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Kirkus, Book Reporter, Historical Novel Society, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Kansas City Public LibrarySynopsis
In a novel based on true events, New York Times bestselling author Sandra Dallas delivers the story of four women---seeking the promise of salvation and prosperity in a new land---who come together on a harrowing journey.
In 1856, Mormon converts, encouraged by Brigham Young himself, and outfitted with two-wheeled handcarts, set out on foot from Iowa City to Salt Lake City, the promised land. The Martin Handcart Company, a ragtag group of weary families headed for Zion, is the last to leave on this 1,300-mile journey. Three companies that left earlier in the year have completed their trek successfully, but for the Martin Company the trip proves disastrous. True Sisters tells the story of four women from the British Isles traveling in this group. Four women whose lives will become inextricably linked as they endure unimaginable hardships, each one testing the boundaries of her faith and learning the true meaning of survival and friendship along the way.
There's Nannie, who is traveling with her sister and brother-in-law after being abandoned on her wedding day.
There's Louisa, who's married to an overbearing church leader who she believes speaks for God.
There's Jessie, who's traveling with her brothers, each one of them dreaming of the farm they will have in Zion.
And finally, there's Anne, who hasn't converted to Mormonism but who has no choice but to follow her husband since he has sold everything to make the trek to Utah.
Sandra Dallas has once again written a moving portrait of women surviving the unimaginable through the ties of female friendship. Her rich storytelling will leave you breathless as you take this trip with Nannie, Louisa, Jessie, and Anne. This is Sandra Dallas at her absolute best.
About Sandra Dallas
See more books from this AuthorThis fact-based historical fiction, celebrating sisterhood and heroism, makes for a surefire winner.
Read Full Review of True Sisters | See more reviews from KirkusAs such, this is a memorable story.
Read Full Review of True Sisters | See more reviews from Publishers WeeklyComplete with unexpected plot twists, TRUE SISTERS is an irresistible page-turner.
Read Full Review of True SistersMany of the men do not come across as sympathetic, but it’s really the women such as Nannie, Anne, and Jessie showing such fortitude that make this well worth the read.
Read Full Review of True SistersA born storyteller, Dallas excels not only at plot but also at peopling her novels with memorable individuals.
Read Full Review of True SistersTrue Sisters is an engaging story of survival. As with many of her other books, Dallas leaves the reader with an understanding of the importance of female friendships.
Read Full Review of True SistersThe story itself is beautifully written but I could not get past the voice in my head screaming “what is wrong with these people? Who thinks it is a good idea to walk 1300 miles pushing/pulling a handcart, especially while pregnant?”
Read Full Review of True Sisters...she brings the story of the Martin Handcart Company to life in a way that nonfiction seldom does. She puts faces on this tragic expedition. True Sisters is a story you'll never forget. It's one more memorable book from a gifted storyteller.
Read Full Review of True SistersFor those who are familiar with Dallas’ other historical fiction novels, including Prayers for Sale and The Bride’s House, you will be sure to love this new novel.
Read Full Review of True SistersI was captivated with this novel from the first page, mainly because of how well I connected to each of the four main characters.
Read Full Review of True SistersIt’s not a great book, but it’s a good one, something I wasn’t expecting.
Read Full Review of True Sisters...I was enraptured in these women's lives from the first page. The strength of these women really shines through, as well as their heartbreak and their faith.
Read Full Review of True SistersTrue Sisters was a great historical fiction novel... I am already telling friends about it and encouraging them to read it for themselves.
Read Full Review of True SistersThis novel has reawakened my interest in pioneer women!
Read Full Review of True SistersThere are periods of joy, periods of tragedy, periods of triumph and period of loss in this heart-touching story and readers will find themselves wrapped up in the drama from the first chapter on.
Read Full Review of True SistersIn Dallas' deft hands, she humanizes the women and makes the journey come alive for the reader.
Read Full Review of True SistersSanda Dallas never fails to deliver a well executed novel that grabs my attention immediately...
Read Full Review of True SistersAn aggregated and normalized score based on 262 user ratings from iDreamBooks & iTunes
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