Susan Meissner

Sophie Whalen is a young Irish immigrant who’s struggling and decides to answer a mail-order bride ad and agrees to marry a man she knows nothing about. Sophie quickly develops deep affection for Kat, Martin's silent five-year-old daughter, but Martin's odd behaviour leaves her with the uneasy feeling that something isn't right. Gradually she learns of two other women associated with Martin. The fates of these three women intertwine on the eve of the devastating earthquake.

There were a lot of things that happened in this story and it moved along well. The 3 women are appealing with most of the story focused on Sophie. There are a couple of twists and a little mystery but mostly it’s about Sophie’s perseverance to overcome her difficulties and friendships that develop. This kept me interested throughout and I enjoyed the story.… (more)

Child Approved!

Being a Mimi myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of traveling at Christmas time, with other families, to Mimi houses around the globe. My 3-1/2 year old grand adored looking at the varied locations, scenery and cultures highlighted by detailed and colorful illustrations. In sunshine or snow, riding horses or in a hot air balloon, To Mimi’s House We Go will delight its readers again and again with the magic of Christmas.

I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.… (more)

In 1903, nineteen-year-old Sophie Whalen arrives in America and for nearly two years lives in Lower Manhattan in filthy and overcrowded conditions. In 1905, she answers a newspaper advertisement for a mail-order bride. When the arrangements are finalized, she moves to San Francisco and marries a man she has never met, Martin Hocking, the father of a five-year-old girl named Kat. In some ways, Sophie has bettered herself, since she now has decent food to eat, a nice bed in which to sleep, money for new clothing and, best of all, a child to care for. In other ways, however, she has jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Martin is aloof and enigmatic, Kat barely speaks a word, and on April 18, 1906, an earthquake levels a substantial portion of the city.

Susan Meissner's "The Nature of Fragile Things" is an engrossing and well-researched novel that is cleverly constructed and evocatively narrated by Sophie, a sensitive and courageous heroine. In her native Ireland, she had been emotionally and physically scarred by a series of tragic events. Therefore, she is wiser in the ways of the world than most individuals her age. However, her past experiences did not fully prepare her for life with a deceitful husband.

The complex plot involves secrets that are hidden and later revealed. In addition to riveting scenes of intrigue and suspense, Meissner effectively underscores the vulnerability of lower-class females in the early twentieth century. It is heartwarming to observe women in distress making sacrifices for one another during tough times. The dialogue rings true, and the author's evocative descriptive passages add to the book's power. It is a pleasure to root for the good-hearted and resilient Sophie who, despite having endured so much heartache, retains her ability to love. This imaginative and poignant tale will resonate with fans of beleaguered but stalwart heroines who, after being brought down by circumstances not of their own making, pick themselves up and continue to pursue their dreams.… (more)