Gloria Zachgo

Never Waste Tears from Gloria Zachgo is set during and after the American Civil War, and follows five people as they travel West to claim free land in Kansas. It starts with Nathan and Rebecca on the day the war started, they are both only children at this point so don't really know each other. Because he is the youngest, Nathan is left to take care of the family business and his mother.

When the war ends and his father comes home a changed man, he was against every thing Nathan had done and made Nathan unhappy, after marrying Rebecca they head West for a better life. While travelling they meet Carl and Hannah and decide to settle with them. But are they happy?

The book is written as diary entries from each of the main characters, which made it a little difficult to follow at times, but did provide some insight into the different ways people see things. I was fascinated in the history and learning how people lived during this period.… (altro)

Never Waste Tears is an extraordinary and well-written historical fiction novel. This tale takes place on the desolate prairies of Kansas during the 1800’s. Gloria Zachgo does a fabulous job grabbing the reader’s attention and placing them in the midst of her character’s lives from the very first page.

Life was harsh in the 1800’s and the early American settlers struggled to survive it. Neighbors and friends were few and far in-between, and Indian raids were a real danger and a constant worry for the pioneers.

Rebecca was from a refined family in Ohio and Nathan, from a depressed home that had been torn apart by war’s tragedies. He dreamt of having his own homestead one day, and Rebecca embraced that dream when she married him. She had no idea though, how hard life would be in Kansas on the prairies. Living in a dugout, and having dirt for her floor and walls, which she had to share with snakes and vermin was more than she had bargained for. Nathan and Rebecca met a couple along the way though, Carl and Hannah, who became close friends and helped them in their struggle to adapt to the pioneer life. The story is told from five people’s points of view. I didn’t find this confusing, but I did find that it slowed the pace of the book down as each person told their view of sometimes the same story.

The book is meticulously written and compelling. I loved how the author was able to transport me back in time, by capturing the essence and dialect of the pioneer settlers. I truly felt as if I lived among them. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

~4 out of 5 stars~Review by Peg Glover… (altro)

Never Waste Tears, by Gloria Zachgo, is the story of five people who traveled to Kansas to make a new life after the Civil War. Their story is told alternately in each of their voices and clearly presents their perspectives on their new lives. Just as they each had their own reasons for leaving family and the places they had known as home, they also had hopes and dreams for a new future. Vividly described is the constant hardship they faced and how they dealt with it. The reader follows the well developed characters through their tragedies and successes.
The author is a gifted story teller who has crafted a memorable novel about memorable characters. This is a book well worth reading.

I received this book free of charge and I give this review of my own free will.… (altro)

Twenty-two years ago, in Shady Creek, Kansas, three people are found murdered. Two year old Jenny Preston is found alive. She is the daughter of Amanda Preston who was one of the victims. Jenny is later taken from the crime scene to the home of the town sheriff and is abducted. Neither crime was solved. So opens Gloria Zachgo's novel, The Rocking Horse.
Fast forward 22 years and Julie Hendricks is running from an abusive husband and she arrives in Shady Creek. Julie has chosen well by choosing Shady Creek. She quickly makes a life for herself that includes a job and friends. However, she is not who she claims to be. Her name is actually Jen Sanders and because she fears her husband she has bought a new identity. A cherished childhood toy accompanies her to Shady Creek - a most unusual wooden rocking horse. She needs to decide her future and surprisingly, it is her past that will play the largest role in that.
The novel provides a sweeping examination of the lives of the people connected to that awful night 22 years ago. Shocking secrets are exposed with devastating results. The author's mastery as a story teller keeps the reader enthralled. She skillfully developed the characters and provides powerful descriptions of their emotions.
I found the book to be exciting and easy to read.
I received this book for free from LibraryThing Member Giveaways and I give this review willingly.… (altro)