I read this book in one day. I’ve never even heard of the author, Margaret Lukas, as this is only her second novel. A friend recommended it and it is free with Kindle Unlimited.
The setting is rural Nebraska, in the late 1890s. 17-year-old newlywed Effie and 11-year-old orphaned Bridget must struggle to endure their evil husband/father Reverend Jackdaw at a time when women and children had few rights, and society looked upon domestic abuse as a private family matter.
I wanted to adopt Bridget and slap Effie upside the head most of the time but loved them both. This novel is full of inspiration, love, and loss.
