spoiler.

And I haaate relationship dramas with long, drawn out love scenes I much prefer characters showing their affection in actions rather than in steam. (Loved the references to small pox!) But I suppose what saves the day is that, while this could and is indeed sometimes predictable, there are enough things that happen that I just didn't see coming. And it really, really helps, to me, at least, that this historical fiction had enough history (kinda light, tho', but enough) thrown in, to keep things interesting. Cristina Panfilio, while having rather a girlish voice, really comes through on accents and different intonations she does a really decent job with men's voices too, nothing awful and gravelly. So how the hell did I manage to listen to Jodi Daynard's new book every chance I got, finishing it, asap? Well, excellent narration was key. Plus, I have 'The Midwife's Revolt' but haven't really managed to get around to listening to it, so strike two, right? And then there's the fact that this book seems to be a bit, NOT that there's anything wrong with it, but kind of, Chick Lit-ish (I like Chick Lit, just not in the mood currently). I've pretty much been on a non-fiction kick for a really, really long time, so a novel just didn't seem like it'd do much for me. I had no intention of listening to 'Our Own Country' all in one go (or as much as possible).

Our Own Country by Jodi Daynard